“I think he’s trying to toe the Heavenly line.”Rico rolledhis eyes.“You know, for the first time ever.He wants something from them.Whatever it is, he wants it bad if he’s playing their games.”
Shit.This was unexpected.“Guess I’d better see him and getthis cleared.”
Another roll of Rico’s dark eyes.“He’ll probably let itslide.He lets his favorites get away with murder.”
Hawkyn gaped.“You think I’m one of his favorites?”
“Lilliana likes you, so he likes you.”
Ah, yes.Hawk had forgotten that there was no love lostbetween Lilliana and Rico.Hawkyn had no idea what Lilliana’s side of the storywas, but Rico had despised her since the day he claimed she’d slapped him forgiving her a compliment.Hawkyn had known Rico for several decades longer thanhe’d known Lilliana...which was why he was almost certain Rico had deservedanything Lilliana did to him.He loved his brother, but the guy refused to takeresponsibility for his actions and always claimed he was the victim in anysituation.
“Do you think he should let it slide?”Hawkyn asked, andRico shrugged.
“I think her being here can only hurt you.”Rico signaled toone of their sisters, who was tapping her foot impatiently at the tennis court.“Ella and I are practicing for the tennis tourney next week.You gonna root forus?”
“Sure,” Hawkyn said absently.“See you later.”
Rico took off and Hawkyn went straight to Azagoth’s office.Zhubaal, his fallen angel assistant, granted him immediate entry.Inside, hisfather was observing a parade of demon souls escorted by hisgriminionsas they guided the demons to theirfinal destinationin the Inner Sanctum.With the exception ofoneunfortunate accident, not a single soul got into the Sanctum without Azagoth’sapproval, and while most spent no more than a few seconds with the Grim Reaper,every once in a whilehe pulled one aside, andnoonewanted to bethatguy.
“Hawkyn.”Azagoth didn’t even turn to look at him.“Are youhere to tackle me again?”
“Twice in twenty-four hours would be considered rude,”Hawkyn said, mirroring the amused tone in his father’s voice.It was alwayssmart to start off any conversation with Azagoth on a positive note.
Azagoth grunted, which Hawk was going to take as a laugh.“Then what can I do for you?”
“I just talked to Emerico.He says you agree with him thatAurora should leave.”
With a wave of his hand, Azagoth froze the soul parade intheir tracks and turned to Hawkyn.“That’s a slight mischaracterization of whatI said.”
Hope zinged through him.“Then she can stay?”
“No.I said I think youshouldbe able to have herhere.”The fireplace on the far wall flared to life, sparked by nothing morethan Azagoth’s thoughts.“But there are rules.Shehas togo.”
Son of a bitch.Hawk’s heart sank to his feet.So much forhope.Aurora deserved better than this, and he was going to keep fighting forher.And this wasn’t even about the guilt he harbored for putting the wheels ofher situation into motion.This was about the fact that he liked her.
Primori or not, she was special.
“That’s not right and you know it,” he said fiercely.“There’s a serial killer after her.She’s not Primori, so rules shouldn’t applyto her.”
“I don’t know what to tell you.”Azagoth propped his hip onhis desk and stretched his long legs out in front of him.“The Memitim Councilonly allows me to keep Sheoul-gra open to Memitim as long as they don’t use itto thwart the Council’s rules or to interfere with Primori fates.”
“I’m not using Sheoul-gra for either of those things,” heargued.“I have confirmation that Drayger’s fate hasn’t been changed byanything I’ve done with Aurora.Besides, this is your realm.Your rules.Youcan get the Memitim Council to change their minds.Make them.”
“I can’t, son,” Azagoth said, and Hawkyn nearly fell over.Azagoth had never directly addressed him that way, and Hawkyn wasn’t sure whatto say.Fortunately, Azagoth continued speaking, sparing him a response.“Thereare only so many things I can negotiate for.I only have so many cards to play,and I can’t waste them on a single human female.”
“But—”
“No.You have a duty.A duty to your Primori.Not to arandom human.”
“She’s neither random nor human,” he gritted out.“And Idon’t need to be lectured about duty.”
Azagoth’s curse accompanied a sudden shove to his feet and atangible tension in the air.
“You have feelings for this female.That’s stupid, Hawk.You’re letting your emotions affectthejob.And youractions.It’s a mistake.”
“Amistake?”Hawkyn snorted.“I can’t believe youjust said that.You, who changed your entire realm for a female who seems to beavoiding youmore often than not.”
“My relationship with my mate is none of your concern.”
