Page 11 of Bride of Death

By Death.

Either Ghost has the wrong girl, orDeathhas severely underestimated me. Because I didn’t survive my world’s version of the monster mating games just to find myself in a forced arrangement with a fae.

Once upon a time, I yielded to a higher power.

I learned my lesson.

The next time someone tries to make me bow,I’ll fight.

Chapter 3

Maliki

Serapina Everheart istrouble with a capitalT.

Her golden blonde hair, pouty lips, and sparkling blue eyes craft the picture of corruptible innocence. Couple that with her perfect tits and heart-shaped ass, and she’s like a damn beacon in this otherwise dark world.

A beacon that seems to call to every available male Corpse Fae and Death Fae throughout the Netherworld Kingdom.

Letting her work in Death’s Den was a fucking mistake. Hell, letting her leave the palace was a damnable offense.

Thankfully, Hades has finally come to his senses. Because I am fucking tired of playing babysitter. Or maybestalkeris the right term.

I follow the alluring female everywhere. Knock out any fae who tries to touch her. Persuade would-be suitors to look the other way. And also ensure the trees in her favorite courtyard don’t accidentally ensnare her.

Fae, she’s too innocent to be here.

Too naïve. Too sweet. Toohuman.

Yet, supposedly, that’s all a facade.

I’ve questioned that since Hades first told me not to fall for her little game. Because if she’s playing at her innocence, she’s doing one hell of a job.

Her expression tonight when I called her the Bride of Death suggested she had no idea what I was talking about.

But that’s not my problem.

It’s Hades’s issue.

One I wish he would take on himself.

Alas, here I am, standing just outside his personal quarters, waiting for him to join me.

He knows I’m here. Not just because he’s omniscient in general, but because Ossa growled a warning the moment I shadowed onto the dark cobblestone terrace. She’s not my biggest fan. Given what she did to my favorite pair of shoes, I’m not all that fond of her either.

Howl and Mort are fine, though. Which is the only reason I crouch as the three-headed beast comes scrambling toward me.

Ossa releases a complaint via a low whine, while the other two yip in excitement. I can tell she’s trying to gain hold of the legs, but her two brothers override her choice, causing the furry mass of black fur to tumble right into me.

I’m ready with my hands, scratching their abundance of ears and scruff, all while Ossa grumbles in annoyance.

“I’ll never understand her disfavor toward you,” Hades murmurs as he walks out through his flowing dark drapes. “Most females find you irresistible.”

I snort, then go to pat Ossa on the head. “She’s just jealous of Fleur.”

Ossa snaps at my fingers, trying to take a bite out of me.

Which only has me chuckling in response when Mort and Howl snarl right back at her.