Lex paced in front of the fireplace as he, Ryn and Desiree brainstormed on how to get the fuck out of Hell. There had to be a way he and Des could combine their Porter power to get out.
“What did Xara mean by ‘the way of the ruler?’”
Ryn answered before Lex could respond. “It’s like a magical code of conduct to keep the balance.”
Desiree scrunched up her nose and frowned. “Isn’t that what he wants? To break down the veils between the three worlds?”
Stopping his route, he met Desiree’s stare. “Yes, but there are unwritten and unspoken rules in doing so. If he just left the Underworld and disrupted the balance, he’d be without an advantage.”
“I’m not following you. Breaking out would unleash an apocalyptic event. He would have what he wants—Hell on Earth.” Desiree glanced to Ryn then back to Lex. Her green eyes sparked with worry and fear.
“If Khan was to break out of Hell, the gods would come to Earth also. He’d be outnumbered, and the humans would be no more.” Ryn spoke in a calm, low tone. However, Lex heard the tremor in his voice.
Desiree’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think of that. The gods would be forced to wipe everyone out. Reset humanity.”
Lex shrugged. “Something like that. Khan doesn’t want the gods involved, so he’s building armies and sending out his minions.”
Desiree fell silent as if taking in the information. “Wait. What about the attacks on the Maxville Coven over three centuries ago? He was there.”
“And Hecate was free to stop him. Khan found a way out without throwing off the balance. Most likely, he used a human soul to do it. That night, Hecate gifted the Divinities with their powers and linked the Elders together.” Lex stilled at the sudden surge of power filling the room. Someone was there.
He moved to the front door as a knock sounded. Yanking it open, he froze. Mathew stood on the other side, jaw working and brows drawn together as if pissed off about something. Lex raised his own brow. “Ready to talk?”
“Samoan is a lying bitch.”
“Yep.” Lex stepped aside to allow Mathew to enter.
Entering the living room, Lex watched Desiree closely. She stood, and tears filled her eyes. Unable to stand the heartache flowing through their bond, Lex closed the distance between them. He took her hand in his.
Mathew glanced at their linked hands and then met Lex’s gaze. “Are you my father?”
“No.” Lex answered simply, then waited for Desiree to fill in the rest.
Desiree trembled at Lex’s side as she spoke. “Your father’s name was Stephan. He was a warlock and a Porter, and one of the two men I was in love with in college. We weren’t magical mates, but we did love each other. And then both he and Daniel were taken from me. By Samoan. I was… The demoness used me and then lied to get me to hand you over. I thought you were ill and dying. I would have never let her take you if I’d known the truth.”
With a sob, Mathew ran to her, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug. Desiree burst into tears and hugged him back. Lex’s own heart melted at the reunion. Yet guilt and sorrow still filled Desiree’s heart.
After several moments, Mathew pulled back and said, “I can get you out of here. Samoan has the Dark Sinew and control of the Dark Divine army. She plans to trap the Divinities in one place to destroy them.”
“Then let’s get out.”
With a nod, Mathew waved a hand and opened a portal. Then he motioned for them to go. Lex grabbed Desiree’s hand, pushed Ryn through the portal first, and then entered it with his mate. They exited a few yards from the back porch of the Divinity House.
A moment later, Mathew materialized beside them. “Looks like no one is home.”
“They’re most likely at the Maxville Coven.” Lex advanced to the gatehouse while sending Jagger a telepathic message. “Jag, we’re at the Divinity House.”
“Thank fuck. We’re on our way.”
Damn, it was good to hear his brother’s voice.
A moment later, Jagger, Khloe, Zach, and Lydia materialized a few feet away. Jagger crossed the short distance and drew Lex into a hug. With a heavy sigh, Lex let down what was left of the walls around his heart and squeezed Jagger back. A sense of family and unconditional love surrounded them.
Pulling out of the embrace, Jagger met Lex’s gaze. “It’s good to have you back.”
Even though Lex could sense that his brother was glad and relieved to see him, there was a dark feeling of dread hovering over him, as well. “What is it?”
“Samoan has the Dark Sinew.”
“Yes, we know.” Lex studied his brother for several moments. “And?”
Jagger stepped aside and motioned for them to come in. Once inside, Lex’s brother led them to the family room. “Samoan can also control the Dark Divine.”
Desiree hugged her waist beside Lex. “We know that, too.”
“Ayden and the others will be here shortly. Ayd is arguing with Lissa about fighting in the war.” Zach turned.
Lex frowned. “She doesn’t want him to fight?” He could understand it since they’d spent fifteen years apart because of a memory spell. Besides, the female was pregnant and probably suffering high anxiety with everything going on.
A laugh drew his attention to Khloe. “No. Lissa may be the docile twin, but she’s just as stubborn as I am. Besides, she’s like a mama bear. Wants to protect all those she’s claimed as hers. So Ayden is trying to talk her into staying at Maxville.”
With everyone gathered in the living room, Jagger nodded to Mathew, and Lex shifted closer to the kid in a protective manner. Desiree’s anxiety was making Lex twitchy. With everyone on edge, Lex wanted to get out of there, but they needed to finish this, end the war once and for all.
At least end Kahn’s reign in the Underworld.
Rolling his eyes, Jagger talked to the boy. “What do you know about Samoan’s plan?”
Mathew straightened his spine. “Samoan will use the Dark Sinew to control the Dark Divine and use them like an army. She said she would also use the humans and magickin to lead you into a trap where she’ll kill you.”
The kid shivered as if a chill had rippled up his spine. Lex stopped himself from reaching out to comfort him. Would Mathew accept his compassion if he did?
Zach cursed as he flopped down on the sofa and propped his sneakers on the coffee table. “She didn’t happen to tell you how she was going to trap us, did she?”
“No. Samoan is clever that way. She never shares what she is up to. Only what she wants you to know.” Mathew shifted from foot to foot.
Lex touched his arm. When the kid glanced up at him, Lex motioned to the chair in front of them. With a short nod, Mathew sat. Relief rolled off the boy, but he didn’t relax. Letting a low growl rumble from deep within, Lex spoke. “Samoan needs to be stopped. I say we set a little trap of our own.”