“Eventually, yes. Lucifer can no longer get his hands on your soul,” he explained. “It’s now safely ensconced in Heaven, alongside mine.”
“But the demons could still use him for leverage,” she noted.
“They could. But it wouldn’t get them what they wanted.”
“Maybe we could let him go now.”
Obsidian tucked his finger beneath her chin, tipped her head back so he could meet her eyes. “Is that what you want?”
“I want him to be happy. He thinks we’re doing this to punish him.”
“Then we’ll talk to him. If he wants to leave and you’re comfortable with that, we’ll let him leave.”
Penelope nodded, dropped her head back down, pressing her lips to his stomach. “I think it’s time we get out of here. Back to the real world. Are you ready for that?”
Obsidian smiled. “More than ready.”
Two hours later, Obsidian was rethinking that.
After they’d emerged from the mating chamber, they’d been overwhelmed by congratulations. Not that he minded them, but even now, after they’d indulged in a feast created at Acadia’s insistence, he was being bombarded by questions, most of which he couldn’t answer. They were all aware of the secrecy behind thelintamair. What happened in that mating chamber was meant only foramsouelots,and he’d warned Penelope of that before they’d exited. She’d promised to keep the secret, though he wasn’t sure how that was possible with Winnie practically climbing the walls in an attempt to get information.
“All right, love,” Reidar said to Winnie. “Why don’t we give her a break?”
Obsidian smiled at Reidar, a silent thank you. When Winnie reluctantly marched off with Reidar, Obsidian scooted closer to Penelope, putting his arm over the back of the sofa and around her shoulders.
“How’re you feeling?”
“Strange, actually.”
He stared down at her, attempting to read between the lines, to no avail.
“It’s odd. I can feel your emotions now, when before I could not. So, I assumed that meant I’d feel everyone’s. But I can’t. Still no reading from the angels or Fae. Not even from Winnie.” She peered up at him. “It’s strange but nice. I’m hoping it lasts.”
Obsidian figured it would because they were connected on a deeper level, so it was natural for her to feel him in every way. Even humans had those abilities, though most of them never had reason to feel it. However, he’d heard stories of humans who’d known when their significant other had been injured or when their own child had been in pain. He figured angels felt it more significantly because of their other abilities.
“The real test will be with my brother,” Penelope noted. “Since he’s apparently locked himself away in his room, I’m guessing it won’t be today.”
“Speaking of day,” he said softly, “it’s probably best we get some rest while we can.”
Penelope’s golden eyes twinkled. “I’m not really tired, but I can think of something that might do the trick.”
Obsidian laughed as he got to his feet. In one swift move, he lifted her into his arms. “You’re insatiable, you know that?”
“It’s your fault.”
“I don’t mind taking credit for it,” he admitted, as he took her up to their private quarters to see if he could quell that urge.
Epilogue
Two weeks later, Friday, August 30, 2019
OBSIDIANWALKEDINTOTHEWARROOM,EYESscanningthe rows of tables and equipment, thefiestreighoccupying all available seats as they worked diligently on their mission.
Prior to its conversion, the room had been nothing more than storage for the overflow of furniture. Because of its size, Penelope had decided it would work perfectly for a dedicated workspace. It had taken her only two days to have it converted into what looked a lot like mission control.
“I was beginning to wonder whether you’d come down for an update or not,” Penelope said, moving toward him with purpose.
He smiled. “Well, your text sounded important.”
