Chapter 19 Sera #2
He doesn’t seem to find humor at all in the situation because he scowls. “I swear I wasn’t always this inept.”
“I don’t think you’re inept, Hades. I think we’re both overwhelmed.” I lean forward to stab an apple piece, then coat it in the cheddar cheese—which must be magically enhanced since it’s not solidifying—and hold it up to his mouth. “Eat.”
He arches a brow but leans forward to take the morsel I’ve offered him.
I create one for myself as well, then we both chew in silence for a long moment.
“By my estimation, you have a few days before your heat comes,” he says after I’m done swallowing. “Once that happens, you’ll have to give us your decision, so we can properly care for you. If—”
“Us?” I echo. “We?”
His eyebrow wings upward again. “You asked if I could alter the wards for Maliki or Morpheus.” The latter part of that comes out with a slight hiss to it, one that vanishes as he adds, “As that’s your desire, I’m going to work on it. At least for Maliki. For Morpheus… I need to talk to him first.”
“Oh,” I whisper.
“And, as I was saying, if you choose to accept us—any of us—during your heat, you’ll also need to voice your desire to be claimed.
Which, from an Alpha, requires a bite, not just a knot.
” His gaze slides to my neck before returning to my eyes.
“You’ll also need to provide guidance on your preferences for procreation. ”
My lips part. “I…”
“You don’t need to decide now, Serapina. It’s a lot. Unfortunately, time is not on our side, and I accept blame for that. Just know that… whatever you choose, I will respect it. And I’m fully aware that being bound to your soul does not give me exclusive rights to you or your body.”
He studies me for a long moment, then looks away.
“This is the only way I know how to support you, Serapina. By bringing in Maliki, I mean. He doesn’t have a knot, but he has other skills… I know he can make you comfortable. And when your heat starts, I’ll leave you with him while I lock myself away.”
I frown. “You’ll lock yourself away?”
He nods. “Yes. So I don’t attempt to kill him for fucking my mate.”
My eyes widen. “Hades—”
“I know you think I’m a monster, Serapina.
And I am to an extent. All Alphas are. But I am your monster, mate or not.
With that comes a possessive need to claim.
” He looks at me, and I can almost see his beast peering out at me through his intensely dark eyes.
“You have no idea how difficult it will be for me to stay away from you during your estrus, but I will. If that’s your choice. ”
He pushes up and off the couch.
“Hades,” I start again.
“I’m sorry, Serapina,” he whispers before I can say anything else. “But I’m going to fix this. And to do that, I need to have a long-overdue discussion with Maliki.”
He looks at me, and the agony in his eyes renders me speechless.
“I’m going to ensure that the bedroom is properly prepared for your comfort. When I return, I’ll answer whatever questions you have… then I’ll go find Maliki.”
I frown after him, confused by his abrupt departure.
So I get up and follow him.
And find myself in a massive bedroom adorned with crystalized skulls.
Not real remains, but intricately carved stones and icy decor.
“Wow,” I breathe, causing Hades to still by the bed. “This is… unique.” I mean that as a compliment. It’s cold and beautiful. Yet eerie, too.
He stares at me like he can’t quite believe his eyes. Maybe he didn’t hear me follow him.
Or perhaps he’s surprised by my reaction to the macabre adornments. But I like the chilling scene. It’s oddly inviting, despite the undertones of death.
Hades visibly shakes himself and waves his hand over the bed—where a pile of fuzzy blankets forms. “Let me know if you need more,” he says.
I study the luxurious mound, then look around for the other amenities. A sudden craving hits me, one I can’t quite explain. But after the day I’ve had, I decide to indulge in the instinct.
Because what do I have to lose? Absolutely nothing.
I also deserve a little comfort.
“Is there a bathtub?” I ask.
“Yes, and a shower.”
“With hot water?” I press, staring him down.
His lips twitch. “Also yes.”
“Good.” I stretch my arms over my head. “I think I’m going to take a bath… and consider everything you’ve said while doing so.” Because I… I don’t know what questions to ask right now.
And honestly, stepping in here has me just wanting to relax.
Maybe that’s an insane reaction to my situation. But I don’t really care. My life is essentially insanity personified.
“I’ll go get one started for you. Any preferences on scents?” he asks, playing along with my moment of lunacy.
“Something wintry, maybe with a hint of leather, too. Oh, and cotton.” The description leaves me without much thought, causing my brows to furrow. Because it certainly sounded specific.
And his expression tells me he picked up on that as well.
But all he says is “I know what you need” and disappears into the bathroom.
Minutes later, I know he understood me perfectly because the mixture of aromas meets my nose and makes me sigh.
This is crazy.
However, I don’t care.
I’m going to relax. Maybe think a little. And… and probably take a nap.
Yes to sleep.
After a bath.
I feel like I’m in a daze as I enter the bathroom, the chilly stone barely registering as I move.
Hades studies me, his brow furrowing a little. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Maybe,” I murmur. “Maybe not.”
He hums and leans against the wall beside the filling bathtub. “You’re overwhelmed.”
“Likely,” I agree.
He nods. “Then take your bath. I’ll be in the other room if you need me.”
“I thought you were going to find Maliki?” I ask as I bend to check the water temperature. It’s warm and perfect.
“I will. After you’re tucked into the nest.”
I frown, not sure what he means by that. But I choose to let it go and instead start to disrobe.
Hades doesn’t turn away, just watches as I drop the borrowed tank top and jeans to the floor. “I’m going to need new clothes,” I tell him conversationally as I pull my hair loose. “Preferably something less clingy, and no denim.”
His lips twitch, like I’m amusing him.
But I’m not trying to be funny. “I mean it, Hades. No denim.”
“I hear you, darling,” he murmurs, the endearment one I think he’s only used once before. Or maybe not at all. I’m not sure. But I… I kind of like it. And I really like it when he says, “No more jeans.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
He holds out a hand, and I accept it without thinking.
Then sigh as he helps me into the giant bathtub. “This is far too big for me.”
“It’s meant for a party of two or more,” he replies.
I glance at him. “I’m not inviting you into my bath.”
He smiles. “I know.” He waves a hand, causing a few candles to appear, their colors reminding me of the fire lily. “If you need me, just say my name. Otherwise, I’ll be in the other room waiting for you to finish.”
“Okay,” I say, leaning back against the marble and closing my eyes. “Thank you.” The two words slip from my mouth, and I’m not quite sure what I’m expressing gratitude for. Maybe the bath. Or perhaps… perhaps other things.
Right now, I feel a little too dazed to focus on meanings.
I just want to exist in the warmth, surround myself with these scents… and rest.