"Can Deidre help?"
"Not sure. Darkyn did a number on her before sending her back," Gabriel said.
Rhyn looked at him blankly then said. "Oh, yeah. Your current mate."
Gabriel eyed him.
"You could always ask her. Maybe there's a backdoor or someone she knows in Hell who can help you."
"I will," Gabriel said, doubting that Deidre was able to help without her memories.
"Any news on Erik?"
"No. None."
Rhyn watched him. To anyone else, the predatory stare of a demon would come across as threatening. Gabriel knew his friend well enough to know he was contemplating.
"Sometimes, you have to let go of shit that happened in the past," Rhyn said at last.
Gabriel laughed. "You are the worst philosopher I know."
"I'm being straight with you." Rhyn grinned. "I think you're here looking for answers in that thing." He motioned to the Oracle's book. "You have your mate. She's healthy. She adores you. Go with it."
"I'm waiting for the tables to turn and there to be another Deidre. I've known what? Three in the past few months?" Gabriel shook his head.
"I think this is the last Deidre you get. I don't think the other one is coming back," Rhyn replied. "Not that there is another one. Just that … whatever happened, it's done."
Gabriel studied him.
"You're afraid of being hurt and not willing to take a chance," Rhyn assessed. "I know you Gabe. Trust me. Whatever is going on, this Deidre is your mate."
"You think I'm in my own way again.
"I think you've suffered enough. Deidre is here. The rest will work itself out. You might as well accept it."
Gabriel smiled. Every once in awhile, the half-demon surprised him with the depth of his observations and compassion. Though rough around the edges, Rhyn was the best friend Gabriel had ever had.
He considered the simple wisdom of his friend. Rhyn was right. Whatever deal the Dark One made, the result was clear. Gabriel's mate was alive and well. No tumor, nothing to stop them from working through whatever issues they had to make a life together.
His gaze drifted back to the Oracle. The only danger he saw of losing his mate - again - was if she had any outstanding debt to Darkyn. She claimed not, but he wasn't entirely certain. Even so, he had his mate, and she wasn't going anywhere. Maybe, just maybe, it was okay to take a chance.
"Alright. I'm headed back. You staying here?" Rhyn asked, opening a portal.
Gabriel looked around. The Oracle had given him nothing, and he didn't feel able to sit still and drink tea with Daniela, the headmistress of the order of nuns who managed this Sanctuary.