Even though none of Cerberus’s offspring are three-headed monsters, they’re still a breed of brutal protectors and vicious opponents. Dozens guard the gates of Hell, and even more roamthe earth, protecting children and dragging their abusers back here. Whatever’s left of their victims, anyway.
“You remember when August stayed with us for a day while your kingdom was fighting Visha’s Coven?”
I nod. I wasn’t a part of the fight, but I’ve heard enough to piece together what happened.
“I didn’t notice at first, but August left one of his toys here. A stuffed dinosaur.”
So that’s where it went. August is usually easygoing, but he went into full-blown meltdown mode for two days until Anxo pulled out one of the identical backups he keeps for emergencies.
“Long story short, this pup locked onto August’s scent.”
Bullshit. I narrow my eyes at him. “Hellhounds don’t lock onto scents without the King of Hell’s permission.”
Elijah throws his hands up. “Exactly. I don’t know how he did it, but it can’t be undone. I didn’t bring him to the Tetrad kingdom right away because I needed to be sure August would be safe around him. I didn’t want him to accidentally maim the kid. But he’s been moping ever since August left. Barely eats anything.”
August slips out from behind me, and before I can stop him, he crouches in front of the cage, watching the pup sleep like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world.
Elijah slumps. “Dean, hechoseAugust, imprinted on him. He won’t survive without him.”
I sigh, my eyes fixed on the little werewolf inching closer to the cage.
“Nevaeh is going to skin us alive.”
Elijah grimaces. “Trust me, I know. She’s terrifying when it comes to her family. Her name is on the list of top five supernatural beings you don’t want to piss off. They teach about her in political class.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to choke down a laugh.
Fuck, this is a mess.
“Grandpa, look! He’s so small,” August whispers.
When he reaches for the cage, I move to stop him, but Elijah grabs my arm and shakes his head.
If the Hellhound has really locked onto August’s scent, he’ll rip my hand off if I try to touch him now. It’s going to take a lot of training to teach the pup who’s friend and who’s foe… because right now, everything is foe.
Neveah is going to fucking kill me.
August slowly opens the cage and carefully lifts the pup into his arms. I hover as close as I can without triggering the little beast my grandson is admiring.
Sure, it looks adorable now, but I know exactly what it’s capable of.
The pup lets out a low growl before nuzzling into August’s arms. The kid watches his new protector with hearts in his eyes, gently stroking his fur.
When August looks up at me, his eyes are filled with so much hope.Oh boy.
“Can I keep him? Pleaseeeee?”
Elijah turns to me with the exact same pout.
I’m going to kill him for putting me in this position.
“Fine, but—”
August throws his arm around my leg, still holding the pup. “Yes! Thank you, Grandpa! I’m going to call him Shadow because he can disappear in the dark!”
It’s true. Insanity is our family motto at this point.
I’m still processing the name when August bolts, yelling, “Mama, look what Grandpa Luci got me!”
