Infernal God (Claimed By Lucifer Book 3) by Elizabeth Briggs (summer reads TXT) 📕

at anyone who might try to challenge me, then gave them another disarming smile. "Although I won't be able to do it without my Archdemons. I'll need all of you more than ever. I see a bright future for our people—but it will take all of us working together to usher the demons into the next era."

Loki gave me a slow clap and then grinned at the others. "Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm sold. Sign me up, Old Scratch."

I tried not to grit my teeth at that old nickname and instead kept my smile on my face. "Excellent. Now, if there are matters that any of you would like to discuss, the floor is open."

Bastet began speaking about her plans to deal with the various shifter packs, and the others chimed in with some ideas or questions. As the meeting went on, I found my eyes drifting back to Hannah, watching her command the room with ease. She'd changed so much, it was hard to believe she'd once been the innocent woman who'd come to my door asking me for a favor. My Eve. My Persephone. My Hannah.

Her eyes met mine, and she gave me a smile that was just for me, filled with love and respect. She was my equal. My mate. My wife.

My queen.

37

Hannah

I stretched and rolled over in bed, not really wanting to be awake but being awake all the same. Not that I needed sleep, of course. I just liked it. It made me feel a little less...godlike.

“Good morning.” Lucifer’s voice was warm and full of promise, and as his hand skimmed my hip, I suddenly didn’t mind being awake at all. He kissed my neck, his soft hair brushing my cheek, before I’d even opened my eyes. I had a feeling he'd been up for hours. Unlike me, Lucifer couldn't be bothered to sleep.

“Morning,” I murmured back, luxuriating in his touch and warm mouth as he nibbled his way along my jaw.

The house was so quiet. Peaceful.

My eyes flew open. “Aurora.”

Lucifer’s hand was against my cheek, his eyes looking into mine. “She's still asleep. Just be here with me.” He resumed his gentle nibbling as his hand swept my hip again, then rested over my ribs so his thumb pressed softly against the underside of my breast.

I wanted to offer him encouragement, but couldn't tear my thoughts away from a sudden mental onslaught of party plans, caterers, guests, and a one-year-old birthday girl. There would be time for Lucifer later. I'd make sure of it.

"As much I'd like to continue this, I have shit to do," I said with a sigh.

Lucifer laughed at my eloquent words. "What shit?"

“Party shit,” I clarified. “Aurora only turns one once, and people are coming here expecting a party, not to join us in our bedroom for the world’s most powerful orgy.”

His eyes flickered with interest. “An orgy? How very old school. You know I'm down for it.”

"Maybe some other time." I laughed and pressed my palm to his chest as I lifted away from his body. “I call the shower first.”

I paused for a fraction of a second, knowing what I’d hear next.

“Let’s conserve water," Lucifer drawled, as he stood in all his naked glory.

I grinned. Fine, maybe the party shit could wait a little bit longer.

I looked out over our friends and family the same way I had after the final battle with Pestilence and Death, but this time the air around me rang with laughter rather than the aftermaths of battle. Today everyone we loved was gathered to celebrate Aurora's first birthday, and I couldn't be happier. Tents had been set up around our garden once again with outdoor couches and tables, and a huge buffet stood at one side, along with an open bar, naturally. Lucifer wouldn't have it any other way.

I glanced around for my daughter, and spotted her with Demeter. Of course. Demeter had perhaps the greatest patience for holding Aurora’s hand while she tottered along, trying so hard to walk. Round and round the garden, her chunky little thighs carrying her forward, while her wings tried to lift her up.

Balloons waved here and there in the air, and Aurora reached for them, flying up, up, up, then sending them bouncing away with her clumsy attempts to capture them. Demeter caught her and smiled, kissing her cheeks, doting her with grandmotherly love. Demeter was still a bit frosty with me and Lucifer, but she had nothing but warmth for Aurora.

Behind her, Lilith sat with Brandy and Asmodeus, holding little Isaac as he bounced on her lap. She looked positively smitten with her own grandchild, while Samael, Baal, and Gabriel chatted beside her. Olivia, Lilith's daughter with Gabriel, came to sat with her, taking the baby from her arms with a smile. Callan, Marcus, and Bastien dropped onto a table nearby, and I smiled at this huge family Brandy had somehow gotten herself involved with. I bet she'd had no idea what she was getting into when she fell for Asmodeus, but judging by her smile and the love her son was getting, she didn't mind one bit.

They were my family too, of course. Olivia was tied to my son and my nephew, making us all connected. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Nice party," Zel said, draping an arm over my shoulder. "Am I allowed to give Aurora her daggers yet?"

I sighed and laughed, all at once. "Not for another few years."

"Damn. I was so looking forward to beginning her training."

I leaned against my best friend. "She's still too young, but in a few years you can teach her everything you know. I can't imagine a better mentor for her."

Zel grumbled. "Fine, I guess I can wait a little longer. At least until she's walking properly."

"Thank you." I studied her face, searching for signs of sadness. "But is this enough for you? Are you happy here with us?"

Zel shrugged. "I'm content.