Eyes defiant and chin skyward, he snarled, “She is mine.”
“Will you never learn, Lucifer?” Mother whispered fiercely.
The Creator crossed to him. “Rise.”
He complied, bowing his head in respect.
“You have mated with the hybrid?”
He toyed with lying, but Father wouldn’t have asked a question for which he didn’t already know the answer. The Creator continuously tested his children, waiting for them to fail. Instead of answering, Luc ran his cheek across her silky, white hair.
“She is mine, Father.”
Mother threw up her hands in defeat. “Foolish boy!”
The Creator eyed him curiously. “Any child you may have with her can destroy this paradise I have created, Lucifer. How am I supposed to allow such a threat?”
He had no immediate answer. No rightful ruler would allow such danger to exist.
“How long could you bear to be separated from your toy? One year? One hundred?” The Creator placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you, son. Your rage will build during a separation. You will start a path of destruction even I would find difficult to contain.”
“But I would do nothing. Not as long as I know she is safe and cared for.”
“You lie to me and to yourself.”
“No, Father.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “She has changed me. Calmed me. And she’s my sole reason for existing.”
The Creator sighed unhappily. “She is Gabriel’s bloodline and will be fierce. Loyal only unto you.”
Luc’s desire to snort was strong, and he barely managed to curb the impulse.
“I’m afraid so,” he replied instead with a sardonic grin and glance at the floor. “I believe she proved that today, don’t you?”
“There are days I miss your humor, my boy,” A smile twisted his father’s lips.
“I miss you, too,” Luc choked out, unable to contain his emotion. They both knew he’d never be welcomed home, though. To do so meant showing weakness, and the Almighty could never reveal a chink in his armor.
“How do you propose we resolve this issue?” Mother asked.
Father hastily added, “Without bloodshed.”
A wry grin twisted Luc’s mouth, and he met the Creator’s wise, all-seeing gaze. “I suppose you were forced to clarify her question?”
“I suppose I was.”
Luc studied Nadia’s exquisite features, suspended in surprise and a beginning of alarm.
Was he strong enough to give her up? If not, what was the alternative? How could he continue to have her without creating a potential threat to be feared?
Pain seared his heart.
“You can render her barren,” he suggested hoarsely.
“And still allow you to remain together?” His father shook his head. “I’m afraid I cannot. We both know she is too powerful a weapon for you to possess, Lucifer.”
“One I would never wield if you would allow her to stay with me. I haven’t yet.”
“But the temptation would always be there. The risk is great.”
