Page 32 of Kiss of Death (Shadow of Death #3)

Audrey

I stare at the gates in front of me, doing everything I can to keep my emotions under wraps.

I’m not ready to say goodbye to my mom, Wren, and Diana, but I don’t really have a choice in the matter.

We’re standing at the massive gates to hell, which apparently open into a cave deep in the mountains earth-side, but they’re not why we’re here. No, it’s the second set of gates that sit beside the others.

They’re much smaller than the first set of gates, only big enough for maybe two people to fit through at a time.

When Lucifer opened them, a bright white light nearly blinded me. My eyes have grown more accustomed now, so I no longer feel like it’s searing my brain through my eyes, but it’s still a lot more light than I’m used to.

These gates lead to Olympus, where numerous people I care about are about to go. I’ve read a few things about Olympus, but I still don’t know what they’ll find on the other side.

I think that’s part of the reason I’m so hesitant to let them leave me. They’re headed somewhere where there are millions of angels—all of whom might hate them. What if they come after my family and friends, and I’m not there to stop them?

“Breathe, Audrey. Breathe.”

I glance up at the sound of Mom’s voice and suck in a deep breath. I don’t even know when I stopped breathing.

Tears fill my eyes, and I can’t fight them anymore as they stream down my face. I throw myself into my mom’s waiting arms, sobbing into her chest .

“It’s going to be okay, Audrey. We’re all going to be fine. You don’t need to worry.” Mom repeats this over and over as she strokes my hair, but it doesn’t stop my tears. If anything, it makes them fall harder.

“Don’t go,” I beg her. “Stay here with me.”

Mom sighs. “Honey, this is something I need to do. I might not have enjoyed most of my time in Olympus, but it’s my home. I need to see what it’s become, and I need to be there when my dad wakes up. Just think, soon you’ll be able to meet your grandfather.”

“Fuck him,” I mutter, not meaning for my mom to hear that, but she just laughs.

“He’s going to love you, honey.” She pulls back and holds my face in her hands. “You don’t need me here, anyway. You have five mates that make you so fucking happy. When you miss us, lean on them. They’ll be your strength when you doubt yourself.”

I wrinkle my nose. “I’d rather be with you and Wren.”

Mom’s brows shoot up. “You’d rather be with me and your sister than with your mates?”

“No,” I sullenly admit. At least she’s finally distracted me enough that my tears have stopped. “ It just feels like I’m choosing between you, and I don’t like that.”

“Oh, honey. You’re not choosing them over us. Your place is here with them. Wren and I will be back. I don’t plan to stay in Olympus forever. Plus, isn’t your father bringing you in just a few days?”

I nod. “Yes, but that’s not now. I won’t see either of you for days.”

“And you’ll be just fine. I love you so much, Audrey, but it’s been a long time since you’ve needed me or Wren. You’re so strong. You just have to remember that. Now give me a hug so your sister can say goodbye.”

What choice do I have but to do as she says? I wrap my arms around her, squeezing her to me as my eyes fall shut.

I know this isn’t goodbye forever, but I’ve just never been one for goodbyes.

When Mom pulls back, I force myself to let her go. “I love you, Mom.”

“And I love you, Audrey.”

Mom steps away, only to be replaced with Wren. Her eyes are just as red as mine.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that I need to be strong for Wren. Pulling her into my arms, I hold her as she starts to cry. I assure her the best that I can with my words.

“I’m going to miss you so much, Ree. It feels like I just got you back, and now I have to leave you.”

I pull back to smile at her. “That’s because it’s your turn to save the day.

Not that you didn’t help by beheading Michael, but it’s time for you to focus on your own story.

You put up with so much from Michael over the years.

I know you have a quest to complete, but use this time to figure out what you want—who you want to be.

I think you’ll come back stronger for it, and I can’t wait to meet the woman you’re going to become. ”

She laughs. “I don’t know about all that, but you’re right. Michael’s betrayal broke me, and I need to find a way to put my pieces back together.”

Throwing my arm over her shoulder, I turn her until we’re facing Riggs, Gael, and Octavius. “I think the three of them would really like to help you with that.”

“But what if I’m not ready?” she asks, ducking her head—but not before I can see the interest in her eyes and the blush on her cheeks. “How can I trust myself with another man after Michael?”

“You did nothing wrong, Wren. It was Michael who was a deceitful bastard. He used his words and actions to beat you down over the years. You’re stronger than you think you are.

They’ll wait for you for the rest of eternity if that’s what you need, little sister.

” I lean my head against hers. “They’re good men.

They won’t rush you into anything you’re not ready for.

Let them help you when they can and just take the time to get to know them. ”

Wren takes a deep breath before exhaling. “I can do that. I love you so much, Ree. I’m going to miss you.” She throws her arms around me and hugs me close.

I return the hug, squeezing my eyes shut to keep the tears from falling. “I’m going to miss you more, and I will always love you.”

We break apart, and she hurries away as she brushes away her tears.

“Fuck. This is hard.”

“It sure is.” Diana laughs when I jump.

I turn my head to find her and Celeste walking toward me.

“I just watched how hard it was for you to say goodbye to your sister and mom,” Diana says quietly. “So we’re not going to do that. I love you both, but I’ll see you in a few days.”

Diana and Celeste wrap me into a group hug, and I can’t help smiling. I love how well my friends know me.

“Do you think you can convince your dad to bring me with you when you go to Olympus?” Celeste asks as we watch Diana join Melody and Warren.

I shrug. “I have no idea, but I’m willing to ask.”

I can feel my mates crowding around us as Nyx, Erebus, and a slew of reapers and harpies appear out of nowhere.

Mom and Wren try to step through the gate first, but Octavius is having none of it. He steps in front of them, saying something I can’t hear before he and Gael step into the gate. Riggs keeps them there for a moment before leading them in.

Nyx and Erebus surround Diana, Melody, and Warren before leading them through the gate. As the harpies and reapers start into the gate, I consider walking away, but I can’t bring myself to.

It’s not until the last person steps through and Lucifer shuts the gates that my body gives up on me. Donovan catches me easily as I collapse .

“Let me and Nex walk you back to your place,” Brenden tells Celeste, who’s giving me a worried look.

I wave her off, watching as two of my mates lead her toward her apartment.

I’m so tired. All I can think about is taking a nap while my mates hold me.

For today, I’ll allow myself to be weak, but tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of my life.

Tomorrow, I will learn what being the heir to hell means.

Excuse me. I meant the heir to the underworld.

I can’t fucking wait.