I pull out of her. “I think you’re ready to go it alone,” I declare. My voice sounds weird.
She throws out a laugh, turning to me. Her eyes fill with concern when she sees all the blood dripping down my arm. “Are you okay?”
It’s nothing. Less than nothing. My skin should be ribbons. Most human women gag and run away. “I’m fine,” I grunt. I get off the bed. I go and fetch her a damp washcloth. “I’m hopping in the shower,” I mumble. “I won’t be long.”
She looks a little unsure. Like she did something wrong. It couldn’t be further from the truth, but I’m not going to tell her that. We need to find Gaire. We need to fight him now so that Nia can – hopefully – stand up to him. Then we need to go our separate ways. I need my normal to be restored. I need balance. I don’t like this. It makes me uneasy.
The door bangs shut behind me, and I start the shower.
16
Nia
I’m not sure what happened. One minute we were getting along just fine, and the next, Rage shuts down. Was it the sex? I thought the sex was great. We didn’t kiss. I didn’t try to look at him. I thought it went well. It was straightforward and purposeful. No feelings involved at all.
It’s not that I’m expecting candy and flowers, but he could stop scowling and maybe look at me once in a while. “Is everything okay?” I ask him. Mam always taught us that speaking up is always best. Assuming things can lead to misunderstandings.
He shrugs his big shoulders. “All good. You ready to go to breakfast?” His eyes are on the door.
I nod. “Yes.” I’ve just finished brushing my hair. The dress is a little snug around my boobs but looks great. This shade of pink works on my skin tone.
Rage has a clean shirt on. It’s gray with a logo on the front. It looks strange on him. He normally wears plain clothing. “Let’s get going, then. Tri keeps messaging me. They’re waiting for us.”
“Oh.” I touch a hand to my chest. “I didn’t know.”
“I’m not sure why, but he said we need to prepare ourselves.” He frowns.
“Maybe Twelve put on a big spread.”
Rage grunts. He’s taking long strides, putting himself slightly ahead of me. I don’t think he realizes he’s doing it. “I’m still full from last night.” I put a hand on my belly. “Although, I thought I might have worked up an appetite.” I bite back a goofy smile. Four orgasms. I had four orgasms. Oh. My. God!
Rage grunts again. He picks up the pace. It’s almost like he’s trying to get away from me.
His whole ‘one and done’ rule is obviously kicking in. “I’m sure we’ll find Gaire soon and put an end to him. Then I’ll be out of your hair, I swear.”
“I know.” He sounds gruff. “I’m sure…” The words die on his lips as we round the corner that leads to the dining room.
The table is long. Only one end is being used. Sitting at the head of the table is Hades. To his right is Twelve, and to his left is…Gaire.
My heartrate goes nuts. I struggle to breathe for a few seconds before pulling a big breath into my lungs. Then I square my shoulders and keep walking. I’m not going to let him get to me.
No way!
“Good morning, sleepyheads,” Tri pipes up, taking a sip of his orange juice. “We’re so glad you could join us.”
I can’t take my eyes off of Gaire, who’s starring daggers at Rage. I wait for him to give some stupid command. That’s what he usually does. He’ll tell me to do something like kiss his feet or to kneel before him, and I’ll refuse. That’s when the pain will hit. Like I’m being torn apart from the inside out. I grit my teeth, and my hands curl into fists. I’m praying that sex with Rage will have worked. I’m hoping the pain won’t be as severe as it usually is. Better yet, I’m hoping I can withstand it enough to finally stand up to Gaire.
“Gaire is here for breakfast,” Hades announces. “I expect you all to be cordial in my home.”
“It’s good to see you, Nia.” Gaire smiles.
“I wish I could say the same.” I smile back.
“You’re looking well-rested,” Twelve says, beaming.
“Yes, thank you,” I say to her. “The bed was very comfortable.”
“I’m sure it was,” Trident sniggers. He reminds me of a little boy, sometimes. A little boy trapped in a six-and-a-half-foot body that’s been carved from stone.
“So we’re really going to do this,” Rage deadpans. “Have breakfast together?”
“Yes,” I say, elbowing him. “We have to be respectful.”
I catch a look of gratitude on Twelve’s face. I get the distinct impression that we’ll be in serious trouble with Hades if we don’t sit down and at least pretend to enjoy our breakfast. It seems to be important to Twelve. If we make Twelve unhappy, we run the risk of pissing off Hades. Ultimately, pissing off Hades is not the best idea. People get locked away in dark corners of the Underworld when they defy him. There are terrible places down here. Places that are worse than being with Gaire.
I can see that Rage hasn’t figured this out yet. He’s probably too irritated. I tug on his arm. “Sit,” I instruct him. I pull out a chair, and he does as I ask, even though I can see he doesn’t like it.
“So, you’re taking orders from the hound now?” Gaire directs the remark at Rage. “One fuck, and you’re her bitch.”
“Language.” Twelve glares at Gaire. “You’re making me upset.” She puts a hand to her belly.”
“If anyone upsets my wife, I’ll beat them myself to within an inch of their life. You’ll wish you were dead when I’m done with you.”
“Sorry,” Gaire mumbles, and even bows his head.
I swallow thickly and put my hands between my thighs and squeeze.
Someone steps forward and takes our drinks order. I notice that Death isn’t here.
“I believe there’s a backlog of souls. You’re not going to make your quota this week if you’re not careful,” Hades throws the words at Gaire.
“Once I have my dog back, things will get back to normal.”
“By dog, I hope you don’t mean Nia.” Rage’s eyes are narrowed.
“We discussed this. Nia is mine. Just because she whored herself to you doesn’t change that fact. It’s only going to make her punishment all the more severe. Your death won’t be quite as quick anymore, either. I’m going to have to make you eat your—”
“Must we really talk of death right now?” Twelve interjects. “Our food is nearly ready,” she says, putting a hand to her chest.
“I ordered omelets for the two of you. I figured you might be hungry,” Trident says. He’s smiling, but there are tension lines around his eyes and mouth.
My stomach is clenched into a tight knot. I don’t think I’ll be able to eat much of anything. I wish we could leave. I steal a glance at Gaire. Then again, once we leave, I’ll be fair game again. The hunt will be on.
There’s a part of me that wants to get the next confrontation over with, and another part that wants to delay the inevitable as much as possible.
“You need to get back to business,” Hades says, taking a sip of coffee. “My best Hunter hasn’t brought me a single soul in two days. Death is also so far behind. It’s—”
“Now, now, angel,” Twelve says. “Please can we— Oh!” Her brows lift, and she smiles, putting a hand on her belly. “Feel this,” she says. “She’s kicking.”
Hades grins. It’s a strange sight to behold because he looks truly happy. He puts his hand on Twelve’s belly.
“A little to the left…there…yes, there…” Twelve sounds animated now.
“I felt him kick!” Hades booms. “I felt it.”
Twelve laughs, and the two of them embrace.
“I’m not sure if you had plans to breed her,” Gaire says. He’s looking at Rage. There’s a smirk on his face. I know that look well. It’s a look he gets when he’s being cruel.
Rage takes a sip of his juice. He keeps his gaze straight ahead.
“Hounds hav
e litters,” Gaire chuckles. “Did you know that? Did you tell him, Hound?”
“Is that so, Nia?” Twelve looks interested.
I want the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I give a small nod. I have to reply.
“You were what…?” Gaire is frowning. He’s pretending to be searching for a memory. “I think there were six in your litter? I know I met a whole houseful of your brothers.”
I ignore Gaire. I concentrate on my coffee cup, which I turn around in circles using the handle.
“Wow!” Twelve sounds amazed. “You have five brothers?”
I shake my head. “There are ten of us.”
“Ten?” Twelve practically shouts.
I’m thankful that the staff arrives at that moment carrying plates. They begin to put them down in front of everyone. The food looks and smells delicious. I still feel like I have a big rock sitting in my stomach, but at the same time, I find that I am hungry. I’m going to force myself to eat some of this food as I fear I will need my strength.
“You will have to tell me more about your siblings and about these litters,” Twelve says as the last staff member is leaving.
I swallow hard and smile. It feels forced. Then again, it is forced. “My mam had two litters. I have four older brothers.”
“Four and then six.” Twelve covers her mouth with her hand for a moment. “I thought carrying one was hard work. I can’t even imagine… Then she had to give birth to so many.” She’s shaking her head.
“Our young are born very small. We grow very quickly in the first few months.”
“I thought that hellhounds were in short supply,” Twelve says, “How can that be if litters are so huge?”
Everyone else is eating but listening in at the same time.
I put my napkin on my lap. “Um…” I pick up my knife and fork, “far more males are born than females, and not all females are fertile.” I shrug. “In fact, very few are able to have young.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re one of the fertile ones.” Gaire winks at me when I glare at him.
Rage growls so low it’s almost inaudible. It’s menacing and vicious, all the same. Maybe more so because of it.
“I’m sure you’ll push out plenty of pups. We’ll sell them online to the highest bidder. I’m betting the bitches will fetch a pretty penny,” he sneers at me. “You might even have a belly full as we speak.” His gaze drifts to Rage, “I’m sure hellhound-dragon demigod mixes will bring in some good money too.” I know he means it. It causes goosebumps to lift on my arms.
Rage stands so quickly his chair tilts back and very nearly falls. “Shut your mouth!” he snarls. “I suggest you keep very quiet, or we will need to take this outside.” His muscles are bulging. His eyes are dark and narrowed. Every part of him is tense.
Gaire wipes his mouth with his napkin and then stands as well. He is calm and composed. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Sit!” Twelve says.
“You heard my wife,” Hades says when neither man budges. “Sit and finish your food. Then you can all get the hell out of my house before I lose my temper!”
“Please don’t, sweetheart. We already had to replace the rug once this week. Bloodstains are impossible to get out. Brain spatters are even worse.”
My stomach clenches tight. My hands turn sweaty in an instant.
Gaire is the first to back down. Probably because he has seen first-hand what Hades is capable of. He clears his throat and then takes back his seat. Thank god Rage does the same. We eat in silence for several minutes. I don’t taste anything as I go through the motions of putting food in my mouth, then chewing and swallowing.
I scent ozone, and Death appears. I feel my tight muscles loosen just a little. I’m even able to give him a half-smile when he looks my way.
“Just in time for breakfast.” I might be wrong, but Twelve looks relieved too.
“Thanks for the offer, but I already ate,” Death says. “Morning, all.” He doesn’t look shocked or put out that Gaire is at the table enjoying a hearty breakfast like it’s an ordinary morning.
“At least have some coffee,” Twelve presses him.
“I’ll take an orange juice. Is it freshly squeezed?”
“Of course,” Twelve says, beaming.
Death takes a seat next to Rage and me. “Are the three of you nearly ready to head out?”
“I thought we were taking it outside after breakfast,” Gaire says to Rage.
“No! Not happening,” Death says. “It was a nice try, though.” He turns to Rage. “Gaire will have the advantage here in the Underworld. He’s stronger. This is not the realm to have it out with him.”
Gaire sits back in his chair. His expression is one of amusement. “I thought blood was thicker than water, brother. Was I wrong? I mean, there is a reason that saying came about.”
“I know another saying… Thank you,” Death says to a server who brings him his juice. He takes a sip, putting the glass down. “Where was I? Oh yes, I was giving you another saying I find pertinent in this situation: ‘You can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends.’ I know where I stand in this.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.” Gaire puts a big helping of food into his mouth.
“I take it you’re going to clear the backlog today?” Hades says to Death.
“Honey, enough with the shoptalk already. We’re trying to enjoy breakfast.”
“I have a business to run, sweets.” He eats the last bite of his meal and pushes his plate away.
Rage pushes his empty plate away too. “Compliments to the chef.” He is scowling. “We’re ready when you are,” he says to Death.
I set my fork down. My breakfast is only half-eaten. “That was delicious. I’m afraid that it was far too much for me to finish.” If I eat too much, I’ll throw up when Gaire compels me. He’s going to come after us when we leave here. I doubt we’ll be able to outrun him.
“Glad you enjoyed it.” Twelve beams like there is nothing wrong with this picture. “You will all need to come back soon. I’m having my baby shower in a month or two.”
Trident keeps on eating, as does Gaire, who is taking his time.
“Nia won’t be able to make it,” Gaire says.
“I’m quite sure that Nia can speak for herself,” Twelve says, setting her jaw.
“Don’t interfere, sweets.” Hades pushes his plate away.
“Gaire is being rude.”
“It’s none of our business.” Hades tries to take her hand, but she pulls away from him. His eyes turn murderous.
“It’s time to go,” Death declares. He takes both Rage’s and my hands.
I don’t get in so much as one word of thanks before we are teleporting. It is a feeling I know well. One I am used to. I must remember to send my thanks to Twelve. I’m pretty sure that she and Hades are going to argue about us once we are gone.
We land, and I manage to keep my feet easily. Rage goes down. He clearly isn’t used to this mode of transport. If you’re unaccustomed to it, teleporting can take it out of you. He’s on the floor and dazed. I see him shake his head a couple of times, trying to shake off the dizziness and nausea. It won’t take him long.
I notice that we’re on an open patch of grass behind Rage’s house. “Are you ready?” Death asks me.
I nod once. “Gaire’s behind us,” I state.
“He should be here any second.”
“How did he find us?” I ask. “I thought you said Hades’ house was cloaked. That Gaire wouldn’t be able to find us.”
Rage pulls himself into a sitting position. His brow is furrowed. His eyes are still somewhat hazy.
Death starts to say something, but Gaire appears from nowhere. “I’m not an idiot. That’s how I knew where you were. You disappeared without a trace. There’s only one realm that is cloaked like that. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Are you going to come with me easily and willingly? If you do, I will make his death painless and quick. If
you don’t…I will make you watch me slowly kill him. It’s up to you, Nia.”
Rage pulls himself to his feet. “Don’t listen to him,” he growls.
“Oh, you’d better listen. If you know what’s good for you.”
“Why are you doing this? You don’t love me. You never did.”
“A hellhound’s place is at her master’s feet. That’s how it’s been for centuries. We can be very powerful together. We can have a good life.”
“You want to wreak havoc. I want no part of it.”
“I am an instrument of Hades…of the Underworld. I’m not expected to be a choirboy. Yes, we could wreak havoc. Men will want to be us, and women will want to be with us. We can have it all.”
“I’m not like you, Gaire. I’m not cruel and heartless.”
Gaire nods. “Yeah, you always were soft and timid.”
“Leave me alone then. Let me live my own life.”
“No can do, girl. No can do.” He’s smiling. “You are mine. I want you at my side. At my heel…now, Nia. Get your ass here.”
“No,” I say. In the next instant, I feel pain flood me. Every muscle in my body starts to pull tight. I fall to the ground as my muscles contract. I get out a garbled moan as my hands pull into claws.
Death is shouting something. He is tense. He has this look on his face. Gaire chuckles and says something back. All I hear is my heart beating in my ears.
Death’s face contorts. He reminds me of me, only more controlled since he isn’t lying on the floor.
At least I am able to think. I make a strangled noise. That’s also an improvement. If I’m honest, the pain isn’t as bad as it usually would be, which makes it merely excruciating, instead of unbearable.
Death groans and disappears. Shit! He’s been summoned. He’s gone. We’re alone with Gaire. I watch as Rage tackles Gaire. I try to unclench my hands. I try to get my limbs to work. All I manage is a strangled, “No!” it sounds more like ‘Naaaa!’. I’m far better than I was before but still completely useless. Gaire is right, he’s going to kill Rage slowly, and I’m going to have to watch. There is nothing I can do about it. If I want the pain to stop, I have to obey Gaire. What then? I don’t think I will be able to lift a hand against him. Gaire still has too much control over me. I need to fight this compulsion instead. I have to break free from this hold. Rage’s life depends on it.
Lord of Chaos (The Dragon Demigods Book 7) Page 13
