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didn’t need to look at them to know this. I could hear them.
    “He’s okay, I suppose.” I could feel heat spreading across my face, causing her to laugh again. “We haven’t ever met face to face before, but we knew of each other before last night.” That wasn’t a complete lie. I knew there was a demon coming, and most demons knew me because of my job and status. I was expecting Meph, so getting Declan was a definite plus.
    “Well, you’re a lucky girl either way.”
    “Tell me about the quarry. I’ve never been to one before, especially to swim.” Changing the subject seemed to be the best way to avoid furthering the conversation about me and Declan.
    “We should be there soon. It used to be a limestone mine, but after they stripped it, it filled with water and it’s been the local swimming hole ever since. It’s a beautiful area.  Most of the local teenagers and college student hang out here during the warmer months. When it gets colder, we have bon fires. I can’t wait for you all to get to join us then. It is one of my favorite times of year.”
    Her enthusiasm was contagious, but unfortunately for her, the quarry would not be there come this fall. I’m not sure what has gotten into me this mission, but all of these new feelings and emotions were present. I didn’t like this change. I could not get attached to these humans, or this place. I blame Hadraniel and all of his wonder of this place. I smirked at the thought of his being at fault.
    “What’s on your mind over there Bay?” Declan asked
    Smirk gone. Frown now present.
    “Bayla, please.” My voice was a sugary sweet tone. “I was simply thinking about the quarry in the fall.”
    I had decided that the best way to deal with him was not to feed into his goading. He was so different, but he was still a demon. The less I revealed to him the better. I shot a blinding smile at him, and with much amusement received a pouty glare from Blondie beside him.
    “Yes, what a pity we won’t get to see it then, huh?” He was not planning on making this easy for me. I didn’t get his game though, he needed them to go with whatever plan he made, and not mine. Scaring them was a good plan I suppose, but not one usually used by a demon. They much preferred tricking others into following them, as if it was their idea the whole time.
    “Why won’t you all get to see it?” The dense one spoke.
    “Well, because…” Declan started
    “Because we will be out camping most weekends of the fall doing research on the flora and fauna of the local area, and Declan agreed to help us out.” I shot him a warning glare. Different teams or not, I was still the superior on this mission.
    “Yes, that.” Declan winked.
    He. Winked. At. Me.
    What was this dude’s motive? I knew little about male Angels, less about male humans, and even less than that about male Demons. I get that they are charming to get their way, but not towards angels. There was an unspoken agreement. They were fallen angels, or the descendants of those who had fallen. They were everything we stood against. I had never met another demon like Declan. Ever.  Not that I had met a lot, but still he was just so unlike the others. I wonder if this is why Father Paul asked me to allow him to work with us some. I was still dwelling on all of this when I felt the vehicle stop.
    “This place is gorgeous.” I gasped.
    We were parked in a gravel lot, but you could see most of the quarry in front of us. There were cliffs with trees, a beach, and still dark blue water. The place was quiet; I assumed because we had gotten there so early. The group from the other car had already exited and were hauling things towards the beach. I hopped out behind Hannah, taking my bag as well as the beach blanket she handed to me.
    “If we stay all day and night like we usually do, you’ll be amazed at the night sky. There’s little light out here other than the fires people build, so the stars are clearly visible.