“Okay,” Father William was saying. “I narrowed it down. But if I’m right about the lead candidate, you’re in real trouble.”
I shook my head. “I already know I’m dealing with somebody powerful. I can handle it.”
“Okay. Lead candidate is the demon prince Tyv’zel.”
The name had an odd resonance, spoken out loud. “Be careful.”
“Just saying it once won’t summon him.”
I couldn’t help but quip, “Three times in the same conversation, right?”
He laughed. “Possibly. In any case, he’s high in the counsels of Lucifer, but he’s also got a reputation for…” He paused. “By demon standards, he’s not as burn them all as most. He’s more, if this is accurate, into the idea of subtly taking over humanity.”
“He probably runs a law firm.” I was making light of it because I didn’t want to think about it.
“The other three are lower ranking, but this guy…known to party, known to eye up pretty girls.”
I thought of him with a succubus on each arm and nodded. “Is he also the type to maybe seek allies?”
“Maybe.” Will gave me an odd look. “But definitely the type to think a demon hunter would be the right kind of hard to get. Get you in his bed, then take your soul.”
I knew that wasn’t quite what he wanted. “Well, if it fits…then we need to design some way to take him down.”
The name was key, but I had this feeling it wasn’t, quite, enough.
Will nodded. “But we’re going to need backup. I’m sorry, Jane. I’m not taking this on on my own.”
“I’m not asking you to.” Maybe…hrm. I almost wished I could pit my suitors against each other. And rather wished I had one that was nice. Why were fire giants and demons after me?
Bloodlines. But what bloodlines could…I knew there were unmarried gods out there. Angels probably weren’t allowed.
So, why was I attracting the dark side of things? “Let me think on it.”
He nodded. “Be careful.”
“I won’t give into him. If he wants me, he’ll have to force me.” Would he be above rape? He was a demon, but… “And I think…”
“Demons can’t take souls not given to them willingly. They can trick them out of people, but if he forces you, he loses his chance to get yours.”
“That’s actually a relief.” Not that I thought he could physically force me, but there might be other ways. Even ways that worked on me.