by Julia Mills
Still speechless when his massive hand closed around mine, I could only gasp as an electric current that could’ve kept the Vegas strip lit for a year ran up my arm, down my spine and landed squarely in what my sorority sisters used to call ‘my whoopee pie’. Stammering, while furiously attempting not to look like a total idiot, I finally breathed, “Nice to meet you, Hunter,” at the same time the evil little slut, Lola - also known as my alter ego – reared her perfectly painted red lips and said, “Who gives a crap what his name is? We’re just gonna be hollering ‘Oh God’ and “Yes’ all night long!”
Shaking my head, trying to ignore Lola, I had to smile when Hunter’s pupils dilated, his nostrils flared and he unconsciously licked his lips. Of course, my victory was short lived when Luci stepped up beside Mr. Hunky Hellhound, wrapped her daisy-ringed hand around his bulging bicep and chirped, “Isn’t he just the sweetest thang?” Kissing his cheek, she added, “We’re gettin’ married in three weeks.” Then jumping up and down on her pink kitten heel slingbacks, she squealed, “Ohhhhhhhh! Heidi, honey, would you be my maid-of -honor?”
Letting go of her fiancée, *groan*, Luci grabbed my hand while still bouncing like lotto balls on Saturday night and pleaded, “please, please pppllleeeaaassseee say yes.”
So when the Devil’s only daughter, the crown princess of Hell, the apple of daddy’s eye asks the new girl to be her maid of honor what does the new girl do? Well, duh, she says, “Oh yes, Luci, I would be honored.” While internally groaning and wondering if there are convents in Hell because now that I’d laid eyes on Hunter there would never, ever, ever be another man for me.
“Yay!” Luci shrieked, with such exuberance that it rebounded around my dungeon so many times it sounded like there was a chorus of Lucis instead of (thank you, God) only one.
Pulling on my hand, the one she was still holding with the strength of Atlas, Hell’s Princess led me out of my very own dungeon (which I had decided wasn’t so bad after meeting Luci) chirping, “Byeee,” over her shoulder to her fiancée *groan* while I tried to avoid eye contact with Hunter, soon to be the Hunted…by me, at all costs. (See, even in the face of despair, I still got it.)
The dark, dank corridor, lit by burning torches in iron sconces on the walls for light, was creepy and had it not been for Luci chattering nonstop about her wedding plans I might’ve been scared. Thankfully, we started to run into the other torturers, (Is that a word? Well, it is now.) at which time the Princess had to stop talking about her upcoming nuptials to the man of my dreams and introduce me to my fellow Hellians. (That is what I call the inhabitants of Hell. Got a better name? I thought not.)
Hours later we arrived back at the entrance to my dungeon just as an imp, who couldn’t have been any taller than four-foot-three, came clomping around the corner pulling a little red wagon - no, really it was a little red wagon - full of buckets of chow for the hounds who did not possess the ability to shift forms. (I later found out these were the sons of Cerberus and so was Hunter which made no sense at the time, but more about that later.)
I would’ve laughed at the imp’s floppy pointed ears, beady black eyes, bumpy swollen lips and olive green skin had he not smiled a shy little smile that showed just the tips of his two little fangs the second he laid eyes on Luci. The electricity between those two was well…electric. Not like what I’d experienced when Hunter touched me but still good enough to light the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre for a week.
Several long seconds passed while Luci twirled one of her wayward ringlets around her finger and batted her eyes as the imp straightened the black leather belt around his dark brown animal skin frock and continued to smile. Finally, when I thought I might barf on my boots, I cleared my throat, stuck out my hand and said, Hi, I’m Heidi, the newest Hellhound.”
Jumping like I’d struck him, the imp’s eyes flew to me, he took a deep breath, straightened his belt one more time and said, “Oh, Heidi. I heard there was a new hound on the way. I’m Bert…”
His words trailed off as once again he looked at Luci, who was now suspiciously staring at the ground and frantically shaking her head with as little motion as possible, hoping, I guess, I wouldn’t see her thirteen-inch Aqua netted updo bobbing like it was about to fall over. Looking back and forth between the two it was obvious what was going on and even more obvious that it was supposed to be a secret.
Winking at my new best friend, it was my turn to grab her hand and pull her close. Leaning towards her, I smiled and whispered, “Your secret is safe with me. After all, what are besties for?”
Squealing with delight, Luci hugged me until I wondered if I could die twice but this time from asphyxia before pulling back and nodding, “Oh, I just knew it the minute I saw you. I knew we’d be close as sisters. Thank you, Heidi, thank you so much.”
“You’re very welcome, Luci,” I smiled, all the while thinking, where is Hunter and how can I break up the wedding of the Princess of Hell without ending up as a chew toy for my new boss?
(Yeah, eternity in Hell is gonna be…well, Hell…)
About Julia
Hey Y’all! I’m Julia Mills the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Dragon Guard Series. I without a doubt admit to being a sarcastic, southern woman who would rather spend all day laughing than a minute crying. Living with my two most amazing daughters and a menagerie of animals, keeps me busy but I love telling a good story. Now, that I’ve decided to write the stories running through my brain, life is just a blast!
My beliefs are simple. A good book along with shoes, makeup, and purses will never let a girl down and no hero ever written will compare to my real-life hero, my dad! I’m a sucker for a happy ending and alpha men make me swoon.
I’m still working on my story but I promise it will contain as much love and laughter as I can pack into it! Now, go out there and create your own story!!! Dare to Dream! Have the Strength to Try EVERYTHING! Never Look Back!
I ABSOLUTELY adore stalkers so look me up on Facebook and sign up for her newsletter at JuliaMillsAuthor.com. Send me a message!
Thank you for reading my stories!!!
XOXO Julia
