Zarek was still fuming as he made his way down Pirate's Alley.
When was he going to learn? Every time he had tried to help someone, it had always turned around and bit him on his ass.
He'd recognized the woman the minute he'd seen her and was wondering why Talon had left her unprotected.
He clenched his teem. "Fine. Let her die."
What did he care anyway?
As he neared the end of die alley, he stopped. A foreign, cold sensation ran over him. It was one he hadn't felt since the night he'd crossed over from human to Dark-Hunter.
"Zarek."
He turned to see none other than Dionysus before him. The Greek god had his short brown hair impeccably combed. He wore a dark tweed jacket over a navy turtle-neck and looked like some kind of high-paid corporate raider.
"If you're going to blast me, Dionysus, have at it."
Dionysus laughed. "Please call me Dion. Dionysus is just so passe."
Zarek stiffened as the god neared him. The power of the being was undeniable and it caused the air around him to sizzle. "Why are you speaking to me?"
Dionysus indicated the Pedestrian Mall with his thumb. "I overheard your little exchange with Talon. I was thinking we could make a deal, you and I."
Zarek scoffed at the very idea. "That would be like making a pact with Lucifer."
"Yes, but I don't smell like sulfur. And I happen to dress better. Luc always looks like a pimp." He offered Zarek a cigarette. "Go ahead, have one. It's even your brand."
Zarek took him up on it and eyed him suspiciously as he lit the cigarette. "So what's the pact?"
"Simple. I have a boy in town who is doing some favors for me. You ran into him last night. The one who looks like your boss."
"Yeah, I know the bastard. I owe him too."
"I know. It was unfortunate that the two of you met like that. But if you can put aside your anger, I think you'll like my deal a lot better."
"And that is?"
"My boy needs a few things. Now we could kill you, but I'm thinking a man of your 'special' abilities and skills would be better on our side than drifting through eternity as a disembodied Shade." Dionysus paused.
"Keep talking."
"All I need is for you to not hunt. Go home like Acheron wants and stay there until Mardi Gras. During my celebration, Styxx will be in touch. Help him with the final preparations and I will give you what you want most."
"And what do I want most?"
"An end to your suffering."
Zarek had to give the god credit, he knew what to offer, all right. "You're not trying to trick me, are you?"
"I swear by the river Styx that if you assist us, I will put you out of your pain. Completely. No tricks. No loopholes. One blast and you're beyond even death."
"And if I don't?"
Dionysus smiled evilly. "Hades has a nice corner of Tartarus waiting for you."
Zarek took a drag on his cigarette and laughed darkly. "Like that scares me. What's he going to do? Tear the flesh off my body? Break my bones? Better yet, why not hold me down and stomp on me until I bleed or make me shovel shit? Oh wait, been there, done that, and got the videotape."
Dionysus's green eyes blazed. "I can't believe Artemis lets you live."