by Indra Frost
There wasn’t a way out of the agreement, not that wouldn’t leave me open to something worse. I knew that, and still I had hoped that something would come along. That my circumstances would change, and I would be free. Truly free.
I eyed the hellhound wearily. He had mentioned being sent here to get me to work with these guys, which meant he was under contract as well. That meant the chances of getting his help was slim to none once this was over.
Still, I had to try. In the end, it really was all I could do.
“I will agree to help, under one condition.” I held the demon’s gaze.
I wanted him to know how serious I was. I may not have had many options, but I could search for my death in plenty of other ways, it didn’t have to be on his master’s terms.
He nodded, letting me know he would listen.
I knew before speaking that he wouldn't really have a say, but it made me feel better to say it out loud. To make sure he was as bound by the new agreement between us as I was.
“I want your guarantee that when the time comes, you will use your information to try and gain my freedom. Even if I'm not able to do it myself.”
Something flashed through his eyes, leaving them glowing. I could have sworn I saw understanding and compassion, but that stupid smirk was still on his face.
He didn’t answer right away, which I took as a good sign. If he had answered too fast, I would have known he was lying. Him thinking about it meant that he was actually assessing whether he could do what I asked or not.
After a torturous moment of silence, he nodded. “I will do what I can.”
I released a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding, and I heard the wizard do the same. I guess the tension was too much for poor Walker.
He hadn't said yes, but I had a feeling that was as good as I was going to get.
I looked at the hellhound, knowing that if I went through with this, the chances that I would survive it were zero. But I also knew that with their help, my soul might be freed. It was a risk I was too desperate to turn down.
“Then I agree to your terms.” As soon as the words left my mouth the brand on my shoulder started to burn, sending pain spiraling through the rest of my body.
I hissed in a breath as the flame intensified. The burn was internal and spreading throughout my whole body. The magic of the contract was trying to stop me from going against Greg, but it was too late. I was committed now. There would be no turning back.
So, with the pain of the contract burning me, I turned to follow the others inside. I had nothing left to lose at this point.
The angel silently led us inside the house, and even the hellhound joined us. I had assumed that once he had my agreement, he would run off to his master immediately.
It was odd to see an angel and a hellhound in the same room. Angels and demons were hardly ever civil. It was throwing me off, and I watched them curiously before my gaze shifted to look at the house.
I tried to look around as subtly as possible. I didn’t want them to think that the homeless woman was casing the place.
We entered the back door, and I had to stop myself from gaping at everything. Directly across from us was the front door, but the area we entered was huge and open. A big living area covered the left-hand side of the house with a fireplace against what would be the front wall. Right inside the door and to the right was a staircase that seemed to lead up to the bedrooms. Just past that was the big kitchen and dining area. The table was big and made of heavy wood, eight chairs seated around it. When we walked past the stairs, I saw a bathroom tucked away at the back.
The guys were all quiet as they led me to the kitchen area. They may not be sure what happened, but they heard enough to know that I had agreed to help them.
The panther slinked to take a seat, the wizard following as the angel and vampire headed into the kitchen. The hellhound hesitated a moment before moving to the table as well.
The burning pain had spread and grown more intense. I knew it wouldn't go away until Greg was dead, but I hoped that it would level out soon. I felt like I was burning alive, the fire under my skin originating from the brand. I was used to pain, so I was able to push it to the side for now. But, I didn't know how long that would hold true if it continued to get worse. I needed a distraction.
The vampire gestured me into the dining area, and I sat down where he pointed. When him and the angel joined us, they set a plate of food in front of me, I stared at it, ready to eat it without a qualm. I didn’t think they would poison me, not after all the trouble they had gone through to get me here. But I watched Walker take a bite, just to be sure.
“So, who wants to tell me what's going on?” Reed narrowed his gaze on the hellhound who was chowing down on his plate of food at the end of the table.
The demon avoided the angel's gaze, though his fork slowed down the slightest bit.
Reed’s gaze shifted to sweep over the others as well, and they all ducked or looked away. Aside from the panther. He continued to eat, listening, but not contributing to the conversation.
The panther and the hellhound struck me as odd. One was a habitual liar that I could have sworn had tried to tell me the truth. The other seemed to be honest to a fault, oblivious almost. And of all the guys here, they seemed to be the most trustworthy. I decided to watch them for clues about what was happening.
The panther’s eyes flicked up to watch the others, but he didn’t stop eating. It was like he was taking their social cues, but then disregarded them in favor of food. The hellhound almost seemed to be using his plate of food as an excuse not to talk. It was entertaining, and I didn’t think I was in danger at this precise moment in time.
I didn’t trust them not to hurt me, it wasn’t like that, but I knew what they wanted from me. I still didn’t know what these other guys had planned, aside from bringing down Greg.
I smiled and they all shifted uncomfortably.
"Let me tell you what happened." I said turning to the leader as the others looked at me in alarm. "I saw you win the entrance fight, and I thought something was off. Later, that same night, I see you and the wizard over there sneaking around the gym."
"It's Walker," the wizard interrupted.
I ignored him and he almost seemed to pout.
"Then, the next day, you slipped up and gazed lovingly at the vampire as he entered the gym for his fight." The vampire chuckled, and the angel had a sardonic twist to his lips. "Of course, I was curious about the man who would turn your head, so I watched the fight. I watched as your vampire used the exact same maneuvers you had the night before to beat Hairy."
I looked at the vampire and gave him a smile.
"I applaud that, by the way."
He nodded in response and I kept going with my story. Amused that they were letting me go on. I was having fun with this, and a slight thrill ran through me at the attention. I couldn’t tell if it was fear or excitement at having the attention of so many people.
"Then, you tried to come after me, and I took off because I'm smart. That was only the beginning."
"What?" The wizard whispered to the vampire.
I cleared my throat and gave him the stink eye. Instead of looking cowed he just smiled at me. Dumb hot guys. I rolled my eyes and got back to the story, suppressing my own smile.
"I collided with the magic user outside the gym and recognized him from the night before. Knowing who he was, I took off as soon as I could, but I had to stop and throw away my shirt when I found the tracker on it." I pointed at Walker. "You, sir, owe me a new shirt.”
He looked at me, mouth opening, but nothing came out at first.
“It’s Walker,” He muttered again, not able to think of anything else to say.
"I was then confronted by said wizard," I deliberately didn't use his name and continued before he could speak. "The next day. He then chased me across town and into another crime lord’s territory. That's when the panther man here decided to join the party."
Th
e man in question looked up at me talking about him, but he didn't protest my story telling.
"He then stalked me to my warehouse, where Tweedledee and Tweedledum found me and chased me out of my home. Then, I was abducted by the panther after my narrow escape, from your other goons." I looked at Reed earnestly, while also trying not to laugh at the others faces. "It was so scary; these men were chasing me, and I didn't know what to do!"
The hellhound scoffed at me when I said the last bit and I sent him a glare. He looked back, unrepentant.
Reed sat there for a moment, not looking like he was sure of what to say. He didn't look like he agreed with their treatment, but at the same time he looked exasperated with me. He was stuck between a rock, and my story telling skills. Both of them were pretty bad.
Finally, he sighed, not going to touch the story I had told him. He looked at me seriously for a moment, his blue eyes shining as they stared into my own. He was broad, and his blond hair was mussed from the countless times he had run his fingers through it during my tale. His figure was a bit intimidating, but I wasn’t too worried. At least, that’s what I told myself when I leaned away from him, wary of what it was he was going to say.
“I want you to guarantee that you aren’t here to harm any of those on my team. If you can’t promise me that, I will kill you and be done with it right now.” The threat in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.
For the first time since he greeted me, I saw the threat he presented. I wasn't scared, I had already signed my own death warrant after all, but I was impressed. And slightly upset by how attractive I found him in that moment.
The others seemed to hold their breath, meaning that he was expecting an answer. I looked them over, almost offended by his words. But that didn’t matter, it wasn’t important.
I rolled my eyes but answered him anyway. “I have no intention of causing those on your team harm.”
He still didn’t look satisfied; it was like he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was smart of him, but I meant what I said. That didn’t mean I would go out of my way to ensure they didn’t get hurt. I had no doubt those on his team would do the same.
He seemed to realize this and nodded to me in acknowledgment of things left unsaid.
“Good, then let’s get started.” Reed said as he leaned forward, pushing his empty plate away and leaning his forearms on the table. “We need to make a plan. We know that Greg is running an underground fighting ring."
Reed looked to me for confirmation. The others turned to look at me as well.
I nodded, and the pain flared for a moment before it simmered back down to where it seemed to have plateaued. I was grateful, as it was painful enough to make me nauseous as it was.
"We also know about the drugs he's running. That's our first priority, though catching him in the fights would be good enough to get him off the streets."
The way he was talking was how I expected a cop would. That made me nervous, but I couldn't do anything about it now. None of them looked like cops, not holding themselves the way I would expect. Sure, they were confident and fit enough for it, but I couldn't be sure, and I wasn't going to ask.
"We want your help to get access to him. That’s where you come in.” He looked up at me. “Rumor says that you fight in those rings. I'd like you to get me and Copeland in.”
I raised my brow and looked at the vampire. “Copeland, I take it?”
He smirked at me, his eyes sparkling and fangs flashing from his handsome face. “The one and only.”
I couldn't help but smile back. His hair was brushed up and back from his forehead, the brown of his eyes lighter than his hair. He was attractive, and something about the vicious way he had fought in the ring had called to my own inner rage.
The angel had seemed calmer, almost clinical in the ring, but both of them were pretty self-assured. The way that they were able to take down the two best fighters in moments meant that they deserved that honor. At least when it came to those in the gym. There was always someone better out there, and luck could turn on you in an instant.
In truth, I was thinking of a way that I could get them in without the brand causing me more pain, but I didn't think that would be possible. I would have to deal with the pain, at least for the moment. I hoped that they could really do what they said, or I was screwed.
“I guess introductions are in order, then?” Reed frowned like he had forgotten we didn't actually know each other.
I laughed at his annoyance, though it seemed more aimed at himself. Considering the circumstances, I would think knowing their names was a given. He sent me an unreadable look out of the corner of his eye, but I calmly looked back. I was well aware that I hadn’t given them my name either, but I hadn’t come to them for help, they came to me.
“I’m Reed, you know Copeland and Walker, the panther is Jesse.”
“Winged panther,” Jesse cut in, still eating while the others seemed to be full.
Walker sent him a smile and I assumed that the correction was normal, the hellhound also chuckled, before leaning back in his chair, watching what was happening.
Reed nodded to him. “The winged panther is Jesse, and the hellhound is Blayze, though he isn't an official member of our team, we trust him."
Message received. They considered the hellhound a part of the team, and it wasn't something that they expected would include me. They also didn't trust me, which was expected, but also stupid if they planned to ask for my help.
Though I paused for a moment at hearing the hellhounds name. It seemed familiar somehow, but that couldn’t be right. I shook off the thought and focused back on the men in front of me.
"And you are...?" Reed paused for a moment and I rolled my eyes.
“My name is Alyth.”
The wizard smiled at me, but I just turned back to the food sitting on my plate, shoving more in my mouth. If my mouth was full, they wouldn’t expect me to talk. It wouldn’t be polite, after all.
“Classy,” The hellhound muttered.
I lifted my hand and flipped him off, still eating. He snorted and looked to the heavens, like he was sorry he had to put up with me.
"Careful you don't set the drapes on fire." Walker muttered to the hellhound under his breath, sending him an almost mocking look.
It must have been an inside joke because the hellhound snorted out a laugh, almost choking on his food, and causing tears to trail down his face.
"You shouldn't be the one to give that talk, aye Walker?" The hellhound finally responded, catching his breath.
Reed gave a long-suffering sigh at their antics, and I chuckled.
“Children, am I right?” I looked at him with a faux sad look, shaking my head.
Walker chuckled under his breath, and I smiled at the perturbed face Reed sent me.
“Are you able to get us into the fights?” His question cut through my humor immediately.
The burning feeling ratcheted up now that we were actively talking about Greg. About a plan that would get rid of him. I gritted my teeth against the pain and forced myself to focus. It was hard, but all of their eyes rested on me expectantly. They were waiting for my answer.
“That’s not how it works. You have to earn your spot to fight in the ring.” I bit out.
“Can you put in a good word for us?” Copeland asked, looking at me from around Jesse's bulk.
I snorted. “You wouldn’t want me to do that. It would do more harm than good for you to be seen associating with me. Besides, Greg isn’t going to be back until the end of the week. You’ll have to bide your time until then.”
“Where is he?”
I looked at Jesse, surprised to hear him speak. For some reason, I didn’t peg him as the chatty type.
“He’s in hell.” Blayze was the one to answer the question, and I nodded to confirm what he said.
I eyed him, trying to search his face to see what he knew, and how much. I didn’t think he knew what was happening, not completely anyway, but h
e knew enough to be dangerous. I needed to watch him.
“Why?” It was Walker that spoke this time, and I got the feeling that they were trying to show each other up.
What they were trying to accomplish, I wasn’t sure, but the feeling only intensified as they sent each other odd looks.
“He's required to go to hell at least four times a year to check in. Like I said before, he isn’t very powerful himself, but he knows powerful people. People that like to know what’s going on earth side. This is one of the ways they keep track of his comings and goings.”
“Makes sense,” Reed muttered under his breath. “So, we have almost a week before the fights will start again. How do you suggest we get in?”
I tried to think about the question as the brand burned hotter.
“Right. To join the fight, you’re going to want to get in good with some of the other fighters. You’ve already proven that you can fight, now you need to get in their good graces.”
I shifted to scratch at my arm, trying to distract myself from the pain, even if it was only for a moment. I tried to shove it to the back of my mind, but it was more difficult than I would have liked. Every time I thought of something that may negatively affect Greg, the pain got worse.
Even the men around me talking about it were stoking the flames higher. I felt like I should be a pile of ashes on the floor, and my skin was sensitive to the touch. The scratching aggravated the pain, but also gave me something to focus on.
“Are you okay?” Walker looked over at me, concern on his face.
“I’m fine,” I said as I looked at them, smoothing out my face.
“Are you sure? You haven’t been paying attention.”
I looked at Walker, almost touched at what seemed to be concern in his voice. But they wanted something from me. The concern had more to do with my lack of participation than my well-being.
“I’m still getting used to the idea of working with my abductors.” I told him, the lie sliding off my tongue easily.
