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Chapter thirty-six

T alia and I immediately began opening gateways to Hell, transporting dozens of demons in at a time. The amount of energy it took to maintain the stability of the gate was exhausting. I had never held it for more than a few seconds before. I was able to open my gate ten minutes at a time, while Talia’s stabilized without faltering for over an hour. Her power was remarkable. I jumped back in as soon as I felt up to it, forcing everything I had into the portals, trying to hold them while Deus’s legions made their way from Hell to earth.

These creatures were terrifying. They came in all shapes and sizes, monsters of myth and lore. I was thankful I wouldn’t be fighting any of them—though, I had no clue what creations Lucifer had concocted for the occasion.

We informed the covens of our new alliances, making sure they were aware what they would be fighting against. Deus and Belz felt it was best to keep our new visitors secured within the confines of the princes’ properties until it was time for battle. None of us challenged that decision.

The castle was buzzing with apprehensiveness. Everyone was restless, waiting for the trumpet to sound that would lead most of us to our deaths. Deus and his brothers were busy, making sure the covens were as equipped as possible. Everyone had been trained in the basics of sword fighting, just in case they ran out of bullets and our magic was still unusable. We had backup plans for our backup plans, but I knew it still wouldn’t be enough.

Nonna had sent word to the other groups of witches and warlocks who were not at the castle, making sure they were ready and prepared when called upon. We had large groups of members all over the world gathering in one place so when it was time, one princes would be able to shift them to Negev. Our numbers tapped out at somewhere around three thousand, not including the children that we had already secured safe placement for.

After making the final travel arrangements, deciding which brother would go where, I found myself at Talia’s door. I knocked twice before her monotone voice echoed, “Come in.”

She stood in front of a mirror, her white hair braided back away from her face. She wore a pair of fitted leather fighting pants and a thin top that left her arms exposed, crossing in front of her to flow down to her midthigh in sections. She assessed herself, turning her head from one side to the other, moving uncomfortable.

“Why the women of this age prefer pants over dresses is beyond me,” she said, finally bringing her eyes to mine.

“Depends on the event, I guess,” I replied.

“What can I do for you, little tribrid?”

I shut the door behind me, walking towards her. “How are you doing?” I asked.

She held my gaze for a moment before speaking. “Fantastic,” she said, returning her attention to the thin sweeping fabric of her shirt as she smoothed it against her body.

“Are you nervous to see him again?”

She froze, then turned to face me. “Am I nervous to see the love of my life who betrayed me … who tried to kill me … after three thousand years? Not at all.”

I knew her sarcasm was an act; I could only imagine the turmoil her heart was experiencing. “If you want to talk about it,” I said hesitantly, “I’m here. Just in case.”

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. As I’ve told you before, I am fully prepared for what must be done.”

“He’s your mate, Talia,” I said, more assertively than I expected. “I don’t know what the two of you went through, and I can’t pretend to understand your unfathomable attraction to one another, but regardless of what he has done, I know that love hasn’t gone away. Somewhere inside of you, there’s a piece of you that is screaming to become one with him. To forget everything and start again, no matter the cost.”

“And how do you know what my heart feels?”

“Because … in Hell, when I saw Asmodeus at his worst, no matter what he did, who he killed or fucked, something inside of me tried to find the golden lining to every horrible thing he did. Just so I’d be able to touch him, one more time. I know that pull … and I know how intoxicating it can be. For what it’s worth, your resilience is honorable.”

She laughed. “There is nothing honorable about me, Seren.”

“Maybe not in your time, but I wouldn’t say that about the Talia in mine. All the brothers have committed unforgiveable offenses, but it doesn’t mean they’re not worth saving. You’re capable of love … of laughter … of compassion. As hard as you’ve tried to hide it, I can see the humanity still clinging to your soul.” I paused to let my words settled in. “I think I would have liked to know you back in your time.”

She scoffed, arching a brow as her devilish smile spread across her angelic face. “I would have killed you on the spot,” she replied. “I don’t like competition.”

I laughed. “Regardless, I can’t help but respect the woman who avenged her sister without a single shred of power. That Talia Mizrahi is a badass. That is the woman I would have stood by … without question.”

Her smile softened, face twisting with discomfort while she played with the fabric of her top. “I don’t like the way you make me feel.”

Without thought, I threw my arms around her lean body, hugging her tightly. Though she didn’t return the gesture, I still held on, hoping someone would do the same for me if I were in her position.

I pulled away, looking into the broken soul that flickered behind her eyes. Eyes that had seen so much.

“I have nothing but respect for you, Talia,” I said softly. “You are brave and strong. Stronger than you give yourself credit for.” She stared at me with an emptiness I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Knowing I wouldn’t get a word out of her after my little display of affection, I left her to her own reflection, needing to find my mate.

“Where are you?” I asked in my mind, following the tug on my heart.

“Training in the half-destroyed gym someone decided to blow to pieces,” he replied a moment later. “Everything alright?”

My legs weren’t fast enough. Before I could think better of it, I shifted, landing directly next to him. The scent of him put me over the edge. I barreled into his firm body, not caring who was there or what they were doing. My hands were on him, our mouths pressed against one another while I ripped his clothing from his body, needing to feel his skin pressed against mine.

He returned my silent request, unbuckling my pants first and then pulling my top over my head. Whoever had the misfortune of being in the room quickly escaped, shutting the doors behind them, leaving us to our passion.

Before his pants were completely off, I jumped into his arms, wrapping my legs around him, reaching for his hard cock, positioning it just where I needed. I groaned, pulling away from his mouth while I arched my back, enjoying every glorious inch of him. He drove his teeth into my neck, pulling another whimper from my lips before slamming me into the training mat as he thrust in and out. I held on, savoring every feeling, every sound, every memory of this perfect moment together.

I flipped him on his back, forcing his cock to hit the very top of me. I cried out, taking a moment to adjust. I slowly moved, quickening my pace as the slight pain was replaced with pleasure. He kneaded my breasts, sliding his thumb across my lips just before I bit down on it, moaning from the feeling of him.

He pulled my head down to his, taking my mouth with passion while his hands skimmed my skin, leaving gooseflesh in his wake. I felt the pressure build, the unexplainable feeling that arose inside of me every time he touched me. My core tensed while I approached my edge, and he slammed his hips faster inside, bringing me to climax.

I closed my eyes and yelled, my body going immobile while he moved, tightening his fingers into my hips until he found his release. He held me there, enjoying the sensation. Finally, his grip on me relaxed, and my body collapsed onto his, completely breathless.

My body was damp, causing my hair to stick to my face. His fingers gently moved the strands while he lovingly caressed my skin. He kissed me on my head as I lay on his chest, listening to his beautiful heartbeat.

“You know,” he said, lifting my chin up so he could see my face. “All you had to say was meet me in the bedroom, and I would have been there in a heartbeat.”

I smiled, pressing a kiss to the beauty mark on his upper cheek. “It would have cost me too many seconds I couldn’t afford,” I replied.

He chuckled, brushing the hair behind my ear. “If you wanted an audience, we could have thrown a party back home.”

“Oh, God … who was all in here?”

“Some young coven members and my brothers, minus Gor.” I bit my lip, the embarrassment of my impulsiveness heating my cheeks. “Don’t worry. I told all my brothers to get everyone the fuck out or I would remove their favorite parts. Seems I still have a way with words.”

I covered my face, laughing into his chest. He rolled me over, pulling my body into his, holding me. “I guess I am living up to my new title. The wife of lust and all.”

“I thought your title was Queen of Hell?”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t like that one,” I answered.

He smiled. “Well, in my opinion, out of all your titles, mate of Asmodeus Rasnov is my favorite.”

I grinned, relaxing in his arms. “There, we agree.”

“And who ever said women couldn’t be agreeable?”

I smacked him, a bout of laughter spilling from deep in his chest.

“I am very agreeable, thank you,” I said.

“An argumentative pain in the ass at times, but I like that ass,” he said, pinching my butt, causing me to jerk.

“Now, about round two,” I said, pulling him on top of me.