It wouldn’t be needed. The dog and boy were already bonding. Which was good.
The bad being, what the fuck had he gotten himself into? Why was he still on Earth? He should be back in Hell. But no, someone had to go and shoot at them and now he was in a shitty motel.
“Lucifer!” He only had to say it once.
“Marduke. My good friend.” The devil appeared in a new outfit—one that smelled less like shit—with Junior by his side. A mini-me in matching red jogging suit, bedazzled gold, and wearing shades.
“What the fuck is going on?” Marduke really didn’t care about rank. Not after all this time.
“I’d like to know the same thing. Here you are at a sleazy motel. Alone. Where the fuck is Merry?” the devil chastised.
“She’s in the next room because someone set her building on fire.”
“Well, that’s a stroke of bad luck. Good thing you’re sticking around for a bit to help her out.”
Marduke glowered. “No, I’m not.”
“Are you reneging? Because I believe our deal was that you can’t leave until Merry and son are settled with the dog.”
“Dog is with them.”
“But they’re not settled, so better get cracking before I lose the bet with my wife.”
“I don’t give a flying fuck about your bet. I want to know what the deal is with Merry.” He pointed to the adjoining door.
“She wrote me a lovely letter.”
“Asking for a dog?” Because that part wasn’t clear.
“Not exactly.”
“I’m assuming you thought the dog would protect her, but it’s still young. And she’s got some trigger-happy asshats coming after her.”
“And?”
“What are you gonna do about it?”
“Nothing because that would be interfering in mortal affairs.”
“Since when has that stopped you?”
“You’re right, it doesn’t, which is why you’re here.”
Marduke crossed his arms. “I’m not a soldier. I can’t protect her.”
“I’d say you showed fine instincts on that sidewalk.”
“I have duties to attend. I can’t stick around as a bodyguard.” Even if the idea intrigued. He’d felt something when he’d thrown himself over her and the young’uns. A twinge in his black heart.
“Then don’t stay. Go ahead. Leave.”
Marduke got a foreboding feeling. “What are you up to, you old goat?”
“Me? Nothing,” the devil lied grandly.
“Whatever it is, do not get me involved. I have no interest in your shenanigans. Nor do I have time to waste. You know Morgana is due to litter any day now.”
“I know. Don’t forget you promised me one.” The devil glanced down at his son, who was toddling for the booze bar. “Bring us both a beer, would ya?”
The boy giggled. Still adorable. But Lucifer had a bad feeling about the child. Better not get too attached.