“Hermes is pretty easy-going, but no god is going to let someone take their girl without getting a little pouty about it,” Declan added.
“And when gods pout, cities burn,” Dominic finished.
“I'm going to talk to him,” I said.
“When?” Dominic asked.
“None of your fucking business,” Rune said.
“Fine.” Dominic held his hands up. “But it is Hades's business. All of it. I think you should tell him.”
To my surprise, Merrick said, “We already have.”
I knew better than to question the men in front of their guests, so I held back. But I gave them a wide-eyed look.
“And he's fine with it?” Darius asked.
“He didn't say much.”
Declan grunted. “That's Hades.”
“Speaking of Hades, he sent us,” Dominic said as he took the plate Merrick slid his way. “Thanks.”
Merrick nodded.
I resumed my seat and returned to eating. This was their business, but I had a right to listen in.
“Why did he send you?” Rune asked.
“We were the closest team,” Darius said. “And you need help.”
“No, we don't,” Braxen said.
I held my tongue. They needed to work this out between them.
“Hades thinks you do,” Darius insisted. “According to him, there's a soul who's masquerading as an angel and giving you a hard time. He says this guy has already tricked the Portland Cerberus.”
Dominic added, “We're here now, so you might as well accept our help.”
“Fine,” Merrick said. “But our last lead was a trap, and we don't have any new ones.”
“Then we'll help you find a new lead,” Darius said. He bit into his sandwich and groaned. “Damn. Not bad, Merrick.”
Merrick nodded. “I roasted the chicken myself.”
“Shut up! This is delicious,” Declan said.
“Thanks. I brine it first.” Merrick glanced at me. “Lora likes my chicken too.”
“I'll bet she does,” Dominic drawled.
Declan smacked him in the chest.
“What the fuck?” Dominic snapped.
“Be respectful!” Declan said. “She's their mate. And what does that even mean?”
“That she's their mate? It means—”
