Page 21 of Absolved In Death

“I probably only know a fraction of what’s happening, but from what Judas told me, things will get worse before they get better,” Angie said.

She held my gaze, and I knew it was in solidarity, but it only reminded me of how I almost lost her when the casino was attacked. How we both lost Nonna. How everything could have changed had we not found her in the fourth realm in time.

If we didn’t do something to stop him soon, Red would destroy everyone I loved until there was nothing left. I refused to let that happen.

“It’s in hard times we find ourselves and rediscover our strengths,” both my Momma and Nonna said together. I had heard them say those words so many times as I grew up, and never needed to hear them more than I did today.

“That’s the honest truth,” Quelier said from behind me, startling me. None of us had heard him come in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to take Diana to training.”

I said goodbye to everyone with a hug and kiss, promising to make more time for each other. I meant it. There was no way I could push myself this hard if I didn’t take time for myself. When I hugged Charlie, he held on, squeezing me tightly.

“I’m so glad your craziest boyfriend kidnapped me in the middle of the night, tied me to a chair, and gave me to you as an apology present. It was the best way to find out my bestie wasn’t dead,” he whispered in my ear in a deadpan tone. “Don’t worry, this will all work out.”

“Don’t get mushy on me,” I replied with a laugh. Charlie was not a sappy guy, and his words were basically his version of ‘Ilove you’. Unfortunately, Oisín hasn’t learned how to deal with how emotionally unavailable Charlie can be.

On the way out, Quelier said, “Let me guess, Ares?”

“Yeah. One of many unique, unusual gifts he’s given me,” I replied.

“You wouldn’t happen to know what kinds of gifts Angela likes…” he hedged. He tried to play the question off as casual, but I saw the way he stared at her while he was waiting for us all to finish our drawn out goodbyes.

I sighed, because I had no clue how to answer that, or if she would even be interested in him with the insane amount of male attention she got between Judas, Apollo, and Hades…and whatever her and Bain had going on. I still wasn’t sure if he even tolerated my aunt. The stares he gave her were a three way toss up between ‘Possessive over the top stalker’, ‘I fucking hate you’ and ‘I’m constipated’.

“You know she already has at least three suitors after her heart,” I teased him.

“Good. I’ll either come home with one partner or four, the more the merrier,” he said in a serious tone. Well in that case, it couldn’t hurt to give him some help.

“Cook something fancy, but not Italian food. We can make that ourselves. Then take her out to do something fun. Not a movie, because she’ll talk through the whole thing. She’s sarcastic and loves to laugh.”

“Noted.” I practically heard the wheels turning in his head.

When we finally made it to the training facility, a disappointed Desmond stood at the door. He hadn’t said a word to me after the meeting, choosing to storm out the door and ignore his problems.

Totally saw that coming.

His arms were crossed, and he glanced at the pretentious watch on his wrist. His frown was enough to make me regret coming here in the first place.

“You’re eight minutes late.” No hello, or question about my lunch. No hug or kiss. He didn’t even wait for me before he strode into the training facility, like I was a dog who’d follow him wherever he’d go.

Part of me was tempted to morph into Feta’s twin and bite his ass. I’d rip a whole fucking cheek clean off if he didn’t stop being an asshole to me.

“What are my fathers doing right now?” I asked Q.

He unlocked his tablet and swiped through some menus. “Michael is occupied, but Lucifer is free.”

“Good, I’d rather have a private training lesson with him. Please inform Desmond our training is cancelled.”

“With pleasure.” His grin was confirmation enough for me that my decision was warranted. I didn’t have the emotional energy to deal with Desmond right now.

I faded to my fathers’ barrack, and spent the rest of the afternoon learning about nonverbal magic, misdirection tactics, and how to put moody boyfriends in their place.

7

DIANA

Iate dinner with Momma and Angie in their suite to avoid seeing Desmond and dealing with his drama. Then I spent the evening training with Quelier. His magic felt different than the others. Overwhelming and heavy, like a slow rolling fog that devoured everything in its path. Yet it could also strike like a lightning bolt. Practicing with him gave me a new perspective in how to wield a magic that often overwhelmed me.

“Diana’s immense, unchecked power combined with her last name puts a target on her back…”

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