Page 87 of The Devil's Dilemma

After all, the stories had foretold this—the prince of darkness and the boy with the light in his heart.

This fight would be the ultimate battle, the one to end it all. I hoped and prayed it wouldn’t be the end of me. Dante was immortal. He couldn’t be killed. I, on the other hand, was more than aware of my mortality.

But Dante’s kiss had solidified my decision to remain strong within the bond, to help it mature and grow.

Hopefully, this wasn’t my time. I had so much more to give, and Momma had trust in Dante. It was the best I could do.

But if the moment came, could I make the ultimate sacrifice if demanded of me?

Time would tell.

Side by side, we stepped out into the car park, backed by Conrad and a handful of his men.

Surely not enough to tackle the swarm of people before us?

I took Dante’s hand, urgently needing the comfort only he could give me.

“Are you ready?” he asked softly.

“As I’ll ever be.”

“Stay close, and don’t lose sight of me.”

No chance of that happening. We were in this together.

A wave of his hand and a shimmer of light dropped from the sky and encased us.

“What just happened?” I asked. Silence surrounded us. No blaring sirens or honking cars or the sounds of city life I was accustomed to.

“He’s placed a shield around us so no one can see what happens here. Can you imagine the news reports?” Conrad answered.

How had this become my life?

A gigantic man stepped forward from the crowd. He couldn’t be human. I’d never seen one that big.

“Hand over the half angel, and we’ll go. We don’t want a fight.”

Well, that was reassuring. Not!

“We both know that’s not going to happen. He’ll not be leaving with you or anyone else for that matter.” Dante’s voice rang out across the car park.

“Then prepare to meet your maker,” the giant said. I took a step back, not wanting to be here anymore.

That portal to somewhere sunny would be great right about now.

“You still want to stay?” Dante asked, reading my thoughts or emotions. I wasn’t sure which.

I had no choice. Staying was the only option.

“I’m good. Let’s get on with it, though. I’m getting horny again.”

He laughed, put his arm around my shoulder, and kissed my temple.

“As soon as we’re done here.”

The crowd surged forward, pushed by the impatient ones at the back.

This was it.