Now that I’m up here, I realize with a start that I recognize the security guard. “Oh! Hi, Nicolai!”
Nicolai is head of the welcome wagon that takes care of new arrivals in this town. He helped me find my apartment and made sure I was comfortable. Then he introduced me to Levi, the monarch of this area. They’re a demon who oversees everyone that has demonic or angelic heritage. The politics are so interesting here, but as fascinating as they are, I haven’t really gotten involved in any way. Maybe I should. I heard a rumor that Levi was thinking of stepping down.
“Jin!” Nicolai says with a grin and I’m happy that he’s remembered who I am. “It’s nice to see you!”
“Yeah, you too. This is one of the first times I’ve properly left my house. It’s so goddamn cold here!”
Nicolai chuckles, pointing at his partner. “Gadreel and his brothers were the same way when they first arrived.”
Gadreel’s cheeks have finally gone back to their normal shade. “We’re from the Hell realm. It was a bit of a shock.”
I brighten at that. “I totally get you! I’m a Seraphim and I am constantly freezing my ass off! Do you ever get used to it?”
Gadreel gives a shrug. “I suggest lots of layers.”
“Good to know,” I say, sliding my purchase onto the counter. I notice a flier on the counter and point at it. “What’s this?”
It’s Nicolai who answers. “Oh, the mall is hosting a spring fair this weekend!”
“What’s that?”
“A bunch of vendors are going to be here. Small businesses or individuals. There will be booths and raffles and games. Plus, I’m pretty sure there will be free samples!”
“I heard a tattoo artist from out of town will be here too. She recently opened a parlor here,” Gadreel says as he scans my items. “I overheard a few people talking about her. Something about magical tattoos.”
“That sounds awesome,” I say excitedly. “I’ll definitely be back to check that out! Is it happening all day?”
“Yep! Open to close on Saturday.”
“Amazing,” I tell them, swiping my card and paying for my candy. “Thank you so much. It was really nice to see you, Nicolai and it was lovely to meet you, Gadreel. I’ll probably be here more than I care to admit because of how much I love candy.”
“We’d be more than happy to have you as a regular, Jin,” he says softly.
I say one more goodbye, giving them a little bow for good measure before heading back into the main part of the mall. My chest is bright, my heart is happy, and my head is clear. Today was a great day and it’s not even lunchtime.
Man, I love life.
Chapter Two
Leo
“You aresucha lifesaver,” Bren says, not for the first time. I carefully line up the mugs on the table, making sure none of them are too close to the edge, just in case.
“It’s fine, dude. You don’t have to keep thanking me.”
“I seriously owe you one. Fawksy was going to come help but something came up last minute.”
“You can buy me dinner or something,” I tell him, flashing him a grin. “If Andras will let you out alone. You two are practically connected at the hip lately.”
Bren stops what he’s doing and gives me a look, wiggling his brows at me. I reach over and shove his face.
“Disgusting.”
“What? You’re the one who said it!”
“You knew exactly what I meant, you asshole.”
Bren chuckles, carefully setting out the paints and the cups needed for Bren’s little booth. We’re selling ceramics that Bren designed and painted himself. But we’re also doing a station where people can paint their own ceramics. We’ll transport them to Bren’s art store ourselves where he can bake them and then have people come pick them up when they’re done. It’s a really fun idea and I think it’ll get people into the shop even beyond today.
