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She gives me a tight hug before disappearing down the long hallway.

When I open my mouth to speak, he holds up his hand as his head tilts to the side. Finally, he nods. “Okay, she went where she was supposed to. What can I do for you?”

“I’ve decided you’re right. I’m going to complete the mate bond with Nex. We’ll deal with everything else later, but right now, I’m worried about Brenden. I think they have a one-sided bond right now because Brenden bit him…” I trail off, not wanting to talk to my dad about one of my mates railing the other.

Lucifer grimaces. “I think I get the idea. It’s hitting him harder?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. He told me he was locking away his emotions—whatever that means—so he could be there for me. But since you revealed there was never a curse, he’s eaten nothing—not even blood. He’s stopped responding when we speak to him.”

“I’m sure he thought locking away his emotions would help, but it’s possible it made things worse. Especially if he has a one-sided bond.” Lucifer shakes his head. “I’m going to kill that demon.”

“No,” I blurt out. “No killing Nex.”

Lucifer rolls his eyes. “Fine, okay. Maybe some light torture? A little maiming.”

My hand goes to my chest as pain flares there as if pushing on it will ease it. “No.”

“Shit. I’m sorry. Of course. No threatening the asshole. Got it.” He makes a face. “I’ll talk with him after the meeting and see if there is a partial bond.”

“That’s great and all, but what if I can’t get Brenden to agree to bond with Nex?”

“Then you’re going to have to tell Nex to do it, regardless. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but if Brenden cannot consent, you’re going to have to decide for him.”

Yeah, I don’t like that at all. Can I force a bond on Brenden that he might not want?

“We’ll figure this out, Audrey.” Lucifer pulls me into his side, and for some reason, I believe him.

Is this what it means to have a dad? To have someone always in your corner?

Will he always be in my corner, though? Only time will tell.

“Come on, let’s get to the meeting before your mates come looking for you.”

I allow Lucifer to lead me down the hallway to the room where we’re meeting, wondering if I really have what it takes to get this done.

Chapter Ten

Audrey

The room is already full when Lucifer leads me inside. There are more than a few unknown faces. I guess they’re the other gods, but I count at least seven unfamiliar faces, so I don’t know who the others are.

The room itself isn’t anything special. It looks like every boardroom I’ve ever set foot in—which isn’t many, I’ll admit. There’s a long table with seats lining each side and one at both the head and foot of the table.

“Wren?” Lucifer calls, grabbing my sister’s attention and holding his arm out to her. “I know introductions need to be made, and I’d like to start with my daughters. Yes, I know, I have daughters? What? Surprise!”

Wren snickers as she ducks under his arm, but her face grows serious as she meets my gaze.

“Are you okay?” She mouths, and I nod—even if it’s a complete lie. There’s really no way I can talk to her about this now. Not knowing what I might have to do to Brenden.

“This is Audrey and Wren. They’re twins, and before you ask, we do not know how they came about—besides the obvious. Their mother is an angel who’s been hiding earth-side. She’s at the back of the room there. Ana?”

Mom lifts her hand and waves, looking highly uncomfortable with everyone’s attention on her.

Lucifer seems to realize that and clears his throat. “That’s a story for another time, though. If you’ll all take your seats, we can begin the introductions and get the meeting started.”

“Lucifer, I don’t know why they’re all here,” one of the women says. She’s tall, close to six feet, if I had to guess, with alabaster skin and dark, flowing black hair. When her eyes glance between my sister and me, I see that they’re just as black. She’s beautiful but also kind of terrifying as she glides toward the chair beside what I’m guessing is Lucifer’s. She’s clothed ina black cloak that covers her skin from neck to toe, leaving only her face bare.

“I’ll get to that, Nyx. Please, just sit for now. I know this is strange for all of us, but I promise to explain everything.”