Once Kevin was satisfied he’d inspected the entirety of the hotel, it was finally time to check out the one room he’d definitely been saving for last: Charlie’s office.
As the morning had grown long and ticked into the early afternoon, anxiousness had replaced calmness, and he moved with haste through the lobby towards his last destination.
Arriving at the door marked ‘Owner’s Office,’ Kevin paused for a moment to offer a silent thank you to Vaggie for setting him straight.
Despite everything said and promised up to the moment in the courtyard, it wasn’t until she’d proverbially caught him in a downward spiral of second-guessing himself that he fully understood and accepted that she wanted this new relationship between them to work.
And they were going to have a date.
It would be the first real chance to get to know the woman who’d been giving Charlie such happiness, and there was always a sense of excitement when going on a first date with someone special.
With a glow of a man who finally felt at peace, he knocked with a chipper tap-tap-tap on the wooden door.
“Ugh!” Charlie’s frustrated voice answered from inside.
“Who the fuck is it?”
The smile dropped from Kevin’s face.
The frustration he heard from Charlie was unexpected.
Grabbing the handle, he twisted it and cracked the door open.
Peeking in, his head at a slight angle, he kept his tone light.
“It’s me, princess.
Are you okay?”
In demon form, complete with horns and blazing eyes, she paced in front of a large board filled with note cards, strings, and pins.
Growling and hissing in a deep demonic baritone, her features were twisted with concentration.
The gold chain of her amulet caught the light with each sharp turn, the moonstone pendant swinging freely outside her collar, its smoky iridescent surface flickering faintly with every spike of her frustration.
When she heard Kevin’s voice and saw him standing there, his face displaying deep concern, her own features changed, causing her demon form to fade away in an instant.
“Oh!
Kevin!” A blush spread across her cheeks; her features still frustrated, but her eyes sparkled at seeing him.
“I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
Stepping into the office, Kevin closed the door and turned, putting a hint of humor in his voice as he asked, “Catch you at a bad time?”
Her shoulders slumped, but she offered him a wry smile.
“I’m just….
UGH!”
“Come here.” Opening his arms, Kevin motioned with his fingers.
With no hesitation, she bounced over and melted into his embrace.
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she squeezed tight and pressed her lips to his.
The two lovers kissed deeply, but calmly, until she broke the kiss and laid her head against his shoulder.
“Fuck, I needed that.”
“What’s wrong?”
Shaking her head against his shoulder, she commanded, “Just shut up and hold me for a moment, please.”
He obeyed and leaned his head against hers, kissing her forehead and rubbing her back, doing his best to soothe her.
As she pressed herself against him, he felt the small, hard press of her amulet pendant against his chest through the fabric of her shirt, the crystal vial warm from her skin.
They stood there for almost two minutes, still and quiet, holding on.
Finally, Charlie spoke on a shaky breath, “I’m scared.”
“About what?”
“That my idea to rehabilitate sinners was stupid.
I make up these silly… stupid exercises that don’t do shit except to annoy Angel Dust, or make Husk roll his eyes, or Niffty try to turn it into some kind of kinky game.” Turning her head to nestle against his chest, a sudden ache filled her voice, “But Sir Pentious tried, really tried, and look what happened to him!”
“Yeah, look what happened to him.”
The bluntness in his voice drew her eyes to his face.
A crimson echo teased at the edges of her irises, and her voice dropped to a low growl.
“What the fuck?”
Holding her glare, he squeezed her gently, “Sir Pentious made a serious effort to redeem himself, so much so that he was willing to sacrifice his life to save you.
You turned a sinner who otherwise would have suffered down here for eternity and gave him purpose.
Real purpose.
So yeah, look what happened to Sir Pentious; in every way you meant to, you made him a better person.”
The crimson echo that had been growing around her eyes died in an instant, and tears took their place.
“But…that wasn’t the way I wanted it to happen.”
“It wasn’t your choice, though.” Brushing her tears away with his thumb, he gave her a reassuring smile.
“Did you talk with Vaggie or your father about your fears?
About struggling with the hotel?”
“Vaggie knows a little bit.” Fumbling with her fingers, suddenly shy and contrite, she said, “But with you here and the rebuild, I didn’t want to burden her with anything else.
I put on a brave face, focused on the hotel, and kept her happy.
Today was the first time I’ve really had time to process everything that’s happened.” An apologetic frown crossed her face.
“Congratulations, you get your girlfriend’s trauma dump!”
“Does it come with balls of tears wrapped in a cute package I can cuddle?”
A soft scoff of humor broke from her lips, and she nodded.
“Lifetime supply, buddy.” A small sob followed as she dropped her head against his shoulder again.
“You’re right, of course.
I need to respect what Sir Pentious did for us.
If I don’t, it belittles his sacrifice.”
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Kevin whispered, “And he wouldn’t want you to suffer like this.”
“I miss him.” Sniffing, she let out a long breath, “But even though I guess I helped him, it still scares me that I’m over my head, here.” Letting go of Kevin, she stepped back and bit her lip as she looked at him.
“And worse?
When I was talking to Dad earlier, it occurred to me that now that I have all my memories, I might be too broad on who to accept here?”
“Explain.”
It was just firm enough to be commanding, and she nodded.
“I understand sin, but I never really let myself think of what sort of evil some of my people have done.
I just wanted to clear enough souls to stop Heaven from sending down the Exorcists and preventing a war.”
“That’s a valid goal, Charlie.” Kevin encouraged.
“Maybe…” Charlie drawled out, her brows creasing.
Clicking her tongue, she explained, “But now that I remember everything.
People like Bible?
Samedi?
If they showed up?”
A scowl darkened Kevin’s features.
“Tag was evil, truly evil, and deserves what he got, but let’s not think of him as Bible ever again.
He took that name in vain and doesn’t deserve it.”
“True, I didn’t even think of that.” Charlie mused glumly.
“Hell, even the name Tag makes me gag!” She looked at him with a lopsided grin, “How about ‘dipshit moron’, instead?”
“Too nice,” Kevin’s lips quirked as he reached out and took her hand.
Guiding her to the couch by the far wall, he sat her down and brushed a few loose strands of hair out of her face as he said, “But I have to be honest; the first night I slept here after we’d started the rebuild, I wondered if Tag or Samedi were down here, somewhere.
I even thought about asking around, but as an angel, I didn’t think I’d get much help.”
“Sinners both kill each other and watch each other’s backs down here, so no… not likely.
But what would you have done if you had found them?”
Tucking his bottom lip under his top lip, he pondered for a moment.
He popped his lips, letting out a long exhale.
“The first few nights lying in bed, all I could imagine doing was hunting them down and destroying them, once and for all.” He let out a slow breath.
“But going to Hell is supposed to be eternal damnation, the ultimate punishment, and I decided to accept it was enough.
That, in just this small way, I could show mercy.”
Reaching out, Charlie touched his shoulder and whispered, “It must have been hard for you to do that.”
“In part, I think I could because as we worked on the hotel, I got to know the others a bit and an idea of why they were down here.
Truth is, not every sin is evil, and many of the ones you have here?
They deserve a chance.
I’d rather devote my life to you with helping find the good in them, versus living with the burden of being eternally angry with Tag.”
Sniffing, she leaned into him.
“Thank you.
But I did ask Dad what I should do if Tag showed up at the hotel looking for redemption.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he asked, “And what did he say?”
Charlie laughed.
“That some deserve to be here.”
“Not just meat eaters?” Kevin gently teased.
Giving him a cute look, she giggled briefly before her face scrunched up with a heavy breath, “Dad’s right, though.
If someone like Tag did show up here, I don’t think that I could even try to redeem them.
It was a gut punch to wake up with these memories restored and realize how naive and out of touch I’ve been with my own people.”
“You are not naive, Charlie.” Kevin’s voice had an edge to it — not harsh, just firm.
“Your perspective is just broader now.”
“I suppose.” The ache in her voice was tight.
“But I need to keep my focus on those who really do deserve a second chance.
Angel Dust, Niffty…”
“Alastor?” Kevin couldn’t help but sound angry when saying the demon’s name.
“Yes, even him.” Charlie’s tone was absolute.
“I know you don’t like him, Kevin, but there is good in him; I can feel it.”
“Maybe.” Kevin tried to make it sound light.
“Just trust me, please?”
“I do trust you.” He exhaled before pressing on, “But I don’t trust him.
He forced you into a deal, Charlie, with conditions that are as vague as fuck.
I’d be more comfortable if the terms were known and agreeable to both of you.”
“He promised it’s a favor where I hurt no one.” Though Charlie said the words as a statement, Kevin could hear a vague questioning tone and concern in her voice.
Even Charlie wasn’t sure about the deal, and this worried him.
“That’s still sketchy, and he had information that was valuable to you for protecting the hotel and your friends that he leveraged as currency.
Do you really think that’s something a friend, or ally, would do?”
Letting out a breath, she slipped out of his touch and gave him a look.
“You weren’t here, Kevin.
You don’t get to judge my actions.
You didn’t know what I was feeling or what I needed to do… and at the time, I was angry with Vaggie for lying to me about her past.
I needed an edge, and Alastor offered it.
Yes, it was for a price, but he’s an overlord; it’s what they do.
Things are done differently down here than they are in Heaven… or Earth.”
Kevin listened, and even though she was a bit defensive, he nodded along and spoke calmly, “You’re right, Charlie, I don’t know how it works down here.
No one in heaven bargains their soul or tries to gain an upper hand via power grabs.
And Earth?
Deals were handshakes and trust.
Trust that usually ended in a lot of backstabbing.
You can understand my apprehension that a deal made in Hell contains too many caveats, asterisks, and fine print for my comfort.
As it is, Alastor wanted to make a deal with me, too.”
Charlie’s eyes widened.
“He did?
About what?”
“Apparently, he’s not too happy about me being here, either.
For your sake, he was willing to strike a non-soul-binding deal to keep out of each other’s business.
For the most part.”
“You didn’t accept.” It was a statement rather than a question.
A shake of his head confirmed it.
“I told him I’d think about it, though I had no intention of accepting.
But you say he’s trustworthy?
If that’s true, what do you think?
Should I accept?”
Standing, Charlie walked a few feet away and wrapped her arms around herself.
“That’s not fair, Kevin.”
“Isn’t it?” Kevin stood but stayed by the couch.
“You’re right.
I wasn’t here when Alastor put you in a corner and made you agree to a deal for information he should have just shared with you for free.
Now, I have the opportunity to make a deal that’s cut and dry with Alastor, and I’m asking you if I should trust him blindly and take it.”
Power rippled along her skin as she turned, demon eyes pulsing as a growl escaped her throat, “You’re being an asshole, Kevin.
This isn’t a fair comparison, and you know it.”
“No, it isn’t.” Kevin walked right up to her, staring into those demon eyes with his soft brown ones, challenging the crimson glow.
“And neither is what he did.
I’m not going to take the deal with him.
If he’s your ally, then that alone will keep him straight with me.
I’m head of security, so what I say goes.
I don’t need any deal binding my hands if he were to make any other attempts at soul-collecting around here.” Moving to put his hand on her shoulder, he watched her tense before he gripped her, firmer than usual.
“I’m not trying to piss you off, sweetie; I just don’t want to see you hurt.”
Deflating, she propped her head on his chest.
“I know you’re looking out for me, and I appreciate it.” Charlie lifted her eyes to his.
“But Hell is different.
Even though you’re smart, strong, and a capable warrior, there are a great deal of things you need to learn about how things work down here.”
“Yeah.
Politics, social etiquette,” thinking back to Niffty, he added, “And never piss off little demons.”
“Huh?”
“I made the mistake earlier of telling Niffty she’d missed a spot in her cleaning.”
Her eyes went wide, her mouth forming a small ‘o.’ “Oh, dear.
You didn’t!”
“I did.
And it’ll be the last time I do, trust me.
She and I are cool now, but the incident brought back fresh memories of Rygen.
I hadn’t felt that frightened since the night he almost killed me.”
“It’s dangerous all through Hell, Kevin.” Charlie nodded, leaning into him.
“But you are stronger than you were on Earth.
I know once you learn and understand how things work here, you’ll accept that it’s all a bit…” Remembering her time on Earth, even Charlie understood how shocking it felt now when she walked down any street in Pride City.
“Outlandish?”
He gave her a wry look.
“It’ll take some getting used to.”
Charlie returned his expression, but it was fleeting, and she knew they had to refocus on the serious.
“And you’ve made your point about deals, but please just trust me about Alastor.
I can handle him.”
“I hope so.” Kevin played his fingers through her hair.
“Just understand that if he makes any demands of you that risk you, Vaggie, or this hotel, he will deal with me.”
Charlie straightened, worry filling her gaze.
“Please don’t let it come to that.
I need both you and Vaggie to keep me sane.”
“I can only promise to do my best, okay?”
“It’s all I could ever ask of you.” A pause, then she added quietly, “This feels familiar.”
“The night we had our first drink together.” He reminded her.
“You promised me to do your best to be my partner.
Now, I’m making the same promise to you, here in Hell, to follow your lead.”
“Everything in our life seems to be a mirror or a parallel.” Sliding past him, she retook her spot on the couch.
He came over and joined her, and she leaned into him.
“How you found me and took care of me when I was injured is the same as what I did for Vaggie the night I found her.”
“You only touched a bit on how you and Vaggie met, but I’ve been curious.” Kissing her forehead, Kevin whispered, “How long ago was it?
Now that you remember when you came back to Hell?
How long were you…alone?”
Closing her eyes, she thought back.
“Honestly, it felt like forever, but not all that long.
Though I didn’t know why at the time, the executions started a few months after I returned, and in my heart, I felt a strong need to protect my people.”
“Glad to be a good influence,” he chuckled warmly.
“You definitely were, even if I didn’t remember you.” Nodding, she leaned further into him as she shared her past.
“But at the time, I hadn’t thought redemption was even possible, so I did the only thing I could; when the exorcists started returning to Heaven after every attack, I went out and looked for survivors.
If I could at least patch them up and get them to the hospitals, I’d be doing something for my people!”
“Alone?” His question came gently.
“No one else was going to help.
My mother was already gone by then, and Dad was…he wasn’t the same.
I needed to step up.”
“Last night, you talked about how you weren’t respected by your people.
It’s why you wandered off and ended up sucked into Porta Ad Inferos.
What changed?”
“What changed was that I no longer wanted my people’s respect just because I was a princess.
I wanted to serve them and help them because it was the right thing to do, no matter how they felt about me.
I think in part I was trying to make up for my parents’ absence.”
“Lucifer’s agreement with Heaven was…” Uncertain if he should continue, he paused.
Nodding, she leaned closer into him, “I still don’t understand it, and he hasn’t been forthcoming on why.
It’s one of the few things he refuses to talk to me about.”
“I’m sorry,” Kevin whispered.
She felt the anger starting and pulled the conversation back.
“It’s fine.
Anyway, in regard to being out there alone?
Don’t worry, I was prepared.
I’d started to practice my powers more.
Back then, I didn’t understand the sudden desire, but now… I know it was because of my time on Earth.
So I started calling upon my demon side more and more.
So much that now when I’m angry—or horny—I change so much easier.”
Kevin raised an eyebrow at the admission, amused.
Charlie crinkled her nose at him for it, declaring, “But the point is, anytime a demon or territorial overlord gave me the stink eye, I changed, and they backed off.
Otherwise, most of the injured gratefully accepted my help.” She paused.
“And then… I found Vaggie.”
With his arm wrapped around her, Kevin squeezed and whispered encouragingly, “Go on.”
“It was about five years ago, after a particularly brutal attack on Pentagram City.
I’d gathered my supplies and set them on my bed so I could conjure them up as needed, and went out as usual to see who needed my help.
I don’t know how much time had gone by, but I’d patched up probably a dozen wounded, called up taxis to drive them to the hospitals, and was about to call it a night when I heard someone fall in one of the alleyways a couple of blocks away.”
“Your sensitive hearing?”
“Mmhmm.
I had all my senses on high alert, so I followed the sounds when I found who I thought was an injured sinner girl leaning against a dumpster.
She’d lost an eye and was badly banged up.
I conjured up some bandages and went to work.
As I helped her, I felt something I’d never felt before…” Pausing, she turned her face towards him and kissed him. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
“Well, never before until I remembered you.
But it was a sort of spark, an attraction that felt so right.”
Kevin tasted her lips and added a second kiss, then confessed something he’d never shared before, “The night I found you…When I helped you draw out your demon for the first time… when…and I still can’t believe you made me shoot you… I held you in my arms.
I felt something, too.”
Embarrassment colored her expression.
“Thinking back on it, that wasn’t my brightest suggestion, was it?”
“It wasn’t either of ours.” Kevin conceded with a slight grimace.
Locking her eyes on his, she breathed gently, “It was only minutes, and we were trusting each other with our lives, and when you caught me… I think you caught my heart, too.”
The silence that followed wasn’t awkward in any sense.
They’d lost themselves in the memory of their past.
Clutching each other, the two lovers nearly forgot what they were talking about.
Breaking from the trance, Kevin whispered, “You were saying about finding Vaggie?”
A light poke accompanied her response, “Mood killer.” Her voice was light, and she hummed against him as she played with the sleeve of his uniform and let out a breath at the memory of finding Vaggie.
“I was going to take her to the nearest hospital, but in that moment, I didn’t want to chance losing contact with her, so I brought her home.”
“You didn’t notice her blood, though?” Realization struck as Kevin noted the missing detail, “Angel blood is golden, hun, and she was injured.”
“After learning Vaggie was an exorcist and getting over being angry with her, I asked her about that.
She told me that after Lute had stabbed her eye out and ripped her wings away, leaving her to die, she’d used her exorcist uniform to wipe away all the blood so she could pass as a sinner.
She’d dumped the uniform in a trash can just before she fell.”
“Smart.” Kevin gave a nod of approval.
“But umm, five years together, and nothing ever seemed suspicious?”
At that, Charlie harrumphed, feeling a bit angry.
“It seems maybe I was more naive than even I thought, and even though she says she’s a bad liar, the truth is Vaggie was just very vigilant.
Between my never asking about her past or who she’d been before she died and her being careful about covering up any bleeding, I was never the wiser.”
“And exorcist angels are made barren.” Kevin’s voice hardened with anger, “To keep them from having periods or getting pregnant, lest they be distracted from their ‘duty.'”
“When you say these things, I wonder if I’m doing my people any favors trying to get them redeemed in the first place.” Sniffing, already tired of being angry, she continued, “And to be honest, we don’t even know if the exorcist attacks are going to continue.
What if I don’t need to do this anymore?”
“But you do, Charlie.” Kevin pressed on, “It’s not just about sparing them from an exorcist blade anymore, but about finding the good in your people and giving them a chance at a better life.
Heaven’s got its own problems, that’s for sure, but the majority of those in Heaven see only the beauty in it, the peace it gives them, and the most important thing to remember is that most of your people just made mistakes.
Helping them find redemption is to give their souls the freedom from their pain.
Just as you helped me to work through my PTSD and accept that what had happened in Libya wasn’t my fault.”
Kevin kissed her forehead, adding, “But the sad truth is we can expect more problems with Heaven before things settle down.
I have every belief that Lute is going to cause trouble.
And since I felt judgment laid upon me the night after I kissed you, they definitely were displeased with my betrayal.” There was actual humor in his admission, but her response was anything but happy.
Leaning back, she balked at him.
“You were judged!?
Why didn’t you tell me?”
“There wasn’t really a good time to do so.
We were keeping a distance as much as possible while rebuilding.” Calling back the reason she hadn’t shared her concerns with Vaggie about how to run the hotel, he mirrored her words, “And until we could tell our story, I didn’t want to burden you with it.”
“I suppose,” Charlie grumbled.
“Hey, it’s okay, really.
I’d already expected to be banished from Heaven, so it wasn’t any kind of shock.
Besides, since I still have my power, I can protect myself, and you… and Vaggie, just as if I’d never been judged.”
“Who judged you?
Sera?” She practically spat the name.
“No, Eryn did.
I know this because she could have stripped me of my power and didn’t.
It means Sera forced her to carry out sentencing without a trial.”
“Eryn!” The name came out as a spit; her demon side flared out like a light switch turned on, then off.
“She was one of the High Angels that judged my father, and you know her?”
“We’re friends.” Kevin’s voice was plain and matter-of-fact.
“And remember, I didn’t have my memories of you or your father.
All I knew was your reputation, which was twisted in both Heaven and on Earth.
Eryn is the one who infused my halo with a piece of her soul, giving me my weapons.
She was looking out for me, and still is.”
“If you say so.” Glowering, she turned her eyes away as they glimmered a soft scarlet.
“But now she’s judged you just as she did Dad.” Realization crinkled her features and she leaned in towards him.
“Wait a minute.
You were judged!
You’re a fallen angel, just like Daddy.
Why haven’t you changed?”
Confusion crossed Kevin’s face.
“Changed?”
“You don’t think Daddy had demon features as an angel, do you?
Falling changes an angel.
Mother was human and became a demon.
Daddy became the King of Hell and given features to match, but you look exactly the same as the day I left you.” Curious eyes swept his face as she looked even closer.
“What gives?”
“Are you complaining that I don’t look like a demon?” Turning his head to the side, he granted her a better look while giving her the side-eye in the process.
“No!” Charlie balked, spreading her hands out.
“But it doesn’t make sense.
How did you get spared from the change?”
“I have no idea, Charlie.” A shrug accompanied his honest admission.
“Vaggie looks the same, right?”
“She didn’t fall.” The explanation came quickly.
“She was excommunicated by Adam and Lute, but she was never judged.”
“Hmm, well.” Leaning in closer, his voice dropped.
“Don’t you like the way I look?”
Eyes narrowing, she lifted her lip in a playful snarl.
“You know very well I do, handsome.”
“If it matters, we can ask your father later and research it.
There might be significance in not having a demon form.
It’s worth looking into.”
“Best not to take any chances.” She dipped her head.
“Just as it’s a good thing I won’t be seeing Eryn anytime soon.
Sera’s orders or not, she judged my father, and I’m not exactly a fan of hers.”
“Well.” A long exhale preceded his words, “I can’t say the same, hun.
She was one of the few in heaven that I cared for.
Her and Emily.”
At Emily’s name, Charlie sat forward.
“You know Emily?”
“Mmhmm.
She showed me around Heaven the day I arrived.
Such a sweet woman with an overabundance of energy.
I spent most of my days meditating and enjoying peace, but when I had court days, she was always a joy to spend time with.”
“I like her.” A genuine expression warmed her features.
“She took me to the zoo up in Heaven when I visited.
I got to pet my first koala.”
“The zoo is amazing.” Kevin grinned back, glad to see her relaxing a bit.
“As is most of everything else, which is why you have to stick to your heart’s mission, hun.
Your people need you.”
“I know.
I faltered a bit because of everything that happened this last month, but thanks to Dad, Cherri, and you, I’m refocused.
If Heaven wants a fight in the future, we’ll be ready.”
“Yes.” Kevin’s voice was firm.
“We will.”
“But…” Lowering her head, she continued, “When you came in, I was struggling.
All my fanciful ideas and exercises?
I said it before; they’re stupid and silly, and I know this is going to require a more serious approach, and I can’t do it alone, Kevin.” Sniffing, she added, “I need help.”
“You need professionals,” Kevin said plainly.
“Yes.” She agreed firmly.
“Therapists, doctors, nurses, um, mentors?
Demons who know what the fuck they’re doing.”
“It’s hard to imagine Hell having health care.
Is it really a thing?”
“Very much so.” Charlie nodded.
“Overlords, Ars Goetia, demons, sinners?
Any one of them can get hurt.
We have hospitals, even mental health facilities, along with small care centers all through Hell.
Regeneration is a thing here as well, but it can take time, and sometimes it requires medical intervention.”
Kevin thought aloud, “Sounds good.
Once we have some staff in place, they’ll be able to help you plan out the best way to start rehabilitation.
Then, we’ll be ready to receive all your guests.”
“Yeah, sure.” A groan escaped as Charlie’s energy drained from the memory of all the times she and Vaggie had gone out recruiting with zero success.
“Besides Angel Dust and Sir Pentious, no one else wanted to come here.”
“Hell knows what you did here, Charlie.
They watched you repel the exorcist army and know now what you’re willing to do to protect them.
We were so focused on the rebuild and sharing our story that we have not even started with the next step.
I bet you there are sinners out there that are curious, intrigued, maybe even dying to get in here.” A smirk played at his lips with the phrasing, but he noticed she didn’t seem to hear it.
An exhale escaped before she spoke, “I suppose they’re waiting for me to turn on the open sign?” With that, she allowed a slight smirk.
Maybe she had heard his phrasing, after all, but the smirk faded with the replacement of more sadness: “And you’re right.
We don’t know if Heaven will stop now.”
“Let’s talk to Vaggie and—” Kevin coughed, none too pleased with the next admission, “Alastor, about advertising for staff.
Though I never asked what the budget for the hotel is?”
“Budget?” Charlie frowned.
“I’m rich, Kevin, really rich.
Money isn’t really an issue here.”
“No?
So you can hire all you need?”
“That, and Dad said he’d help.” Licking her lips, she continued, “Even though he’ll be doing so from a distance.
He’s going to get back out there so everyone sees him.”
“That’s good, because you can’t run a hotel without income to cover expenses and pay your growing staff.
Like any therapy on Earth, it’s still got to be paid for.
I do think we need to consider charging for the rooms.”
“But…” Shaking her head, she protested, “That’s not what the Hazbin Hotel is supposed to be about.”
“Think of it this way.
If your patrons pay for their room and board, then they’re contributing, which in a way is a step in the right direction.
Greed is a sin, right?
Paying for a room here and getting professional help towards redemption makes it an investment for them.
They pay to invest in you and the hotel, and you put that money towards paying your staff, so you can use your own money where it matters most: advertisement.”
“I—I suppose.” Reluctance weighted her words.
“I told Husk I don’t understand the currency down here, and he told me to talk to your father.
I’ll work with your dad to create a budget, set the hiring wages, and if staff live on site, deduct room and board from their salary.”
“You’re going to run yourself into the ground if you take on too much responsibility, Kevin.” A frown creased her features, though she truly appreciated his offer.
“I used to run a military unit.” Kevin shrugged casually, “And this isn’t all that different from any other strategy.
Research, plan, and execute.
It’s what I do.”
Sniffing, she wiped her eyes, which were threatening to overflow with tears, and started with a broken laugh, “4-D chess—”
“—bitch!” Finishing her catchphrase with a wink, he grinned.
“Oh, God!” A real laugh burst from her as she leaned into him, “You’re never going to let me live that one down, are you?”
Kevin’s grin widened.
“Nope.”
“I like that.” Charlie giggled lightly, “Because it reminds me that Vaggie gave us this chance.
She’s amazing.
I still can’t really believe she offered this, but I’m so glad.”
“We had another talk in the courtyard, aside from this morning,” Kevin revealed.
“And when she asked me if I was anxious for tonight, I told her I was, but it was still nerve-wracking.
I believe her when she says that she’s okay with this, but I told her it wasn’t like I could just…you know….” He paused.
With a gentle expression, Charlie nodded, knowing what he meant, and let him continue at his pace.
“And it took a few more hits over the head, but she more or less ordered me to love you without fear of her jealousy.” Picking up her hands, he squeezed them in his, “And then…I asked her out on a date.”
The sparkle that appeared in her eyes, along with her expression, was infectious, and he returned it warmly.
“Aww!
You did!?” Beaming, she asked, “She said yes, right?”
“In a week’s time, after things settle more, I’m going to take her out to dinner.
I want to get to know her and tell her more about me.
So we understand each other and secure the foundation of trust she’s offering us to stand on.
We want you to be happy, Charlie, and we both know it requires her and me to be closer, too.”
“Oh, Kevin!” Charlie leaned her forehead against his, felt him press back, “That’s wonderful.
When you two pick the day, I’m going to make plans to take everyone else out to Lulu World and treat them to a fun day at the park.
We all can have a day of fun and frolic.”
A chuckle rumbled in his chest, “I don’t think Vaggie will want to frolic.”
It took a moment for the meaning to set in, but when it did, Charlie dropped her head against his shoulder and burst out laughing.
She laughed hard and long, more so than the comment deserved.
“It wasn’t that funny, Charlie.”
“Yef it waf!” Finally, when her shoulders settled their shaking, she lifted her face to look at him, “But…” and her eyes turned serious, “If Vaggie ever wanted to…well…you know?”
“How would you feel?” Kevin didn’t mince words.
It wasn’t like Vaggie would turn bisexual, but one thing she would always be was someone who wanted the people in her life to love and be loved, to the level they desired.
“If Vaggie ever asked.” Reaching up, she brushed her lips against his.
“I’d be absolutely thrilled to share our bed together, in every way possible.”
Kissing her back, Kevin leaned in to make it firmer and more delicious.
“Then I could do no less than to make my girlfriends happy.”
Charlie kissed him again, her hunger for his lips growing exponentially.
After all that had been shared, the emotions were running high.
She was leaning into her angel again, and her mind was starting to glaze over with lust.
“I love you, my precious knight, so very much.”
“I love you, too, my Princess of Hell.” Lifting his head, he brushed his lips against hers and whispered, “And tonight, I will show you just how much I love you.”
Breathing gently, she nodded, licking her lips from the kiss.
“I like every word of that idea except one.”
“Oh?” A playful look crossed Kevin’s features.
“And which word is that?”
“Tonight.” Leaning in, she kissed him again, more urgently: “Don’t you think we’ve slept on this long enough?”
Kevin loved the feel of her lips on his, and when she broke the kiss, he responded in a throaty whisper.
“Here?
Now?”
Purring into his neck, she gave him a light nip on his tender skin.
“Are you going to tell me no?”
The nip pulled a moan from him.
Slipping his fingers through her hair, he pulled her head back with a touch of dominant force, though his answer held a submissive promise: “You know I’ll never tell you no, ever again.”
“Good!” Winking, Charlie’s eyes sparked, and there was a whoosh of air.
Suddenly, he found himself and her naked.
It seemed that this was going to be a theme with them.
The only thing that remained was the gold chain at her throat, the moonstone pendant resting in the soft cleft of her breasts, its surface swirling with that familiar smoky shimmer — exactly as it always did, conjuring be damned.
“Cha—?” Kevin blinked but didn’t get a chance to finish as she pounced on him, kissing furiously just as she’d done in the elevator the night before.
He didn’t argue and coiled his arms around her hot body, feeling her silky skin under his palms, and when she came up for air, he whispered, “What did you say last night?
In the elevator?”
“Never leave me again,” her throat purred as her fingers flickered down his body.
“Well, yes, that.
Which I promise you I never will.” A moan escaped as the sensation of her trailing fingers along his stomach threatened to distract him.
“But I meant the other thing.”
“Ohh.” Charlie suddenly understood his question.
Breathlessly, she whispered against his ear, “That I am, and forever will be, your demon bitch!”
“Fuck…that sounds so damn sexy.” Kevin then felt the dance of her fingers brush against his erection.
One downside of having all of Kevin’s memories back was that he was well aware of the years that had been stacked between them.
Years they could have been together.
Married, even parents.
It was so much time lost and wasted that all he could say between the labored breathing caused by her hand gripping him was the absolute truth: “Char… I need you.”
Giggling into his ear, she reveled in the way she overpowered him in the moment.
While she was used to dominating Vaggie, right now she wanted to be nothing more than putty in his strong hands.
“I need you, too!
Please take me.
Tell me what you want.
I don’t care what it is; just make me yours.”
Kevin narrowed his eyes at her, a memory flashing behind them, and he gave her a sensual, sexy smirk.
“Then, how about we pick up where we left off?
Back in our bed on Earth, when you discovered you’d healed my scars?
Do you remember what you were about to do?”
“Oh, I do.” Mirroring his expression, she pressed her lips to his chest.
“And I have been so, so eager to do this.”
In most cases, Charlie may have wanted to go slow, but she was stolen from him once and was not going to waste time anymore.
With quick kisses along his chest and abs, she squirmed her way down until she was between his legs.
Lifting her ass in the air, she wiggled it for him and winked as her right hand slipped around his already thick and erect shaft.
Slowly, she stroked his cock, her eyes glazed over with lust, still awed by his size and girth.
A moan escaped as he shivered from her grasp.
They had only made love once before, and while it was truly blissful, it was less romantic as it was a primal, desperate void in their lives they needed to fill.
But that time had been stolen from them.
Now, as Kevin felt her moving between his legs, he shuddered less from her touch and more from his heart thudding in his chest, realizing that time was finally on their side.
Swallowing to get some moisture back in his mouth, he dropped his lids to peer down, admiring her in all her beauty as she stroked him a few times.
With a wink and a grin, she poked her tongue out to run the tip all around and under the crown of his cock, sending pulsing shivers racing up along his spine.
Following up by kissing the tip, which was already slick from his excitement, she flicked her tongue out to collect the flow that was starting to leak out.
Humming, she ran her tongue over the slit of his crown, and then, at the end of her patience, she tilted her head to allow him to slide into her mouth.
Finally!
Charlie thought in delight as she felt him pulse in her mouth, and eagerly, she lowered further down over his shaft until the tip brushed the back of her throat.
Slowly, she pulled back, tracing her lips along his length, her eyes fluttering up to look at his expression as she did, and felt glee at seeing how much he was relishing her attention.
Hunger of a different kind ached through Charlie’s soul, and her patience fizzled, so she quickly dispensed with the teasing and went to work.
Her hand gripped his shaft to jerk it along with taking him in and out of her mouth as much as she could, repeating the strokes quicker, faster, and with more intensity.
While she’d dated a few guys early in her life, most notably Seviathan, and had plenty of experience with men, none of them compared to him.
Holding him in her mouth was giving her a sense of power and control.
He was trusting her with the most vulnerable part of him, trusting her with every fiber of his soul, and the rush of that made her desperate to please him.
She wanted his release in her mouth to drain every drop from him and show him how much she loved him.
An added benefit of this was that he could then fuck her for as long as she wanted.
No, not wanted.
Needed!
A groan tore from Kevin’s throat the instant her mouth took him deep, the tip brushing the back of her throat.
God, she felt incredible.
Kevin’s thoughts were warring.
Half of him was thinking that she was here, safe, finally back where she belonged in his arms.
He wanted to hold her, cherish her, and make up for lost time.
But watching Charlie on her knees, the Princess of Hell taking his cock like she was starving for it, brought out something darker.
The urge to grip her hair and fuck her throat until she gagged.
To make her submit completely.
The thought didn’t feel angelic at all.
It felt feral, possessive, like Hell had infected him, and God help him, he didn’t want to stop.
Kevin would normally try to hold back, but it had been so many years, and she was so damn good!
He felt the tension in his balls swell along with that wonderfully torturous sensation of impending release, and he surrendered to the blissful release.
“Charlie, I’m gon…”
Kevin’s last word was interrupted by a throaty gasp, and her eyes widened when she felt his cum spill into her mouth.
It was hot, salty, and thick.
His flavor so different from Vaggie’s!
It momentarily satisfied her arousal as her throat constricted with every swallow.
Charlie concentrated on holding the tip of him in the back of her throat and used her strength to suppress her gag reflex, ensuring that not a single drop could escape her lips.
The way Kevin released felt like he’d been waiting an eternity for her, and she needed to take care of him in every way to show how much he meant to her.
And that made her shake with a jumble of emotions: happiness, success, power, and sadness.
Sadness for the time lost, the pleasure she had given him with her skill, the power she held over him as she swirled her tongue along the crown of his head, and the success she had achieved for the first time by making her lover cum with her mouth.
Slowly, she drew her lips back until his cock fell against his belly, and, while still holding his shaft that had started to soften, she stroked it tenderly and licked the tip to collect the last remnants of his seed.
In the heat of her efforts, her hair had splayed around his hips and belly, and she used her free hand to brush her blond strands aside so she could peer lovingly up at him.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her black lipstick was smeared, but her expression was as beautiful as ever.
A throaty hum followed her breathless voice.
“You taste so good, my love.”
Swallowing to regain his composure, Kevin made an effort to keep himself from letting a tear or two escape the corner of his eyes.
He had not lain with any woman since the morning he’d made love to her all those years ago, his heart only for her, and had accepted long before his death that he may never have loved like this again.
Because of the time lost, there had been intent in Kevin’s mind to control himself and take advantage of her eager ministrations.
But when she’d first taken him to the back of her throat, he realized she was in complete control—not just of how she pleased him, but there was a draw of power in her that commanded his release right when he sensed she wanted it most.
The electrical pulses that had raced through his body were unlike anything he’d felt in his mortal life, and he wondered if it was a hint of what kind of power they would have, and not just in bed.
When Charlie’s eyes stared into his, her lips moist and dotted with white droplets of his cum, his face crumbled in emotion.
Breathing through his nose and letting out a long breath of contentment, Kevin whispered.
“That… was….”
“Don’t you dare!” Grinning wickedly, she gripped his cock a bit tighter in playful warning.
If he so much as copied what she said the first morning they’d made love, she was gonna nip him.
Not really, but he’d already teased her about her catchphrase, which was embarrassing enough as it was.
“Amazing?” Finishing with a wink, Kevin watched her reaction.
“Oh, you!” The switch evoked a desire in her to reprimand him, so she again ran her tongue along his shaft, causing him to flinch and squirm due to the sensitivity from his orgasm.
I can keep this up all day, she thought with a mental cackle.
And I bet you can, too, my knight.
She could only agree aloud, “But it was, wasn’t it?
I love how you feel… taste… Kevin.”
She was unable to control the tear that escaped from the corner of her eye.
“Hey!” Lifting himself up on his elbows, he protested, “Don’t!
Please.
Stay with me, princess; don’t think about what we lost, but what we have now.” Even though, as he said it, he felt his own heart ache in tandem with hers.
Swiping at the drop against her cheek, eliminating the evidence, she shook her head firmly.
“I’m okay, my knight, I promise.” Releasing him from her grip, she lowered her lips to his navel and kissed around it before she moved upwards towards his face.
“But we did lose so much time, and I want to make up for it, as much as possible, as often as possible.”
“And we will,” Kevin promised just before she reached him and brushed her lips against his.
“Mmmmmmm.” Charlie felt his tongue slide along her lips and knew he could taste himself on them.
He didn’t pause for one moment, his hands wrapping around her to hold her close, and they continued to kiss in a soft, slow, and sensual way.
Shifting herself to lean against him, she traced her fingers over his chest, admiring how chiseled and smooth he was.
It brought up a memory of that morning they shared, “I still can’t believe my power healed you of your scars.” She looked up to his face and asked, “Did you…Did you get hurt at all when you and the others worked to save the kids Tag had taken?”
“Oh, yeah.” Kevin knew this topic would come up sooner or later, but it thankfully wasn’t a big deal, and he told her so.
“But injuries come with the territory, and we were all lucky to have Cassie’s magic.
Her healing powders and her own growing natural talents came in handy a few times.” Moving his hand up so she could see him count with his fingers, he ticked off his injuries.
“I was shot five times, stabbed who knows how many, and amassed a few broken bones.” A chuckle followed, “And a lot of hurt feelings.”
“Hurt feelings?” Blinking, she asked, “What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say that Spiderbite made it her personal mission to mock me anytime I fucked up.”
Charlie’s lips rose slightly.
“Why?”
“Cassie told me it’s because Molly looked up to me, and she was doing it out of affection.” A shrug, but his eyes looked fond of the memories: “But she had the worst bedside manners.
When Cassie attended to me, she was always there, saying things like, ‘Why didn’t you duck, asshole?’ or ‘Do you like being their pin cushion?'”
“Very affectionate,” Charlie giggled.
“They say you tease the ones you love.” Kevin gave her a smirk.
“They also say to always give back what you get.”
“Oh?” The confused look on her face was adorable.
Kevin loved the look, but he didn’t let her wonder and whispered, “Let me taste you now.”
“Oh!” Charlie had been so captivated by his story that she had nearly forgotten they were naked and in the midst of making love.
His request was exactly what she needed, so she quickly lifted herself up to turn around to give him access to her very excited pussy.
As she settled down, her fingers wrapped around his shaft.
Protesting, Kevin spoke up.
“Wait, I’m supposed to take care of you now.”
“You can pillow princess me tonight, if you insist.” Lowering her head, and with a hint of her power, she magically heated her breath and blew across his shaft.
She felt him flinch, and she giggled, “Right now, I’m a-dick-ted to your cock, Kevin; I want more.” Kevin gave her a look at the pun before her thighs settled down on each side of his head.
Her skin was soothing against him, and his eyes focused on what he needed to taste.
Just as she’d been aching to feel him in her mouth, he, too, had been dreaming of this moment.
Flicking his tongue out, he brushed against her clit and felt her thighs tighten against him, and she pushed closer, a muffled moan drifting to his ears.
He flicked again, eliciting a more intense reaction.
Reaching up with his hands, he grasped his girlfriend’s ass cheeks and held her close as he began to work his mouth and tongue against her sensitive parts.
Kevin went slow at first, lost in the haze of orally pleasing her, loving how sweet she tasted.
Closing his eyes, he set his mouth against her lips and opened them up with his tongue so he could taste her folds.
Gently, he sucked on the edges of her pussy, nipping them playfully, which got the response he’d hoped for.
With every few licks, he moved from one fold, or spot, to another, changing the pressure of his tongue and mouth to find what made her moan the loudest or press herself down on him hardest.
As he worked, he felt her mouth slide down his shaft as she went to work on a second, less intense blowjob.
Just like Kevin, her buildup for him had felt ancient, and even though Vaggie had teased a release out of her the night before, the way he treated her body was different and unique, and it did not take any longer than his orgasm for her to have one of her own.
Popping her mouth off his shaft, she screamed quietly as her body shook from the flow of her release—akin to a dam bursting.
Pressing down on him, she grinned wickedly as she planted her pussy against his mouth, demanding he draw even more out of her, to which he eagerly obliged.
Shakily, after a few more minutes of soft and playful oral teasing, each testing the limits of the other’s sensitivities post-orgasm, she slithered off him and fell to the floor, rolled on her back, and panted as she came down from the internal euphoria of her release.
Rolling on his side on the couch, Kevin traced his fingers along her thigh.
“That tickles!” Squealing, she jerked her leg away.
“You’re so sensitive.” Teasing, Kevin slid off the couch to join her on the floor.
“I get this way with Vaggie, sure, but I’m tingling differently…it’s…are male and female angels different in some ways?” Shifting to take up the little spoon position against him, she exhaled slowly when she felt his arm drape over her.
The soft breath deepened into a weak moan in answer to his hand cupping her breast, and his hot breath washing over her ear sent goosebumps along her arms as he answered.
“That’s…something I’ve never thought about.” Closing his eyes for a moment, he thought it through.
“But… Vaggie’s an ex-exorcist, and I’m an ex-High Angel.
There could be a power scale or something to consider.” Opening his eyes, he smiled.
“Or, it could just be that you react differently to each of your lover’s touches.”
“Mmmm.” Nudging the back of her head into his face, she gorged on the sensations of his touch.
“Not everything has to be some deep mystery, right?
I dated in high school, sure, but I’ve only had two real, serious lovers.” Shifting herself, she turned herself around to face him, sliding her top leg over his thigh.
“You and Vaggie.
Each of you will just be different in your own way, and I am so, so lucky to have this.”
“Not as lucky as I am.” Gluing his eyes to hers, locking her attention, he spoke with quiet intensity, “Lucky to regain my memories, find you, and that you have the most amazing girlfriend who let me in.
It’s cliché to say, ‘I’m the luckiest man alive,’ and aside from being dead, it’s still fucking accurate.”
Lacing her fingers through his bangs, she kissed him on the nose.
“And don’t you forget it, my knight.”
“Oh.
I won’t.”
Kevin gave her a look that, for a moment, made her feel like she was prey, and she countered with eyes that challenged him to go for it.
Licking his lips, she saw he was definitely up for the challenge and melted at his next words.
“Turn over.”
“Oh, fuck yes!” Eager to obey his command, she gently pushed away from his chest with her palms and positioned herself on her hands and knees, facing away from him.
Feeling his hands slide along her legs and up to cup her ass cheeks, she hissed between her teeth as the sensations rolled along her skin, sending electrical sparks through her veins.
It was nearly instantaneous how she’d gone from cuddling in a soft, romantic hold to now being placed in a position to be taken like he owned her.
And in some ways, he did.
It ignited flames of desire in her stomach that flashed down between her legs.
“Charlie.” Kevin’s voice was thick with lust as he stroked her ass, causing her to hum and press back into his palms.
“Are you doing this on purpose?”
“Doing what, my love?” Blinking, she turned her eyes—now scarlet red with yellow pupils—back towards him and hissed through sharp fangs.
From the moment Charlie had moved into position on all fours, eager to be taken, her demonic side had subconsciously sprouted.
Horns had risen from her forehead, curving slightly back, her claws dug into the floorboard when she’d locked herself ready, and while he couldn’t see from his position at her rear, her eyes and teeth had changed accordingly.
But it was the tail playfully slapping his cheek that he was asking about, and it presented him with a way to explain his question.
Reaching forward, he lightly secured her swinging tail in the grasp of his fingers and moved it into her focus.
“You changed.”
Lips forming another small ‘o,’ she mentally checked herself and realized that, yeah, she’d pretty much let herself go.
Horns, tail, teeth… everything, including a blazing heat of need that was throbbing in the pit of her lower regions.
Licking her long tongue across her fangs, she gave him a demonic growl, “Do you want me to change back?”
Silently, Kevin shifted himself and, without any warning, thrust himself fully inside her.
“Ooooh!” Gasping, she received the full delivery of his answer.
She recalled the first time he’d entered her and how much he filled her, and this was no different.
However, she’d playfully tricked him the first time, and this time he had full control, and he made good use of it.
In one move, he’d sunk as far into her as she could take and began to rock against her, over and over, penetrating her depths with thrusts that were slow and steady at first but soon became intense and maddening.
“Kev…in….” A gasp broke from her, followed by a growl, “Please…harder!”
Moans of pleasure drifted from behind her, and his deep thrusts caused her to yelp in both pleasure and a little bit of pain.
She then felt his hand grab one of her horns, forcing her to bend her head backward and up, lifting her ass higher as she arched her back.
Grunting together, she pushed back to meet his forward thrust, searching for the release that she more than desperately needed.
Aware that tonight they would have all the time they wanted, she coaxed her body to let go and steal one more.
Perhaps it would cool her demon blood for just a little while, having one more quick orgasm.
“Oooh, Kevin, don’t stop; I’m close!”
She’d been listening to his breathing and knew he was on the cusp, so when he leaned in to whisper, “I am, too.”
Moving her hips along with his thrusts, she met him with each one and let out a grunt as he filled her.
She loved that it was almost too much and squeezed him to lure his climax out, as hers was about on the edge and ready to spill over.
That moment was pushed to the limit when she felt him bend over and growl against her ear, “Cum for me, bitch!”
Screaming, her body obeyed, and she pushed back against him to take every inch she could, her pussy clenching around his cock as her orgasm sent electric tingles along her sweaty skin.
Just as she’d hoped, the vice-like grip on his shaft coaxed a tandem release of his own, spilling what was left of his buildup inside her.
Melting like butter on a hot skillet, he dropped with her to the floor as they raced to catch their breaths, pulling each other into a tight embrace.
Her demonic visage bled away slowly, and speech was no longer possible until they both reined in their euphoria.
In the quiet that followed, the moonstone caught the low light of the office and threw a faint rainbow shimmer across his forearm where it rested.
Almost ten full minutes of cuddling and caressing silence passed before she pressed her lips against his hand, which she was holding onto like a delicate treasure, and whispered, “I love you, Kevin.”
“I love you, too, Charlie.” Kevin breathed into her shoulder.
“I always have, and I always will.”
A soft giggle escaped.
“I always will, too, both you and Vaggie.
I can’t believe how lucky I am, and I can’t wait for tonight.”
“One small favor for tonight, my princess?” Giving her shoulder a kiss, he asked, “Can I undress you?
Properly?”
“Oh, I suppose.” She teased, stifling a yawn that threatened to escape.
“I might steal a nap later, just so I can keep us both up all night long.” She giggled again.
“I’ll be sure to have everything done and wrapped up by dinner.” Kevin promised, then lifted his head up to look at her and added, “Which means I should probably get back to work.”
Turning to pull him into an embrace, she pressed her naked body against his and pouted.
“Just a little more cuddle time?”
Kevin felt her tits press against his chest and closed his eyes at the feeling.
“Well, maybe five more minutes.”
Thirty minutes later, after a very lethargic rise from the floor and a quick wash-up in the office bathroom, she conjured them both back into their clothes.
With a little adjusting to look proper, they exited the office.
“I could use a drink,” Charlie sighed, feeling more relaxed and content than she could remember.
“It’s been—a morning.”
Chuckling by her side, Kevin agreed, “That it has.
I feel the hotel is secure enough until Alastor returns with the cameras, and then I’m making him help me install them.”
“Since he destroyed them, I will back you up on that one.
Just…get along the best you can, okay?”
“Will do.
The drink will help.
But I will say this—” Kevin leaned in and kissed her on the temple.
“I learned this morning why you were able to drink me under the table that night in Cassie’s apartment.”
“Drink you!?” Stopping, she tugged on the hem of his shirt, making him turn, and she saw the big grin on his face.
“I’m the one who fell asleep on you, drunk.”
“I’ve tasted the Scotch down here.
Earth liquor is a two-day-old opened soda bottle strong compared to what Husk served me.
If you’re conditioned to drink that stuff, what we shared was nothing.
Moral victory goes to you, Princess.”
“Scotch, hmm?” The look on her face gave Kevin pause.
“There’s stronger stuff?” It was a stupid question, but why not pull the information in advance?
“Oh, yeah.” Tugging on him to follow, she continued, “I’ll have Husk bring a couple bottles of our best stuff up to the suite tonight.
Show my knight a really good time!”
“Every moment with you will be.” Kevin let her pull him along, and they laughed softly as they made their way to the lobby and the bar on the other side.
They’d made it about halfway through the lobby when there was a loud pounding at the front door.
Both stopped and looked at each other, and she bit her lip, eyes hopeful, “Do you think someone’s wanting to check in?”
However, Kevin was on high alert.
Plucking his halo off his head, he held it in his hand, though he did not forge any weapon.
“Like you said, the open sign isn’t on yet.
Let’s check together, okay?”
Nodding, they walked to the front door when the pounding sound echoed through it.
It was sharp, loud, and demanding, and he tensed the grip on his halo, shaping it into his sword.
Charlie protested, “Kevin, this isn’t how I want to greet new guests.”
“Sorry, Hon, but until we’re sure, I’m not taking any chances.” But he did move his hand behind his back and draw the sword down into a dagger instead.
For a moment, his eyes scanned over the opaque doors, and he chided himself for not considering if Hell had an invention like one-way glass film.
It would do them good to see who’s arriving, on the off chance a visitor intended harm.
Nodding her approval, she gripped the door handle.
Pulling the door open, she put on her best expression and, with a chipper voice, started with, “Hi!
Welcome to the Hazbin Hot—”
“Eryn!?” Kevin’s shocked voice cut in, recognizing the angel before them.
Standing in the entrance, with eyes that looked sad yet determined, the heaven-born angel, responsible for his official fall from heaven, spoke with a cool air, “Kevin Angelus Collins.
Charlotte Morningstar.
I am Eryn, the highest of angels and judge of the fallen.”
“Eryn!?” The gold chain of Charlie’s amulet flashed against her collarbone as Charlie’s demon form exploded outward.
“You’re the one who judged Kevin!?”
Eryn’s eyes darted from Charlie to him, and the look she gave him was painful.
She looked back at her, unperturbed by her demon form.
“Yes.
I am.” She continued, “I have been sent here by the great Seraph, charged with a mission.”
“What mission?” Kevin knew this formal presentation, and it never meant good news.
He felt his dagger pulse behind him as it reformed into his sword, and his body tensed.
“Kevin?” Still in her demon form but now confused, Charlie looked from Eryn to him and back.
“What’s going on?”
Eryn answered, “To investigate this hotel, its residents, and if it’s truly worthy of being the halfway point for sinners to pass from hell and be granted entrance into heaven.” She paused, her eyes narrowing.
“Or…”
“Or what?” Charlie’s voice turned suspicious.
But it was Kevin who finished the sentence, for he knew exactly who sent Eryn and for what purpose, and he cursed, “Or to pass judgment and send Heaven’s wrath down upon this hotel, destroying it and everyone living here.”
“Correct.” Eryn’s voice was void of any emotion.
Charlie gasped.
“No!”
Revealing the glowing halo sword from behind his back, Kevin stepped forward and gently nudged her behind him.
He leveled the sword towards Eryn, and with thick pain in Kevin’s voice, he growled, “Then, great Eryn of the Heavenborn, we have a problem.”