“Asmodeus,” Dan finally said. He didn’t even bother greeting Belial.
Asmodeus grunted.
“I hope you’ve been treating my daughter well.”
“Really, Dad?” Eva groaned. “Can we not do this?”
“I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
Asmodeus huffed indignantly as if he’d been dealt the highest of insults. “Our apartment is heavily warded, and I protect her with my life every moment of every day. A fact you would know if you visited more often.”
“Ash,” Eva warned.
Dan blinked. “You… want me to visit more often?”
Asmodeus’s lip curled. “ObviouslyIdon’t. But Eva does.”
“Ash!”
“She’s remarked that since she knows about your teleportation ability, you should be able to come to more of her gigs. But you don’t.”
“Ash, stop it.”
Dan looked stricken. “I didn’t know you felt that way, Eva.”
“It’s fine, Dad, really. Ash is just—”
“I stayed away because I thought you didn’t want me around, not because I didn’t want to be here.”
“Why wouldn’t I want you around?”
“Well, because of… everything that happened. And because you’re datinghim, and we’re not exactly friendly, and your mom always said I have a tendency to smother you, so…”
Eva chuckled. “You guys will learn to get along—”
All three of them scoffed.
“You will! So don’t stay away because of that, okay?”
“All right, I won’t.” Dan smiled at his daughter. “I’ll be at your next gig for sure, honey.”
She smiled back. “Thanks, Da—”
Bel coughed loudly. “Now that that’s done, can we get to the matter at hand?”
“Mishetsumephtai’s brands.” Dan looked around. “Where is he?”
Eva had filled him in on the purpose of Belial wanting to meet, but obviously hadn’t mentioned Mishetsu’s disappearance. “He went back to Hell.”
Or so they had concluded last night after receiving his vague text message. Meph had returned shortly after and filled them in on the unfortunate coincidence that Mishetsu’s date was a witch. Poor bastard couldn’t catch a break.
Dan frowned. “So he’s where he wants to be. What’s the problem?”
“He didn’t go voluntarily. He’s controlled by the brands, and he wants them gone. I want to help him.”
Dan narrowed his eyes. “Why? What’s in it for you?”
Bel said nothing. He’d already explained his reasons to Mishetsu, and they were for him alone. He wasn’t justifying himself to some angelic prick.
