Page 94 of Hell On Earth
Zotera looked at me and slowly shook her head. I could tell by her expression that she didn’t want me to ask anything else, so I focused on the TV until my eyelids grew heavy. Then I got up to get a drink of water.
Hades appeared behind me and hugged me from behind. It felt good enough to melt into his hold for a few moments.
“Are you done?” I asked.
“Yes. Thanatos vanished again.”
“Will you stay with me until I fall asleep again?”
“Yes.”
“Will you tell me how you knew what I said to Zotera while you were still here on Earth?”
The room shifted around us and solidified as my bedroom.
“Speak my name, Ashlyn, so I may stay with you longer.”
“Hades,” I said, pulling back the covers. “Start talking.”
He got into bed with me, taking the big spoon position, which allowed me to play with his hand as he held me.
“I can see and hear what Zotera sees and hears.”
“Since when?” I asked.
“Since I sent her to Earth with you.”
“Does she know?” I needed to be sure.
“She does. She willingly agreed to help me protect you.”
I thought back to all the strange looks I’d caught from Zotera and some of the things she’d said and his promise before I left Hell.
“Did you know I would be able to summon you here?” I asked.
“No. It’s never happened before.”
I felt him tense behind me and gave his hand a light tug.
“Relax. I know what you meant. Persephone wasn’t able to summon you to Earth before, but somehow I can.” I twisted to look at him. “Why can I summon you?”
He kissed my forehead. “I have no answer, but I believe Thanatos does.”
I snuggled against Hades again and closed my eyes.
“What do you want to do tomorrow?” I asked.
“Anything you wish.”
“I want to make you breakfast and then go somewhere you want to go.”
He nuzzled my neck.
“I love the feel of your lips on my skin,” I said with a content sigh. “When I say your name in the morning, that’s what I want first. Then I’ll cook for you.”
He groaned a little and did something to my neck that caught all my attention.
“I’m not going to fall asleep like this,” I said, turning in his arms.
