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“Oh, even better,” Hel purred, picked up his goblet, and took a sip. “Let the fun begin. Bring out the shadows along with that temper, pretty please. It will make things interesting later tonight.”

“If you think you’re getting anything from me later without somebegging, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“We’ll see. I am quite irresistible. And I know you absolutelylovemy big, hard?—”

“Do not finish that sentence,” Valeen hissed. “And you say I’m rude. If anything, you’re quiteannoyingright now.”

“You’re only proving my previous points; stubborn, mouthy, rud—” Hel ducked right before the goblet he’d given Aunt Evalyn flew over his head. It crashed to the floor and thumped several times before settling across the room. “Damn, woman. That would have hurt.”

“That was the point!” Aunt Evalyn hollered.

“Maybe it’s the drink. Alcohol does bring out the monster in some.” He looked at Valeen. “You get a little more playful. Maybe you should drink up.”

“Maybe you should shutupbefore I throw it in your face.” She knew he was enjoying this. He liked to rile her.

“Ah, love, don’t do that. It would be a waste. I saved that brandy wine for a special occasion, and here it is not even being appreciated. And when was the last time either of you had ice? And not even a mention of that, but of course I’m just the BlackMage. Just a big fucking asshole.” He tsked and sipped his drink with a smile, as if this was the best time he’d had in a while.

“When did you marry this man?”

“I’m not a man,” Hel said. “I’m a god trapped in an elf’s body.”

Aunt Evalyn scoffed at his claim, and snatched a whisky from the counter and drank a slug of booze straight from the bottle.

“We were marriedbefore,” Valeen clarified. “In my first life, when I was just Valeen, the goddess of night. I know it’s difficult to understand.”

“Oh, I understand perfectly. This is a new life, so you’re not actually married then? There’s a chance to end this nonsense. No ceremony has taken place since you were born as Layala, correct?” Aunt Evalyn took another sip.

Valeen sighed. “Well, technically no, we haven’t married since I was reborn but?—”

Hel downed his own drink and set his goblet loudly on the table. “Your aunt doesn’t even think we’re legitimate, and I get the impression your friends don’t either. Why don’t we have that wedding tonight—now?”

Valeen blinked at him. “Now?”

“Yes now, and right after I’ll take you upstairs and consummate it so everyone will hear and no one else can say we’re not actually married.”

Aunt Evalyn choked on her drink and grabbed a napkin to pat her mouth. “Did you just say consummate upstairs inmyplace?”

Valeen stared at him trying to figure out if he was serious.All Mother,he was. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I don’t have a dress?—”

“He is theBlack Mage,” Aunt Evalyn crowed. “The Layala I know would never accept this. You can’t marry the elf whocreated the pale one curse, the very same who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of elves!”

“I’m not just Layala anymore.” Valeen had a bite in her tone for the first time. “If you took the time to get to know him, you’d like him. Hel is my soulmate. That is what my lily mark is from. He has the same, it happened thousands of years ago.”

“And here I thought Thane was your mate.”

“You know that bond was forced by magic. You used to hate that fact.”

“Fine. Marry the mass murderer, what do I know? But there will be absolutely no consummation of this marriage in my place.” She waved her hand dismissively and took another drink. “Stubborn as the day is long,” she muttered to herself and went out the back door to join the others outside.

“Oh, there will be many hours of consummation.” He smirked and kicked his feet up on the chair beside him. “If all you need is a dress,” he snapped his fingers and three different gowns appeared and floated next to the table, “take your pick.”

Chapter 44

VALEEN

Valeen hung all three of the dresses Hel had brought in one of Aunt Evalyn’s rooms upstairs in Nerium Oleander. The first was a rich magenta with bell sleeves that draped to the floor and a fitted bodice sparkling with diamonds. It was beautiful but seemed a bit overstated for an intimate ceremony.

Then there was the dark-blue gown, almost black with a silver drape. The mermaid cut dress looked similar to her first wedding gown but didn’t have the glitter and celestial details. The color was something she was drawn to, but she wanted something different. As much as she loved dark colors, she didn’t feel it suited this ceremony.