Chapter Six #3
Lucifer continued. “I know you’re part druid, but how much do you actually know about their world?”
Frost made a helpless gesture. “Next to nothing. No one has tried to help me learn anything about anything since I came here. There are books on druid history, but I don’t know if any of those are accurate.”
Lucifer nodded along, as if he suspected as much.
“Don’t be too hard on anyone, including yourself.
Next to no one knows anything about that society.
They are a hugely secretive bunch. When they die, if they actually do, their souls are reborn over and over again.
They answer to no god. Magic is their master and—depending on the druid—they can be terrifyingly powerful.
As you’ve discovered, they can cloak their entire existence and live any damn way they desire.
Even the gods can’t see them. But when it comes to battle, a druid is no match for a god.
You might hold your own, but you can’t survive one if they want you dead. And Jormungandr wanted Bodhi dead.”
“Damn. Does all this go all the way back to why you’re here in the first place?”
Lucifer pulled an irritated face. “Unfortunately. As I explained, Bodhi’s soul was reborn.
Of course, I was here, busy creating a demon army purely from my rage.
I didn’t chance visiting my sister’s playground again for countless years.
When I did, I met another druid. As much as I hate saying this now, my only reason for seducing her was out of spite.
It was proof that no one had power over me.
Her aunt showed up, and I was like, ‘I've got no problem with having as many beings as possible involved.’ Except I immediately sensed Bodhi’s soul.
The recognition obviously went both ways.
The woman grabbed my playmate and vanished before I snapped from my shock.
I never felt the pair again. Not that I looked.
By this point, Bodhi had been long forgotten.
On my next visit, I felt Riku and there was no one else. I had no idea I had a son.”
It hurt knowing how much of his entire life had been a lie.
“You were very well hidden from me.” Lucifer sounded sad. “It took some powerful magic to hide our connection. The kind only someone like Bodhi could perform.”
Frost took a steadying breath. “Well, I suppose I now know why I’ve been so certain you were no danger to me. From the moment we met, you’ve been special to me, and I didn’t know why.”
Riku chuckled. “I’m pretty sure everyone around you thinks you’re totally mad for the way you’ve embraced the literal devil.”
Despite everything, Frost laughed. “Yeah. I’ve gotten that impression a time or two.”
“You’re loyal.” It startled Frost a little when Brownie spoke still in hellhound form.
Frost hadn’t known that was possible. His voice was chilling, honestly.
He sounded like a beast who killed. Brownie kept going, obviously oblivious to Frost’s surprise.
“I smelled that on you at our first encounter. You bleed honor.”
That was actually really touching. Frost didn’t know what to say, especially when things turned weird.
Brownie moved to Frost and sniffed him. His nose was on Frost moving as if hunting for something.
Lucifer suddenly sat forward, looking furious. “What do you mean?” Since he directed the question toward Brownie, Frost assumed they spoke mentally.
Brownie sat. “Did you know you have a dark spell cast upon you?”
Frost blinked. “Dark spell. What?”
Brownie cocked his head to one side. “I thought you smelled different today. It’s no low-level spell. It took me a few minutes to smell it, but yep. Dark spell.” His gaze fixed on Gemini. “Has he been acting out of character?”
Gemini turned human. Thankfully, his clothes were close enough to cover his junk.
He knew how jealous Frost was. Frost felt Gemini’s guilt as he responded.
“He’s lost confidence in his abilities. Since he came to Wulfe, he’s done so much good simply by believing in his ability to heal people.
It’s always been like he sees three steps ahead of everyone.
Then he suddenly stopped.” Gemini linked fingers with him.
He didn’t want to hurt Frost’s feelings.
Frost couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen all this in Gemini’s mind before now.
“That’s the biggest reason I took him away and had my mother teach him how to cloak us.
Something’s wrong, but I haven’t known what. ”
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 idea what 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.