"I don't know this guy from Adam," he said.
"Adam who?" she asked, confused.
Gabe glanced at her. "It was an attempt at levity."
"This is no time for a joke!"
"He'll show up downstairs eventually," he said, referring to his underworldly domain. "Everyone does."
Harmony's frown was fierce. Not many people appreciated a sense of humor crafted over millennia as a sanctioned killer for Death. Most Immortals had no mirth in the first place. As the sole living resident of the underworld with human origins, Gabriel was often reminded of how different he remained. Right now, he was too frazzled to know what else to do aside from make a joke to ease some of the tension.
"If you feel the need to expel me for almost breaking the Code, I will go where you bid," Harmony said in a quieter voice. "Or cast myself into the Lake of Souls."
"The Lake's at capacity," he replied.
"Very well. When the Lake has subsided, I will throw myself in." The determination in Harmony's voice left him no doubt she'd do it.
Gabriel chuckled. "No, you won't. Relax. Thank you for calling me."
"I must. It's my duty."
"I'm more concerned with why this guy has no soul. The demons beat us here again," Gabriel shifted. "The last thing I need is an Army of Souls in the hands of those bastards. I can't figure out how they're tracking the dead."
"Darkyn is very powerful." Harmony's voice held a hushed note of reverence that irked Gabriel.
"He's a demon lord but not a deity," he pointed out.
"Oh, sorry Gabriel. I keep forgetting you are now."
"Thanks," he said drily.
"I didn't mean … you're really trying … um, and doing your best." She met his gaze at last, a red flush creeping across her face. With forest colored eyes and an athletic body, she towered over most men. The top of her head reached his chin.
"Appreciate the encouragement."
"Sorry, Gabe," she mumbled. "Where do I sleep tonight?"
He assessed her. While he wanted nothing more than to kill past-Death over and over for fucking him over, he was forced to admit the death-dealers that survived the recent demon attacks were loyal, honorable and ruthless. All traits he admired. His predecessor chose the best, like the cautious and steady Immortal awaiting his decision. There was no spontaneity - or surprises - to her. He never had to wonder how many men were rotating through her bed or when she was planning to stab him in the back or decipher the riddles she gave him as answers to important questions. His last lover - the only other he'd ever taken - had been the opposite of Harmony.