“We need more information,” Samael said. “Let me do some research and get back to you.”
“I don't know how much time we have,” Azrael said.
“Do you think that I don't realize the urgency of the situation?” Samael countered. “They're family to you, but they're not your children. A parent's love goes far deeper than anyone else's.”
“My apologies,” Azrael said immediately. “Please contact me when you find anything, and I'll do the same for you.”
“I appreciate your help, Azrael.” Samael stood and held out his hand to Az. “And the apology.”
Az blinked at the slim, elegant hand a moment before he lurched to his feet and shook it.
“Don't fluff your feathers; this doesn't mean we're friends,” Samael said dryly. “Just temporary comrades in arms.”
“I'll take that,” Azrael said. “Thank you, Samael.”
“Oh, this is just adorable; the death angels together.” Lilith sighed. “Where's my camera?”
Both Samael and Azrael grimaced at her.
Chapter Eleven
Azrael went to Hell to let his father know what we'd discovered, and the rest of us went home; Re to his palace in Aaru, and Toby to his cave. I was beyond tired; I was weary—that emotional, bone-deep exhaustion that comes from a combination of adrenaline, anxiety, confusion, frustration, and plain, old fear. I needed to fall into my bed and not get out of it for at least eight hours.
But I couldn't fall into my bed because it was already occupied; by an owl.
“Begone foul fowl!” I shouted at Alex as I shooed him with waves of my hands.
“Please tell me that one of those 'fowls' didn't have a U in it,” Alex—aka Aleksanteri, Athena's pet owl—said in a pained tone.
“You're damn straight it did,” I said. “I have no patience for birds in my bed. The only feathers I want near me are Azrael's wings and my down pillows. Since Az isn't here right now, I'll settle for the pillows. Get out; I don't care what Athena wants.”
“What's with you?” Alex huffed as he fluffed his feathers and hopped off my bed.
Alex is a large owl; nearly the size of my daughter (and that's without counting his wingspan). He cocked his white head at me in an extreme and extremely disturbing angle.
“We've been following leads on an exorcist who's murdering demons,” Trevor said tiredly. “Vervain's right; whatever Athena wants, it's going to have to wait.”
“But she told me to summon you immediately,” Alex said. “And I've already been waiting here an hour. I've had to raid your farm for a quick bite to eat.”
“What could you have possibly found to eat at the farm?” I asked in confusion. “We don't have mice.”
I'd made the farm awhile back when it became apparent that feeding a Pride of werelions was really expensive. If they'd been regular lions, they would have been content with the antelope that ranged free here, but they were also men, and they wanted variety. Not that I blamed them; I couldn't eat raw antelope for the rest of my life either. So, I had used my territory magic to make a farm with chickens, pigs, and a few cows. But that was it, and nothing existed in my realm without me inviting it in or creating it. So, I was certain there were no rodents for the owl to eat.
“A chicken, of course,” Alex said. “I didn't think you'd mind; laws of hospitality and all.”
“I don't mind but... a chicken?” I gaped at him. “You ate another bird? You really are a foul fowl.”
“Owls eat other birds; it's perfectly natural,” Alex said haughtily. “I am a predator. How do you not know that?”
“It just seems like cannibalism to me,” I said with a shudder.
“First of all, your birds are magic so I don't think that counts either way,” Alex said. “Second; I didn't eat other owls. Although, I've heard of owls who do.”
“Cannibalism!” I declared and flopped into bed. “Now, off with you, you fowl cannibal!”
“You're always so dramatic.” Alex sighed and rolled his huge eyes. “And third; haven't you eaten people?”
I froze. “That was in dragon form,” I said. “It's perfectly acceptable for dragons to eat people.”
Alex grimaced. “What do you care about a bunch of demons anyway?”
“They're family,” I said into my pillow.
“What was that?” Alex asked.
“She said zey are family,” Kirill said as he stalked closer to the bird. “And here, you are prey.”
“How rude!” Alex flapped up into the air and circled the room. “You must present yourself to the Mistress of Olympus, Godhunter. The other Olympians are already there. You are needed.”
“I am needed to sleep,” I muttered; half asleep already. “One of my representatives will go in my stead.”
“Representative?” Alex asked. “Who?”
I chuckled as I rolled over onto my back. “What did you say?”
“Who?” He repeated. “Who are you sending?”
I burst into more exhausted giggles.
“Why is she laughing?” Alex asked as he landed atop one of the bed posters.
“Because you're a talking owl whom she just got to say 'who,'” Trevor said with a smirk.
“Children!” Alex screeched. “Absolute infants; the lot of you.”
I laughed more. Then Kirill and Trevor joined in. I have one of those infectious laughs that's so silly, it makes people laugh just to hear it sometimes.
“What's with all the laughter and hooting?” Odin asked as he came downstairs from his tower. “Lesya just got to sleep and it took me hours to get her down so if you wake her, you'll be the one dealing with a cranky lion cub.”
“Sorry,” Alex muttered. “But I've already told you, Odin; Vervain must attend the Council.”
“No; you said she must attend Athena,” Odin reminded the owl. “And I told you we'd see how Vervain felt when she got home.”
Alex stuck his thick, black, bird tongue out
