Page 38 of Controller's Obsession

“And Gebre threatened those bonds?”

How much do you already know?“I saw a demon driving a truck that crashed into the taxicab Merihem and I were in. The crash was intentional. I blacked out for a short while. The driver, a bear shifter, is still in hospital I think. I didn’t want to say anything to Merihem at the time because I didn’t want him to get into trouble on earth. But I described the demon to Merihem when we got back to Mr. Dakata’s house, and he determined it had to be the one you mentioned. Unless that demon has a twin?”

Straightening up, Asmodeus shook his head. “No. Gebre has no twin, and those are the actions I would expect of someone who let a recent promotion go to his head and will do anything to hang onto it. But in the spirit of the same fairness you endeavor to show, we will confirm the identification first.”

There was a tug in the air. Peni felt it and just as he was looking around, wondering what was going on, another demon appeared at the side of them.

That face!

Peni gasped and shrank back against Merihem’s leg, and his demon snarled.

“Sir.” The demon bowed low and kept his head down. “Is there a problem here? Did you need me to takecare of these twofor some reason in my position as Controller?” The words dripped with disdain.

“Idiot.” Asmodeus sneered. “As if I couldn’t do that myself if that were my intention. Look up, worm. Show your face.”

“I’m showing respect for your position, my king.” Gebre wasn’t looking up. “After being granted such an auspicious promotion to such an important position in your realm, I would never overstep—”

“Shut up. Look up. Look at me!” Asmodeus’s roar bounced off the walls. Peni wanted to cover his ears, it was so loud, but it stopped quickly.

“Answer me, little one.” Asmodeus had gentled his voice. “Is this the face you saw?”

Nodding, Peni remembered it was probably respectful to use his words. “Yes, Your Kingship. That is the person who caused the car crash that could’ve killed me, and severely injured our bear shifter driver.”

“That’s all I need.” Peni got zapped out of his chair, and suddenly he was sitting on Asmodeus’s arm like a parrot. “Gebre, you’re fired. Merihem, permission granted to avenge your blissful one and resume your controller position. Sentence to be carried out immediately.”

Merihem looked conflicted. “Thank you, sir. What about Peni? He shouldn’t see…”

“You’re absolutely right, Merihem, and I am pleased my reinstated Controller has such respect for his blissful one’s feelings. I will look after him. You can come and find us when you’re done.”

“Sir?”

But Peni heard nothing else because Asmodeus just zapped them away into yet another room. This one was comfy, with big couches, soft rugs on the floor, and a fire blazing in an oversized fireplace.

“Don’t be nervous. Take your coat off, have a seat, and get comfortable. Would you like refreshments?” A large silver tray appeared on a solid wooden coffee table.

“If you had some juice, that would be lovely, thank you.” Peni took off his coat and laid it on the seat beside him. “This is very kind of you,” he added.

“Not what you expected, I’m sure.” Asmodeus did have a lovely smile. “Merihem has a messy job to do, and I’m curious about blissful ones. They are very rare, and we have few records of them in our archives. I would love to hear about your experiences with my demon so far. Do you mind?”

Probably better than watching Merihem tear Gebre’s head off his shoulders.“What would you like to know? We’ve not been together very long, but I’m happy to share anything I know.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Merihem

Conflicted by thoughts of what Asmodeus was doing with his blissful one, by getting reinstated, and what that would mean to his bond with Peni, Merihem had to work to gain focus when theking disappeared holding Peni. He had no quarrel with the king, but still, he itched to follow them and make sure Asmodeus put Peni down and kept his hands to himself.

He and his demon didn’t like to be separated from their blissful one in their realm regardless that Peni was with their king.

Would he protect Peni if someone were to attack?

Do you need to be having thoughts like that?his demon demanded as Gebre snarled at them.

They eyed the large, black demon wearing an ugly sneer, who had never been a favorite with them. Gebre had proved with his actions that he had no regard for the lives of others. He killed for the pleasure of it, and that made him dangerous to both worlds. A killing demon was not what being Controller was all about. It was about balance, about protecting both worlds from wrongdoers.

“Why?” Merihem asked out of interest. He’d never done anything to Gebre. He’d had no quarrel with him other than he’d never liked the other demon.

“You are in the way of what I want.” He shrugged his massive shoulders, his eyes going sly. “Asmodeus would have eventually seen you for what you are.” He stepped closer, his teeth revealed in a snarl. “Weak.”

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