Page 58 of Grave Humor

Ah. Yeah. I could understand that. “Well, he’s a known entity. I’m the local dropout who couldn’t even manage to leave Sunset.”

“Things are about to become more complicated for you.”

I tensed. “How so?”

“Sunset is being invaded by a rather heavenly host, and they have taken much interest in the cemetery, the catacombs beneath it, and Azrael’s awakening. This, unfortunately, has resulted in the angels paying us a visit.”

Shit. “There are angels here?”

“The devil is here, too. They have taken over the kitchen, which is why I opted to bring you your breakfast. I thought you’d appreciate eating in peace.”

I needed another nap, a hit of pixie dust, and some painkillers. My honey rock would have to serve as a substitute for all of those things, although I could hit up some of the painkillers. The pixie dust would make me a menace to those who could wipe me out of existence with the wave of their perfect hands. “How many angels?”

“Two archangels, the devil, and that angel and incubus who had visited us before.”

I struggled to process the presence of two archangels in my home. “Which two?”

“Michael and Gabriel.”

I gulped. “And Azrael? Is he an angel or an archangel?”

“He is an archangel as well. He is likely in the catacombs checking on all of its many residents and making certain they have not been disturbed.”

“There are three archangels and the devil here? In Sunset?” I gulped, and to console myself with the insanity, I ate another slice of my honey rock. “But why?”

“You’ll have to ask the devil. He brought them.”

Somehow, things had gotten even more complicated. “And Director Hammel?”

“I suspect his meddling with forbidden magics is why they are here. He has put things into motion—dangerous things.”

“Well, waking Azrael probably counts as one of those dangerous things.”

“You would be right. Azrael isn’t the only one to awaken, and Director Hammel will regret his choices before this is done.”

“You,” I guessed.

“You would be correct. I am not nearly as kind a being as Azrael, as you will learn as soon as I get my hands on Director Hammel.”

A week ago, I would have been concerned. Now, the thought of the bastard facing the consequences for his actions made me smile. “I look forward to it.”

“I will do my best to keep from disappointing you, then.”

A blue-banded archangel sat on my table with a scarlet-banded one, and something about them unsettled me. An uncomfortable feeling grew in my chest, and I halted in the doorway, debating what I should do about the sensation, if I could do anything about it.

“It is the influx of divinity,” one of the archangels announced. “It shall pass. Stay there until you adapt if you would like.”

Lucy waved at me from his seat at the table. “The blue one is Michael, the red one is Gabriel, and you’ve already met Dimitri. His incubus is prowling the street in search of trouble, and Azrael is admiring your truck. He is discovering the toys of this age are amusing, and that might keep him awake for a while.”

“Nice to meet you, I think.”

The angels laughed, and the devil grinned at me.

Eoghan leaned against my refrigerator, crossed his arms over his chest, and scowled.

“What brings the devil, three archangels, an angel, and an incubus over? Had I known an entire heavenly host would be visiting, I would have at least tried to clean first.”

The devil leaned back in his chair, balancing it on two legs. “We’re here to discuss Sunset’s fate.”