Darkyn's Mate

Deidre heard the pain in Past-Death's voice and felt sorry for her. Emotions warred within her. She wanted to say no and walk away. She wanted to make sure the woman whose gaze had gone from confident to sad ended up okay. She never expected Past-Death to seek her out. All along, she'd hoped some part of the former deity was able to appreciate Gabriel as only a human lover could. But it didn't make it any easier for Deidre to deal with.

"I might need some time for that," Deidre responded at last. "I can forgive you, but I'm not sure I can ever trust you."

"Trust must be earned," Deidre said. "I get it. I'm learning that with Gabriel. I thought this was the first step. I'm just asking for the chance, from both of you, to make things right. If I even can."

"I'll think about it," Darkyn's mate said. "I'm gonna go. Um, I guess you know how to call me if you need anything."

"I do, thank you. Deidre, I really am happy that you're okay."

Deidre nodded. She turned and padded back to the portal to Hell, resisting the urge to run. She stepped through and emerged on the landing overlooking the desert. She slumped against the low wall, propping up her elbows and covering her face. Did she want to cry? Scream? She didn't know. Her eyes were warm with tears and her heart racing from the unexpected confrontation with the distressed ex-deity who viewed her as expendable less than a week before.

She was close to hyperventilating, overwhelmed by the visit from Gabriel and Past-Death, the images she'd seen in the videos in Zamon's library, the revelations from Zamon and Fate ...

Deidre tried to suck in deep breaths. Her body trembled from emotion. As she stared out at the deserts of Hell, she figured out what she felt. She was furious and so hurt, she wished she'd jumped into the Grand Canyon like she originally planned.

"My mate, helping someone win a deal against her." Darkyn was amused.

"I need to be alone," she said with more sharpness than she intended.

"Maybe I should say, my mate, facing reality." His touch on her bare shoulder made her angrier.

Deidre moved away.

He touched her again, cold energy spinning through her. Deidre swiped at his hand. She knew the danger of letting him provoke her, but she was too overwhelmed to handle him calmly. He'd been orchestrating everything, always aware of what he did to her without being able to care how hurt she was.

Darkyn took her arm. Deidre snapped.

She whirled and slapped him hard.