Page 166 of Their Lethal Pet
The lights are what gives the illusion of districts. It’s the way they’re laid out more than their colors, the groupings seeming to be purposeful.
“It’s terrible, isn’t it?” Reaper says beside me. “No signs of old Chicago at all. It’s all been rebuilt. But the worst thing? No Chicago pizza.” He sounds very upset about this last part. “Whenever we go back to our home dimension, I’m taking you to our Human Realm for a do-over.”
Flame snorts to my left, his long fingers wrapped around a crystal glass that holds a bubbly liquid. I can’t remember what Prince Cage said it was called, just that ittastes similar to some mortal drink in their home dimension.
I opted for water instead. Mainly because of the life forming inside me. But also because my stomach has been churning since we arrived and a bubbly drink didn’t appeal to me.
That queasiness hasn’t improved, either. If anything, it worsened when we were escorted up to King Cain’s penthouse. And standing here, staring out his floor-to-ceiling windows, just… intensifies the sense of unease.
It’s likely related to whatever I might learn about my sister.
Or perhaps because I just spent the last however many days being fucked within an inch of my life.
Oh, or it could be pregnancy related.
It seems a bit soon for that, but it’s not exactly a human baby growing in my womb—hence the reason I can sense the child’s soul more than the physical entity.
I press my palm to my belly, my heart warming at the knowledge of the life growing there. It almost overshadows the sickly feeling threatening my insides.
“Gentlemen,” a deep voice says as a large, elegantly dressed male enters the room. “And my lady,” he adds with a slight nod my way. “Apologies for the delay. I wasn’t expecting company, as last I checked, my schedule was clear this evening.”
He casts a pointed look at Orcus.
“We’re new to this realm and unfamiliar with your protocols,” Orcus replies, his tone unapologetic. “As a Mythos Fae, I’m also unaccustomed to the concept ofschedulingtime.”
Prince Sabre leans in to whisper in the newcomer’s ear, then straightens and takes a sip from his glass. The deepred liquid reminds me of blood, making me not want to inquire about what he’s actually drinking.
The man who just arrived clears his throat. I’m not sure what Prince Sabre said to him, but he instantly schools his features in a polite expression.
“Right, well, I’m Cain,” the newcomer announces, his accent similar to Orcus’s. “You obviously already know my bond-mates.” He gestures toward the two Strigoi Princes, who are both holding glasses of red liquid.
“As they’re from my world, yes,” Orcus replies, his tone holding a hint of that Alpha dominance he favors. He’s also purposely restating the reminder that he’s a God, because that position demands respect.
“Of course,” King Cain replies. “And I know you, as well as Reaper—although, we’ve not been officially introduced. Cage provided some details about you after the wedding last week.”
Reaper cocks his head. “Do all your weddings end in massacres in this realm?”
King Cain smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Only the more entertaining ones.”
“Noted,” my Death Fae mate drawls.
How does a wedding end in a massacre?I wonder, shivering. I’ve seen a few in our village. They were boring affairs that the Viscount oversaw as the one blessing the union. None of those ended in bloodshed or violence.
“Hmm, yes, well, as I was saying, I’ve met Orcus and Reaper. But I have not had the privilege of formally meeting you”—his gaze is on Flame before returning to Orcus—“or your beautiful mate.”
“Flame,” my Shifter Fae mate says flatly. “Andourbeautiful mate is Alina Everheart.”
King Cain nods. “Forgive me. I merely deferred to Orcussince he seems intent on playing the God card today.” His attention again goes to my Alpha. “That is the purpose of this impromptu visit, is it not? To assert your dominance?”
Orcus studies him for a long moment. “Actually, no. We’re here to ask about Alina’s sister.”
The Elite City King blinks, his attention shifting to the Strigoi Princes. They appear as surprised as King Cain.
“Although, if you would like for me to play myGod card, I can,” Orcus goes on. “But I was under the impression my Strigoi are now your Strigoi—by choice. As far as I’m concerned, their safety is my priority. However, if you prefer I return to my realm to discuss their fates with my cousin Morpheus, I would be happy to oblige.”
My connection to Orcus’s mind informs me of the threat underlying those words. However, I also heard it in his tone.
He’s in Alpha mode.
