Page 156 of Wicked Believer

Why didn’t I account for that?

But then I remember that the woman I was several months ago wouldn’t have been able to handle any of this. That’s one of the many things falling in love with Lucifer gifted me.

Confidence in myself.

Plus, a hint of a devil-may-care attitude, even in the face of my nervous doubt.

Or maybe I’m not doubtful, and it’s because the stakes are considerably higher here.

It’s just the potential end of the world that’s at stake.

No pressure or anything.

Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “I called you all here today to try and convince you to join Team No Apocalypse.”

“Team No Apocalypse? What the fuck is Team No Apocalypse?” This from Az. “Is that some kind of band name or something?”

“The name is beside the point,” I snap, causing Az to turn and scowl at me. Like he did when I told them there would absolutelynotbe any fireplay allowed during our engagement-turned-play-party tonight.

The last thing we need is the penthouse burning to the ground.

Even if at least seven of the guests are used to hellfire.

I let out an annoyed huff, already exasperated. How has Lucifer been dealing with all of them since the beginning of time? It’s like herding cats. Or sins, in this case. “Clearly, I can see I was mistaken to assume any of you would ever take me seriously.”

Mimi scoffs. “We’re here, aren’t we?” she says, subtly coming to my aid while simultaneously insulting me.

That issoMimi.

The rest of them murmur in agreement.

I roll my eyes. Sisterly love indeed.

I give her a small nod as I inhale a deep breath, brushing myself off. “You all can’t really be okay with the world ending. You can’t possibly want that, for Michael to get his way, do you? Who would be feeding power to you if there was no more humanity?” I turn toward Greed. “Mimi, I know you don’t want to subsist off what little crumbs your angelic siblings are going to throw you or give up the money you get from all your cultish self-love followers. Az, need I remind you you’d only have other celestials, Lucifer’s demons, and whatever other weird creatures happen to be roaming around to fuck with? I know that probably sounds like a lot, but we all know it’s not for you, and limiting your sex pool can’t possibly be your idea of fun.”

“There’s also the Nephilim and the few primordials who are out and roaming about, like that fine piece, Death, you’ve been lusting after, but fair point,” he cedes.

I flush and make another mental note to ensure I never allow our two Azs to be alone together in the same room. Not unless I want to die from embarrassment.

And what in God’s name is a primordial?

I shake it off. That’s a question for another time, another place.

And Az’s half-hearted encouragement has bolstered me.

I turn to Wrath next. “Wrath, no more humans? No more war. No more killing or rage, and then you’re all one big happy family again. Doesthatsound good to you? And, Envy, well, you’d be jealous of anything we all choose to do anyway, so why not be a part of the team? It’s the same outcome for you either way. And, Gluttony,” I say, the moment I see he’s reentered the room, “I know you don’t want to give up watching most of Western civilization regularly overconsume—”

“Enough, Charlotte,” Azmodeus groans, rolling his eyes, like he’s suddenly their unified spokesperson. “You didn’t have to convince us.”

I blink. “I . . . didn’t?”

“None of us give two flying shits about our Father’s apocalypse and certainly not about how Michael wants to have a little hissy fit fightwith Lucifer and call it Armageddon until Dad finally decides to come home. Why do you think I offered to pop your celestial cherry?”

“O-kay,” I breathe, drawing out both syllables. “Whatdoyou all want then?”

“For things to stay as they are, of course.” Mimi wrinkles her nose as if the whole thing is obvious.

Az sits forward. “As you may have noticed, we kind of have a sweet deal going here now that Dad has let us out of Hell.”