From me?
Oh, yes. I took your love. Just a little, and I expunged most of it when I expunged Hate. But the little bit I kept was enough to bring me back. I was fading, though, and fading fast.
What else did you take? And from whom?
Well. She massaged those swollen lips together. Zacharel kind ofgave me another piece of Love.
Zacharel? The angel? Jealousy sparked, but vanished just as quickly. Haidee was here. Haidee was alive and with him. Zacharel could share whatever he wanted with her.
Yes. The angel.
Why? Why would he give you something of his? And how was he the keeper of Love?
She stopped massaging, and her lips twitched at the corners. Funny story. Apparently there are several keepers of the more overwhelming emotions, and he was keeping his portion of Love in a jar on his nightstand. Weirdest thing Id ever seen. It was kind of like his personal Pandoras box, but a treasure chest rather than a prison. He said he wasnt using it, and that I was welcome to a little pinch of it. A few of his angel friends were upset about it, and I heard them say it would cause some problems for him, but now ImIm babbling, arent I? Say something!
First, I owe that angel an apology. And a thank-you. Second, I cant believe this is happening. He reached up with a shaky hand and caressed her cheek. Her skin was as cool as before. As solid. For a moment, he was too numbed with shock, hope and joy to move again.
She was here, he thought again. She really was here. Here, with him. Alive.
And there was the truth Secrets had been trying to reach, to understand. She had defied death, defied what should have been truth, what was truth, and come back for them. She was no longer Hate; she was Love. Just as shed said.
Joy quickly overshadowed the other emotions. Amun jerked her on top of him, his arms squeezing her as tight as possible without crushing her ribs. I thought Id lost you, and it was more than I could bear. Tell me you remember me. He knew she did, but he had to hear the words. Please, tell me. I know you do, youre here, but like you, I need the words.
Oh, yes. She squeezed him just as tightly before lifting her face and grinning. I remember everything about you.
Gods, Haidee. He pulled her back down. Every part of him needed to touch every part of her. Tell me the rest. What happened to youafter? I have to know.
Secrets was even then unraveling the rest of the details, but Amun wanted to hear them from his woman.
She burrowed her head in the hollow of his neck and flattened her palm over his heartbeat. After I died, I opened my eyes and found myselfmy soul, I guessin my cave. With Zacharel, as I said.
Wait. Maybe I wont apologize to that bastard, after all. He let me think you were dead, and that there was no way to reach you. Because of him, Ive done nothing but mourn you. In fact, I was going to challenge him in the morning and allow him to kill me. I cant live without you, Haidee. When hed told her now and always, hed meant it.
He didnt lie, Amun. I did die. For a little while. Believe me, he was as shocked as you when I was reanimated. He was visiting my cave, you see, because something you said really got to him. At least, I think thats why. He wasnt big on explanations. And just so you know, I cant live without you. So dont you ever, ever think of dying for me again. Ill always find a way to get back to you.
He rolled her to her back, covering her with his body. I wont die for you if you wont die for me, he said, happier in that moment than hed ever been. His woman was in his arms, underneath him. His. Are you still somewhat immortal, able to come back again and again?
Definitely. Youre stuck with me for eternity. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his chin. Now, no more talk of dying.
The kiss wasnt enough, not nearly enough, but he didnt press for more. Yet. How did you get here?
As soon as Zacharel realized I was going to survive everything, she said, tangling her fingers in his hair, he flew me here.
How do we thank an angel? Somehow I dont think a fruit basket will do the trick.
Her lips twitched with amusement. I dont think so, either.
He couldnt help himself. He licked his way into her mouth, enjoying her sweetness, her taste. Her legs spread in welcome, and he fell deeper into her, his shaft lengthening, hardening. Groaning, she arched her hips to press more fully against him.
Any moment now, and they would both lose control.
With a groan of his own, Amun lifted his head. Haidees cheeks were flushed, her lips even more swollen. Shed never looked lovelier. The rest. Tell me the rest. How did my friends react to you? If they offended you, well leave. I told you, I cant live without you. I wont live without you.
Haidees amusement returned. Oh, theyve accepted me already.
So you have spoken to them?
She nodded. I didnt expect to be welcomed with open arms when Zacharel dropped me off at the front door. He rang the doorbell and disappeared like a coward. She shouted those last three words, as if shed been angry at the time and still harbored a bit of the emotion. But a few minutes after that, the one named Torin let me inside. I thought Id be taken straight to the dungeon, but no. I was asked a few questions, and then brought here to you. I think they realized they would rather put up with me than see you hurting.
Back up. What questions?
Everything you asked me and more.
His attention snagged on the word more. Such as?
A blush stained her cheeks. Like was I going to have telepathic sex with you at the dinner table. Did I know how to cook something other than a PB and J. Was I okay with naked Thursdays. Anyway. After I saw that you were okay and sleeping, I asked some questions of my own.
What questions? he repeated.
She shrugged, trying for an innocence he didnt buy. Who you had fought. Where Strider was.
Amun arched a brow and tried not to laugh. And?
And Torin told me. I marched to Striders room, prepared towell, please dont be mad, she said, stiffening, but I was going to stab him. That piece of Love wanted me to forgive him, but I was still going to do it.
I like where this story is headed. Continue.
A sigh left her, seeming to drain the tension right out of her. I didnt. Stab him, I mean. He was in pain. Awake, but in pain, and I guess Love got to me more than Id realized. He and I had a little chat.
Amun was the one to stiffen now. Did he insult you? If he had
No. Nothing like that, I promise. She traced her fingertips along his jaw. He said that he never wants to fight you again, even at Xbox. He said a determination like yours is a rare and precious thing, and something he respects. He said he loves you and one day, hell love me, too. Like a sister. But not to expect one day anytime soon. Truly?
Yes. Truly.
That was completely unexpected. I will forgive him, then. Maybe. One day, he added.
You will. Her expression became fierce, that intense determination returning. I wont be responsible for any more hate. And why should I? Im Love! She laughed. I dont think Ill ever get tired of saying that.
Amun was willing to give her anything she desired, even that. Youre right. I will forgive him.
Thank you.
Im sorry for the pain youve experienced, sweetheart.
I know, baby. She stopped caressing, settling her hands against his cheeks. I know. Just like Im sorry for the pain youve experienced. But were going to look ahead now. Together.
Im going to do everything in my power to make you happy, I swear it.
You must have been reading my mind.
Finally, he kissed her the way hed needed to kiss her from the first, a kiss that was more than a kiss. A kiss that was a promise. A kiss that was forever.
Until, of course, forever was interrupted by the sudden unhinging of his bedroom door. A loud boom echoed, and wood chips rained. He and Haidee sprang apart. Amun grabbed the knife on his nightstand before moving back over his woman to shield her. He calmed when he saw tiny, redheaded Kaia looming in his doorway.
Perhaps he should have panicked.
Dont hurt him again, Secrets, she growled. Her eyes were completely black, her Harpy having taken over her mind. He deserved what you did this time, so I wont punish you. Do it again, though, no matter the provocation, and Ill have to hurt you. Bad.
He didnt have to ask who him was. He balanced his weight and signed, Strider is my friend and brother, and despite everything, I love him. Asyou do?
Kaia offered no reply. She simply stalked away.
Who was that? Haidee demanded from beneath him.
He focused on her and grinned. I think that was Striders downfall. Now, where were we
You were in the middle of adoring me.
A middle suggests there is an end. What I feel for you is forever.
Prove it, she said with a grin of her own.
He kissed her. I will, at least five times a day, and probably more on Thursdays, considering well be naked.
She laughed. I have a feeling Thursday will be my favorite day of the week.
Mine, too, sweetheart. Mine, too. That said, he got busy proving each one of his claims.
Lords of the Underworld Glossary of Characters and Terms
AeronFormer keeper of Wrath
All-Seeing EyeGodly artifact with the power to see into heaven and hell
AmunKeeper of Secrets
Anya(Minor) Goddess of Anarchy
Ashlyn DarrowHuman female with supernatural ability
BadenKeeper of Distrust (deceased)
BaitHuman females, Hunters accomplices
Bianka SkyhawkHarpy; sister of Gwen and consort of Lysander
Cage of CompulsionGodly artifact with the power to enslave anyone trapped inside
CameoKeeper of Misery
Cloak of InvisibilityGodly artifact with the power to shield its wearer from prying eyes
CronusKing of the Titans, keeper of Greed
Danika FordHuman female, target of the Titans
Dean StefanoHunter; right-hand man of Galen
dimOuniakPandoras box
GalenKeeper of Hope
GideonKeeper of Lies
GillyHuman female
GreeksFormer rulers of Olympus, now imprisoned in Tartarus
Gwen SkyhawkHalf-Harpy, half-angel
Haidee, aka ExImmortal Hunter
HateA demigod and keeper of the demon of Hate
HeraQueen of the Greeks
HuntersMortal enemies of the Lords of the Underworld
Kaia SkyhawkHarpy; sister of Gwen
KaneKeeper of Disaster
LegionDemon minion, friend of Aeron
LeoraHuman friend of Haidee (deceased)
Lords of the UnderworldExiled warriors to the Greek gods who now house demons inside them
LucienKeeper of Death; leader of the Budapest warriors
LuciferPrince of darkness; ruler of hell
LysanderElite warrior angel and consort of Bianka Skyhawk
MaddoxKeeper of Violence
Marcus, aka The Bad Manan ancient Hunter
MicahA Hunter
OliviaAn angel
One True DeityRuler of the angels
PandoraImmortal warrior, once guardian of dimOuniak (deceased)
Paring RodGodly artifact, power unknown
ParisKeeper of Promiscuity
ReyesKeeper of Pain
RheaQueen of the Titans; estranged wife of Cronus; keeper of Strife
SabinKeeper of Doubt; leader of the Greek warriors
ScarletKeeper of Nightmares
Sienna BlackstoneDeceased female Hunter; new keeper of Wrath
SolonHusband of Haidee (deceased)
StriderKeeper of Defeat
Taliyah SkyhawkHarpy; sister of Gwen
TartarusGreek god of Confinement; also the immortal prison on Mount Olympus
ThemisGreek goddess of Justice
TitansCurrent rulers of Olympus
TorinKeeper of Disease
Unspoken OnesReviled gods; prisoners of Cronus
Warrior AngelsHeavenly demon assassins
WilliamImmortal warrior, friend of Anya
ZacharelA warrior angel
ZeusKing of the Greeks