Page 13 of Destined for Dreams
“If you go to Russia, I bet I could get permission to go with you. We could call it a training exercise, and I’d have your back if she’s lying and trying to trap you.” Tormod appeared more than a little excited by the prospect.
This explained why the nerou was so interested in the demon topic—other than being part demon himself. “No.”
“Just like that?” Tormod gave him an incredulous look. “You won’t even consider it?”
“Demons and Zoe are not my problem.”
A bright flash of light blinded them as Lucas appeared. He was tall and muscular with wide shoulders, golden skin, and short blond hair. These days, Bartol didn’t see the nephilim often without his mate, Melena. They were often inseparable outside their work environments.
“What if I tell you the Zoe situation is your problem?” Lucas asked.
Bartol pointed his sword at his old friend. “You have more reasons to distrust Zoe than anyone.”
Lucas worked his jaw. “Remiel visited this morning. There are whispers in Heaven about a demon, one the angels believe could be a real problem.”
“Then let Remiel talk to Zoe.”
“I said the same thing.” Lucas gave him a wry smile. “He says the angels will only step in if and when it is necessary. For now, they are willing to pay you a healthy sum to make the trip instead and track the situation further based on whatever information she gives you.”
Until recently, angels had never paid nephilim to do anything. He didn’t know why he was the exception to the rule unless they felt some sort of guilt over what had happened to him in Purgatory. They claimed they hadn’t known he was being horrifically maimed and tortured until his sentence was nearly over, but by then, it was too late to undo the damage. “Where do they get their money to pay me, anyway?”
Lucas shrugged. “I asked that same question, but Remiel refused to answer me. Perhaps they play the stock market or make investments. It’s also possible they’ve been taking it from the supernaturals they’ve punished recently, but I don’t have any concrete evidence.”
“How much?” Bartol asked, unable to help himself. He had a couple of hundred thousand dollars saved up at this point, but it was pocket change for an immortal. There had been a time when he’d had millions in savings and investments.
“Fifty thousand if you make the trip to Russia and follow through with whatever information Zoe provides. Should you have to go on the hunt, they will include additional pay for your travel and expenses, but you are not to face the demon alone.”
Bartol had no plans to face it at all.
“And is Rebecca willing to make the trip?” That would be one more responsibility for him, having to take Zoe’s daughter there as well and keep her safe. He truly didn’t need this right now.
Lucas worked his jaw. “She is amenable as long as you get her away should it turn out her mother is lying. We would also request you return her if there is any sign of danger.”
Bartol mulled the offer over. He needed the money, but not badly enough that he was willing to make a trip to somewhere well outside his comfort zone with Zoe’s daughter in tow. Not to mention it would take him far from Cori and his ability to protect her. Maybe if they’d offered him ten times as much money, and he didn’t have to go on the hunt, but the angels weren’t that generous. And after what had happened when he faced his last demon…he couldn’t risk running into another one. Not again.
He shook his head. “No.”
“This is important,” Lucas said in a grave tone. “I would not ask you otherwise.”
“Why don’t they allow you to go?”
“I volunteered, but Zoe insists it has to be you. And for some reason he won’t explain, so does Remiel. I also lack the ability to be diplomatic the way you can as I’ll be tempted to beat the hell out of her, rather than speak to her,” the older nephilim explained. “Zoe likely knows that.”
Lucas had always had a violent temper and less ability to control himself when it came to anything personal. Zoe had threatened his mate more than once. The main difference between the two of them was Bartol had more discipline. If he agreed to go, he would have a better chance of not allowing the female nephilim to draw him into a fight. Perhaps if he had the ability to kill her he might consider it, but that wasn’t an option.
“Zoe is the reason my mate nearly died last month, and I have no desire to see her,” Bartol said, clenching the handle of his sword. “Send someone else.”
Lucas let out a loud sigh. “This could be good for you to get out for a while—and I’ve gained permission for Tormod to go as well.”
A hiss of excitement came from the nerou.
Bartol knew he was being unreasonable, but he could not agree to this. Taking care of himself, getting through each day, and keeping his mate safe were his only goals. Going out in public to the grocery store where people could see him was a trial. They were asking too much of him if they thought he could handle a trip of that nature, and Lucas didn’t even know about Bartol’s previous experience with demons.
“I said no and that’s final,” he replied.
Lucas gave him a resigned look. “Very well, but if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
With a nod to Tormod, the nephilim flashed away.
