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