Page 285 of Castings & Curses

But instead of asking questions, I only nod my head in agreement, knowing Matthew is right. I do need to get my affairs in order with Delilah and ask her to take care of Chance and my house while I’m gone.

I don’t even know how long I’ll be gone. Matthew seems to think it will only take a few days, but I’m not entirely sure I believe him, even though I know I should. He’s an angel. We’re the good guys, after all. We don’t lie or cheat or steal. Not like demons. Truth and honor are our virtues.

“Would you like them to wait, or—” Matthew starts, and I blink, remembering my current company.

“They can come with me, if they wish. I won’t be long,” I say as politely as I can at the moment.

“Oooh, does this mean I get to see more of Heaven?” Mercy asks, her eyes widening, smile forming.

The sight stirs a warm feeling in my stomach and a smile of my own spreads across my face. “Why yes, I believe it does.”

“Fabulous. I hope wherever you are dragging us has a decent cup of coffee,” Endor says as he crosses his arms. The sight draws attention to their slender, yet defined form, and he raises an eyebrow at me, almost as if he is annoyed.

What the hell did I do to you?

“I can assure you there is no better coffee than that which is served in Heaven,” I say sweetly as I brush past them all to move toward the door, and they follow me through the pearly gates into the HHD.

* * *

When I arrive home,Chance immediately starts barking when I open the door. He nearly knocks Mercy and I over as he licks us with excitement. Delilah slowly saunters toward the door as I hurry Chance inside.

“Make some new friends, Val?” she asks as she takes in my newest comrades.

“I have been tasked with a quest. Matthew himself told me I must do this,” I breathe out as Mercy leans down and pets Chance. I feel Endor’s presence behind me, watching me. I turn, seeing him leaning against a tree, which keeps him in the shade, looking mysterious and brooding. Like one of those heroes from Delilah’s romance novels…

“What kind of quest?” Delilah asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“The kind that involves you keeping quiet,” I tell her.

Delilah rolls her eyes. “Really? Not even gonna give me a little bit?” she asks as she nods toward Endor under the tree. “Is tall, dark, and sexy part of this quest?”

My eyes immediately widen. “Delilah! He is a…demon! How could you—”

“Even better…” she says with wide eyes and a smirk.

The look makes my stomach twist, and my blood boil. “Yes, he is part of the assignment, but he is most certainly not an ally.”

“Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, you know.” She snickers.

Now it is my turn to roll my eyes. “There will be none of that where we are headed, I can assure you.”

Delilah waves me off. “You really need to learn to live a little, you know.” I watch as her eyes soften. “How long will you be gone?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I was hoping you would watch Chance and the house and—”

“Say no more. Of course I will.”

Relief floods me, and I feel a sense of appreciation for my friend. Growing up, I had friends, but none who I ever felt I could truly count on. It is a shame I could not have such a bond on Earth when I was alive, but my former self feels content with our current friendship and bond.

“Thank you,” I say as I hear a growl behind me. I turn toward the sound to find Chance growling at Endor, who looks bemused.

“Chance, down boy!” I command. I watch as my boy’s ears slide back and he obeys.

Endor raises an eyebrow, and I can see the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips as he lets out a dark chuckle.

Mercy lets out a laugh of her own as she scratches Chance behind the ears. “Who is a good guard doggo?” she says innocently, and Chance licks her face.

“You are most certainly welcome,” Delilah says as she whistles for Chance. “Come, boy!” she says sternly, and Chance actually listens, coming to her beck and call.

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