Damian's Assassin

"Talon is a pretty sick bastard," Jenn observed. "We've lost a couple of Naturals to him."

"I think it would be okay if Dusty killed him," Bianca said. "I'm just not so sure about the others. They look human, Jenn. Oh, and the devil. Dusty can definitely kill the devil."

"Who?"

"Talon brought in some man to see me. He was just …" She shuddered and crossed her arms. "You ever meet someone and you knew there was something just wrong about them?"

Jenn smiled faintly with a nod.

"This guy was the devil. He was coming back for me before you all blew up the stash house."

"What did he look like?" Jenn's eyes narrowed.

"White hair, really big like Talon, these eyes that were darker than night, and when he talked, you could tell he didn't have a soul."

"I know him." Jenn's voice was hushed, her gaze growing penetrating. "But I don't know what he wanted with you."

"He didn't say. Just said he was coming back for me after he went away for a couple days," Bianca said with a shrug. The air around Jenn had stilled, and she searched her gaze. "What's wrong, Jenn?"

"You were right on about meeting the devil himself," Jenn answered. "Don't worry. You're safe now. Just don't open the door to anyone."

"Where's Jonny?" Bianca asked.

"He's at HQ, not too far from here. You'll get to see him soon."

"And he's okay? Dusty's not going to kill him?"

"No," Jenn said.

"I like you, Jenn," Bianca murmured. "In the future, you should do the recruiting of Naturals, not Dusty."

Jenn laughed.

"But you don't have to tell him I said that," she said quickly. "I don't want to make him angrier at me. I think he blames me because he ruined a sweater when he got shot today. He can heal, too, did you know?"

"Yeah, the White God granted him many gifts," Jenn said, smiling widely. "I like you, too, Bianca. You'll be good for him." She winked and rose. "Keep the door locked at all times, okay? Don't talk to strangers, and if you see someone with red eyes, run like hell back to Dusty. I'll check with him to see if I can leave you my number. You'll get lonely here alone."

"Thanks, Jenn," Bianca said.

Jenn smiled and disappeared. Bianca shook her head, her hands trembling again at the otherworldly display. Her conversation with Jenn made the world around her more concrete. The Guardian's parting words were baffling, but like many things she'd experienced the past few days, she knew she'd probably never figure them out. Tired but more at peace with the strange world, she stretched out on the couch to watch TV.