6

The woman’s expression lit with excitement.

Marduke’s clouded with confusion.

A moment ago, in the hall outside the apartment, it sounded as if a war was going on within. Crashing and banging. He’d almost left when the door opened. Odd given no one stood by it. The lovely woman with the dark hair within appeared surprised to see him.

And way too human.

Which was why he’d argued with Lucifer’s demand.

“I need you to bring a puppy to a woman and her brat.”

“The only one I have was reserved for you.”

Lucifer waved a hand. “I’ll wait for the next batch. She needs it now.”

“If you say so. Where am I delivering it?”

“Earth.”

Marduke blinked. “You want me to drop a hellhound off on Earth?”

“Do you need me to talk slower?” Lucifer rolled his eyes. “Yes, Earth. By the way, they’re human, so you’ll need to show them how to train their hellhound.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

The devil proved serious enough he offered Marduke too many tempting prizes in exchange for this favor, the biggest one being a Hell Cruise. Marduke had heard good things about the one through the Bermuda Triangle. And they were pet friendly.

More perks got tossed on as Marduke argued about how a few hours might not be enough to teach humans how to not get eaten by the puppy currently in a chewing phase. In Hell, their kennels were reinforced because their first set of teeth were so fucking sharp.

But the devil always got what he wanted, so here he was, on Earth, presenting a puppy to the dumb human reaching for it and crooning, “Hello there, you cutie-patootie.”

He leaned back. “Don’t touch the puppy. It will bite.”

“That cute little thing would never hurt anyone.” She clapped and almost bounced. “Who are you giving it to? It’s going to make someone so happy.”

“Happy, right.” He glanced down at the pup, who trembled and leaned against him. Yeah, she was scaring him, too. He should have asked the devil for more favors. This task might be more complicated than even he predicted. “Are you Merry Garcia?”

“Why yes I am! And you are?”

“Marduke,” he answered without thinking. He bit his tongue before he added, the Devil’s kennel master. The Dark Lord hadn’t mentioned whether or not his position was to be a secret.

“Marmaduke, just like Great Dane in that movie.” She sounded so excited.

Indignation filled him. “Mar. Duke. And not a dog.” A demon. Another thing left unsaid, although judging by her vapid grinning, she might not have cared.

“How can I help you, Marduke?” The dumb lady beamed at him, ignoring the fact a stranger had walked in who could have strangled her one handed. How had she lived this long?

“I’m here to deliver something to you.”