“Oh yeah, I’m in love.” I laugh, clinking my glass against his.
The former Angel of Death calls my name, and before I can turn, he pulls me into a hug. “It’s so good to see you, son! Have you tried the eink potion? The Pixie court outdid itself this year.”
Azrael talks so fast I barely understand him, his words slurring together.
“Looks like you started the party without us.”
“Elijah told me you finally found your mate, so I decided to celebrate properly.”
“Sure you did, old man.” I laugh, patting the arm he has slung around my shoulders.
Ever since his grandson Elias was crowned, all he’s done is get trashed and enjoy retirement. He might miss the work sometimes, but his mate is thrilled to have him all to herself.
I can only imagine how good it must feel to not deal with the dead every single day. I only reap the souls, but the poor Archangel had to deal with them after they’re sent to hell.
Thank Fates I only deal with humans. I don’t think I’d survive handling both human and supernatural souls whining about not getting into Heaven or Azure.
“If it isn’t the famous Grim Reaper himself!”
I curse under my breath at the voice.
I love mingling with leaders from other realms, but I’ll never understand why Elijah insists on inviting Heaven-bound Angels to the mix.
All they do is strut around peacocking and spoil the mood.
Hutriel, the Angel of dumbassery—oops, I meant the Angel of punishment and destruction—strides toward us with a confidence he wouldn’t possess if he knew the thoughts running in my head. His beady eyes gleam with mischief, and I can already tell he’s here to cause chaos.
I sigh. “How are you, Hutriel?”
“Fantastic. Though I have to say, these events weren’t as fun without you. I heard rumors that you were running around Purgatory.” He laughs. “Tell me that’s not true.”
I might be biased, but I fucking hate the sound of his voice.
He notices Archangel Azrael leaning against me and sneers. “I see you’re enjoying the perks of your war with the Crescent Moon coven.”
I know I’ll regret this, but I ask anyway, “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“The Horsemen nearly destroyed the entire coven, not to mention so many others that fell in the aftermath. The Fates themselves witnessed the destruction your kingdom caused.”
Just like that, I’m in the mood for murder.
“Visha and her coven got what they fucking deserved. She kidnapped my daughter. Tortured her for a decade. Killed dozens of kids, all because they were chosen by the Fates for a destiny far beyond what your tiny brain can comprehend. Areyou really that blinded by hate that you’re willing to excuse the atrocities her coven committed?”
I tilt my head, clicking my tongue. “But look who I’m talking to. Heaven has been killing Angels for centuries in the name of tradition. Of course, you don’t see the difference between defending what’s yours and slaughtering innocents.”
Elijah covers a snort with a cough. I’d bet anything he’s rooting for me to tear the fucker apart… and not just with words.
Hutriel’s face twists with anger, but instead of backing down, it only worsens when he takes in the way Elijah is standing at my right and Azrael at my left.
Elias steps in with a chair, nudging it behind his grandfather and insisting he sit before taking his place at my side. The gesture makes it very clear that Hutriel isn’t just outnumbered, he’s on the “getting his ass beat”side.
“You act all high and mighty, Dean, but everyone here knows how many corrupt souls Hell gained from that war.”
My brows shoot up at the sheer audacity, but he keeps going.
“Come on, are you seriously going to deny it wasn’t a ruse to give Hell an advantage over Heaven? Your kind is supposed to act as a link between the two realms, but it’s clear you favor one side.”
“Don’t mistake my friendship with Elijah for betrayal. I’ve never stolen a single soul from either side, and no matter how much I hate you mindless, obedient dogs, I’m above screwing with my duties.”
