Because as much as the majority fear her, she is aware that fear alone is not enough. She may be powerful, but the weight of numbers can overwhelm even the strongest. Stanford paused, and half shrugged. The movement spun small eddies through the astral plane near him. She has never been a fool, no matter what else she might be. But with these keys in her hand, she has hell itself behind her.
I snorted. Not even Hunter could control hell.
I never said she could control it. The threat of unleashing it – of making a hell here on Earth – would be enough. There are few who would risk such a thing.
There were at least two people I knew of who could and would risk it. Unfortunately for everyone, they were the ones who currently had both gate keys.
Look, as much as I sympathize with your desire to kill her, there's no way in hell I'm about to be the bait in any trap to snare Hunter.
Both men studied me for a moment, then Stanford nodded. As you wish. However, if you change your mind – and I fear that you will be forced to – then you know where to find me. Or Markel.
I wouldn't bet the blood bank on it, I replied grimly.
I only ever bet when I'm sure of a win. Stanford didn't seem too perturbed by my refusal to fall in line with his plans, and that made me more than a little nervous. I doubted he was the type to give up easily. He added, In this case, I certainly would bet the bank – blood or otherwise.
He bowed – an old-fashioned but elegant movement – then disappeared. Swirls of gray were the only indication that anyone had ever stood there. I glanced at Markel. You should have known this would be a waste of time. You've been following me around long enough to get some sense of how I'd respond.
He shrugged. Reminding you of your options – and the fact we can and would do our best to make it a more even fight– can never be considered a waste of time.
Give me an army at my back and I might consider it. But one-on-one? No fucking way.
You would hardly be alone given the reaper rarely leaves your side.
And you think Hunter wouldn't be canny enough to have a means to nullify his presence? Magic can restrain him, Markel, and I'm betting Hunter has been around long enough to know such a spell.
More than likely. He hesitated. However, if you have no intention of ever going up against her, then do nothing more to antagonize her. She walks a knife edge of sanity at the moment.
If you know this, the fucking council must. Why won't they do something about her? Surely if they ganged up on the bitch they could defeat her.