Page 54 of Hell On Earth
“Does it matter if she’s suspicious once I leave?” I asked.
“It does if you don’t want her using the people you care about as leverage to bring you back,” Eliana said.
“Remember,” Megan said. “When you push, Adira pulls. It’s better to draw her out subtly. She’s still our link to Thanatos. If we can’t get to him, I’d settle for getting my hands on her.”
“As would I,” Hades said.
CHAPTERNINE
“So it soundslike you have two plans,” Eugene said, drawing everyone’s attention. “First, you’re going to contact Zayn to see if he can put a tracking spell on Thanatos. Which, by the way, if he thinks he can slap one on an immortal, putting one on a frost giant shouldn’t be a problem. The backup plan is to ask the Council’s permission for an outing. Shopping seems to be a common theme, and with Hades’ current style, it might be warranted. If Adira doesn’t take the bait to come out to play, then Thanatos will hopefully make a surprise appearance. That sound about right?”
“Stop listening in on the grown-ups,” Fenris said with a smirk.
“I don’t know how you’ve made it this long,” I said, shaking my head at Eugene.
He grinned at me. “I know how to make friends with the right people.”
Zotera put her arm around Eugene, hugging him close, and the goof wiggled his eyebrows as he pressed closer to her. I shook my head and felt Hades tighten his hold on me.
“I like the shopping idea. It’d be even more realistic if a certain succubus with a shopping itch did the asking,” Megan said.
“I’m not sure that’ll work. I don’t have my mark yet, which means we’d be going with Mrs. Quill.”
“Not necessarily,” Megan said. “Your mom can take you.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said with a glance at Hades.
“Give your mom some credit, Eliana,” Fenris said. “She’s been supportive in everything you do.”
“Too supportive,” Eliana said. “And I wouldn’t last very long without you. There’s no way they’re going to let you out.”
Fenris grinned. “Want to bet?”
“Okay. For now, let me contact Zayn, and let Eliana talk to her mom,” Megan said, swinging her gaze to me. “Until then, are you okay with staying home and chilling?”
“I think we can manage,” I said.
“Thanatos will not wait long before he tries again. Make your plans quickly,” Hades said before the room did its bending thing, and he and I were alone in my house.
“What about Zotera?” I asked.
“She will escort Eugene to his home and ensure it is well-guarded against those who would use him to hurt you.”
“Good. That’s a big—”
Hades disappeared, and the house shook for a second.
“Hades?”
He immediately reappeared in front of me and enveloped me in a breath-stealing hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist and smoothed my fingers over his back.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I hate being ripped away from you.” He trembled against me. “I fear being unable to return.”
“Then I’ll find a druid to send me to Hell,” I said. “I promise.”
He exhaled heavily and nuzzled my hair.
