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If I bond with him, he’ll be a mate in name only.

Decision made, hope rises in me for a moment and then two before being sucked down beneath the sorrow.

Cassian has to help me dress because I don’t have the energy to do it myself. It takes both Donovan and Wraith to dress Brenden, and I know I’ve made the right decision. No matter what comes of it, I’m going to do whatever I have to in order to bring Brenden back to me.

My mating with Nex won’t be enough. Somehow, I’ll need to get through toBrenden so he can agree to mate with him as well. Although, I believe their bond started the night we shared with the other man. Maybe all I need is for Nex to complete the bond with him.

As much as I’m horrified by the idea—even though it only lasts a few seconds—I think I need to talk to Lucifer more about this. Maybe I can do that after the meeting.

“Do you think you can shadow walk and bring me with you, little mate?” Cassian’s face appears in front of mine, and I blink up at him.

“What?”

Cassian’s smile is strained, and I can see the worry in his eyes. “Donovan and Wraith are going to take Brenden with them, but I can’t shadow walk. Can you take me with you?”

I nod. “Of course.”

He pulls me to my feet, and I link our fingers together before stepping into the shadows. I might not know the exact location of the room we’re meeting in, but I know it’s at the palace—which I will not be calling the House of Hades. I don’t care what the demons call it, but I won’t be using that name. It’s ridiculous.

When we step out of the shadows, we’re in the kitchen.

Cassian looks around with a frown. “Something tells me this isn’t where we’re meeting.”

“It’s not.” Lucifer’s booming voice bounces off the walls as he walks in with Wren at his side.

Well, shit. I hadn’t thought about how my sister was going to get here.

Not only am I a shitty mate, but I’m also a shitty sister.

“I thought you might end up here,” Lucifer says with a soft smile, reaching out to shake Cassian’s hand. “Cassian, do you remember where the war council room is?”

Cassian glances between me and my father before nodding. “I do.”

“Excellent. If you’ll head up there, I’d like a moment to speak with my daughters.”

Cassian’s eyes lock with mine. “Audrey?”

I wave him off. “Go ahead. I need to speak with him about something, anyway.”

“If you’re sure.” He kisses the top of my head before stepping away. “I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“Love you, too,” I echo back, mostly out of habit. I do love him, but it’s hard to remember that right now. Or maybe remember is the wrong word.

As soon as Cassian is gone, Wren turns to me with narrowed eyes. “And what do you need to speak with him about?”

When I don’t respond, Lucifer chuckles. “Can I assume that this has to do with what we spoke about?”

I nod, keeping my eyes locked on Wren. She knows I’m keeping something from her, and that hurts her, but there’s no way I’m talking to him about this with her here.

My sister loves me, but she wouldn’t approve. I don’t need her trying to talk me out of what I need to do.

“Wren, why don’t you head up to the meeting room so I can talk with Audrey?”

My twin crosses her arms over her chest, and I know she’s about to lose her shit.

“Wren.” Lucifer’s voice is stern as he waits for her to look at him. “You and Audrey are close, but that doesn’t mean you get to know everything that’s going on with her. Just like she doesn’t get to know everything that’s going on with you. If she wants you to know, she’ll talk to you about it, but right now, she’s not ready. It’s not fair of you to expect that she is.”

My sister’s face falls as she nods. “Of course. You’re right. I’m sorry, Ree.”