“Um, what’s going on?”
Stephanie asked and stepped out of the portal room into the cool twilight of the Underworld. She looked around at the stone palace before going to a window. Strange trees with tendril like branches moved like snakes in a breeze she couldn’t feel. There was no real sun, only what appeared to be a moon. The world was gray – gray stones, gray sky, gray forest.
“This was Wynn’s idea,” Gabriel said.
“Did he finally decide to kill me?”
“You’re not dead-dead,” Gabriel said with a smile.
Though she trusted him, she wasn’t feeling reassured by being escorted by Death himself into the Underworld. “This is where you live?” she asked.
“You get used to it.”
Stephanie followed him through the quiet palace. The doors to the rooms lining the halls were all closed. “What am I doing here?” she asked uneasily.
“You’ll see.” Death had a way of sounding both friendly and creepy. She hadn’t quite decided what to think of Gabriel, especially given his duty.
He led her down several hallways before pausing in front of one door. “This stays between us,” he told her firmly. “You have twenty-four hours. Got it?”
Stephanie nodded.
He knocked once and flung the door open before walking down the hall.
With some trepidation, Stephanie peeked into the doorway and gasped.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Fate said, smiling. He stood in the middle of a small suite, dressed in black similar to Gabriel’s clothing.
Stephanie stared at him.
Fate’s gaze was pinned to her. “I know there’s a lot to talk about. Wherever you want to start, I’ll listen.”
Stephanie had fantasized about how she’d feel and react when she saw her mate once more, but no amount of imagining could prepare her for the force of her emotions.
Her perfect, beautiful, teasing mate stood in front of her, his golden skin dispelling the gloom of the Underworld and hypnotic eyes pinned on hers. He was smiling, and his features contained warmth that left her giddy. However unsettling a mating bond between strangers had once made her, she could think of nothing but filling her senses with him again.
Stephanie closed the distance between them and threw herself into his arms.
Fate’s embrace closed around her, along with his brown sugar scent and warmth she craved. He gave her a bear hug, breathing in her hair as he did so. Stephanie didn’t care how this was possible or what the hell Wynn could have had to do with it. She yielded to the need in her soul, unable to recall a moment when she’d felt such peace or relief.
“I thought I’d never see you again,” she whispered. The heat of their bond tore through her, stirring more than lust.
“Me neither,” he murmured. “Are you okay?”
“I haven’t been okay in a long time.”
“We have that in common.”
Even his ill-timed humor made her happy. Stephanie breathed him in, hardly believing she was really in his arms again.
The tears came unbidden.
Fate held her more tightly and shushed her gently, solid where she was quivering. Stephanie had never felt more at home than she did that moment.
She looked up at him, and her breath caught. Fate’s feelings and desire were displayed across his chiseled features. His iridescent eyes changed colors beneath the pearly sheen. The man who never showed his hand and emotions to anyone was as happy to see her as she was him.
“This could very well be the best day of my life,” he teased and tucked a strand of hair behind one of her ears. Even with his smile, and the light in his eyes, his features were shadowed. The dark edge that sometimes scared her was present.
Neither of them had any pretentions about this day being the day when things began to go right.
“It’s mine.” Awareness flooded her, along with heat. “I missed you. So much.” Her voice broke.
“You’re where you belong right now, gorgeous, in my arms,” Fate replied. He began to flutter kisses across her face, light enough to tickle.
Stephanie laughed, and he claimed her mouth. His raw hunger banished her sorrow and pain and filled her joy. She returned the passionate kiss.
The two of them stumbled towards his bed, tearing off their clothing as they went, desperate to feel their skin touch and their bodies join in a way only mates could. Their lovemaking was fueled by pure emotion. Any awkwardness she experienced with her mate during their first night was burnt in the fire of their desire.
Hours later, with their sweat-slicked bodies entwined, and her breathing quick, Stephanie closed her eyes and sighed. They lay facing one another, relaxing after the intense round of lovemaking. She didn’t know how she’d ever resisted what was between them.
Fate kissed her shoulder and neck then nuzzled her cheek. Resting her cheek against his chest, she listened to his heartbeat, comforted by the steady sound.
“Why are you here?” she asked finally.
“Gabe is protecting me. This may come as a surprise, but I have a few enemies trying to find me.”
She smiled. No Immortal or deity she’d met yet appeared to be as capable of making friends as they were enemies.
“I really need you to come back,” she murmured.
“We’re working on it,” he said.
“Soon?” she asked hopefully and searched his features. She ran her fingers over his chiseled features and full lips. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. His rainbow eyes drifted between different hues, fascinating her.
“I really hope so,” Fate said with a rueful smile. “Wynn is first on my list to visit as soon as my power returns.”
Stephanie wasn’t about to dissuade him. “Did you know he wants me to lead the Council?”
“Yes,” Fate said and smiled. “You will usher in an era of peace and growth. I don’t need to See the Future to know this about you.”
“I don’t know if I can do it.”
“You may have some guidance from the deity who Sees the Future.”
“I don’t care what happens. I don’t want us to be apart again after this.”
“We won’t be.” The words were soft but firm. His resolution in his face. “I’ve spent time in Hell more than once. Being apart from you is worse. When this is over, no one will ever separate us again, Stephanie. I’ll make certain of it.”
“Free will cancelled?”
“Indefinitely.”
She smiled, touched and awed by the bond that had once scared her. As different as she and her mate were, they were stronger and better together. She couldn’t fathom a life without him in it.
“How is my sister?” Fate asked.
“A wreck,” Stephanie said. “And … you’re not going to like hearing this.”
Fate was quiet.
“You know about Wynn, don’t you?” She traced her fingers down the side of his face and along his jawline.
“I did everything I could to prevent the Future I saw for her,” he said. “I broke my own rules, and you know how much I love my rules.” He gazed past her, troubled. “Does she know?”
“Yeah. There’s something funky going on between them. He’s been … different. And not.” She sighed.
“It isn’t the destiny either of them would’ve ever chosen,” he said. “I worry about her.”
“I do, too. Wynn …” Stephanie made a sound of frustration. “I don’t want to talk about him. We only have a few hours together. He runs every second of my life but not here, not now.”
“There is something I need to tell you about how I escaped Hell,” Fate said, stroking her arm absently.
“I already know,” she whispered, thrown once more into the confusion that ruled her life. “She told me. I can’t even wrap my head around all that’s happened. She said she’s being treated as a guest. Is that true?”
“Likely so,” Fate said. “Darkyn will put her on ice until he needs her for something. I was an exception. He’s generally less abrasive towards deities, because he knows he’ll need something from them eventually. He holds a grudge against me for fucking over his mate, even though fucking her over turned her into his mate. Complicated, as usual.”
Stephanie shook her head, amused and horrified at the same time. “How do I help my mom?”
“You don’t,” Fate said gravely. “Focus on what you need to do to survive Wynn and whatever he has planned. I’ll help your mother, when my power returns. You’ll be the head of the Council by then, which means we’ll have a better chance of negotiating with Darkyn than either of us has now.”
She frowned, troubled by the idea of leaving her mother in Hell.
“Trust me?” Fate tipped her chin up. “You’re the only one who can.”
At the reminder, more giddy warmth bloomed inside her. It was exhilarating to know she could trust someone no one else could. He’d never let her down before and he never would.
“We’re pretty fucked up, aren’t we?” she asked.
“I’ll protect you, Stephanie. I swear it,” Fate whispered. He kissed her hard and deep. Her desire, fueled by emotions, tore through her, and she responded with hunger and desperation.
Exhausted from their lovemaking, they huddled in one another’s arms. She breathed in scent, intoxicated by everything him.
“I wish I could guide you,” Fate whispered.
“I’d settle for you being with me.”
“I’ve never been powerless.”
She touched his face again with a smile. “I know that feeling.”
“I should be able to help you.”
“I’m following your instructions. No civil war and bring everyone together,” she said. “The second part is more of a challenge.”
“If Wynn fails to step aside, the war will still happen. The Immortals have been on the verge of disintegrating for many years. If he’s willing to resign, he must know this as well.”
“Then I’ll make sure it happens.”
“My strong, adorable little tyrant,” he teased and kissed her forehead.
“Hey, now! I’ll be the first person in my family who is not a tyrant!” she exclaimed.
His smile faded. “I can’t help you from here, Stephanie. I can’t guide you. I can’t even touch you.”
“You’ll be out soon,” she said with more confidence than she felt.
“How is Trayern working out?”
“He’s such a pain in the ass!” she exclaimed. “He won’t go farther than two feet from me at any time.”
“Then he’s doing his job,” Fate said, amused. “He’s special. Darkyn doesn’t give anyone second chances like he has Trayern. Learn what you can from him.”
“I don’t give a shit how special he is. I can’t wait to be rid of him!”
“He’ll be around for a while.”
“No, he won’t, because you’re coming home soon,” Stephanie replied stubbornly. “Darkyn’s already fired a warning shot.”
“That’s to be expected.” Fate searched her features. “You shouldn’t deal with him directly. He’s had millions of years of experience.”
“I definitely don’t plan to summon him,” she replied. “Wynn has taught me the importance of good advisors. If something happens with Darkyn, and you’re not back yet, I’ll consult with my brothers.”
“I’d trust your instincts over theirs. Andre is the only person I’d consider working with, if it came down to a confrontation with Darkyn.”
Stephanie nuzzled him. “I can’t see any circumstance why I’d need to talk to Darkyn before you’re back. Because you’ll be back soon.”
“Let us hope so.”
The tight note in his voice troubled her.
“You have to,” she whispered. “Being apart from you is killing me.”
“Me, too, gorgeous.” He hugged her tightly. “Do you want to take a walk?”
“The trees look like they might bite.”
“They only bite demons.” He sat and pushed down the sheet covering them.
“Are you serious?”
Fate laughed. “They’re nice to everyone else!” He stood and pulled her out of bed as well. After a hungry kiss, he released her to put on his clothing.
“I thought you couldn’t leave this floor,” she said and began retrieving he clothes from the floor.
“I can’t be seen leaving this floor,” he corrected her with a wink. “Past-Death told me about a back entrance. I have to wear this.” He leaned over and pulled out a cloak with a hood from a drawer. “But we can go.”
Stephanie shook her head, not surprised her mate had figured a way around someone else’s rules.
“Ready?” Fate held out his hand.
She nodded, grateful for the mini-adventure and moment of freedom after weeks of being watched by Wynn, Trayern, and Mithra.