Page 113 of Bride of Death

That’s an alluring echo, one that lulls me into a state of immediate comfort as Hades guides me back down to the couch.

But as he goes to one knee again, I snap out of my daze and say, “No. I want to leave the shoes on.”

Because now they feel like a challenge.

I couldn’t stand in them before… so I’ll try again.

And while I might hate every moment of wearing them, I’m determined to see it through. To gain some of my dignity back.To be Sera.

Hades looks at me. “All right.” He resumes his standing position and holds out a hand. “Want to try again?”

I consider batting his palm away, but that feels childish. So I accept his help up and focus on balancing. Then I fix my dress since I still look ridiculous.

So much for being sexy, I think, huffing at the stupidity of it all.

Once I’m done, I glance up at Hades. “How do I look?”

His gaze is as black as night as he replies, “Like a Goddess.”

Chapter 29

Sera

I pinch my side,convinced I’m dreaming. This feels too much like one of my nightly fantasies to be real.

“Like a Goddess.”

Fae, I wish that were true.

But I accept the response with a smile. When I asked how I looked, I expected him to confirm that I adequately fixed the dress.

Instead, he caught me off guard with his reply. So now I have no idea what to say.

“Maliki?” Hades prompts. “Compliment my wife.”

My blood heats from the command underlining his tone. Plus the possessive way he worded the demand.

My wife.

Part of me wants to point out that we’re not married yet.

But a stronger part of me wants to hear Maliki’s response.

He moves forward to stand beside Hades, his golden irises swirling with interest as he takes his time looking me up and down. “Goddessis a good description,” he murmurs. “You’re our very own Aphrodite, sweet mystery.”

My brow furrows. I have no idea who or what an Aphrodite is.

“She’s the Greek Goddess of Love,” he tells me, likely seeing the confusion in my expression. “I have no doubt her myth was inspired by an Omega like you.”

“Wasn’t Aphrodite also the Goddess of Lust?” Hades asks conversationally.

“Beauty, lust,sex,” Maliki murmurs. “Though, that last one may be attributed to Venus. But the compliment remains.”

Hades nods. “It’s appropriate.”

I shiver, their words warming my veins even more. They’re talking to each other like I’m not standing right here.

“Now escort my wife to the table and help her find her seat,” Hades demands. “I’ll go help Lyon bring in dinner.”