“I don’t mean Cain’s blood, but more happened than just the first murder when Abel died. The River Styx was born at the moment of his passing. Every soul since has traveled through its waters before meeting their fate.”
“Oh, I’m liking where this is going, boss man,” Asshole said. “I knew we had a reason for being here.”
My head snapped to the side where the little dog sat cradled in the arms of his ghostly companion, Kiki. Their portal to the underworld was open almost constantly now.
“I don’t suppose we can get any more literal than an actual river if we’re looking for ‘the wake of their destruction,’” Lilith mused, quoting the bit of the book that referred to the attunement.
“It’s worth a shot at the very least,” I agreed. I wasn’t ready to say it out loud, but something about Hades’ idea felt right. I had no rational reason for thinking so, but it did.
Pulling out my handkerchief, I wiped the blade clean before tucking the fabric safely away. Then I picked up the weapon and handed it to the god of the dead.
With a stiff nod, he took it and strode to the portal. For a moment, I thought it odd he’d leave without even a word to his mate, but instead of stepping through, he handed the blade, hilt first, to the dog, who took it between his teeth, tail wagging.
“I’d go, but you and I both know the minute I set foot in the underworld Janine will find me and have a laundry list of tasks she needs me to help with. You can get to the river unnoticed. You’ve got that big dog energy. Use it and wash this blade in the river. Then be a good boy and bring it right back here.”
“Don’t worry, boss, I’ll make sure he doesn’t get distracted.”
“Thanks, Keeks.”
The ghost spun on her heel and moved away from the edge of the portal, drawing a sharp sigh of relief from one of the Berserker twins as she faded from view.
“How long is this going to take? Are we talking a trip from the Shire to Mordor or something shorter?” Asher asked.
Hades shook out the sleeves of his fitted shirt before he reclaimed the seat beside his mate. “It shouldn’t take long. It all depends on how hard Asshole tries to stay away from... distractions.”
“What kind of distractions?” Kai asked.
“You know Asshole. Anything can be a distraction to a dog with three noses.”
“Fuck,” the dragon shifter said with a groan. ”Might as well get comfortable, people. We could be here a while.”
I reached for Merri, pulling her to me, needing her close.
She stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to my neck. “It’ll be okay. He’s going to stay on task. He’s a good boy.”
I squeezed her tighter. “I certainly hope you’re right.”
Asshole
Fuck yeah,I finally got to show those bitches what a good dog looked like. They thought I was just a fluffy menace, but I was the biggest, the baddest, the most capable-est dog around.
“I’m pretty sure we just follow this path and it will take us there,” Kiki mused, her voice betraying her uncertainty as she glanced at our shadowy surroundings.
It wasn’t her fault. The underworld was made to be confusing. Couldn’t have the souls getting free. But that’s why I was here. My nose wouldn’t steer us wrong. I knew my way through all the twisting, winding paths.
With a little ruff and a wiggle, I made it obvious I wanted her to put me down.
My paw pads hit the ground, nails tapping on the stone as I trotted ahead, moving us toward a vertical chasm in a jagged cliff’s face. This would be the quickest way to get there. “C’mon, toots, follow me.”
Unfortunately, the dagger in my mouth made it sound a lot less clear, and Kiki crouched down, reaching for my prize.
“I can’t understand a word you’re saying. Here, give me that. I can carry it for you.”
I immediately growled and started tugging. There was no way in Hades I was going to hand over my prize. The boss man gave it to me. It was mine.
Kiki’s eyes were wide, and a giggle slipped free before she could stop it. “Well, aren’t you just the fiercest little sweetheart.”
No. Fuck that. I was not a sweetheart. I was big and tough and oh, shit... Not the belly scritches. I was such a whore for the belly scritches.
