“Master,” the assassin says, tilting his head in a bow. “What do you need?”
“It’s my brother who needs you, Aim.”
Those deep blue eyes turn on me. “It’s nighttime in London, Asmo,” he says grouchily. “Couldn’t this have waited?”
I scoff. “Where’s the respect?”
“I’m older than you,” he says simply. “You’re lucky I don’t want to rule a territory.”
“You don’t need to sleep anyway,” I drawl.
Aim quirks an eyebrow and crosses his arms over a naked, tattooed chest. “But my Amy does.”
“Oh yes,” I purr. “Congratulations on your mating.”
“If I were in the middle of said mating, I wouldn’t be here now,” he says wickedly. “And congratulations on your newest progeny.”
It’s the first time those words have meant anything to me. I puff up like a peacock.
“As fascinating as this exchange is,” Ashtaroth begins, “I find myself curious about my brother’s urgency. Get to the point.”
“Right.” I take a deep breath. “I need a human brought down to Hell.”
As both males stare at me like I’ve grown a second head, I launch into the story. I tell them about Thomas, about the violence, about Simone’s lost baby.
I watch Aim’s hands clench into fists, claws popping out. Ashtaroth remains impassive to the untrained eye, but I can see the flames roaring behind his eyes.
Oh, yes, he is much changed.
“As much as I’d like to help,” Aim begins, “I’m not sure the Council will let us get away with it.”
“Thismanis bound for Hell regardless,” Ashtaroth says, sayingmanlike one would sayexcrement. “We would merely be hastening the outcome of his journey.”
“Exactly,” I say, pleased that he sees things my way. “Left unchecked, he’ll only hurt more women the same way he hurt Simone.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to,” Aim says darkly. “Not long ago, I had to deal with this cunt who followed my Amy home. Trust me, I wanted to eviscerate him, but Council retaliation would be unpleasant.”
“I think we’ll be fine with this one,” I say, not even lying. “We might find an ally in Saraqael for a change.”
Ashtaroth leans back, his heavy, ornate armor creaking. “I am still amazed he assisted with the birth. I think his worldview is changing somewhat, being in the constant presence of Fallen and Elioud.”
I snort. “Yeah, Nephithar’s kid follows him around like an imprinted duckling. Constantly undressing him with his eyes.”
“His mother assisted as well, did she not?” my brother asks carefully.
“Yes?” I answer, dragging the word out.
“If she is not averse to journeys to Hell, Sataniel requested her presence last we spoke alone. Only days before you arrived to show us you are still alive.”
He says the last part with a bit more force, and I cringe. After the argument with Simone, I took my sweet time settling things in my court before coming to see my family here. But what he said is madness.
“I’m not sure how much luck you’ll have with that, Brother. But I’ll do what I can to help.”
He nods, then turns his ancient gaze on his spymaster. “Aim. Find and retrieve this mortal for Asmodai. We will deal with any consequences that arise.”
“Wonderful,” Aim deadpans. “As long as it doesn’t end with mybeing obliterated.” He looks at me. “Where do you want him? I’m guessing not anywhere near your consort.”
“No,” I say through clenched teeth. “Bring him to my ziggurat. Please,” I add in an afterthought. Both demons look surprised that I bothered. Guess I’m a changed man too.
