Blood In The Stars (21 page)

Fine. Forget about the code
. Jason didn’t want it anyway. He wanted the secret to disengage the force field. Something needed to be moved. He just needed to figure out what.

Tomorrow, he’d take a stroll in the garden and investigate further.

Tomorrow was Daria’s maturation date. And tomorrow, the world would descend for her flesh and blood.

He had to find the exit. When he did, he’d take Miller with them.

Chapter 19

Daria yawned and trudged down the long hallway. She had intended to find Jason after everyone went to bed, but once she had gotten to her room, the comfortable mattress beckoned to her. The day had been hell and she welcomed sleep with open arms. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she passed out.

For the next four hours, she slept like a dead woman. Then at six sharp, her eyes shot open. Rays of dazzling sunlight spread across the lake and speared through the large windows of her room. She’d forgotten to close the curtains and once awake, she found she couldn’t fall asleep again. After showering, she put on a shirt and shorts that Miller claimed had shrunk in the wash.

As soon as she descended the stairs, she noticed someone standing at the base. Daria hesitated, not ready for a confrontation this early in the morning, but it was too late to retreat upstairs.

Stifling the sigh that threatened to rise from her throat, Daria tried to be cheery in her greeting. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” Lucifer replied.

He still wore the same clothes as yesterday but managed to appear refreshed. She wondered if he had slept at all. Or maybe he didn’t need sleep.

“I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. Can we talk in the solarium?”

He asked politely, but she didn’t think refusing was really an option. Normally, she loved talking to people’s parents. Old people loved her. She knew exactly how to charm them.
This
man was an entirely different story.

Lucifer wasn’t old. Not in appearance, at least. She also had no idea how to ingratiate herself. Nor was she sure if she wanted to.

There was no doubt in her mind that Jason’s father disliked her. It was written all over his face. She could easily recall the way his cold eyes had raked over her as he killed the sprites. In fact, she wasn’t even sure Lucifer liked Jason much, either. Naturally, he wouldn’t care for the future daughter-in-law.

Lucifer led her down the hall and when they turned the corner, Daria saw Miller’s sunroom for the first time. Light flooded in from four sides with the glass walls arching into a partial glass ceiling. Bamboo chairs and tables faced the lake.

Lucifer motioned for her to sit and she obeyed. They didn’t say anything at first and Daria kept glancing at Jason’s father. She still couldn’t quite believe that she was sitting in the same room as the one-and-only Lucifer. Was he really the brightest star that fell? Whatever the story might be, she wished she had paid more attention in her religion classes.

“I’m nothing like the stories humans tell,” Lucifer began, obviously reading her mind yet again. “The Bible tells you nothing of our chains.” He pushed back his sleeves and revealed the same black wristbands that his children had. “I just didn’t like how things were being done up there,” he added with a shrug. “That’s all.”

The shrug seemed to dismiss the banishment from Heaven as if it were just another disagreement, a small snafu. Next, was he going to tell her there wasn’t a God?

“Oh, there’s definitely something ruling up there. Though it might not be what you think.”

“Please stop doing that!” The words burst out before she even realized. Daria stiffened and flinched, preparing for punishment and retribution from him.

But it never came. Instead, he smiled and nodded. “Sorry. I forget sometimes. My wife hates it.”

It wasn’t what she expected him to say but it put her mind at ease. Maybe Lucifer could be normal when he wanted to be.

The chair creaked when he leaned back. The eyes that assessed her weren’t warm, but not quite unkind, either. She didn’t know what ran through his mind, but she knew he was sizing her up. He tilted his head and his brow crinkled in confusion. In that one small movement, he appeared heartbreakingly young.

It reminded her of Jason.

“You love him.” The comment startled her. Perhaps Luke had read her mind again. She nodded.

“Why?”

Could love be explained through simple words? She didn’t even know when she had fallen in love with Jason. Already they had gone through several life and death situations during their brief acquaintance. Always, Jason had stayed by her side and protected her. And she trusted he would be there in her time of need.

For years, she had depended on no one. Yet once she had Jason to rely on, she realized she didn’t always have to act strong. She could lean on others. Jason made her feel safe.

Security alone didn’t bring about her love. It had grown through his tender attention, his gentle smiles, and his warm embraces. She plain
liked
the guy. His jokes made her laugh and the thought of him always brought a smile to her lips. He awakened places in her heart that she had long kept locked.

He brought out the best and worst in her. And she didn’t have to hide anything from him. She could be her true self.

She tried to make Lucifer understand her feelings. “I used to have this . . . emptiness in my heart. But it’s gone when I’m with Jason.”

“You could have that with any man.”

Daria nodded slowly. “Maybe. But when I’m with Jason, I know everything will be all right. That he’ll take care of me.” She smiled, staring out beyond the windows. “He accepts me for who I am. And I accept him.”

“But he won’t dirty his hands to protect you. How can you love a man like that?” Luke leaned forward in his chair, a broad smile growing on his lips. “My son has never killed anything in his life. That is why he retains a power that none of us have. He can heal.”

Pride should have lined Luke’s voice, but Daria heard only disgust.

“I see nothing wrong with Jason’s choices or feeling pride in them. I don’t want Jason to change his beliefs for me. He has never killed, but you make it sound like a personality defect.”

Luke frowned and narrowed his eyes. An involuntary shiver crawled under her skin. She would not let this man intimidate her. She’d look him in the eye and speak her mind as she always had.

“You don’t seem to like Jason very much. Why?”

Surprise flashed across his face but he hid it just as quickly. Still, Daria was secretly delighted to catch him off guard.

“Why would you say that?” he asked.

Daria shrugged. “It’s the way you look at him.”

“I love my children,” Luke whispered. “But only angels have the power to heal the wounded. Jason has always been less ‘fallen’ and more ‘angel’ than his brother.”

He stood suddenly and stretched his arms. Daria got the distinct impression that he was trying to make a quick escape.

Not yet.

To stall him she queried, “Is that why you like Alastor better?”

“I never said that. Alastor has accepted who he is, who we all are. Jason, on the other hand, has never fit in with the family. If he had a choice, I’m sure he would fly up to Heaven and join his uncles.” Then Lucifer gave her a knowing glance. “But if Jason were an angel, he would never be able to see you again.”

The words left her nauseous. Jason wouldn’t leave her for a place in Heaven.

“Did I strike a chord, perhaps?” Lucifer asked with a low chuckle. “It doesn’t matter if Jason kills someone, you understand. Specifically, he must kill Alastor.”

How could he say that? She refused to believe any father wanted his children to war with one another. Yet here he sat, Jason’s father—affirming this horrific idea.

“Jason loves me. He’ll stay with me,” she protested.

Lucifer snarled, “My son has the potential to far surpass me in power. His innate abilities could make him the most powerful in the realm. No one would dare question his rule.”

“Then isn’t it better to sanction our marriage?” she whispered. “He could rule the realm with the auspicious one.”

“Just how auspicious are you, I wonder?” With a disturbing little smile, he said, “Happy birthday, Daria.”

Daria started.
My birthday!
And her date of maturation. These promised, awe-inspiring powers for her to defend herself and her loved ones . . . where were they?

“Do you feel different?”

Did she? Daria stared down at her hands, as though expecting the strange sparks that Jason had. Nothing there. She lacked energy but that probably came from not getting enough sleep.

“You may not notice the change immediately.” With that, Luke began to walk away but Daria stopped him.

“You never answered my question.”

He let out a bitter laugh. “Jason will never embrace the power he has and never rule. Therefore, I will never bless your marriage. He has defied his family,” he spat. “Better that Alastor kill him, than let him join his uncles.”

The words swept over her like a Chicago wind chill. He stood there, daring her to contradict him. Then, Luke threw a quick glance to the empty hallway. Was it to check if they were alone? Or did he hope someone had come by?

Hard, cold eyes met hers. “We live in dangerous times, Daria.”

“You don’t need to remind me. I know well enough how dangerous my life has become,” she replied. Yet she had the distinct impression his statement had nothing to do with her individually.

“I love my children,” Luke repeated, his voice now gentle and soft. “They came to being after the war. After the dust settled. Even Alastor and Candy, though they have killed, have no idea what horrors still lie ahead. I do not wish that upon them. But it is not something I can control.” He paused. “My youngest would break.”

“He’s stronger than you think,” Daria shot back.

The corners of Luke’s lips curved as he mulled over her words, silently, for many long seconds. Finally, he nodded. “You
will
develop great powers. When that time comes, you’ll have to choose sides.” He departed, leaving her dazed.

His statement held hidden meaning but she didn’t understand any of it. Luke spoke of something yet to occur. Prophesied of something larger and out of everyone’s control. Obviously, he wanted to spare his children from this mysterious threat that loomed over them. But his evasive comments shed little light.

Jason was warm, friendly, and caring as well as being the silent, foreboding shadow who protected her. Both sides made up the whole man, and she didn’t care which one he chose to be in the end. He had it in him to be a cold-blooded killer. She understood that. But he wasn’t. He was sweet and loving. If he chose to kill Alastor she’d support his decision, after she tried to persuade him otherwise. If he had to become a killer to fight off whatever Luke thought came for them, so be it. It wouldn’t change her feelings.

Footsteps approached and she stood to greet Miller.

“You’re up early,” he observed.

Yes, much too early for a battle of wills with Lucifer or any future in-law. Too early to decipher cryptic double entendres
. Unwilling to share her thoughts, she remained silent.

When she didn’t respond, he added, “How about some breakfast?”

Daria plodded to the kitchen and planted herself next to the counter as he pulled out frozen waffles. He popped the waffles into the toaster oven and placed a mug under his espresso machine. The smell of coffee and sweet bread soon wafted through the kitchen and her stomach growled. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was.

A few minutes later, they sat side by side on the bar stools in front of the kitchen island. Between gulps of juice, Miller asked, “Sleep well? How are you feeling? Notice anything different?”

“No.” And she really wished she did notice something different. Something that allowed her to step outside with the freedom to defend herself. “I guess maturation isn’t all that glamorous.”

Miller chuckled. “No one knows what actually happens at maturation except it’s a turning point. If the creatures drink your blood now, they will receive the pinnacle of power transfer. It’s very tempting to wait. But they have to gamble you won’t kill them first.”

“I don’t want to kill anyone, just scare them enough to go away.”

“Okay. What else is on your mind?”

“So much, I can’t even begin.” Her life lay in a jumbled mess, like opening a box of puzzle pieces for the first time. Though she had begun to assemble the pieces in the last few days, gaping holes remained in her picture. “Luke ambushed me earlier and said some really interesting things. I can’t figure him out.”

Miller snorted. “It’s Lucifer. Why would you think anyone could figure him out?”

Daria studied the milky brown liquid in her mug. The coffee seemed clearer than Luke. “He says he loves his children,” she murmured. “I believe that. He worries about Jason. But why have them fight?”

The answer came to her as soon as she asked the question. Luke
was
trying to protect Jason. Toughen him up to prepare for the future. Didn’t he say he wasn’t sure Alastor and Candy could handle the doom and gloom he spouted? Luke really did love his children. Why hadn’t she realized that earlier?

“Jason’s always been a black sheep in that family,” Miller replied. “The rest of us think he’s more normal.”

She threw him a sidelong glance. “Luke says something is going to happen.” Daria chewed on her lip as she replayed the conversation in her mind. “I think it’s about the uprising in Hell.”

Miller glanced out the window and nodded absently. “I’ve been thinking about that since I woke up. The coalition isn’t here. I wonder if they’re in Hell.” He glared at her. “Don’t even think about trying to help.”

Her eyes widened in innocence. “It hadn’t occurred to me.” But of course, now that Miller brought it up, she was thinking about what they could do for Damien.

“You need to worry about yourself first,” Miller grumbled.

Daria looked around to make sure they were alone. Then she leaned in close and whispered, “Speaking of which, Jason said he needed your help. Has he talked to you yet?”

Miller stabbed his waffle with the fork. “Maybe. What if I said I couldn’t help?”

A protest formed on the tip of her tongue. Then she noted Miller’s grim face. “What is it? Why can’t you help?”

“Do you even know what Jason is asking?”

She stared into those big eyes. Only this time, she was the one trying to peer into his soul.