Even if I was elevated to the point that Jay and I were once again balanced, if Jay was now forbidden from having a mate, we would be no better off. Why was everything so damn complicated?
“The keyword here isrule, and who makes the rules in the underworld?Lucifer.”
It took a minute for that to sink in. “Wait, the Creator doesn’t make the rules?”
“Not down here. This is Lucifer’s domain. He made the rule because he wanted his sons at his disposal. I wonder if he could be persuaded to change that rule? I have no idea of the outcome, but I do know that he and the Council saw the benefit of having you and Jay probing problem situations that weren’t quite so black and white.”
Jay walked over to a bench and sat, staring into space. My heart stuttered as I studied him. He was even more beautiful than I remembered from our time together. I wasn’t sure if he’d changed much since becoming a prince, but I didn’t care. Whatever it was, I would accept it and love him more for it.
“We both know I won’t get promoted to Custus Albus, which might not even be the equivalent to a prince of Hell.” Definitely not if Uriel had any say.
David grinned. “As much as the underworld and the Celestial Realm seem to be static societies, there is the possibility for change. I’m a prime example of what can be done if one puts their mind to it. I got the Celestial Council to allow me to take Keir’s place here so he can continue to live a happy life.” Then, David jerked his hand from mine, and I felt a hot breeze on my face.
“Jay?”
My demon glanced up. “Scotty, what’s—”
We ran toward each other, crashing and gripping as our lips found their purpose. The kiss was animalistic on both our parts. Devouring. Uncontrolled. Glorious.
Jay pushed away an inch so he could look into my eyes. “How?”
“One minute before we all get into big trouble.” I turned to see David sitting on the bench with a huge smile.
I quickly turned to Jay. “I love you, and I’m not giving up. I’m going to do everything I can to fight for us. Somehow, wewillbe together again.
“Someone killed Nakir and Tork. They’re saying it was us, but we know it wasn’t. We’ve got to figure out how to prove it because I believe we’re being punished for something we didn’t do.”
Jay’s palms touched my cheeks. “I know, sweetheart. I think an Arch is behind all of this, but De Vil couldn’t say the name, so we have no idea which one of them it is. Gods, I love you too. We’ll figure this out, Scotty. Please have faith in me...in us. We can get through this. Just remember how great we are. We’ll be sure someone pays for this.”
“Thirty seconds.” David stood and turned his back to us.
“Will you marry me?” It came out of my mouth without thought, but it was completely right. Why did I think Jay had to be the one to propose?
Jay grinned. “Yes. Just as soon as we’re able to pinpoint who’s behind all of this and be back together.”
Our lips met again, Jay’s arms wrapping around my waist as I held his face and kissed him with everything inside me. I felt the bond between us strengthen as our tongues tangled. It was exactly what I needed.
“Time to go...”
Chapter Thirteen
Jay
My arms were suddenly empty and my tongue was sticking out. I must have looked like a dumbass standing there in a pose as though I had been kissing someone. I had, but now he was gone.
“Scotty?” I glanced at the bench where the Angel of Death had been sitting to see he was gone as well.
David Dearly had brought my heart to me for an instant, but it was enough to solidify my resolve. Scotty and I were going to be together for eternity, and some motherfucker was going to pay for pulling us apart in the first place.
And we were getting married.
I’d had no idea a human tradition such as matrimony could be so important to Scotty. When he popped the question, I could feel the sincerity pouring out of him through our bond, which I was happy to learn was still there. It dawned on me thatmaybe that was why Scotty was upset with me before we were separated.Gah! I’m an idiot!
“Hey, little bro. What’s that smile about?”
“I, uh, I dozed off and had a dream about Scotty. So, let me bend your ear for a minute. What would happen if an Arch murdered a cherub and a demon?”
“If it was one of us who murdered another demon, it would depend on the reason. If an Arch murdered a demon, we would be forced to retaliate. Why?”
