Chapter 44: Chapter 44

/Lukas POV/

After the drama by Zeus, I had no intention of staying behind. Most of them were going to drink with Hades in his secret room. As much as I wanted to tell him what was going on, I had to take care of Talia. It was not safe to send her back to the room all alone.

Yama patted on my shoulder, "So ready to drink and let loose?"

I winced at his tone. Just then my eyes shifted towards Talia only to see she was talking with

Persephone. I knew the moment they meet; it would be easy for them to connect. Hades wife had to go through tough times to establish herself as the Queen of Underworld. Even though she was a Greek Goddess herself, she did not have it easy. Maybe Talia can learn a thing or two from her.

"About that..." I cleared my throat, unsure how to break it to him.

Yama was the biggest party animal, and he would never let go of the opportunity to have free drinks. Bailing out on him was going to be something I regret, but I didn't have a choice. I can't ask someone else to look after Talia. It was my duty.

"What about it? Like every time we are going to drink and party in Hades secret room."

I pressed my lips together, "Uhh... I won't be joining you guys today. I will go to bed with my mate."

Yama made a face like he couldn't believe I was saying no to him. He shook his head and dragged Hades along with him. I blinked as both of them stood before me, their eyes narrowed.

"Is it true?" Hades questioned, his arms crossed against his chest.

What was he talking about? Did Yama snitch on me? He was gone for a second.

"About what? I am afraid you have to be more specific."

Hades rolled his eyes, "The thing Yama said. Are you not going to be joining us tonight?"

I let out a sigh. Why were they making such a big deal out of it? It's not like I was going to miss anything. Besides the drinking party in the secret room is every single day. The only thing Hades does is change the decor of the room.

"Afraid so. I have to look after Talia."

Yama nudged at Hades, probing him to say something. They can get annoying sometimes. I almost forgot about that.

Hades had a smile on his face as he stared back at me. I arched my brow. Why was he suddenly so happy? Was he plotting something in his mind? I should have bought Leo along with me so that they could take him instead. It's not like I did not enjoy their company, but my priority was to look after Talia and our unborn baby. Someone was after their lives.

"Why are you doing that weird thing with your face?" I questioned, my eyes narrowed on his face.

"You mean, smiling?"

"Yes...why are you doing that? It's creepy."

Hades made a sound, "I should be offended at that"

"You should be" I nodded my head, making Yama snicker beside him.

"I'm just happy for you."

"Huh?"

Hades patted my shoulder, his lips stretching in a broad smile, "I never thought I would see this day. The big bad demon falling for a human."

I flinched at those words. What did he mean by that?

"I don't-"

Yama cackled, "Right? It will be about the time he will be soft and in love."

My face hardened at that. Why would they say something like that? It did not matter if I had any feelings for anyone. The nature of my being should never change. That is the reason why I was the King of Hell.

"That is not true. I will not change."

Hades snickered, shaking his head, "That's what everyone says, buddy. You had no idea how much I changed ever since Persephone came into my life. It happens all the time."

Yama hummed, "What he said. I can agree with that. You won't believe how much I changed after my marriage."

"The first one?" I teased trying to lighten the mood.

"Not funny."

"It is" Hades agreed with me, and we shared a laugh.

Hades patted on my shoulder, "Anyways think about it. You know the way to the room."

I nodded my head. It was sort of imprinted in my brain. I could easily find it. But that was not the issue. Something else gnawed at me. I did not want to change just because Talia was in my life.

"I do."

"Have fun taking care of the missus" Yama snickered and waved as he disappeared with Hades.

I stood there for few seconds trying to think about my choices. Eventually, I walked towards Talia.

***

The next morning Talia asked me to get breakfast as she showered and got ready. After I placed the order, I thought about Hade's words. They were still going in my head, and I snapped at Talia twice on the previous night. She didn't take that to heart, but it made me feel guilty.

It was not her fault that I did not know how to process my feelings. Was I changing because of her? What if I lose my powers and abilities just because I'm too blinded by love? I cannot let that affect who I am.

Being a demon and King of Hell is everything to me. I was chosen for a reason, and no matter what I cannot let anyone be disappointed. As for my feelings that I was having towards Talia would have to take its course.

As much as I tried to run away from them, they hit me with double force. I cannot stop thinking about kissing her whenever she's around. Maybe if I hadn't been interrupted, I would have already kissed her. There was no doubt about it in my mind.

Not only because she was my soul mate, but I truly wanted her. It was even before I knew that Talia was my mate. The first time we shared the night together, it was difficult for me to leave her bed. Maybe that's when the connection began.

"Lukas?" I jolted at the sudden voice. Following the direction of the sound, I noticed Talia standing in the bathrobe.

My mouth felt dry as I stared at her. The water from her hair was dripping on her neck, soaked by the bathrobe. I tried not to avert my eyes towards her legs.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I blinked, "Hmm?"

"Today is the first event, right?"

"Yeah. We have to be down in an hour."

"Okay" With that, she disappeared into the washroom, and I slumped down on my back.

***

The entire event was being filmed. It's traditional ever since one of the Kings decided that it's better to do it. Not only it helps to keep the memory alive but also monitors if someone was cheating.

There were a bunch of challenges and sports, for individuals, couples and teams. For the Kings and Queens, it was encouraged to participate in as many events as they can. I signed us up for a bunch of pair events to sell our relationship. Also, because there were some problematic tasks that Talia shouldn't be doing.

The first event was a sprint race for a couple. The only catch was our leg will be tied to each other sort of like three-legged race.

I was excited to be a part of it because I used to race with Leo when we were messing around during our training.

Just as I stood at the line, Talia emerged from the juice centre. She was hydrating herself so that she can run better.

Talia stood beside me, "This is going to end so badly."

I held on to her as the volunteer sat on his knees in front of us. The demon was tying out legs together.

I shook my head, "Stop being negative, cara."

I wrapped my arm around her back, hand resting on her hip. She made a face.

"What if I accidentally trip and loose?"

"You won't; I'll catch you."

The volunteer stood up and gave us a thumbs up before walking away without a word.

"What if you trip? I cannot balance you."

"Trust me I will not" I sweetly said, dragging her over to the start line. She grumbled to herself, mocking my tone.

"I am serious, Lukas," She took a deep breath and stared at me, "If you kill me, I am going to be so mad."

I let out a sigh. So much for having a trusting partner.

"Or worse break up with you in front of all of these demons. That will teach you."

As I wouldn't risk everything to save her. Besides, it doesn't matter what others think. They won't even remember it after the event.

"You know you can trust me a little. I have earned that"

She stared at me long and hard before nodding her head, "Fine let's do it."

***