Page 28 of Bride of Death

I tell her all that, not leaving any details out, and even inform her that I’ve spent most nights at Death’s Den, guarding her from the shadows.

“You probably think I’m some sort of creepy stalker, and I guess I am. But I’ve done my best not to violate your privacy. The only reason I showed myself at the bar last night was because Hades asked me to escort you back to the palace. Otherwise, I would have just remained in the shadows.”

And I would have had a nice little chat with Jack after he left,I think, not wanting to add that part aloud.

Because I’ve had a lot ofchatsover the last month.

This female is a fucking magnet for flirtatious trouble.

I pause to focus on my coffee—the grinder is a piece of styx rocks, making me want to throw it out the bloody window. Alas, it’s not my grinder. It’s Tank’s. Though if I have to stay here much longer, I may just buy him a new one as a welcome-home gift.

Once the machine finishes its job of pulverizing the beans, I take out a filter and get the coffee machine ready.

Such a menial thing to do.

But while I possess many intriguing talents, manifestation magic isn’t one of them.

Sighing, I turn back toward my little guest and grin when I find the fork in her mouth. “That’s my good girl,” I praise her. “Your stomach will thank me later by being quiet, I assume.”

Her cheeks pinken, causing my smile to widen. She really is stunning. Why Hades chooses to stay away from her is a mystery.

Well, not really.

He thinks she’s guilty of betraying him two thousand years ago. And he believes she knows all about that betrayal, too.

I saunter back over to my chair and collapse into it, my gaze on Sera. “Hades told me you were taken by a crazy Alpha in your old world. Is that true?” I know it is, but I’m trying to give her an option as to whether or not she wants to talk about it.

Her lips thin, her gaze seeming to blink into a faraway stare before coming back to me. “I’m not sure if she was crazy or not, and honestly, it all feels like a dream to me. But yes, it’s true, I guess. Only, she kind of saved me, too.”

“Saved you?” I echo.

“From Monsters Night,” she explains.

“Ah, yes, that.” I’m familiar with the infamous mating game from her dimension, the one where monsters roam the streets once a year to claim their brides.

Hades once said the annual event reminded him of Halloween. I’m still not quite sure why. Sure, some of the monsters look like they belong in a costume contest, but that’s really the only similarity.

“That’s how your sister met her mates,” I add, causing Sera to nod. “She seems rather pleased by that development.”

“She’s lucky,” Sera tells me. “Her mates respect her and cherish her.”

“Just as Hades will do with you,” I say, then wonder if I’ve just lied.

Because he’s talked about breaking her on several occasions.

He needs the memories inside her soul. And the only way to free them is to force Sera to merge with the Omega inside her.

Or however that’ll work, anyway.

Fortunately, I’m saved from dwelling on it because the coffee maker signals that it’s done.At least the machine works properly, I think as I go to pour myself a cup.

I offer Sera one, but she scrunches her nose and declines.

So instead I say, “Tell me what questions you have.” There’s a lot of information I can share. However, I don’t want to overwhelm her.

Which I’ve clearly already done.

Because she says nothing as I start cleaning up the kitchen. I sip my coffee as I work, then head back to the table to claim my empty plate. Hers is mostly clear, causing me to ask, “Are you finished?”