Lucifer’s gaze moved over Frost. He held out his hand for Frost to take.
Frost didn’t hesitate. Lucifer’s eyes closed for a second. Warmth flowed from Lucifer’s hand and engulfed him. It felt like being hugged from the inside.
Lucifer’s eyes opened. They were a swirling mixture of black and heavenly blue. “You’ve been cursed by a witch. I took the poison away.”
It was like a veil lifted. Until he breathed free air, he didn’t realize how different his emotions were. He still had no ideawhat having a dark spell cast on him meant for him, but he felt better.
Lucifer didn’t release his hand. He saw the way Lucifer sifted through his mind. Frost let it happen.
Lucifer smiled.
Frost had to know what he found. He turned inward and studied his mind. It didn’t take long for Frost to see what Lucifer saw. Memories of his childhood flowed for Lucifer’s inspection. His life flew by until he sat with his hand in Lucifer’s again.I didn’t see any enemies surrounding you. But I can only see what you’ve seen, and you don’t consider anyone a foe. They’re obviously cloaked. I don’t know how you were cursed, but I’ll find out.He felt Lucifer fighting for words.Please know that you are wanted. Everything you need to thrive is already inside you. You couldn’t destroy your mating if you tried. Gemini loves you. The fierceness of it coats the air. He’s just scared right now. I know you’re not afraid, but people will fear you. People will hunt you. You’re safe in Wulfe, but outside of that town, you have to be ready to fight. Don’t be afraid of your powers. Let them grow so you can protect yourself and your leopard. Know I will always come for you, because I will. You are loved, my son.
Tears clogged Frost’s throat. He had known there was a connection between them. He stared at that bond now. This was his father. Frost wanted the family he offered.
“Same.”
Lucifer pulled away. His expression returned to being the cocky self Frost knew him to be. “I haven’t given you a wedding gift.”
A bark of laughter burst from Frost. He hugged Gemini’s arm. “You don’t need to give us anything. We have each other. That’s the ultimate gift.”
Gemini kissed his temple.Damn straight.
Lucifer stood. “I know everyone’s deepest desires. That’s my forte. Let me give you the one thing you both deeply want but never admit.”
“I have no idea—”
A newborn baby appeared swaddled in his lap. “What the—”
“Your daughter. The perfect mixture of both your DNAs. You will be great parents.”
For a moment, everyone seemed stunned speechless. Riku had his hand over his mouth as if even he couldn’t believe what he just witnessed.
Then, Gemini reached for their daughter with shaking hands, and Frost accepted the truth. They had wished this was possible for them. More times than he could count.
Tears blurred Frost’s eyes as they cuddled close and stared at their personal miracle. “She has your eyes.” Frost's voice broke. “She’s beautiful.”
Gemini looked his way. Frost felt the love explode inside him for their family. He would be the perfect father. “Grandpa should name her, don’t you think?”
They looked Lucifer’s way.
Lucifer’s wings were out, making him look like the god he was. Pride rolled from him. He didn’t seem the least bit bothered by being called “Grandpa.” “She will be Celina after her aunt. That’s what I called Celeste back when we were inseparable.”
Frost stared at the blessing he had been given. “Hello, Celina. We’re your dads. You have no idea how happy we are to meet you.”
Gemini kissed his temple again, and Frost saw their future. It was flawless.
Chapter Seven
Aslowdripfromthe sink was the only sound in the house. Aspen sat at the kitchen table and stared at his father. Bernard had given up struggling over an hour ago. Aspen knew he thought Aspen would simply let him go soon enough. He was wrong. Aspen had no intention of being at the center of Lucifer’s wrath. Unfortunately, Bernard was his father. Aspen was no killer. He had no idea what to do. His plan was to wait for Leif, but he didn’t know when Leif would be home. Aspen didn’t want to bother him. Frost needed to be his top priority. If Aspen called out to him, Leif would drop everything to come home. Leif showing signs of releasing his rage toward Celeste mattered to Aspen. No other god before had ever explained themselves for their actions, as far as Aspen knew. She was worthy of Leif’s protection.
The smell of cotton candy filled the room. Aspen’s gaze whipped toward the scent.
Celeste appeared at his side. With her gaze locked on Bernard, she squeezed Aspen’s shoulder. “So this is the one who attacked my nephew.” Her expression turned hard. Aspen’s heart skipped a beat. He was happy not to be the focus of that look. “Pity you’re not one of mine. I’d take great pleasure in reducing you to naught but dust.” She cocked her head as if a sound caught her attention. A wicked smile stretched across her lips. “Luckily for me, my other half can do that.”
A giant warrior with an eyepatch appeared in the room. He had to duck his head to keep from banging it on the ceiling. His wide frame took up so much space, Aspen could barely see his father. Aspen knew without asking this was Odin. Good for Celeste. He saw the appeal.
A soft, yet playful-sounding chuckle caressed his ears. He glanced Celeste’s way. She stared at him with laughter in her eyes. “I know, right?”
