Loki raised his head off Azazel’s shoulder. “Stop being sensitive. You know I’m just kidding. Anyway, let’s get off of my problems. Tell me about your lost angel. Why do you think he’s here?”
“I can’t explain it, I just know he’s here.” Azazel finished his drink and stood. “Don’t ask me any more questions about him, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“All right, but let me say this for now.” Loki stood in front of him. “I saw how torn up you were when he left you, and I saw what it did to you a couple of years ago when you found out you had a son. I’m a nasty bastard, Azazel, you know that, but if you find him and he tears your heart apart like he did before, don’t stop me from killing him. Even though I had nothing to do with it, I still feel guilty for what Angrboda did to Donald.”
“Loki, I...”
“Don’t,” Loki said, stopping him. “You’re my brother, and it’s my duty to protect you as such. Even if you will hate me in the end.”
Why can’t you show this much care for your own children?Azazel wanted to ask but kept it to himself. Loki was a complicated man and an even more complicated father.
Azazel looked down, then back at his friend. A couple of years ago, Angrboda had tried to kill Donald when he was pregnant, to get back at Fenrir for being disloyal to Loki. Although Donald hadn’t gotten hurt, Uriel did in protecting their son and grandchild. Loki had helped get his revenge on Angrboda but his friend still carried the guilt for it happening. Azazel didn’t blame Loki for Angrboda's actions, but it hadn't stopped Azazel from killing her.
“I get it, but don’t kill him,” Azazel said. “I’m hurt, but I still love him. There has to be a reason he left. I regret not going after him. Maybe we would have been together if I had.”
“Let go of your guilt. I doubt you could have kept him by your side. When you two were together he was still devoted to your father and even touted his words. For all we know, he is still devoted to your old man. How the hell can you trust him? Fuck, how can you still be in love with him? Sure, he was good looking and didn't kill you, but what information did he bring back to Dio?”
Azazel smiled, not saying anything to refute his friend, and instead, he reached up to squeeze Loki’s shoulders in appreciation. He couldn’t explain things to Loki and even if he did Azazel was sure his friend wouldn’t understand his reasonings.
“Come on, let me buy you a meal. My dinner plans fell through.” He walked over to his office chair and grabbed his jacket, shrugging it on.
“You had a date?” Loki looked at him with interest.
Azazel shook his head. “It was a business meeting. Director Fang's mate went into labor, so I’m going to stop at the hospital to see them before heading to dinner.”
“Is this the wholebeing nice to peoplething to get brownie points?”
“I think so. If I do good deeds while you’re around me, maybe the karma will rub off.”
“Karma, my ass. I can't believe you angels believe in that shit,” Loki said, walking to the door, opening it, and he stopped abruptly, followed by anoofsound coming from the other side.
“Mister... Mister Mayor, when did you get here?” Azazel heard Tanner inquire.
“Are you all right?” Loki asked, his tone dripping with seduction.
Azazel quirked a brow at Loki’s question as the corner of his mouth hooked up in a pleasant smirk.
Please don't seduce my assistant, Loki, you damn bastard.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Tanner said softly as his face turned as red as a tomato. “You didn’t hurt me.”
“That’s good,” Loki said.
“Sir, how come I didn’t know you were here?” Tanner said, clearing his throat and looking at Azazel over Loki’s shoulder.
“He came through the secret door,” Azazel lied.
“Secret door?” Tanner stepped to the side and craned his neck, searching the office, and Azazel could tell he was looking for clues to the door.
Tanner was human and had just moved to Valleywood and was unaware that he lived around supernaturals. Although Azazel had a low-level demon as his administrative assistant, he hired Tanner because he was efficient and had no problem keeping up with his schedule.
“I didn’t know you had one.”
“That’s why it’s a secret,” Loki said. “Not everyone knows about it.”
“Oh, I suppose you’re right,” Tanner said, seeming very unconvinced.
“Were you coming to see me?” Azazel asked, pushing Loki out of the way.
