Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t exactly have a choice.”
They step back but grip my shoulders, as if they can’t quite believe I’m here. That makes two of us. “Tell me everything.”
And so I do. The truth. Pope watches me closely. There’s no shock, no denial. Just a deep curiosity and investment in the story. Right up until the moment I explain how I got home.
They sit back and shake their head. “He’s a fool.”
“He did what I wanted.”
“Except it’s not what you wanted.” They roll their eyes. “You’ve wanted two things from the moment I’ve met you, Eve. Freedom and to be someone’s first priority. Not too much to ask in the grand scheme of things. All he had to do was talk to you and I’m sure you could have figured something out.” They shake their head. “I’m glad you’re home. I was losing my mind with worry. But it’s clear you’re not staying long.”
I blink. “You’re making a lot of assumptions.”
“Am I?” Pope smiles. “You forget. I know people, and I know you especially.” They reach out and clasp my hand. “I’ll be sad to see you go. Promise to check in periodically and let me know you’re alive.”
The room feels strangely liquid around me in a way that has nothing to do with magic and everything to do with shock. “You’re such an asshole. You couldn’t even give me a few minutes to figure it out on my own.”
“Time is money, baby.” They squeeze my hand and rise, stretching their arms over their head and making something in their spine pop. Their expression goes soft. “Unless you really mean to pick up your life right where you left off as if the last couple months didn’t happen and you aren’t in love with Azazel.”
I grit my teeth even as my chest flutters alarmingly. “I happen to like my life.”
“You were content. Not happy.” They shrug at my shock. “You’re one of my best friends, Eve. I wouldn’t have let you continue with the work if it was hurting you. You enjoyed yourself, but from the moment you started, you were simply killing time.”
“Stop analyzing me,” I snarl. “It’s rude.”
“It’s what I do, and you love me for it.” They slip their phone from the pocket of their tailored pants. “Now, do you want to take a few days for your pride to heal from the mortal wound of my knowing you well enough to predict your next move . . . or do you want to summon your demon lover?”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re taking the idea of demons and other realms too well. You didn’t even ask me if I was on drugs.”
“More things in heaven and earth and all that.” They wave it away. “I move in a lot of strange circles, and some of them are less human than you’d imagine.”
I can’t even process what they’re saying right now. Obviously I’m aware that Lenora came from this realm and she’s a witch with magic of her own so that means there must be other magic here . . . but I didn’t expect it to intersect my life. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
They shrug. “Some things are best kept separate; you never showed any interest in the paranormal. It’s not the sort of thing you bring up in mixed company unless you want to get those wild-eyed looks that I deeply dislike. Little did I know one of your favorite clients was a demon.”
This is all happening too fast . . . and yet not fast enough. It’s so easy to get swept up in Pope’s energy. Sometimes I dig my heels in out of sheer habit, but the truth is that they’re right. I already made my decision.
I inhale deeply and try to think. “I need a lawyer too.”
Pope’s brows wing up. “A lawyer.”
“One specializing in contracts.” The plan snaps into place. I don’t know how to summon a demon, but it can’t be that hard, right? Especially if Pope knows people who are familiar with the concept. “Once I get that ironed out, it’s time to summon Azazel.”
And this time, it truly will be a lifetime contract.
CHAPTER 21
AZAZEL
Aside from that mess with Mina and her vampire lovers, no one has attempted to summon me in longer than I care to count. It takes me several long beats admit to understand what the gentle tugging in my chest means. Longer still to give in to the pull.
I have no interest in contracts and deals at the moment. In the days since I delivered Eve home, it’s rapidly become clear that I’ve made a terrible mistake. Everything is wrong. The light is dimmer. Food tastes of nothing. Everyone is furious with me, from Ramanu to the damned castle. They don’t understand.
If I hadn’t taken her home the first moment I could, I never would have. I’m not proud of that realization. Letting the woman I love wither away to nothing, trapping her in a life away from everything she’s ever known, welcoming her hate because at least that means she’s feeling something for me . . . I would have done it.