“As I informed Callie, the demons are growing restless. They need a leader, and it won’t be long before one rises through the ranks.”
“Lucifer said he’s left Hell before,” I start, and Julian nods. “And demons didn’t take over then?”
“They try to organize something, but as soon as Lucifer is sent back, the plans fall apart. I believe the last time he incinerated any who tried to oppose him.”
“I probably would too,” I say with a shrug. “I mean, they’re demons after all.”
“I trust things have been quiet here as well,” Julian asks, curiously eyeing the mattress on the ground. “What happened to your room?”
“Nothing,” I tell him. “We wanted to sleep by the fire. It’s romantic and will be warm since the house is currently freezing.”
He nods, not really understanding why. “Fires are warm.”
“You catch on fast,” Lucas says, and I give him a pointed look.
“Do you want to stay the night?” I ask Julian, ignoring Lucas’s annoyed glare. He likes having the house to ourselves, and while I do too, Julian is always invited.
“I cannot,” he tells me and reaches into the pocket of the leather jacket he’s wearing. He took my advice to heart, it seems, to dress for the weather so he doesn’t raise suspicions of humans. It’s cold out now, and humans wear coats. “This is from your father.” He extends his hand, holding out a piece of folded paper.
My heart leaps in my chest and I eagerly unfold the paper. It’s blank. I flip it over and then hold it up to the light.
“I don’t get it,” I say slowly. “There’s nothing written on it. Is there some sort of code or spell?”
Julian shakes his head. “All he said was you would see when the time was right. He’s been charged to lead the search for Lucifer. We were only able to meet for a moment before he had to leave.”
I carefully fold the paper back up and go over to the fireplace, putting it behind the framed photo of my mother on the mantel. At least Lucifer talks to me and doesn’t send cryptic messages…if you can even consider a blank piece of paper cryptic. It’s fucking annoying more than anything else. He cares about you. Really? He’d be here if he could, but he doesn’t want to risk it. Even Lucifer found a loophole and he’s the one I’ve been warned about my whole fucking life.
“Has anyone gotten close to finding Lucifer?” I ask, secretly hoping no one has.
“No. He’s quite good at evading us.”
Lucas adds another log to the fire, bringing the small fire to a nice roaring blaze. Light and warmth fill the room.
“What’s going to happen when they do find him?” I ask apprehensively. Part of me doesn’t want to know, though I’m sure it involves throwing him back into Hell and slamming the door.
“What always happens,” Julian tells me. “You’re worried, aren’t you?”
“Kind of.” I close my eyes and let out a breath. “Honestly, I don’t know what to think. But Lucifer has been more involved than Michael has, and yes, I know Michael has more at stake and wants to keep me undetected.” I stop myself before I say something I regret and let out a sigh. “Thank you for bringing…whatever that was.”
“I am sorry. I wish I knew what it meant as well.”
“Don’t feel bad,” I tell him and wave my hand in the air. “Don’t shoot the messenger, right?” I push my hair back and yawn. “When will you be back next?”
“I do not know.”
“Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. We should be moved into the new house by then and I know you don’t eat, but I’d love if you could come and just hang out.”
Julian smiles. “I’d very much like that. I will do everything I can to be there.”
“Good.” I step forward and give him a hug, knowing he’s going to disappear in a rustle of feathers just a moment later.
He does.
“Are you all right, my love?” Lucas takes me in his arm and pulls me down onto the mattress.
“I’ll be fine,” I tell him, letting out a long breath. “I don’t get the blank paper, and I’ll probably be checking for hidden messages nonstop, but…really. I’m fine.”
Lucas nods, nuzzling his head against my neck. My eyes are heavy and it’s so nice lying here by the fire. My familiars are all stretched out on the couch, and Scarlet takes up the entire loveseat, which has been pushed back against the wall to make room for the mattress on the floor.
“I need to shower,” I say lazily, raking my fingers through Lucas’s hair. “And you need to too.”
“Yes, and showering together is the responsible thing to do.”
“Right.” I nod. “It saves water.”
Lucas kisses me and gets to his feet, holding out a hand to help me up. No surprise, we have sex in the shower and the water is cold by the time we’re out. I eat the rest of my leftover pasta, brush my teeth, and fall asleep in Lucas’s arms, snuggled and warm in front of the open fire.