Kali didn't really seem to understand the meaning of privacy as she was constantly glued to Isobel's side. More so than she had been before. She always seemed to have one problem after another that only Isobel could resolve. She also convinced Isobel that along with Charlie's redemption classes, that she herself should be giving lectures to the followers on how to live better lives even while confined in Hell.

Isobel called these 'don't be a dick' talks and always dissolved into the followers just asking to hear about how she battled the angel, or about that one time she was on TV. It was clear these lectures were not the best use of time, but Kali insisted, and at the very least Isobel was getting to know her followers. She started remembering individual's names, so that was progress.

Kali also became, to Isobel's great frustration, the biggest cockblock. She did everything in her power to limit any time Isobel had alone with Alastor. She had the uncanny ability to simply appear the moment Isobel or Alastor put hands on each other. She was of course very apologetic, but there was always some pressing matter that needed Isobel's immediate attention.

So was the situation one night. Isobel had just managed to get through the last of Alastor's buttons while his hand slid up under her shirt, when came the now familiar tap, tap of Kali's small fist against the door.

Isobel released a very annoyed and exasperated sigh as she thumped her forehead down on his chest.

"You know," Alastor said, his ears laid flat and glaring at the door. "I could just kill her."

"Tempting," Isobel said, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

"Or," Alastor took hold of both of her arms and pushed her backward. She took a couple of steps before the bed met her at the knees and she fell. He climbed on top of her. "I could just keep you here. Make her wait."

"I'd be totally ok with that."

He leaned down and just before their mouths could meet, the tapping came again, this time joined with Kali's voice. Alastor made a low menacing growl before standing.

"Infuriating," he spat as he walked away.

Isobel crossed to the door and swung in open wide. She looked quite disheveled as if a demon had been pawing at her and combing it's claws through her hair, but she didn't care.

"What do you want," she hissed.

"I'm very sorry to disturb you, Shepherd, but there are several new arrivals down stairs that are all eager to meet you.

"Can't that wait until morning?"

"This is a special batch." Kali seemed especially excited and rocked back and forth from toes to heels. "And I was hoping to introduce you as soon as possible."

Isobel looked over her shoulder at Alastor who had already buttoned her shirt again and was looking very put out. The moment had passed and they both needed a minute to gather themselves.

"Fine," she said. "But let's make this quick." She didn't care what Kali did or say, how long it took, or what lengths she had to go to. Isobel was going to fuck Alastor that night. But first get this meet and greet out of the way.

Isobel followed Kali down stairs and into the parlor, the whole time half listening as Kali jabbered on about the individual followers, how happy they were to be at the hotel, how eager they were to participate in the daily lessons and lectures, how much love they all had for the Shepherd.

Isobel rolled her eyes. If they loved her so much, they could do her the favor of leaving her alone long enough to get laid.

As they entered the parlor four newcomers rose to meet them. There were two, a man and a woman, resembling lizards. Their bulging eyes darted this way and that, and the sails on the back of their heads changed to a kind of pink color when Isobel greeted them. Another had the attributes of some kind of bird. No beak, but definitely feathers. The fourth was a tall, lean man with a black heart shaped nose and curling ram horns. Kali introduced Isobel to them all as the Shepherd of the Lost and spent several minutes detailing her many accolades, though much seemed to be quite a bit embellished. Though at this point it seemed that Isobel could sneeze and Kali would see it as a sign of her divinity.

One by one the newcomers stepped up to shake Isobel's hand. Each time she felt the electric current climb her arm and saw the subtle purple glow confirming the transfer of souls to her care. However, the ram hung back, hands in pockets seeming rather nonplussed at the entire situation. Isobel couldn't blame him.

After Kali dismissed the three, she beckoned the ram over.

"This is why I said it was a special batch and I was so eager. I would like to introduce you to Vincent, my brother."

"Oh, nice to meet you," Isobel offered to shake, but he kept his hands firmly in his pockets.

"If it's all the same to you, I think I'll pass for now," he said, flashing an affable smile.

Isobel was confused for a second, but then looked down at her hand and laughed. After seeing three people just give their souls away, why would he risk shaking her hand? Kali laughed too.

"Vincent is not yet a true believer, and not ready to enter under your protection. But I know he'll come around in time." She nudged him with her elbow.

"Well, I don't know about any of that," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But Kali has told me some really incredible things about you. I look forward to seeing if they're true."

Isobel shook her head with a wry smile, "They're not."

They all laughed again. Kali laughed perhaps a little too hard. Just then the bird-like sinner whose name already escaped Isobel, (Donna… Dana? Definitely started with a D.) stuck her head in.

"Kali," she said. "We're having a bit of trouble figuring out where our rooms are, can you give us a hand?"

"Of course." Kali turned and made a slight bow to Isobel. "Excuse me, Shepherd." Then she rushed off to help the others.

Isobel must not have hid her thoughts well. They must have been painted all over her face because Vincent snickered and said, "Don't mind her. She just gets a little over involved sometimes."

"Yeah," Isobel agreed. "She can be intense."

"But she means well," Vincent shrugged. "And she sure does have a lot of admiration for you."

She stared after Kali nodding wearily. Would it be rude if she just went back upstairs now. Did she even care if she was rude? She was the Shepherd, she could do whatever the fuck she wanted, right?

"You look tired," Vincent said. Isobel wrinkled her nose. Who's being rude now? "Sorry, but I bet leading the group is probably exhausting."

She sighed. "It is, but truthfully, Kali does most of the work."

"That's why I'm here," he said with pride. "Kali wanted me to come out, learn the ropes, see if I can lend a hand in any way. I'm pretty good at problem solving, managing people, that kind of thing."

"Great."

"Hopefully I can help her out, maybe I can help you out too."

Isobel eyed him suddenly suspicious, but he just stared back with that same open, earnest expression Kali always gave her. Like his sister, Vincent gave off an air of being completely genuine and she did not know how to respond to it.

"Thanks," she said. "That's kind of you to offer."

"Always happy to be of use."

"Sure." There was an awkward pause, then Isobel clapped her hands together. "Well, if you excuse me, I have some pressing business to attend to up stairs. It was nice meeting you."

"You too, Shepherd."

Vincent spent the next few days shadowing Kali, supposedly learning all of her responsibilities. This meant that he also shadowed Isobel because wherever she went Kali was always right behind. He must have been a quick study because it wasn't too long before the others started coming to him for 'problem solving.' Kali began depending on him more and more, giving him the important tasks. He was now in charge of bringing Isobel her meals and going through her itinerary every morning.

Kali was a fan of making elaborate schedules for Isobel, each planned out in half hour increments. However, always hating to be told what to do, Isobel often blew off the program and did her own thing whether that meant hanging out with Angel and Charlie in their rooms, escaping to the roof, or sneaking out to the library. After a while of Isobel constantly going missing, Kali decided that Vincent would be her official body guard.

"This is very unnecessary," Isobel said over her shoulder as she walked down the street.

"Don't look at me, I'm just following orders," Vincent said from five steps behind. He and three other followers had joined her on her daily trip to the library that morning.

"You enjoy this type of work?" she asked. "You know, just being my constant shadow?"

"It has its perks. Definitely have had worse jobs. My boss is pretty demanding, though."

"Yeah," she scoffed. "Your sister has pretty high standards, doesn't she."

"I was talking about you."

Isobel stopped short and waited for Vincent to catch up. He walked with his hands in his pockets with a casual ease. The morning sun illuminated his face turning his blond hair a light copper color. As he came side to side with her, Isobel had to look up to speak to him. He was tall, perhaps not quite as tall as Alastor, but broader. His relaxed way of holding himself hid a body made purely of muscle and sinew.

"How am I demanding? I'm not the one who gave you this job."

"True, but you do make it harder. You're always running off which means I've got to hunt you down. And then I can't find you I get chewed out by Kali."

"Oh," now she felt bad. "Sorry, I didn't realize I was causing you trouble."

He shrugged, "it's ok. I mean if you were well behaved I doubt you would be the amazing, courageous Shepherd that everyone loves."

"Yeah, that's me," she said sardonically.

"Maybe do me a favor and behave a little bit more for me? Trying to limit Kali handing me my ass to just once a week."

"I'll try, no promises."

They continued to chat the rest of the way back to the hotel. Vincent opened the door for her and followed her inside where they were almost immediately met by Alastor.

"Perfect timing, my deer," he said. "I must go out on business and thought you might join me." Time away from the hotel just her and Alastor? Isobel jumped at the chance.

"Of course," she said, smiling up at him. She handed her books over to a follower sure that they would find their way to her room.

"Bully, shall we?" He offered his arm which Isobel was just about to accept when Kali appeared at her elbow.

"I'm sorry, Shepherd, but you are scheduled to lead a lecture in an hour."

"Just cancel it for today. I'm sure no one will mind."

"We were all looking forward to it. There are some newcomers that have yet to hear your word."

"And they can wait one more day."

"There were a few other things that I needed to discuss with you."

"We'll do that when I get back."

It was clear to Kali that Isobel was not going to budge on this. The Radio Demon's influence once again proved more powerful than her own. She changed tactics.

"If you are going out, make sure to take Vincent with you for your protection."

At this Alastor laughed loudly.

"Unnecessary. This outing is for Isobel and I only. There is no need for your services, so," he waved his hand dismissively, "run along."

Kali and Vincent exchange glances.

"You don't have to worry," Isobel said. "I'll be with Alastor. No safer place for me."

"It's decided then." Alastor did not wait for Kali to reply. He briskly swept Isobel out the door, throwing a wave behind them. "Ta ta, chaps."

Turns out Alastor wanted to take Isobel to a meeting with the other Overlords of Hell. He said if Carmilla could bring her two daughters and Vox his insufferable lackeys, then he could bring someone far more influential. After all, how many could say that they are privy to the ear of the King? He said the last part with a touch of spite.

The meeting turned out to be quite boring. Isobel had the impression of being at a an HOA meeting from Hell, literally. And her role was clear. No speaking. Just standing there with a shrewd look and adding to Alastor's status. No matter how boring or inconsequential the meeting seemed, Isobel was just thankful to be away from the hotel and the cult for a time.

However, eventually they had to return and when she did, Isobel found Kali and Vincent waiting for her at her door.