Battle With Fire (Demon Days & Vampire Nights)

Darius bowed his head. “I thank you for that. It takes a good leader to push back on popular opinion and judge the situation with a logical, unbiased mind.”

“And I just barely managed.” Roger chuckled, pausing near the door of the church. His dual-colored gaze hit mine. “Michael has all but promised to…” His lips tightened, and I knew he was struggling to figure out the best way to phrase it.

I helped him out: “Dabble in the lives of humans? Barge in and mess with all your crap? Swing his dick around and act like the greatest thing since sliced bread?”

He blinked a few times. “Help, is what I was going to say.”

I grinned. “Sure. Help, yeah.”

He centered his weight. Uh-oh, he planned to ask for something. He always got very aggressive when he was cornered into doing that.

“I wondered,” he started, like pulling teeth. I could feel the mirth swirling through the bond with Darius as he watched this unfold. “You have pull with Lucifer, and Lucifer seems to be…comfortable pushing back with the angels.”

“We’ve ascertained that they are brothers, after all, are they not?” Darius asked.

Roger ignored him. “I don’t want any one world to have too much power in the Brink. We’ve been given the opportunity to create our own organization, and I’d like to keep the power in the hands of elected officials. Given the elves and the other representatives in the Realm are busy rebuilding their own lands, that leaves the Brink wide open for the angels to…”

“Help, I think you said,” Darius supplied.

Roger cocked his head and somehow continued to ignore him. Kinda. “I wondered if you might take an interest in the Brink on behalf of the Underworld. You know it better than most, both the underbelly and the normal workings. You also have the power and the…wherewithal to push back on the angels where you see fit.”

I would’ve gone with stubbornness, but wherewithal works, Darius thought.

It was my turn to ignore Darius.

“I haven’t decided if I’m taking the—a role within the Underworld,” I said carefully. “I need to head down and talk to my father. I just haven’t had the time, what with Penny’s wedding and everything…”

I blamed everything on Penny. What was one more thing?

“Well.” Roger nodded to me. “We could use you. Most of the fae have been called to duty in the Realm. A small subset will remain with Charity and Devon’s pack because of their schooling. We’ll join forces if need be, but it’ll largely be the job of the shifters to patrol the Brink again. Until the Realm is more stable, at any rate.”

“You’ll have much less to do,” Darius said. “I’ll be speaking with Vlad shortly. We’ll keep our factions in line. We’ll police our own, so to speak.”

Shivers coated me. Whereas I had been dragging my feet about my father, Darius had been much more proactive with Vlad. He didn’t say much, but I had a feeling he was worried about the outcome of their meeting. He had a sentimental attachment to Vlad, even if that attachment might not be shared. I didn’t think he wanted to keep brawling with the other vampire. We’d find out soon, though. That was next on our to-do list. Followed by my biting the bullet and figuring out my future.

“That would be a help,” Roger said, taking a step back. “We’ll be in touch.” His gaze slid to me before he left. “Don’t be a stranger, whatever happens with the Underworld, okay? I’ve gotten used to you. I’d hate to have to work on a new normal.”

“Aww.” I winked at him. “You’ve grown to actually like me, haven’t you? You can’t live without me.”

“Actually, I was just hoping you’d bring Penny around. She’s much nicer than you.”

“Yes, she is, but you totally like me.” I grinned as he headed for the doors. “We’re going to be beasties—get it? It’s best friends between animals and their people familiars. I just made it up. I’ll get matching necklaces. Want to do mood rings?” I called after him.

The door shut, leaving one presence behind us.

Darius kissed my temple. I’ll be outside. Don’t make an enemy.

I turned slowly as Darius left me alone with Michael.

The angel had a little smile on his handsome face. His robes hung straight, and I was glad they didn’t magically ripple like an elf’s would’ve. At least he had that going for him.

“So…” I said, suddenly not sure what to do with my hands. “Thanks for saving my life.”

“Your journey has been an intriguing one, Reagan Somerset. It is not your bloodline that sets you apart from Lucifer’s other heirs. That simply allows you to exist within Lucifer’s corrosive magic without your soul bleeding out of you.”

“Graphic.”

“What sets you apart is within you.” He touched his sternum. “Despite our grievances, I will admit that Lucifer has created a strong, balanced world. That is easier when it is closed off, however. Now creatures will be able to come and go once again. He will meet with other leaders and nobles. He will need help to keep the balance. I think you would be a welcome relief to him. You’ve brought about change. You should partake in the effects of it.”