The Darkest Torment (Lords of the Underworld 12)

And had come to love it, she thought. Had come to love the man himself.

—Your mate is blinded by his bands.—

Or the hounds were blinded by their hate.

—We will go with you. Get used to the idea.—

“All right. But I’ll have to hold on to you when Baden flashes me.”

Roar gave her a just try it look and shook his head, dead fleas falling from his fur. First order of business when she returned: giving the entire pack a bath.

Wonder how they’ll react to that.

—I know you’ve only just met me, girl, but surely even you can sense my power. We will never need the warrior’s help.—

Great. She’d offended him.

“We must go.” Baden tugged her to his side. “Whatever happens, remember that I love you, that you are my top priority, and I will allow no one—no one—to hurt you or the hounds.”

“I love you, too.” She rested her head on his shoulder, trusting him, and by the time she’d wrapped her arm around his waist, he’d already flashed them to Hades.

A new room took shape—a throne room. The sight of it shocked her and, before she’d met Baden, might have made her vomit. Blood splattered the walls. Screams sounded in the distance. A pile of dead bodies rested in the corner. The pungent scent of what could only be brimstone stung her nostrils. And the throne itself—compiled of human bones—was a monstrosity. Now she merely thought: Hades should fire his decorator.

The male sat on that throne with a bored expression, as if he hadn’t ordered their attendance. An old man wearing a robe stood at his right, and four warriors were lined up at his left. Those warriors were a lot like Baden: scary-ass sexy.

Every man on the royal dais stared at her, taking her measure.

She released Baden to give them all a double-birded salute.

They were amused.

Roar and Werga appeared in front of her, and the group stopped laughing.

Hades canted his head at the hounds. “Told you.”

The other males stared with awe—and maybe horror.

“Onward and upward.” Hades spread his arms in welcome. “You are Katarina Joelle and—”

“She is mine,” Baden announced. “My woman.”

“I am Hades,” the man continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “I’m sure you’ve heard of me. I’m the king of the underworld.”

“You mean the king of this realm,” one of the men piped up.

Hades pursed his lips. “Yes. The men at my left are kings within their own domains.”

Five royals in total, here to witness the coming events. Wonderful. “Well, who among you is the strongest?” she asked. “He’s the one I’d like to speak with.”

This time Hades was not amused. “You’re a clever girl, aren’t you? Sow dissent and watch us fight for the title of strongest, allowing you to walk away unscathed. One day, we shall fight for the title, but today is not that day.” He stood, his big body encased in an Italian suit. “We’re still waiting for—”

A flash of light had her turning—and facing Pandora. The woman wore a scarlet gown, the silk clinging to her curves like a second skin. Her black-as-night hair hung pin-straight around her face, hitting just above her shoulders.

“Excellent.” Hades nodded with satisfaction. “Everyone is here.”

Katarina noticed one of the kings peered at the warrior woman with white-hot desire.

How interesting.

She met Pandora’s glare. The woman who’d attacked her without provocation, who’d fought with Baden and betrayed him, as well as befriended him, and kept him sane during the worst years of his life—and death. They nodded at each other with grudging respect.

“First order of business,” Hades said. “The game. My players are tied. Whatever am I to do?”

“Kill them both,” the tallest of the kings called.

“Give them to me,” another said, his gaze still on Pandora.

Steps slow and measured, Hades glided from the dais. Have you realized the enormity of the gift I gave you?

His voice...he’d spoken straight into her head, just like the hounds. And judging by the confusion on Baden and Pandora’s faces, he’d spoken into their heads, as well.

Not just a piece of me, but a different version of me. Baden, the berserker. Pandora, the hellhound. He smiled a predator’s smile at the warrior woman. Don’t think I haven’t noticed your meal choices lately. But. While I will allow you both to live, you’ll have to fight for the privilege. Here and now. Show me who’s strongest, bravest. Him—or her—I will reward.