Hell Gate

by Veronica Eden

“You are mine. You hear me, Lily Sloane? Mine, and no one else will ever dare take you from me again. That includes you. Don’t you dare retreat. You’ll burn bright and vibrant, as the descendent of the fae goddess Lilith should. Promise me.”

He sees me. He wants me. I am his Lilith.

“Do it,” I demand. “Mark me. Bite me. Make me yours.”

“Demons can heal. I’ll give you as much energy as you need.”

“And after this is over, we’ll hit every beach topside and the shores of the underworld realms. You want beaches? We’ll give you all of them.”

“I’ll return to you,” he promises. “I’ll be counting the seconds until you do,” I murmur.

“I love you.” He presses his forehead to mine. “And my heart beats for you and you alone, mate.”

“You came back.” “Nothing will keep us apart again,” he says roughly. “Never,” I echo with a swallow. “I love you.” He stills, his blue eyes flaring. “I’ve waited to hear those words from your lips for so long.”

“You are the only reason I exist, Lily. To love you for all eternity.”

“What was that about doubting our ability to care for you, mate?”

“Our home.” Alder speaks firmly, getting between us before our fighting gets out of hand. “Yours and ours, Lily.” I rest a hand on his chest, over his heart. “My home is wherever I go with you three.”

“There’s my favorite sight,” he murmurs. “Your smile is more beautiful than all the stars in every realm combined.”

“I’ve told you all hundreds of times. It doesn’t matter where we go. In every realm, my home is with you, always.”