“You saved my bacon, by the way,” I told her as she poured me a drink.
“Hmm?”
“You and Riona. Driving to the Mage Council, calling Samael, and following the car.”
I had vague memories of seeing her ashen face, not long after Samael had been struck by the spell. I’d screamed until my throat was raw, and one of the demons had knocked me out. I’d woken up after surgery.
“I’m just sorry it happened,” Mere murmured. “It’s difficult to wrap my head around Lucifer turning so many of the mages.”
“Cara was the one who hurt the most,” I admitted. “Out of all of them, she was the only one I considered a friend.”
Mere leaned on the bar. “You’ve had a rough few months.”
I choked out a laugh and raised my drink. “Tell me about it.”
“Can I help in any way?”
“Actually… if Evie isn’t back in time for me to complete the counter spell, I’ll need another witch. Apparently, the spell requires a representative from each faction. Something tells me Gemma and the others won’t jump at the opportunity to save Samael’s life.”
“Of course,” Mere said. “Just tell me where and when.”
She stepped away to serve a group of seelie women, and I brooded into my drink. When I finally raised my head to gesture for a refill, Mere had her gaze fixed behind me.
Vas had arrived.
The bar went quiet, and I knew what they saw. A large, pissed-off demon stalking toward the bar.
A gnome slid off the stool next to me and made himself scarce. Vas took the seat and gave me a steady look. “Leaving alone isn’t smart. The Underking will do anything he can to take us down.”
My throat was so tight I could barely get my words out. “Lucifer has already mortally wounded us. Now he’s just waiting for us to bleed out.”
“Hey,” Mere said. “That’s loser talk.”
I choked out a laugh. It hurt my throat. I caught the look Vas sent her, his eyes full of gratitude. They both glanced away.
“We know what you’re dealing with, you know,” Vas said. “Me, Bael, Lilith, and everyone else. Even Ag. If the others can’t look at you, it’s because they’re ashamed.”
I squinted at him. “Ashamed of what?”
Mere slid me another drink. “Ashamed of giving up on him.”
I stared at her, and she rolled her eyes. “I run the only bar for paranormals. I hear things. And everyone knows most of the demons went straight into mourning while you were figuring out what needed to be done.”
“I’m making it up as I go along. It might not work.”
Vas nudged me. “And if it doesn’t, we’ll all know that you did literally everything possible.”
“I probably won’t be around to deal with the repercussions,” I said. I only wished that I’d had more time to spend with Evie.
Vas stiffened and I glanced at him. Something flickered in his eyes, and I went still.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Mere shook her head at him, and I narrowed my eyes at her. “Do you know?”
“Nope. But I can guess.” She sighed. “I’d bet the demons have some kind of plan to make sure you make it even if Samael dies.” She raised her eyebrow at Vas, who stole my vodka soda and took a hefty slug.
