AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He’s right, love. I can’t stand in the way of your destiny any more than you would stand in the way of mine.”
“I’m not asking you to. We can do this together. Don’t push me away,” I cry.
He sighs. “I went about it the wrong way back there, but you’re stubborn as hell, and I knew you wouldn’t go any other way. Never in a million years did I think you’d actually do that, Victoria.” He levels me with a reproachful stare. “What the hell were you thinking?”
I drop my arms from around his waist and step back, glaring up at him. “I was thinking that you deserved a taste of your own medicine.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “So vindictive, angel,” he teases, but the humor falls away and in its place is shame. “I’m sorry I put you through that.”
I roll my eyes, trying to lighten his angst. “It pissed me off, Luke, but it didn’t hurt me. Although, for the record, you’re lucky that it wasn’t Lilith running her hands all over you. There would have been bloodshed,” I warn, and he offers me a sad smile.
“Please don’t make this any harder, Victoria. Go to the reaper kingdom. It’s important, or Heaven never would’ve stepped in like they did.”
“He’s right about that,” River says, once again intervening in a private conversation. “Without direction, the souls would wander the earth. It would be mayhem. Every now and again, one slips through the cracks and poltergeist situations happen. People get hurt. We need our queen.”
“I’m not your queen. I didn’t sign up for this.”
“Neither did Camille, but it’s your calling. You might not have asked for it, but it doesn’t make it any less important,” River presses.
“Go, love. For me.”
I search his face, and all I see is resignation. He won’t drop this until I’ve agreed.
“I will go, but I won’t promise to stay, River.”
“Thank you.” Luke mouths the words and I blow out a breath, angry to be giving in so easily. I want to fight, but I’m tired.
And if I’m being honest, a small part of me wants to know Camille. If for no other reason than to debunk Michael’s claims.
“When do we leave?” I ask.
“Immediately. Lucifer, if you expect me to transport Bellamy to the portal, he needs to be ready.”
Luke nods briskly, snapping his fingers. Lilith appears, and I refuse to look at her.
“Satan,” she says, sounding surprised at the summons.
“Take River to Lawrence. They’ll be leaving for the reaper kingdom at once.”
Her eyes widen. “Yes, sir,” she says, turning to River. “Follow me.”
I don’t watch them go, choosing to remain fixed on Luke. Now that we’re alone, I intend to make it clear that my trip to the reaper kingdom is not permanent.
“I won’t marry him.”
“Prepared to verbally duel with me, love?” he jests.
“I’m not going to fight over something that’s not up for debate. My heart belongs to you, Luke. Only you.”
He pulls me into his chest, crashing his lips to mine. The kiss is raw and built of desperation on both our parts. My nails rip down his back, marking his skin. He groans into my mouth, urging me on. My tongue wars with his for dominance, but I’d willingly concede if it weren’t so deliciously erotic.
When we pull apart, our chests heave as I suck in lungsful of air.
His forehead falls to mine as he continues to breathe heavily. “Victoria... come back to me.” It’s a heartbreaking request, filled with despair and insecurity. I long to erase all traces of doubt.
“I love you,” I whisper, and his eyes close on an exhale.
“And I you, angel.”
“That’s all that matters, Luke. I will come back. I promise.” My eyes bore into his.
“It’s time.” River says from the opening to the alcove, Law Bellamy at his side.
“Keep her safe at all costs.” Luke levels River with a threatening glare.
“I’ll protect her with my life, Lucifer.”
Luke places one final kiss on my lips and disappears, leaving me with an emptiness I know won’t be filled until I’m back by his side. Forever.
