Page 70 of The River of Hatred

“Apologies, Master.” Aim bows his head. “But it turns out Nephithar is alive, and Lana’s friend, Mike? He’s his son with an angel, Syriniana, she was an archivist.”

“I remember her,” I mumble. “But Nephithar, Sataniel’s sullen brat?”

The demon in front of me smirks. “Still just as sullen, though I did see him smile at his woman and child a couple of times.”

I scoff and shake my head in disbelief. “Sataniel made it seem like he perished during that final battle, though I remembered seeing him there as the negotiations began. I just did not care enough to doubt the Devil’s word.” I click my tongue. “Which is an imbecilic thing to say out loud.”

Aim’s lips stretch into a mischievous grin. “I would not say that, Duke.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course not. You still enjoy being alive.”

Flapping sounds follow my words and we both turn our gazes to the nuisance of an imp flying above, though flying is an overstatement. What he is doing is more akin to drunken aerial acrobatics. After a few ineffectual wingbeats, Puck lands in my lap, mere inches from Lana’s favorite pastime. I try to grab him by the scruff, but he wraps his arms and legs around my forearm instead. I shake the appendage a few times but have no success in dislodging him.

Sighing, I look at my lieutenant in desperation. “Hurry,” I say. “Bring my wife home.”

Chapter 34 – Sariel

We’re having breakfast and waiting for Aim to return to give us some direction. If it was up to me, we’d be at that warehouse, kicking ass. But that kind of thinking got us into trouble the last time.

Chewing the cinnamon and vanilla French toast Syrin prepared, I look at the sleepy faces of my companions. Doesn’t look like anyone rested this night. I grin to myself, reliving the depraved things I did to my little toys.

Speaking of toys. I nudge my cousin. “Psst, Nah. You went back to get your mortal?”

“Huh?” she asks in a daze. What is up with her, seriously? “Oh, yes. He got himself kidnapped by a few of Belial’s flunkies and Uncle sent me to fetch him. So I kept him.” She preens, looking more like herself.

I swallow a piece of toast and grin at her. Good for her.

Aim’s back before I can start teasing the Cambion. It’s about time.

“They want proof,” he says instead of a hello.

“What kind of proof?” Jess asks, yawning the words out. Aim gives me a look of reproach.

“What?” I mouth. It’s not my fault my trouser snake needs regular milking.

“Proof that Andras is involved, proof of what he plans to do,” Aim grouses. “We decided it’s best if we bring back one of the Cambions to testify in front of the Council.”

“Then we should gonow,” Ithuriel stresses.

“He’s right,” Jess adds. "That warehouse is gonna be empty before you can say, ‘I’d like to talk to you about your car’s extended warranty.’"

I smirk at my poppet, Kevin snorts, and Itha does a good job of ignoring the joke he doesn’t understand.

“Alright then,” Naamah says, sweeping her long black curls off her shoulder in a graceful motion. “What are we waiting for?”

“You shouldn’t go anywhere dangerous in your state,” Syrin gently reprimands the succubus.

The Cambion glances between the angel and his succubus. “What state?” he asks, notes of panic in his voice. “Are you sick?” he asks his lover accusingly.

“I can’t get sick,” she sighs, rolling her eyes. “Are you sure?” she then asks the angel.

Syriniana flushes and lifts her palms in apology. “I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?” Kevin asks and I drop my face into my palms at his confusion.

“I wasn’t certain,” Naamah admits, a grin blooming on her face. “I began suspecting last night.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Lana asks, her fork halfway to her mouth.

---