Page 48 of Fangs & Freaks
Bellonna’s lips part in stunned disbelief, as if this is something she would never have thought to hear from the queen of Hell.
“You want to have a baby?” A smirk spreads across my face. “You could’ve just asked. I would’ve been happy to help.”
Lilith’s expression darkens instantly. She snaps her fingers, and I’m doubling over, clutching my throat. My eyes bulge as I gasp for air, the sound of my strangled breaths filling the room. Each breath is a fight and I don’t even need air to breathe, yet I feel like I’m choking, or being smothered to death, maybe both. I can’t even explain, it’s so intense.
“Don’t get cheeky, vampire,” Lilith hisses, her tone cold and unyielding. “I am your master, and you are most definitely not my type.”
I manage to muster a glare, my lips moving soundlessly before Lilith releases me with another flick of her fingers. I place my hands on my knees as I struggle to recover from whatever sorcery the evil bitch just cast on me.
“Enough theatrics, Lilith,” Bellonna snaps.
Lilith's smile returns, sharp and predatory. “Fine, I got my payment. Now, what is your favor?”
Bellonna gestures toward Varys, who’s still glowering at the devil with barely contained rage. “Take Varys with you to Hell until I come for him. Make sure he doesn’t leave unless it’s with me.” The room grows colder as Warrick hisses, baring his fangs, his stance shifting into one of aggression. Lilith’s gaze shifts to him, her expression bemused. “Or,” Bellonna adds with mock consideration, “with this asshole, but only if you’re sure I’m dead.” Her tone is laced with irritation.
“Done.” Lilith gives a satisfied nod, and with a swirl of dark energy, she and Varys vanish from the room. The air shimmers in their absence, leaving an eerie stillness behind.
Bellonna turns to face Warrick and myself, her hands on her hips as she cocks her head to the side. “All right, fangbangers,” she says with a weary sigh. “It’s time for us to go retrieve a half-breed and destroy a group of fanatics. Let’s get to work.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Varys
I land with a heavy thud,my boots slamming against what feels like marble. The space stretches out before me, immense and eerily immaculate. It’s not what I expect from Hell. No flames, no rivers of molten lava, no souls writhing in torment. Instead, there’s a living room that could rival any high-end penthouse.
This place is almost like an entertainment hub, with walls lined in sleek, glossy panels, neon lights flashing on and off, and every game imaginable scattered throughout. Pinball machines hum in the corners, the metallic clinking of coins in the slot echoing like a faint, cheerful song. A pool table sits off to one side, and a full bar stretches along the far wall, bottles of liquor glinting under dim lights.
It’s absurd. I feel like I’ve been dropped into an underground club where the music is always too loud, and the scent of stale beer never seems to leave. They sent me here? Alone? I try not to let the irritation build. I can’t afford to lose focus. Not now. Not when Vienna’s still out there.
“Okay, I’m not babysitting you.” Lilith’s voice cuts through my thoughts as she walks into the room, her heels clickingsharply against the floor. “Make yourself at home. Bathroom’s around the corner, down the hall to the left. Otherwise, stay here and do what you want. If you’re hungry or need a drink, let Damon know.” She snaps her fingers, and I look up to see a demon step forward. His skin is pale and his eyes glow yellow like molten gold, his face stretched into a sharp smile. “Yes, my lady,” he responds with a bow of his head.
“I’ve warded the unicorn so he can’t leave this area. If he needs anything for sustenance, you are to get it for him. Nothing else does he need from you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my lady,” Damon says again, more solemn this time.
“Good.” Lilith turns on her heel, not sparing me another glance. As her footsteps echo down the hall, I hear the soft click of the door closing behind her.
I’m left standing in this ridiculous room, surrounded by distractions I don’t give a damn about. The last thing I want right now is to play games. There’s a war raging in my head for my sister in all ways that matter. Vienna. She’s out there, terrified, and here I am, stuck in Hell.
I scan the room, trying to find a way out: a door, a window, anything. The window across the room is the first place I head, but I should’ve known it wouldn’t be that easy. I push my hand against the glass, expecting some resistance, but the window doesn’t even budge. Damn it. Locked.
Turning away from the glass, my eyes catch a door to the outside porch. I try not to let hope rise in my chest, but a small part of me can’t help it. Maybe, just maybe, I can get out. I dart through the doorway and step out into the cool night air. A smile cracks across my face, triumph lighting my chest. Piece of fucking cake.
But the moment my foot hits the first step outside, everything goes to hell.
I’m yanked backward, my body slamming back into the room like a rag doll. A wave of electricity courses through me, my skin prickling as if every nerve is being set on fire at once. My hair stands on end, my heartbeat spikes in panic as I’m hurled onto the couch. The impact leaves me breathless, and I struggle to catch my breath.
A voice plays in my head, an icy whisper curling around my mind. It’s Lilith’s voice, soft and condescending. “Did you really think I didn’t mean what I said? You can’t leave. You’re my own little pretty pony for a while. To play with any way I see fit.”
I groan, slamming my fists into the cushions beneath me as I push myself upright. God damn it! How the hell did she do that? My chest is still heaving, my pulse racing with frustration. I try to calm myself, but there’s no controlling it. I’ve got to get out of here. I can’t sit around and wait. I need to be with them—Bellonna, Warrick, and Blackwell. We need to find Vienna. We need to save her.
I glance toward Damon, who’s still standing there like some kind of perfect little servant, watching me as I struggle to regain my composure. The way he’s staring at me with that empty look in his eyes makes my blood boil. He’s just a puppet used to do Lilith’s bidding, another cog in the machine. But I can’t take my anger out on him. Not now. Not when I’ve got bigger problems to deal with.
I glance back toward the door, but it’s useless. The magic Lilith used is still buzzing in the air, crackling with energy. There’s no getting past it.
With a huff of frustration, I settle back against the couch. I’m stuck here, at least for now. Hopelessness creeps into my bones, but I fight it down. I’ve been through worse. At least this time I’ve still got my mind, my will.
I look back at Damon. “Get me a lobster grilled cheese and a Pepsi,” I mutter. I don’t know why I’m bothering to ask. MaybeI’m just trying to occupy myself, trying to keep the thoughts of Vienna and my mate out of my head for just a little longer.
