Gabriel's Hope

"I'm liking this new Gabe." Rhyn pulled him from his thoughts. "Snapping necks, breaking Codes, bringing back the dead-dead."

Gabe turned. The brothers were standing beside each other a short distance away. Rhyn was smiling faintly, Andre's controlled expression reminding Gabriel of Wynn.

"I learned a few things recently," Gabe replied. "I need to borrow Andre. We've got some demons to track. And Wynn. I'll bring them both back."

"Do me the favor and don't bring Wynn back," Rhyn said, anger flashing across his features.

"He's our father, Rhyn," Andre said.

"Don't start that mediator shit with me," Rhyn snapped.

"You have much to learn about diplomacy, little brother."

"And discretion," Gabriel added, unable to help but tease his rankled friend.

"Where's your mate, Gabe?" Rhyn retorted.

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

"Children, if you're done, I still need that drink," Andre said smoothly. "Let us get whatever this is over with. As a man of fashion, I'm afraid I won't be able to tolerate this clothing long."

Rhyn eyed him, suspecting it was an insult, while Gabriel recalled how polished Andre was. The peacemaker of the brothers, Andre instinctively used his gift of mind control to counter the tempers of his fiery brothers. It was impossible to stand near him and not relax. Gabriel felt the effect of being near him, and Rhyn shifted away from the subtle magic.

"He's yours for a couple of hours," Gabe said to Rhyn. "I've got a rat in my ranks. I need to find her."

"Harmony?" Rhyn guessed.

"Is it that obvious?" Gabriel complained.

"I have a knack for spotting traitors."

The bitterness in his voice was not lost on Gabe. He slapped Rhyn on the arm. Rhyn lifted his chin in farewell before motioning for Andre to follow him through a portal. Gabriel waited until they were gone. He felt different. Centered. Clear-headed. He had a shit ton of work to do the next couple of days. With Andre's help, he might gain some insight into Deidre's illness and be able to counter the demons tracking and stealing souls.

"Thanks for the pep talk, Fate," he murmured.

You'll pay for it later, Death, came the deity's amused response.

Gabriel smiled. "Bring it."

As he started away, he realized Fate had told him something else this day. The godling promised to tell Gabriel about he bet that took out past-Death, only when Gabriel was on the right path.

For the first time in months, he had confirmation that he was headed the right way.