“What do you mean, it’s complicated?”
“I’m a liaison of sorts, between The Realms.”
My internal warnings have begun going off at the solemnness of his words and actions, and I ask, “What does that mean? A liaison between The Otherworld and The Mortal Realm. I thought that we already had more liaisons than we could handle at this point.”
Turning back to face me, he asks me softly, “You are a daughter of light, have you not figured it out yet?” I shake my head, not understanding where he is going with this and he smiles a sad smile, “As you are a daughter of light, I’m a son of darkness. I’m half-human and half … demon. I’m a child born of The Underworld that is allowed access to both realms.”
5
Cover Me In Pixie Dust and Call Me Surprised
(Lillie Joanna)
Did he just say demon? How is that even possible to be half-demon? I look over to see that he has turned his back on me again, his head down in what? Shame? The draw to him that I felt from the moment I could scent his presence has not lessened. If anything, my draw to him has multiplied and I demand, “Explain.”
He turns to me and hops up on the counter to sit there before continuing, “My mother is human. She’s beautiful and evidently has some nymph in her bloodline someway down the line. Anyhow, when the veil between the realms was damaged, my fathers emerged from The Underworld and they stumbled upon my mother. To hear her tell the tale, they were smitten at first sight.”
“Wait … you said, fathers, as in plural?”
“Yes! Keep up with me, honey cheeks.” His tone holds exasperation.
I hold up a hand and say, “Hold up just a minute. I’m not passing judgment here, so cool your jets and let's get back to you helping me understand your status. I don’t care about what makes up your DNA, but who you are as a person. No one has any control over who their parents are, but we all have control over what we do with our lives. Now continue.”
His grin is huge as if he just won the lottery. “I’ll continue, but I get to ask a question. That was the deal.”
Smiling, I turn and continue with the cleanup, stuffing what I can into the dishwasher, and say, “Ask away, demon boy. I’m an open book.”
“You can trace. Only the gods and goddesses of these realms can trace. Sooo…, spill.” He looks utterly, devilishly handsome watching me with the heavy scruff on his face that has grown in much heavier than a five o’clock shadow.
Cringing, I respond, “And you would lead with that, and that’s not entirely true. Keepers can trace. You know, the whole ushering of souls and whatnot. To answer your question, yes, I’m a goddess and a Keeper. I don’t want to talk about that right now. So, back to you. Who fathered you?”
His smile falters, “Fuck, princess, I’m no longer liking this game.” He pauses before blurting, “The Fallen princes of Hell. Lust and Envy.”
I hop up on the counter and sit next to him and ask incredulously, “You mean Asmodeus and Leviathan? How is that even possible? I mean, two fathers? Wow. That’s crazy.”
“Well, they both equally claim me as their son. Evidently, they shared my mother during conception and she does not deny that fact. They make quite the little threesome.”
I study him for a moment and ask, “Where did you grow up? I mean, I thought the Fallen were called back to The Underworld before the rift was sealed. I have so many questions.”
Abruptly, Daxell slides off the counter, putting some distance between us, and I feel as though I’m being snubbed. Turning back to me he says, “By the way, I spoke with Tarron last night after I put your pretty ass to bed. I’m not supposed to touch you, have sex with you, or taint you in any way. Something about me not being good enough to breathe the same air as you, let alone share the same space. Not that I’m in any way attracted to you. You are a little too goody two shoes for me. I like my women tall, blonde, and experienced.” His tone is insulting and his face has taken on a dark edge.
My mouth drops open in stunned silence before my blood begins to boil, “Is that so?! Well…, demon boy, you think very highly of yourself. We’re just having a conversation here, sex is not, nor was it ever on the table. Just for your information, you would be lucky to have me, damn lucky, and you know it. Not that I’m in any way attracted to your rude … ass.” I hop off the counter and march across the room to head back upstairs effectively putting an end to our once civil conversation. I toss over my shoulder, “I’m going to take a shower, and no, that isn’t an invitation for you to join me. I’ll take you back to Tarron’s when I’ve gotten myself together. Wouldn’t want you to be embarrassed by being seen with me in anything less than your high standards in women.” I’m fuming mad and without another thought, I trace to my bedroom and slam the door shut behind me, putting a barrier between us.
Who the hell does he think he is?
6
Damned
(Daxell)
She’s right. I would be the luckiest male in any realm to have her, but Tarron’s warning was clear. I’m to have absolutely nothing to do with her. She’s way out of my league anyway. I’m just now beginning to put the pieces together from our short conversation. She affirmed that she was a goddess and
