Hell On Heels(58)

“So I see you have learned to cloak yourself in invisibility.” He nodded, stating the obvious. “What other powers have emerged?”
“Well, I can transport, but no matter where I’m trying to go I always end up in the bathroom.” I grinned. He didn’t. “What are you doing here?”
He adjusted his cloak and looked disdainfully at the Demons on the floor before him. “I was making rounds on Earth and came by to check on your wellbeing, Your Highness.” He spoke with rigid formality.
“Cole, it’s me, Dixie. What’s with all the Your Highness stuff?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “Dixie. How are you?”
“Okay, I guess.” I paused and looked down at my hands. “Are there any messages for me?”
“No, I’m sorry. None.” His tone was gentle. I wondered if my dad had decreed no messages. Satan was such a wad. Cole continued, “I want you to know there are many on this plane that would wish you ill.”
“I already got that message loud and clear.” I sighed, feeling lonelier than ever.
Cole became alarmed, his voice clipped. “Has anything unusual happened?”
“Um. . .no.” His manner made me uncomfortable. Did he know something I should know? “Well. . .”
“Yes?” He waited.
I mulled over what I was going to say in my head for a moment. What in the Hell wasn’t unusual about my life right now? I was about to tell him about Miss Evelyn, but then I’d have to explain Blanche and her silver skin, the book, the tornado, my black magic, drinking blood from Grandpa and how my tears healed a wolf that I thought was going to be my new dog named Steve. Although what really made my mouth stay shut is that I knew anything I said would get back to my dad. I was pissed at my dad. If he wouldn’t let me have access to my old life, he couldn’t have access to my new life.
“The girls at college don’t like me.” I figured I had to say something. Vapid and clueless felt right, so I went with it.
“Oh,” he laughed, clearly relieved not to have to deal with anything serious. I could tell he also thought I was a spoiled rotten brat. I’d never noticed his attitude in Hell, but I was never around him very much. “You’re a beautiful woman. I’m sure they’re jealous.”
There was an awkward pause. He stared at the ceiling while I stared at him. He was a very handsome Demon, but he paled in comparison to my father. Then again, who didn’t?
“How’s my dad?” I asked quietly.
“Very well,” he replied. “Does this house have a security system? Is it warded with magic?” he inquired.
“Yeth, my Lord,” Carl muttered from his floor-licking position.
“Good,” Cole said, barely acknowledging Carl.
“Is Dad still dating Sandra?” I was desperate for any gossip from Hell. I remembered Cole keeping an eye on her as she tried to claim her territory at the Dark Palace. I was hoping to have a laugh about the silicone piece of trash that my father was involved with. Cole wasn’t a real talkative Demon but I was hoping for something.
“Amanda—her name is Amanda,” he corrected me. “And yes, he is. We are very fortunate that Lucifer has chosen a consort as accomplished and as powerful as Amanda. It is a miracle that she carries his son. You should treat her and speak of her with the respect she is due.”
That was the longest group of words I’d ever heard Cole string together in my entire life. You’d think he had the hots for Amanda. Hell, he probably did. Demons were like that. Whatever my dad had everyone else wanted. Each time my father ended an affair the line of potential suitors for Satan’s ex-gal-pal was miles long. Literally.
“Um. . .sure,” I shrugged. I didn’t like her and I never would, but being polite probably wouldn’t kill me. I didn’t believe she would have a boy. If she did, I’d like to see some DNA test results.
“I must take my leave now.” His tone was clipped and formal again. Was it because I made fun of the surgically enhanced consort? I knew Cole took his job seriously, but come on. “Remember, there are many who want you dead. Stay alert.”
“For what, exactly?” Could anyone from Hell be specific or was I just going to keep getting these generalized death threats?
“You’ll know when you see it.” He wrapped his flowing black cloak tightly around his body. I wondered if Dad had any idea how cheesy his minions were looking in their bad Demon attire. He began to turn to mist.
“Wait,” I yelled.
He paused, half of his body had already disappeared into a mist, but the top half was still corporeal. Damn, he was a powerful Demon.