Bound to You, a Paranormal Romance (Book 3 of the Spellbound Series) by Lola James Page A

of ash. My body fell forward and collapsed as I cried.
    I mentally began playing the past few moments in my head. Ben saying that he loved me and pushing me out of the way to die in my place, so foolishly romantic.
    I rolled on my back to gaze at the darkened sky fisting a handful of Ben. The light fog rolled in slowly as I lay there with tears falling down my face. He was gone forever.
    ***
    “Antonia?” I sat up thinking that I was imagining the voice of Hades. How would he know where I was? Did he know what had happened?
    I saw him move forward through the cloud of gray smoke.
    “My sweet.” I saw his hand extend to me.
    “Hades.”.
    “What has happened here? And why are you crying?” He quickly surveyed the area and saw Kevin dead and the pile of ash I was laying beside.
    I couldn’t speak. I shook my head and buried it into his chest as he wrapped me in his arms. I felt protected and safe in that moment, but unable to express anything.
    “Don’t cry, I will fix this for you, my love. I can always give you what your heart desires the most.” His words were soft and sweet. He rubbed my back. “What happened to the one you called Kevin?”
    I pulled my teary eyes back. “I—I drained him; but he…” I muttered, wiping my tears away. “He killed Ben instead of me and Persephone….” I began hyperventilating and I knew my words didn’t make any sense.
    “What has Persephone done now?” His lips pulled back baring his teeth and his body tensed. He cupped my face into his hands. “Tell me, Antonia.” I will fix this at once.
    I could only shake my head. There was no way he could bring a pile of ash back to life. I swallowed the knot in my throat and took in a deep breath.
    “She tried to have Kevin kill me; and Ben pushed me out of the way and died in my place. And in a blind mad rage, I drained Kevin until he—died.” My thoughts were shattered. I didn’t know what I else I could do. Hades’ warm eyes comforted me without a single word. He pulled me into his arms, cradling me like a child.
    “She will pay.” He tried to soothe me as we stood there. “Did he lure you here?” he asked.
    I shook my head, “No, I was here on a date with Ben.” I didn’t think as the words escaped my mouth.
    “I see,” was his only response.
    “I am so glad you found me.” I hugged him tighter. I would have stayed here unable to think of my next move. I couldn’t leave Ben or hell, even Kevin’s body.
    “I will always be here for you, Antonia.” He pulled me back to stare into my eyes. “But I don’t want to be your second choice just because the vampire has died.”
    I gave him a blank stare as my mind raced with what he meant.
    “What?” I rubbed the side of my face, confused.
    “I can only assume that you came here with him to tell him of your choice.” A sad smile touched his lips.
    “I did but--”
    “Shhhh.” He pressed his warm finger to my lip. “I understand.”
    “Have you not seen Hermes?” I questioned.
    “Yes, at Council; that is why I came to you. I had good news, but sadly my news would not be warranted.”
    My brows furrowed, “What news? I could stand to hear anything good right now.” My head flinched back waiting to hear.
    “I am no longer married to Persephone.” Hades words sounded like a dream. I couldn’t quite comprehend through the fog. Somehow, his words stood out. He’d convinced Zeus to free him from that bitch. He just didn’t know she was on my death list.
    “But, how? Why?” I wanted to flood him with questions but I couldn’t wrap my mind around any of it. My chest was heavy and mind clouded.
    “I spoke before the other gods and asked them to free me from my venomous marriage.” He smiled at me, kissing my lips softly.
    “But Hermes has a letter for you,” I said. I shook my head. “Call him,” I demanded. Hades nodded and called the name of the god that Dawn was supposed to give the letter to.
    Within seconds, Hermes arrived, winged shoes still