Katie's Hellion

"I sensed a thaw in you. The moment one of my assassins hesitates --or starts to care --I make them dead-dead. I don't own you like I do them, and I like you, Gabriel," she said.

"You're threatening to kill me now?" he asked, bemused.

"We both want something. Just say yes, you'll do anything for your friend, and I'll spare him a little longer."

"How much longer?"

She looked at him knowingly before saying, "You don't trust me?"

"You know I do."

"Then say yes, Gabriel. You've served me long enough to know what I am. Unless you were considering leaving me?"

He said nothing, aware the thought had crossed his mind more than once lately. His gaze went to the incoming storm. His life wouldn't change drastically if he agreed. He just couldn't walk away.

Ever.

He'd taken Rhyn to Hell. This sacrifice was the least he could do for his friend.

"Yes. Give him more time," he said softly.

Death smiled slowly, satisfied with the prize she'd won.

* * *

Katie was thinking of how much whiskey it'd take to dull the edge of her headache when the phone rang. Irritated, she would've ignored it if not for Toby, who snatched it in excitement.

"What're you doing?" Toby yelled into the phone.

She looked at him. In four hundred thousand years, he hadn't learned to answer a phone right? He carried on a conversation for a few minutes, and she rested her head back, staring at the ceiling.

Though she hated to admit it, she'd hoped Rhyn was calling. Her heart leapt then dropped to her feet when she realized a man like that didn't call. He'd just appear whenever he felt like it. If he ever felt like it. If he cared AT ALL that his blood monkey and mate had been totally abused. Again.

"It's for you!" Toby called, holding out the phone. "It's Auntie Hannah!"

"Heya, Katherine."

The sound of her sister's voice made her throat tighten. She'd never been truly happy to talk to her.

"Heya, Hannah."

"Toby said you've been under the weather. You're interested in coming to see me for a few days?"

Katie glared at Toby at the skeptical note in Hannah's voice.

"Gabriel said --" Toby started.

"I would," Katie replied. "Been having a rough time on my…medications or whatever."

"Oh, I understand. Will Toby come?"

"No, he'll be with a friend," Katie replied.