Page 4 of Undesirable (Devilish #3)

A sad smile touched the features of what had to be the most beautiful creature created.

That was why he was tortured. One reason, anyhow.

The reason that had started it all. Very few beings knew that, and Frost only knew because Lucifer let him see it.

The story had been purposely spread of him being jealous of the world and being cast out.

It was the very first smear campaign in the universe’s existence.

The truth was so much worse. So much darker.

A sad smile came and went again. “I really should sue over that fucking bible.”

A watery laugh burst from Frost. Even in his pain, Lucifer tried to lessen his impact on Frost by hiding behind humor.

“You’re an idiot to cry for me.”

“Maybe.”

Lucifer tried for a genuine smile. “Don’t hate him. I would’ve rejected me too.”

“Sorry. I can’t help it right now. You’re his mate. There’s nothing that would stop me from being with mine. No fear is that big and no act too violent. He’s mine. I can’t relate to Riku’s decision.”

Lucifer kissed his cheek. “Go home to your mate. Forget about me. This is just the new way they found to torment me. I don’t want you pulled into the game. If they think they can use you to hurt me, they will. Don’t think of me again.”

He vanished, leaving Frost feeling cold.

His gaze moved up the mountain. He could still see the orange glow of the fire that raged outside Riku’s place.

There was no way Riku didn’t know all the same things Frost did about Lucifer.

Yet he still wouldn’t accept him. He understood it was complicated.

Frost got it would likely be hard, but he had been chosen to be with Lucifer.

It enraged him to think about anyone rejecting their mate.

That was a hell no one deserved, most especially a man who already literally lived in Hell.

Frost had never felt more helpless in his life.

Please stop shutting me out. You’re scaring me.

Frost startled as Gemini’s words caressed his mind. He had been so overwhelmed by pain he had lost himself.

It’s okay, baby. I’m okay. I love you. Goddess, he loved Gemini so much. He was good and pure. The longer Frost spent among the supernatural community, the more he realized how rare that goodness was.

I love you more. Do I need to come get you?

A smile tugged at Frost’s lips as he climbed inside his SUV. No, baby. I’m on my way. Will you hold me when I get home?

Always. I’ve got what you need.

Frost knew he did. He couldn’ t be more thankful.

Lucifer had learned a long time ago that the key to survival was distraction. If he ever stopped to look at things, he would destroy everything with an ease that terrified even him. Where would he be sent then?

Frost Leo fascinated him. There was something in his blood even Lucifer couldn’t read.

He felt certain it was some form of magic.

It didn’t feel natural—more like created.

Druids were a secretive bunch. They had the power to hide their doings.

Eventually, there were no more mysteries, but Frost was an enigma.

Lucifer enjoyed a good puzzle. That was why he stayed glued to him.

Plus, he couldn’t bring himself to stay away from this ridiculous little town.

His mate was here, wanted or not. Still, Lucifer hid.

Riku hadn’t claimed him. That meant Lucifer still had the ability to cloak himself from his other half.

But Lucifer couldn’t go anywhere near him.

He was no longer in control. Lucifer didn’t doubt his ability to kill a godling.

He just might. It was easier and more peaceful to stay glued to Frost. He spent the whole day watching him cuddle with his mate.

They were what he wanted for himself, even though he could never admit that to anyone.

Lucifer’s job was to protect this stupid little ball of water from the evil bubbling beneath its surface.

He couldn’t be soft. Not that he had ever been even before Celeste created this place.

After a day of spooning his mate, Frost headed into the hospital.

Lucifer followed.

Frost had first come to Wulfe as the new ER doctor.

It was a dumb job. He was needed in the community.

There were plenty of human doctors. Frost was a magical healer.

He needed to leave the humans to someone else.

Luckily, Lucifer enjoyed mischief as much as he did a mystery.

So, Lucifer had meddled. He looked forward to seeing his handiwork.

“What are you doing here? ”

The blonde nurse who stopped Frost looked genuinely confused.

Frost’s eyebrows drew together. “What do you mean?”

She motioned toward a nearby doctor. “I thought Dr. Diablo had taken your place so you can work home care.”

Glory turned at the mention of his name. His gaze slid Lucifer’s way before bouncing back to Frost. While no one else could see him, Glory was his creation. He saw through the glamor, keeping Lucifer hidden. “Dr. Leo, I assume.”

Frost glanced between the nurse and Glory. “Um. I’m confused.”

Thankfully, Glory took control of the situation. “I heard you might come in today to thank me for taking your place. ”

Lucifer bit back a laugh. Glory was a pride demon. His conceit made him perfect to play doctor.

He watched the truth dawn on Frost. His hospital position had been removed from his plate.

Frost had gotten pretty good at rolling with the punches since finding himself the healer of a tiny supernatural community when he hadn’t even known any of this existed.

This was different, apparently. He wouldn’t let this go without questions.

Frost motioned for Glory to join him off to the side for a private conversation. He waited until they were out of earshot. “Okay. Who in the fuck are you and what’s happening?”

Glory clutched his clipboard and rocked back on his heels.

“I’m Glory Diablo. I was sent to relieve you of your hospital duties.

Apparently, the community needs you more.

” He made a circular gesture as if searching for the right words.

“For whatever reason, you’re,” Glory swallowed as if tasting something bad, “special.”

Lucifer didn’t actually give a fuck about the community. He just liked stirring up shit. But watching Glory try to be human when he was so much more powerful than most anyone in this town was funny as fuck.

“Are you even a real doctor?”

Glory snorted. “I’ll have you know, I’ve spent eight centuries as the top medical torture expert in Hell. There’s no one more qualified to put people back together. Granted, I only put them back together so I can tear them apart again, but I’m still a skilled professional.”

Frost blinked several times. “So you’re a…”

“Demon lord,” Glory supplied. “Glory Diablo.” He repeated his name as if it would mean anything to Frost.

Frost’s shoulders expanded on a deep breath. “I see.”

Lucifer bit his bottom lip. Frost was hilarious. This was just the distraction he needed.

Glory made a shooing motion. “You can go. An expert is here now.”

To his shock, Frost turned and grabbed his arm. He was so surprised, he allowed himself to get towed to the parking lot. A furious-looking Frost spun on him. “What in the fuck did you do?” The words came out in a growl.

Lucifer shrugged. He was comfortable with anger. This was much better than the earlier tears. “You don’t need the money and you’re running yourself ragged. Gemini deserves better from you than your refusal to let go of this place, so he at least gets some of your time.”

Frost’s shoulders fell. The fight visibly bled from him. “Is it that bad? Am I ruining my marriage with this whole healer thing?”

Lucifer shrugged. He honestly didn’t know, nor did he care.

But Frost had been driving himself into the ground, and Lucifer didn’t want Frost to be mad at him.

It was better to blame Frost’s stubbornness.

“You told me a few weeks ago you couldn’t leave the hospital in a lurch and Gemini is paying the price for that.

So I sent Glory. He isn’t dangerous, only arrogant…

unless I order otherwise. That’s an excellent trait in a doctor. ”

Frost pinched the spot between his eyes. When he dropped his hand, he shifted from foot to foot. Lucifer felt him cave. “Thank you. I guess. Is this why that whole earthquake thing happened a few weeks back? The vampires said it felt like demons broke the veil.”

“Yep.” Lucifer kept up the cheerful facade, but he really wanted to rub his chest and scream at the top of his lungs. He was here. Riku was only miles away. Every breath was like fire.

“I thought you said earlier was your goodbye.”

Lucifer gave in. He massaged his chest. There was a hole he couldn’t fill.

Frost’s expression softened. “Would you like me to check on him?” The quietly spoken question nearly broke Lucifer. He had come here for distraction, but Frost’s powers were too big. Frost felt Lucifer and Lucifer didn’t like it.

He fought the building rage. It was no one’s fault.

This was just who he was. He needed to get back to Hell before he accidentally leveled this town.

“Do what you want.” He disappeared and reappeared inside his throne room.

Demons scattered at the sight of him. The darkness pulsed around him.

He had to find something else. Trying for humor hadn’t worked. The torture room it was.