Page 67 of Absolved In Death

After Ares waved his hand over the bubble, Apollo’s smooth voice rang through the room, as if he were here with us.

The humans are scared and angry. Their news outlets are covering the wreckage in NYC and LA as a direct attack on humans. They don’t understand this is a war, with two very different sides. Lucifer needs to get on top of this before we’re made into a target.

My father sighed, running his hands through his hair. He seemed exhausted, and this was another thing for him to deal with in the midst of everything going on.

“I have a way to fix this,” Desmond said. Lucifer nodded for him to continue. “Poseidon said that the Council members were either going to join us or flee after we killed Tabatha. I’ve already reached out to those I know and one responded, but I didn’t get a chance to tell you before the attacks. He has connections with the human military and media. Let’s use his expertise.”

“It’s worth a try. If it doesn’t pan out, I can always handle things my way.” My father’s eyes darkened.

I couldn’t help but ask, “Which is…”

“Making a deal, of course. I’ve met many people in power over the centuries, Diana. I’m sure I’ll meet many more.”

A good deal opens doors, dollface,Desmond, ever the businessman, commented.

Michael stirred, turning to his side. Lucifer sat in the chair by his bed, his eyes never leaving him as he said, “If you’ll all excuse us.”

The four of us left, making our way to the lobby in silence. The implications of what my father suggested didn’t surprise me. Greed was the backbone of history. Humans would do anything for money, power, and to possess their greatest desires.And if preying on that greed would help us win the war and keep my family and men safe….then it had to be done.

We ran into Mom and Nonna in the lobby. Both women had red, puffy eyes, as if they’d been crying. I gave them a hug, holding onto them for a little longer than normal. Ares joined in, squeezing the three of us so tightly I heard my back pop.

“How does he look?” Mom asked.

“He’s resting. The pain was worse this time—he passed out in the middle of the battlefield. He’s having pain again,” Zaz explained.

A few tears slid down my Nonna’s face. She and Michael were close, and seeing him in pain must have gutted her. “I understand why he’s holding off…but he can’t keep doing this to himself. The pain will only get worse.”

“When he’s feeling better, I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, babe. We’ll find a way.” I had gone years imagining my mother said those exact words to me during my darkest times. Hearing her say them now was a balm to my soul, a peace I didn’t know I needed.

“Hey! Quelier!” Ares shouted from across the lobby. My PA walked over to us, a smirk on his face.

“Hey Greek Daddy.” He hugged Mom and Nonna, and my grandma blushed like a schoolgirl. She was probably having the time of her life hugging all these hot, hunky supernatural men on the daily.

“I saw you kick some serious ass today. Your carbon copy trick is lethal,” Ares said. My mouth almost dropped. After all the bullshit that’s gone down between them, I couldn’t believe Ares complimented him.

“It’s a Fae power we learn as children. Passed down from generation to generation,” Q said.

“I can respect someone who is a warrior on the battlefield. I’m willing to tolerate you,” Ares said.

“And ruin all this fun we have pranking each other? I’ll think about it,” Q offered. “Diana, do you mind coming with me?”

“Sure. I’ll catch you all later.” I said my goodbyes to everyone but Ares because he insisted on coming with me. Apparently tolerating Q didn’t mean I could be alone with him in the healer’s ward.

“Oooh, you brought thunder cheeks? Cool. Well I hope you can keep a secret, big guy.” Q winked at Ares, who promptly frowned at him.

“I don’t keep secrets from the Boyfriend Brigade, so anything you do or say will be shared. Most likely over morning coffee, while we judge you. And I’m notthatbig,” he groused.

“Your muscles literally have muscles, and you’re a good four to five inches taller than I am. Your denial is cute, but we have more important things to talk about. I’ve been keeping an eye on Angela, and she really wants to see you.”

I felt so much happiness and guilt. With everything going on the past few weeks and the restriction on seeing her, I felt guilty about not seeing her. I was still excited to see her, though.

“OH MY GODS!” Ares shouted, his voice booming like thunder. A poor healer passing by startled so suddenly she almost tripped.

“Can you scream that louder? I don’t think the reserve soldiers running laps outside heard you,” Q snarked. “For fuck’s sake, my eardrums almost divorced my body.”

“You came into the emergency meeting with a wrinkled suit, and disheveled hair. Your lips were swollen! Judas got all growly at you! Because you’re fucking Angela!” he whisper-screamed.

“What?” I asked, unsure if I followed.

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