“This is Ninkasi, don't you remember her?”
“Hey, Trevor.” She lifted her chin at Wolf. “Re.” She nodded at Re. “I hope you've all been well.”
“Actually, we're, uh, dealing withWolfat the moment.” I smiled brightly at her—too brightly. “He's, uh, Trevor's, um . . .”
“I am the better, stronger part of Trevor,” Wolf said.
Ninkasi's eyes widened.
“He's Trevor's wolf. Long story.” I motioned dismissively. “I'd like to catch up, but it's a bad time. We have a family situation.”
The other woman, who was also significantly taller than Ninkasi, cleared her throat.
Ninkasi glanced at her. “I'm sorry to show up like this, but I didn't know how else to contact you. We have a situation as well. First, allow me to make the introductions. This is Ereshkigal of the Sumerians. My lady, this is Vervain, Goddess of Love, Lions, and the Moon.”
“Lions?” The woman extended her hand. “I am magically bound to lions as well, but I'm a goddess of death.”
“Death, eh? We like death gods here.” I glanced at Re as I shook her hand. Then I blinked. “Wait, I remember reading about you. You're an underworld goddess, right?”
“Yes, I stayed out of the war in Bahrain. I keep to my world. Usually.” She glanced at Ninkasi. “I've come to you for help. Ninkasi insists that you're the best tracker in all the realms.”
I sighed. “And yet, I can't track my brother-in-law.” I glanced at Wolf and did a double-take. “Trevor, is that you?”
“Yeah, I'm back. Wolf was too confused.” He shook Ninkasi's hand. “It's good to see you again.” He nodded at Ereshkigal. “And nice to meet you.”
Ereshkigal frowned at my husband. “You are dual-natured?”
“In more ways than one.” Trevor grimaced. “Sorry about that. You came at a bad time. A god has been playing games with us, and they have just taken my brother.”
“Someone took your brother?” Ninkasi asked with a glance at Ereshkigal.
“We’re not sure if someone took him or if he went willingly.” I sent Trevor an apologetic look. “He was in love with this person until he found out who they were.”
Ereshkigal shared a frown with Ninkasi. “You're too busy to help me. I understand.”
“No, wait.” Ninkasi grabbed her arm. “Your keys are too important.”
“We can try to find them ourselves.”
“Your keys?” I asked, a shiver of foreboding running down my spine.
“Someone stole my keys.” Ereshkigal turned back toward us. “They are the symbol of my power, but they also unlock the gates of the Underworld. If I don't find them, the gates will remain sealed.”
“Nope.” Re turned and went to the bar, heading behind it to pour himself a large drink.
“Ignore him.” I waved Re's drama away. “When did you notice your keys were missing?”
“Two days ago.” Ereshkigal glanced at Re. “He is exceptionally handsome.”
“Yes, please don't tell him.”
“He doesn't know?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Oh, he knows.” Trevor rolled his eyes.
“He doesn't need anyone to increase his ego,” I explained. “I don't want to say that he's full of himself, but—”
“He's full of himself,” Trevor cut me off.
