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“You’ve got the wrong guy,” I argued. “My brother is dead. I watched them put him in the ground.”

“Just because someone passes from this life doesn’t mean that they’re gone.”

Hope, confusion, and anger all tumbled inside of me. “What are you talking about?”

“I see James quite often. He is a nice man and has talked about you many times. Until I heard your story, I didn’t realize who you were.”

Fury superseded any other emotions. I pushed Ambrose away and climbed out of bed while smacking his hands when he tried to reach for me again. “I don’t know what kind of sick joke this is, but it’s not funny. Get your shit and get out of my apartment.” Even though I meant the words, they still left a sour taste in my mouth. Feeling vulnerable, I began pulling on my clothes, wanting to hide my body from his sight.

“I’m telling you the truth!” Ambrose insisted, jumping to his feet next to me. I picked up his clothing and shoved it into his hands. He started dressing, but continued to speak.

“I told you that I was a prison guard, but that’s not entirely true. I am a demigod - the son of Hades - and I reside in the underworld. I am one of many who guard souls who have departed from your world. Some are wicked, and reap the punishments they deserve. But most are good, and continue to live eternally in a different realm. That’s how I know James; he is in my care. I make sure that he, along with many others, are safe from the wicked and are at peace.”

“Oh good, you’re a psychopath,” I replied, throwing my hands in the air. “The first person I’ve felt a connection with or reached out to, and you’re a fucking nut job!”

Ambrose’s eyes grew worried and desperate as he chewed on his lip. “I can prove it,” he finally said, and I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Do it, then,” I taunted. “Drag me to hell and show me my dead brother.”

I rolled my eyes as he lifted a hand over his head and snapped his fingers. But they flew open wide when a circle of flames appeared behind him. They burned bright, billowing in a wind I couldn’t feel. In the center of the circle was nothing but gray fog. I couldn’t see where it led, but I had a pretty good idea.

“Holy hell,” I whispered, peering into the fire, and Ambrose nodded his head.

“Exactly! Marcus, I would never lie to you. I am who I say; Ambrose, son of Hades. Manipulator of minds, punisher of the wicked, and keeper of the lost. But most importantly, I am yours.”

“Mine?” I repeated, finally drawing my eyes from the flames to look at him once more.

Ambrose nodded. “As a demigod, I am promised an eternal mate by none other than the goddess Fate herself; a soul who is my perfect match. I recognized you the moment I saw you, and your heart recognized me too, even if it didn’t fully understand. We are meant to be together, Marcus. We are to be partners for all time. It is my duty and honor to protect you, provide for you, and love you forever.”

My brain spun and my heart pounded as he reached for my hand. As unbelievable as it all sounded, I couldn’t deny the fiery sight before my eyes or the way I had been drawn to him from the instant our eyes met. It was inconceivable, yet somehow made perfect sense.

“Please, my dear; come with me,” Ambrose asked, tangling our fingers together. “Let me show you my world. Let me show you that I’m worthy of your trust.”

“And James?” As I said his name, my voice hitched, thick with emotion.

“I will show you everything.”

I had nothing to lose. I had nothing but heartache and sad memories here. Maybe it was all a trick. Maybe it was all too good to be true. I wasn’t sure what I was walking into, but the potential reward was worth the risk. I couldn’t turn him down. My curiosity was too strong and my desire to be with Ambrose was too great.

I swallowed hard and nodded my head. “Show me.”

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