Page 58 of The River of Hatred

“Syrin to my friends,” she corrects me as her demon groans.

“Must you befriend every stray,Muluskara?” he asks her.

I haven’t heard Ancient Sumerian in millennia!

“Alright, let’s cut to the chase before Aim and Lana get here,” Sariel interjects.

Nephithar straightens. “Aim? That spy is coming to my home?” he growls.

“Relax,” the Fallen drawls. “Aim is loyal to Ash and would never do anything to harm anyone close to his master’s consort.”

I can see almost the thoughts connecting in the demon’s head as well as the moment of realization before his mouth opens. “Ashtaroth?”

“Did we not mention that?” Sariel asks innocently.

“Woah, wait,” Mike jumps in. “Lan-Lan is playing hide the salami with the archdemon Ashtaroth?”

Jessica covers her smiling mouth before nodding vigorously.

Sariel snorts. “Hiding the salami, churning the butter, dancing the horizontal tango, filling the love taco, paddling the pink canoe, releasing the kraken – you name it, they’re doing it. Everywhere. All the time,” he says with feeling.

Mike shakes his head, eyes wide open. “I couldn’t get her to go on a date and then she bags a baddie?”

“If it makes you feel any better, their courtship started with him making her dry hump his thigh in thanks for saving her life from a golem.” My mouth falls open at Jess’ words. “Then he kidnapped her,” she continues.

“And then he claimed her on the dinner table in front of his entire court to make sure no one gets any funny ideas,” Sariel finishes.

I look up at Jessica, then to the other couch at Sariel. “And she loves this creature?” I ask, aghast. Syrin looks as scandalized as I feel.

“She’s crazy about him!” Jess exclaims. “And I don’t blame her, mmm, daddy,yes.”

She must realize she said too much out loud because she turns beet red. It’s too late, however; Mike and Sariel are nearly rolling on the floor from laughter.

“Please, for the love of baby seals, do not tell him I said that,” she begs those present.

“I’m sure you can bribe me into forgetting it.” Sariel winks at her.

“You can’t, however, bribe me,” Aim says from the doorway.

Chapter 28 – Lana

“Do you have human clothes you can wear in public?” Aim asks as we walk to my and Ash’s quarters.

“Um, sure. I have more leggings and tops and flats. They’re not jeans and sneakers, but they shouldn’t stand out. Where are we going, what’s the weather like?”

“Marseille, France,” the spymaster replies. “It’s warm.”

Ash is our silent escort and I peer up at him with worry. Is this too much for him? “I’ll be okay,” I promise.

His lips tighten with disapproval. Ever since Aim interrupted our movie night with Kev and Naamah with the news that I’m wanted in the human realms where he can’t follow, he’s been distant. I know Arma’s death is fresh on his mind right now.

“Do you think the Council would let you into the human world if you explained what’s going on?”

He clicks his tongue. “They have nothing to do with it. Archdemons being confined to the Underworld was a part of the truce between Heaven and Hell. Our threat to humans was simply too great.” He tilts his head. “There are two beings who could negotiate an amendment and I sincerely doubt they would find my need to protect my lamb a pressing enough matter to do so.”

“I will protect her with my life, and so will Sariel,” Aim says. “But don’t forget she has a good amount of your power now, my lord.”

I tug on Ash’s hand until he faces me. Even though I’m tall, I still have to step on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

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