Page 60 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Astreak of black launches itself through the portal and straight toward Skylar and me.

Instinctively, I shove him out of the way as the dark creature dive-bombs me. The impact forces me to stagger back a few steps.

“Hal!” Skylar yells.

“I’m okay,” I wheeze out. “Just a bit winded.”

I manage to grab hold of the squirming black mass clinging to me and lift it in the air. We all stare in shock at the large, wriggling, dark fuzz ball.

With three identical heads.

And three tails.

“How extraordinary,” Kassiel’s voice drawls behind us. “Of all the beings I thought might wander over from the Demon Realm, I never imagined this.”

We all whip around, having completely missed his return. In all fairness, we were a smidge distracted.

“What the hell is that thing?” Skylar asks, pointing at the creature in my arms.

Kassiel’s lips quirk in amusement. “It’s a hellhound pup, of course.”

“And what the hell, no pun intended, is it doing here?” Baxter growls.

Kassiel shrugs. “I haven’t the foggiest. The portal on the other side leads to a demon forest, but not one I’m familiar with. It’s certainly not anywhere densely populated, so I don’t believe we’ll have a horde of giddy demons coming over for an unexpected vacation anytime soon.”

I stare at the hellhound puppy, which is about the size of a fully grown medium-sized dog in this realm. It continues to squirm and starts making what sound like happy little yipping noises as it strains to get closer to me. When I cradle the pup to my chest, it starts to shower me with kisses.

From all three of its heads.

Kassiel chuckles. “Looks like this little one has already chosen its guardian. Congratulations.”

I freeze. “Its what?”

Kassiel smirks, obviously enjoying himself right now. “Hellhounds are rather particular, you see. It is always the hellhound that chooses its guardian, not the other way around.”

“Shouldn’t a puppy still be with its mother? We need to send it back.” There’s a hint of desperation in my voice that I can’t hide.

I know nothing about raising hellhounds!

Kassiel shrugs with an air of unconcern. “Alas, I didn’t see any signs of an adult hellhound or other pups when I was over on the other side. If it came through the portal, it must have been drawn to something or someone it could sense over here.” He gestures at me with a flourish. “Namely you, Hal, our gentlest of giants.”

All three of the puppy’s heads yawn, and it curls up in my arms for a nap.

“By the Light,” I whisper, suddenly a tad lightheaded. “You mean it thinks I’m its… guardian?”

“I’m afraid so, my good man. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I can see that it’s all a bit overwhelming though.” Kassiel strolls closer and examines the hellhound from a safe distance. “It seems she’s decided she wants you.”

I stare down at the hellhound in disbelief. She in turn opens one crimson eye on each head and gazes at me lovingly, tongues lolling.

I gulp. “I’m not sure I’m in any kind of position to be raising a hellhound. Are you sure we can’t send her back?”

The creature whines at my suggestion, all eyes open once again, and I feel an immediate pang of guilt.

Kassiel shakes his head sadly. “I’m afraid not. Once the hellhound has chosen you, you’re stuck with it for life. On the plus side, they’re excellent protectors, very loyal. You really can’t ask for better home security.”

“But I don’t need home security,” I whimper.

Skylar comes closer, and he and the hellhound study each other. He lifts the back of his hand and lets the puppy sniff him thoroughly. She must like what she smells because she wags all three of her tails and gives his hand a little lick before yawning widely again with all three heads.