Page 2 of Their Lethal Pet

Rather than be offended, he merely smirks.

Then he clears his throat, sobers, and returns to the topic at hand. “Monsters Night will provide coverage for you to slip in and out of their reality. It’ll also provide a perfect distraction to cover it all up on our end.”

“Cover it all up?” I repeat.

“The last thing I need is Typhos Lucifer up my ass and asking questions,” Hades grounds out. “I would prefer that he not find out what we’re up to. Otherwise…” He trails off, his gaze holding mine.

Otherwise, he might find out what happened to the Mythos Fae Omegas,I finish in my mind, aware of what Hades is trying to imply.

Thus far, our kind has managed to keep the disappearance of our Omega Gods and Goddesses a secret.

But if that information were to be revealed, our very existence would be put in jeopardy.

“I understand,” I say solemnly, all signs of my previous humor long gone. Nothing like the potential extinction of Mythos Fae kind to create a somber moment. “Tell me your plan, brother.”

He nods, the intensity of the conversation deepening with each passing moment.

By the time he’s done explaining the nuances of the portal, and how he plans to cover our tracks, I’m both impressed and wary. “You’re asking a lot of Maliki,” I tell him softly.

Hades swallows. “I know. But he’s already agreed.”

“Of course he has,” I reply. “He worships you.”

“They all do,” Hades points out, referring to the Netherworld Fae, who all consider him their God.

Any fae with death-like magic, such as Corpse Fae and Death Fae, all reside within the Netherworld Kingdom and are therefore collectively called Netherworld Fae.

And my dear older brother is their chosen deity.

Probably because his soul died when he lost his Omega…

“Regardless,” Hades continues, oblivious to my dark inner ramblings. “Maliki is the perfect choice. Lucifer won’t kill him.”

“In theory,” I hedge.

“He won’t kill him,” Hades reiterates, the words seeming to be more for himself than for me.

Because while my brother may not want to admit it out loud, he deeply cares for Maliki. More so than most of hisplaythings.

“All right, so Maliki will be the coverstory,” I say, returning us to the plan. “He’ll tell Lucifer that he was simply helping his fellow fae feed or find mates. Meanwhile, I’ll take advantage of the distraction and hunt for this mysterious aura you sensed.”

He nods. “Yes.”

“Excellent.” I wipe my palms on my dark jeans and stand. “Then I have two weeks to mentally prepare.” Not that I need it. Traversing realms and realities is nothing new to me. “If that’s all…” I trail off, gesturing to the large wooden door laden with silver chains.

My brother dips his chin again, dismissing me.

Except, as I take a single step away, he says, “Oh, one more thing.”

I pause and glance back at him, my eyebrow lifting in silent question.Yes?I ask with that look.

“Flame and Reaper will be going with you.”

I stare at him. “Why?”

“Protection.”

I huff a laugh. “Worried I may shop for a mate during this infamousMonsters Nightand slaughter my competition,hmm?” I muse. “And you think a pair of Netherworld Fae will keep me on track?”