Deidre's Death

"You misunderstand the terms." It was Darkyn's turn to tilt his head curiously.

"What were they?"

"Ask your mate," Darkyn said, unconcerned. "Unless, of course, you don't trust her."

Gabriel ignored the barb.

"It seems a deity like you could easily uncover the information you wish by reading her mind," Darkyn added. "Or checking with the Oracle."

"I can't read her mind or find all the deals in the Oracle. The meat of the deal was private, was it not? A matter between you and her?"

"Perhaps you should look more closely." Darkyn shrugged. "The terms are completed. Do you think I would hesitate to collect, if they were not?"

"Absolutely not," Gabriel said with a snort.

"Then why are you here, Gabriel?"

Gabriel said nothing. Darkyn's question hit home. As much as he hated to admit it, Darkyn wasn't one to wait to claim debts owed him. Gabriel didn't know what he hoped to obtain from the demon lord on this issue. Clarity, insight. Reassurance that no nasty deal between his mate and the demon-lord would arise. Deidre was evasive about what happened though she, too, was insistent that the terms were complete.

Andre was the only one who seemed to think there was a reason for Gabriel to be here, and Gabriel trusted Andre more than both Deidres and Darkyn combined.

"To discuss how you are assisting my death-dealers get into and out of my underworld," Gabriel replied, changing the subject.

"For the right price, I will assist any of them get home."

"There is a way through Hell?"

"Demons cannot pass through it, but your death dealers can. I simply offer them a route home in exchange for favors," Darkyn said. "They are dropping quickly."

Ten, Gabriel knew. To complicate matters, he had no idea what shape the underworld was in, if the reports Landon received were correct. If true, the rebellion forming in the underworld needed to be dealt with swiftly and his soul found. He just didn't know how to do that without making a deal with Darkyn.

"Would you like to go home?" Darkyn asked with a cold smile.

"I've been shut out for a reason."

"And you accept that. Just like you accept your mate's version of our deal."

Gabriel grated his teeth. "Don't play with me, Darkyn. We both know anyone can get to Hell. You are the only way out of Hell, and I'm not about to make you a deal. There is another way, and I'll find it."

"You brought me here to play with me." Darkyn looked around again. "I have no business with your mate. Whatever your concerns, they are not with me. As for the underworld, I prey on depravity. I will continue to do so and lure your dealers home."