“Hold on,” I interrupted. “He's after the Cerberuses? Why? Don't the Gods approve of the hounds?”
“I don't know. My hounds do indispensable work. I had thought every god was glad for them.”
“And this enemy isn't a soul? I mean, he's not just possessing this Silas guy?”
“No, he's a minor god. I just don't know which one.”
“Why America? Are you sure he hasn't been to other continents or countries?”
“I've kept a close watch on my boys since this began. I'm sure he's targeting the United States. I assume it's to establish an anti-Hounds organization there before spreading out.”
“And when you say that he's trying to destroy your hounds, you mean he's trying to kill them?”
“Yes.”
“Canthey be killed?” Then I grimaced as I remembered why Wren had come to the Underworld. “Scratch that question. I know they can.”
“Yes, you do know, don't you, Agnes?” Hades drawled. “You've been involved in this from the start. The very beginning. One could almost say that it began with you.” He made a huffing sound as his gaze shifted to the side. “Damn, they're good.”
“Who?” I asked.
“Never mind. I believe you need to be a part of this again. Perhaps you are the one to finish it. So, I want you back up there, on my side this time. You've proven to be resourceful, intelligent, and tenacious—all things I need in an agent. How about it?”
“An agent of Hades.” I liked the sound of that.
“Yes. A secret agent.” He grinned as if he knew that would hook me.
“My girl Wren is mated to a Cerberus.”
“Yes, she is. And you don't want her to get hurt, do you, Agnes?”
“No. You should have led with that, Lord Hades. I don't care what it costs me. If I'm helping Wren, I'm in. Send me back.”
Hades's smile turned into a smirk, but I got the feeling that he wasn't directing it at me. “Very well. I will start the spell today.”
“Just one more thing,” I said.
“Yes?”
“You said that I can pick my body, right?”
“Yes. Whatever you wish to look like, I can accommodate you.”
“Good. I've got some ideas on that front, but I also want to be rich. Filthy, stinking rich.”
He rolled his eyes. “You will share the wealth of the Cerberus you mate. All my hounds have done well on Earth. I made sure of it.”
“Nope!” I pointed at him. “I'm not that girl. I stand on my own two feet and the shoes I wear on those feet?I bought 'em,” I sang the last bit.
Hades stared at me.
“It's a song. After your earlier vernacular display, I thought you'd know it.” I waved it away. “Never mind. I want money. Lots of it. My own cash. And I want to choose a new name. Agnes is so last century.”
“Very well. I'll make sure you're wealthy and you can choose your new name before I send you back. Honestly, it saves me the trouble. Now, do we have an agreement?”
“Yes, Your Godliness, we do.” I held out my hand.
When the Lord of the Underworld shook my hand, I knew I should have asked for more. He was way too happy with our deal. There would be shit I wasn't prepared for. Probably a lot of shit. But I didn't care. I'd get to go back as an adult with all of my memories intact. I'd remember Wren and I wouldn't have to wait years to see her, as I would have if I'd gone back the normal route and been born anew. Who doesn't love some instant gratification?
