Page 23 of Bride of Death

“You know what? I’m going to go put on some clothes.”

“I did suggest that already,” he drawls.

But I ignore him and leave for the small bedroom. It’s not a far walk, the door only two paces to my left. Actually, I’m pretty sure the entire space is about fifteen steps or so from the front door to the back wall of my bedroom.

Very different from the room I stayed in at Death’s Palace.

Hades’s home, I think.

My sister and her mates live in one wing of the massive estate, and I lived there for a year without ever seeing Hades. Yet he seems to think we’re engaged.

No, worse than that—mates.

“If that’s true, then why didn’t he ever come to see me?” I mutter aloud as I pull out a pair of jeans and a tank top.

I’m about to put them on when I think better of it and grab some black pants instead. The cotton fabric is a lot softer and meant for sleeping, but I don’t care. It’s a comfort-first kind of morning. Especially considering all the work I’m going to have to do in the kitchen today.

Stars, what a way to spend my day. Fortunately, I only have the late shift at the Den tonight.

Pip and I are going to have a very long one-sided conversation whenever he returns.

But first, I’m going to get some answers from Ghost. And hopefully eat something edible in the process.

I yank the black tank top on, the built-in sports bra making it a comfortable top to pair with the casual pants. Then I gather my wet hair up into a messy bun and tie it up on top of my head.

Apparently, I’m engaged.

No need to tempt the sexy shirtless fae waiting in my living room, right?

Not that I want to tempt him. Or tempt anyone. Or find a mate.Or be engaged.

It feels like I told Ghost and Jack a week ago that I have no interest in the mating games. Yet it’s been, like, twelve hours.

Insanity.

Blowing out a breath, I walk back into the kitchen and find Ghost evaluating my stove again. “Yeah, that’ll do,” he says, causing me to glance around. “Thanks, Jerry.”

My brow furrows. “Jerry?”

Ghost turns to point to his rounded ear.

I stare at it for a beat, frowning.Uh, okay…If he’s on a phone, I don’t see it.

“I don’t care how many inks, man, just don’t involve Bear.” He nods to himself. “Good. Two hours, yeah?” Another nod. “I’ll pass it along. Thanks again.” He taps his head, his eyes on me. “I thought clothes would help curb the temptation. I was wrong.”

I frown, but he doesn’t give me a chance to reply—not that I know what to say to his commentary anyway—and heads toward the door.

He pauses after stepping through the threshold and looks back at me. “Pip is a Death Fae. That’s what you meant by ‘spirit,’ right?”

“Uh, no. I mean he’s a spirit. You know, like a ghost. Only not you, obviously.” I meet him in the doorway. “But I think we established that you’re answering the questions now, not me.”

“I never said anything about answering questions, trouble. I offered to share what I know.” He takes a step backward. “And I promised you food. So follow me and I’ll feed you something more appetizing than the mealPipprepared.”

“He meant well,” I mutter as I trail after Ghost to the hut I share a wall with.Tank’s house.

Only it seems Ghost has been staying here, something he proves by entering without knocking and walking straight to the kitchen. When he pulls out a bunch of items without pause, I know he isn’t lying, because he doesn’t hesitate in finding what he needs.

I close the door, then join him by sitting at the two-person table. He moves around without comment, clearly focused on his task.