Page 29

Audrey

I t’s a few days later when we get a summons from Lucifer—like a literal summons.

We’re sitting at the table enjoying our breakfast when a flash of hellfire lights up before me. I jerk my head back, but it’s gone almost as fast.

A piece of paper drifts toward my plate of food, and I snatch it out of the air.

“What the hell is that?” Brenden asks, and I’d like to know that myself.

“Whatever it is, it’s from Lucifer.” Wraith shakes his head. “He’s always had a flair for dramatics.”

It sounds like him. With a quick shake of my head, I turn the paper over.

Audrey,

I’d like it if you and your mates could join me at my home at your earliest convenience.

Love,

Lucifer

P.S. I thought about signing it with Dad, but I didn’t think you’d approve. But know the thought was there.

I scoff, shaking my head again. “Doesn’t he know how to send texts?”

“He does, but he also likes showing off. And, as I said, he has a flair for dramatics.” Wraith chuckles. “What does he want?”

“He wants us to come over at our earliest convenience. It doesn’t say why he wants to see us, though.”

Donovan sighs. “I was hoping for a few more days off before we got sent back to work. Eat up, everyone. We don’t want to keep the big boss waiting.”

I frown as they all dig in. “It says at our convenience. I’m not going to give myself indigestion just because he wants to talk to us. ”

“And that’s your prerogative, little mate.

You’re probably the only one who can get away with keeping him waiting.

” Cassian pauses to eat his last strip of bacon.

“As for the rest of us, he’d be happy to punish us for the slight.

I’d rather be ready to go as soon as you are than to chance his wrath. ”

Now, I roll my eyes. “You guys are ridiculous. He’s squishy as hell when it comes to me and Wren.”

“Correct.” Nex winks when I meet his gaze, sending a buzz of happiness through me. “For the two of you—not for the rest of us.”

I want to argue that they’re my mates, so he’ll make an exception for them too, but I don’t actually know if that’s true or not.

I go back to eating, ignoring my mates as they rush through their food before hurrying upstairs to get dressed. By the time they all make it back downstairs, I’m finally finished eating.

“I’ll rinse off the dishes and get the dishwasher loaded.” Nex grabs my plate, kissing me lightly before he moves to grab the rest.

“I laid out clothes for you,” Wraith tells me as he straightens his cuffs. “Obviously, I’m not telling you what you should wear, but it would please me to see you wear it. ”

That immediately puts my hackles up, worrying over how he might be trying to dress me, but I don’t voice those concerns. “We’ll see.”

Because their anxiety is starting to get to me, I shadow walk to the bedroom. Sure enough, there’s an outfit laid out on the bed—undergarments and all. I pick up the short plaid skirt and shake my head.

I knew he had a schoolgirl kink.

He’s paired it with a cropped tank and a long cardigan, and I kind of love it. Deciding it won’t hurt anything to wear what he wants me to, I pull on the outfit before pulling on my heeled combat boots. I throw on some lip balm and mascara before running my hands through my hair.

Good enough.

I shadow walk myself back to my mates, grinning at the appreciative looks they shoot my way.

“Are we sure we have to go now?” Brenden asks, slowly stalking me around the couch. “Because our mate looks good enough to eat.”

Wraith chuckles. “That was my intention, but we really do need to go see what Lucifer wants.”

Brenden sticks out his bottom lip as he reaches me. “That’s unfortunate. ”

“You’ll be fine,” I tell him, lifting onto my toes. He meets me halfway, crashing his lips into mine.

I meant for it to be a quick kiss, but my mate is having none of that as he thoroughly kisses me. Warmth and desire rush through me, and I’m seriously considering dragging my mates back to our room before going to see Lucifer.

At least until Donovan tugs me out of Brenden’s arms. “Later.”

Now, I’m the one pouting. I also know it’s probably best not to keep the god of the underworld waiting for longer than we need to.

Sometimes, I just get a little swept up in how they’re making me feel and forget about everything else. Who can blame me with five hot-as-sin mates?

“Right. Let’s do this.” I grab Brenden’s hand, then Nex’s, before stepping into the shadows. Lucifer didn’t tell us where to meet him, but I head for the war council room. It seems like a safe bet, and if he’s not there, then I’ll shoot him a text to ask where he wants us.

I step out of the shadows, immediately releasing my hold on my mates so I can throw myself at my mom and sister. “I didn’t know the two of you would be here.”

“Well, this is a conversation that involves all of you.”

I offer Lucifer a smile before scanning the room. The horsemen, who claim to be my twin’s mates, are already seated at the table. I choose to sit between my mom and Wren as my mates grab seats of their own.

“So, what’s up, Dad?” Wren asks, grinning at Lucifer.

She’s so happy to have a dad. I wish I was as excited as she is.

It’s nice knowing where the other half of my DNA comes from, but I’ve already lived nearly thirty years without a father figure. It feels weird to have someone stepping in to fill that void now.

It’s just something we’re going to have to work toward.

“Now that we’ve dealt with the Michael situation, I want to talk about the future.

Particularly yours and Audrey’s futures.

” Lucifer pauses, glancing at my mom before nodding.

“Wren, I know you’re leaving in a few days to go to Olympus, so this doesn’t pertain to you just yet, but it will eventually.

As my other children are gods with their own domains, I’ve never had heirs. Now, with the two of you, I do. ”

“Heirs to what?” I ask, although I’m pretty sure I already know the answer.

Lucifer smirks. “Yes, it’s exactly what you’re thinking.

Heirs to the underworld. I have no intention of leaving permanently.

This is my home, but sometimes I like to vacation earth-side.

Plus, with Olympus open to use again, I might want to visit once the gods begin to awaken.

In the past, I’ve left the horsemen in charge, but three of the four are on their way to Olympus with Wren.

None of us know how long it’ll take them to wake the other gods.

“Audrey, I’d like you to consider coming to work for me.

I can train you not just on how the underworld runs, but I should be able to help with your powers.

Now that we know what you and Wren are, we can figure out what other powers you might have.

Although I’ll admit my knowledge of necromancers and phoenixes is limited, we can also do research to see what we can find. ”

Ignoring what he’s asking of me for now, I ask one of the questions that’s been burning at me.

“But why don’t you know much about them?

Haven’t you been around since the beginning of time?

I thought that’s how it worked. The gods were born and have been the same gods over the years with just the names used changing. ”

“You noticed that, did you?” Lucifer chuckles.

“That is mostly the case, but we weren’t the first gods.

Before us, there were others. I believe mortal history calls them the Titans.

They ruled over the mortals and supernaturals before us.

The godhoods were passed to us by the Titans, who were tired and ready to return to wherever they came from.

They were our parents but not. I’ve never understood quite how we were made, but unlike those who came after the original six, we came to be as adults.

We never experienced a childhood. My guess is that the three-quarter gods were prevalent in their time, but I don’t know what happened to them. They did not exist when we came to be.”

“But the Fates were there.” I shake my head, trying to wrap my head around it. “So they didn’t come into existence when you did?”

Lucifer shrugs. “They’re the only ones who can answer that. They already existed when I was brought to life. Whether they were there for moments or eons before me, I don’t know.”

“I’ve never asked Mom how old she is,” Cassian muses. “Maybe it’s time I do. ”

“She might not tell you. Sometimes women do not like to discuss their age.” Lucifer grins.

“Not that it’s just women. If she’s existed longer than I have, she might not even recall.

I don’t remember my exact age, but we’re getting off track.

I promise we’ll approach Athelina, Claudia, and Laurel with your questions, regardless of what your answer to me is.

But I need to know if you’re interested in becoming my heir—both of you.

Wren, if you’d rather think about it and give me an answer once you return from your quest, I’ll understand. ”

I glance at my mates, finding all of them already watching me. We haven’t really discussed the future in much detail. There just hasn’t been time.

“This is something I’ll have to discuss with my mates,” I finally tell Lucifer. “This isn’t just my life but theirs as well. I can’t, in good conscience, make that kind of decision without speaking with them.”

Something flashes across Lucifer’s face that resembles pride before he nods. “Of course. If you’d like, you six can stay here and discuss your futures. I have other tasks to complete, but I’d love it if you’d stay and have lunch with us.”

“Of course.” I shoot him a warm smile .

“As for me,” Wren says, not looking at anyone besides our father. “I think I’d like to see what being your heir is all about once I return.”

Lucifer beams at her. “I’d love nothing more. As long as you feel the same upon your return, I’ll begin your training then. For now, why don’t we give Audrey and her mates the room?”

Mom squeezes my hand as she stands. “I’m proud of you.”