The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3)(90)
Author: Gena Showalter

"Gods, I missed you." How he had longed for this day, this moment. "I will never let you go again."

Reyes! You’re really here. I can feel you. Feel your warmth.

"Cold, angel?"

Very.

"Let me warm you." He snuggled next to her, wrapping her body with his own and soaking up her chill. "I love you so much."

I love you, too. I want to see you, but I can’t break free of this…sleep. I can’t jolt my body awake.

He placed a soft kiss on her lips, inhaling her sweetness. Part of him had despaired of ever doing this again. Ever holding her, breathing her in. "Do you know where Cronus is?"

Oh, yes. I always know somehow. He’s with his counsel.

"Can you hear what they’re discussing?"

I already know. It’s what they always discuss. What to do about you. What to do about me. Where to look for his other artifacts.

"Can you bring him to us?"

Maybe. But why? I hate him. I hate dealing with him.

"Which makes me sorry to ask you to do so, but I am. Trust me, angel. Please." He pressed another kiss against her lips, then along her jaw. "You are able to control a physical form with your mind. When Cronus arrives, wrap your mind around him and hold him as still as you can. We will not have long. He possesses a key inside his body that allows him to break free of any prison."

A pause. Then, All right. I’ll try.

"If you can and if he has it, pry his scythe out of his hands. And know that whatever happens, I love you." If they failed in this, Reyes knew Cronus would kill him. This was a direct challenge and no king would take it lightly or without issuing severe punishment.

"I’ve got him." A moment passed. Another. Danika’s small body stiffened underneath his hands. He’s angry. He doesn’t have a scythe; he gave that to Chaos, who he put in charge of the Underworld when he imprisoned Hades, in exchange for a human soul. A female. Hunter. I think. He has Zeus’s lightning bolt.

"Keep a firm grip on the bolt, angel. Take it from him if you can."

He’s almost here. Just a few seconds more…

Cronus stopped abruptly at the end of the dais. When he spotted Reyes, he growled low in his throat. Sparks exploded in his irises as the golden bolt was ripped from his grip and tossed aside.

From this moment on, Reyes knew every word out of his mouth, every emotion that colored his features, was critical. Everything counted. Forcing a casualness he didn’t feel, he eased to one of his elbows. "So nice of you to join us."

The god king’s body shook, as if he were attempting to move. He had no luck. His arms stayed glued to his sides, his legs to the floor. "You will die for this, warrior."

Slowly, Reyes kicked his legs over the dais and stood. "You’re probably wondering what’s going on."

"I possess the All-key, demon. It destroys any shackle, opens any lock. You will not be able to hold me long."

"I know." His heart pounded like a war drum, but he smiled. "But you are not chained. You are simply being…momentarily embraced."

The sound of teeth gnashing together echoed between them.

"You told me to summon you when I could prove my strength." He paused, expression pointed. "Cronus, I summon you."

"Do you think I will help you after this?" The king uttered a cruel laugh. "You are very foolish, Pain."

How are you doing? he projected to Danika.

I’m not sure how much longer I can hold him. He’s very strong.

Fighting a rush of urgency, he walked to Cronus, stride unhurried. Expression still pointed. "You will free Danika and return her to earth. To me. Together, she and I will destroy any foe who thinks to take or use her."

"You – "

Reyes cut him off. "In return, if she agrees, she will tell you of her dreams and the things she sees."

"She will do that anyway," Cronus snarled.

"Has she so far?" Reyes tried not to panic. "If you feel she is in danger, protect her. But do it from here, while she is with me." He strode around Cronus, slid a dagger from the holder at his wrist, and placed the blade at the god’s neck. The pulse fluttered wildly. "I could take your head, like in the painting. There is nothing you can do about it – but die."

Utter stillness came over them. Such stillness Reyes could not even form the will to breathe. He waited…waited…

"I commend you, warrior," Cronus said. "You have proven your strength." It was more than a statement, it was a promise, a vow. A treaty between them.

At least, Reyes prayed it was so.

Shaking, scared to his bones, he lowered the blade. He strode back to Danika’s side and clasped her hand. "Release him, angel." And we will see what happens.

A moment later, Cronus splayed his fingers. His bolt flew back into his hand, his eyes narrowing as he stepped toward Reyes. Part of Reyes expected him to attack. But he never did.

Suddenly Danika gasped out a breath and jerked upright. He turned his attention from the god king to his woman. She was blinking open her eyes, as if the light hurt them. When she saw him, she gasped again. "You’re real."

Her arms wound around his neck, his arms snaked around her waist and they embraced with shattering joy.

"You did it!" She laughed.

"We did it. Angel, I never want to be parted from you again."

"Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere."

"My life is one of war, as you once reminded me. Can you live with that?" He pulled back, watery gaze locked with hers. He would leave the Lords if necessary, find a peaceful place to live, untainted by Hunters or vengeful gods.

"Are you kidding? War-happy older brothers are on my Christmas list. And hey. Demons – and I don’t mean you! – now apparently want me as their pet. Not to mention that gods and Hunters are watching my every move. I’m a popular girl. Can you live with that?"

His lips lifted in a smile. "For you, anything."

She returned the smile with one of her own. "Good."

"You and me. Now. Always."

"Save this touching reunion for later. What did you see in that painting?" Cronus asked, drawing their attention. "Who tried to take my head?"

Not tried to. Did. Reyes closed his eyes, gathered his strength. He’d hoped to avoid this topic for a while longer. Danika buried her head in the hollow of his neck, and he drew strength from her. "Do not strike at us in anger. Please."

"You have my word," the god replied impatiently. "Now tell me who took my head."

"A decapitation?" Danika’s arms tightened around Reyes. "I remember that painting. It was my only decapitation. And the culprit was the one they call Galen. Hope."