Page 38 of Dead & Dating
Milo's voice is completely deadpan. "No, I'm a pumpkin."
More laughter erupts through the car as I lean into Milo’s side, feeling content and happy for the first time since this all began. My mind starts wandering to what my daily life will look like especially since my mates, my ‘men’ do have jobs in otherworldly ways. “Maybe I can help you guys guide souls and shit at some point.” Being able to help people cross over, to ease their transition from life to death. It seems fitting somehow, given my own complicated relationship with mortality. "I think I'd like that," I say softly. "Helping people. Making their last moments less scary."
Milo hugs me tighter. "I never really thought about it that way, but you’d be great at it.”
Vesper turns in his seat to look at me properly. "Just don't let Duske's seriousness rub off on you too much. We need you to keep things light."
I grin. "Don't worry. I plan on being the most cheerful Death adjacent person ever."
"Death adjacent," Duske repeats, shaking his head but I catch his smile through the rear-view mirror. "I suppose that's accurate. Just wait until we get to the cottage, it’s pretty isolated.No neighbors for miles. You’ll be able to pick up anything you like. Maybe some online teaching for a while?”
That sounds perfect because as much as I enjoy the idea of being a taken care of Omega, being at home all the time would make me stir crazy.
Milo's hand finds mine, our fingers interlacing. "We'll make it a home. Plant a garden, maybe. Milo can fill it with pumpkins."
"Obviously," Milo agrees readily. "It's not a proper home without pumpkins."
Vesper groans. "We're going to be drowning in pumpkins, aren't we?"
"Absolutely," Milo says cheerfully.
And I can't wait to begin.
Chapter 24
Epilogue
Lucifer
I'm lounging on my throne, one leg draped over the armrest in a way that would make proper demons clutch their pearls if they had any sense of decorum. But I'm Lucifer, King of Hell, and I'll sit however the fuck I want. My tail swishes lazily behind me, the pointed tip flicking back and forth as I stare at the picture in my hand.
It's sappy as hell—no pun intended—and I love it. Esme is dancing with Duske in what appears to be their living room, her orange hair flying as he spins her around. His face, usually so stoic and controlled, is split into a genuine smile that makes him look almost human.Almost. Milo is in the background drinking a cup of hot chocolate with that stupid pumpkin head he adores so much, the carved mouth somehow conveying contentment. And Vesper is stoking the fire, his back to the camera, but the relaxed line of his shoulders speaks volumes.
They look so stupidly happy two years later, tucked away at that small cottage in the mountains. I had no idea Duskeeven had emotions beyond grim determination and occasional annoyance, but this is good for him. Good for all of them, really. Finding their mate, keeping her despite the cosmic rules that should have prevented it, and building a life together. It's disgustingly sweet, and I'm oddly proud of them.
Not that I'd ever admit that to their faces.
I sigh, setting the picture down on the armrest and stretching. Hell has been boring lately. Sure, there are always souls to torture, deals to oversee, demons to manage, but it's all become so routine. I need something fresh, something entertaining to break up the monotony.
My phone dings, the sound echoing through the throne room. I glance at it and frown. One of my lieutenants has sent a message:Boss, there's a package specifically for you.
A package? I don't receive packages. Souls, yes. Complaints, constantly. But packages? That's new.
I wave my hand. "Send them in." The words will get to the right person, and soon I’ll be given my package. Hopefully, it’s a present.
The massive doors at the end of the throne room swing open with a dramatic creak that I maintain specifically for effect. And there, stumbling through the entrance with wide, terrified eyes, is Liora Dove.
Oh, this is delicious.
I stand from my throne, my tail swishing behind me with barely contained excitement. A grin splits across my face, showing just a hint of the predator beneath the charming exterior. "Oh, you're a little spitfire, aren't you? Duske kept his promise to me, although I thought I'd have to wait an eternity."
Liora looks around wildly, taking in the obsidian walls, the flames that burn without heat or smoke, the various instruments of torture displayed like art pieces. "Is this hell? What the fuck!"
I laugh, the sound rich and genuinely amused as it bounces off the walls. "Welcome home, sweetheart."
Liora's face contorts with confusion and rage. "Duske did this? He's an exorcist or maybe just some low-life demon! What the fuck are you going on about?"
I descend the steps from my throne slowly, letting her see every inch of my true form. My suit is impeccable as always—I have standards, after all—but my tail is fully visible, my eyes glowing with infernal light. "Sweetheart, he'sDeath. The Grim Reaper, all of that. And the other two men are demons,mydemons. And they saved your sister, something more than you did." I pause, letting that sink in before delivering the killing blow. "How did selling your soul work out for you?"
