He is one of the few exceptions. It is very rare to live so long and hang on to humanity.
I glanced at him. Does that apply to reapers as well?
Reapers are not human, so we can hardly hang on to what we do not have.
But you are capable of emotions.
Again a smile touched his thoughts, and it shimmered through me like a warm summer breeze. Yes, we are, especially if we are foolish enough to remain in flesh too long.
In other words, I wasn't to read too much into what he said or did while he wore flesh, because when all this was over, we'd both go our separate ways and life would return to normal.
I wanted that. I really did.
But at the same time, it was becoming harder and harder to imagine life without Azriel in it.
He made no comment on that particular thought, and I returned my attention to Hunter. "Once I've checked out the crime scene, what then? Are you going to tell me more about him, or am I expected to work on this case completely blind?"
"Impressions first," she said, and hung up.
"Fuck you and the broom you rode in on," I muttered, then leaned back in my chair. "Well, this totally sucks."
"An unfortunate consequence of agreeing to work with someone like Hunter is being at her beck and call." He spun my chair around, then squatted in front of me and took my hands in his. His fingers were warm against mine, his touch comforting. "But there is little we can do until your mother's killer is caught."
I snorted softly. "Even if we do find her killer, do you really think she's going to let me go?"
"We both know the answer to that. But once the killer is caught, we will be in a better position to deny her."
"Maybe." And maybe not. After all, Hunter wouldn't have any qualms about threatening the lives of my friends if it meant securing long-term obedience.