Devil's Deal (Infernal Contracts Book 1)

by Tessa Hastjarjanto

  “No, he shouldn’t. If he’s an angel, then love is forbidden. I doubt he knows what human love is.” She didn’t know why she got so worked up. The image of angels she had was being just, stoic, and emotionless. Humanising them was wrong. They would never be humans, never understand them enough to be involved in some way.

  Matthew looked at her with wide eyes. “You’re right. Human experiences aren’t something they should get used to. Once they’re done here, they’ll go back.” He shook his head. “And I shouldn’t get attached to them either.”

  “What about Diana? Why is she here?”

  “Diana has always been here. There is no other place for her to go. We have an understanding.”

  “Are you two lovers?”

  “No, I wouldn’t say it’s two-sided. All gods need worshippers and I devoted myself to Diana, which gives her more power. She would be like a normal—but immortal—person without followers. Her abilities are linked to her followers. Godhood can be as much a blessing as a curse.”

  “What kind of powers does she have?”

  “I’ll leave that up to her. Some gods can be very private about that. You can find out some of it by reading the myths, but it’s hardly everything there is to know. If you decide to become a speaker, however, things change. Then you’re required to learn about the powers of all gods roaming on Earth.”

  Nora nodded. She had no idea what the etiquette was for relationships between humans and gods. Her own relationship with the angels was already a mystery she needed to understand.

  “What about the Fury? There was a rumour at school, and I know Felicia spread it. When I confronted her about it, she didn’t remember anything about it.”

  “That might have been the Fury. They can take over their host to execute their revenge. She probably suppressed Felicia’s consciousness so she wouldn’t remember, and there wouldn’t be any witnesses. The Furies are tricky. They know how to manipulate humans better than anyone. One rumour can destroy someone. I’m glad we stopped her before someone got seriously hurt.”

  “I was hurt,” Nora whispered.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “No, you meant physically. But people hurt on the inside as well. I had no friends and everyone talked about me. I hated going to school and at home I didn’t feel relaxed. Even the relationship with my parents became more distant, I didn’t want to lie to them. If that was what the Fury wanted, she succeeded.”

  This was the first time she said out loud how she felt. It felt good. Matthew gave her a feeling of safety, of trust.

  “Nora. I don’t know what to say.” Matthew avoided her gaze. “I’m sorry for what happened to you. I failed to do my job properly. I wish there was something I could do for you.”

  Nora thought hard while sipping her tea. There was only one thing she wanted.

  “Can you talk to Ben and Danny for me? I really want to go back to my old life. The one without angels or Furies. The one where I had my friends. I want them to leave me alone.”

  “I will. I’ll talk to them tonight.”

  ***

  Nerves had taken over completely. Nora knew that once she let go of her bicycle’s handles, they would tremble. Her stomach was upset, cold sweat covered her back and she felt cold, despite the sun warming her exposed skin.

  She would get answers today. Answers she probably wouldn’t like, but needed. The boys had been absent for a while after she talked to Matthew.

  She rang the bell and waited. Matthew opened the door and let her in without a word. He looked better than the last time she had seen him. The dark rings under his eyes had disappeared, and he smelled better.

  Ben sat on the couch, waiting for her. There was a pot of tea and a tray of cookies on the table. Chocolate chip, her favourite, and his favourite as well.

  “Hi.” Nora sat down across from him. “Haven’t seen you around.”

  “No, I had to take care of a few things, but it didn’t seem to work out. Danny is still doing his best to make arrangements.”

  Nora nodded. They were trying, for her, whatever it was.

  “Matthew didn’t want to tell me why you are here and how that involves me.”

  “As he shouldn’t. Those matters are private, between me and Danny. But Matthew made us realise that what we did wasn’t fair to you.”

  Nora rolled her eyes.

  “The reason we are here is a deal we made with the Devil.”

  “But you’re angels. Why would you do that?” She couldn’t believe it. Anyone knows that making a deal with the devil was the one thing you should never do—angels especially.

  “We wanted to know if a human would fall in love with the good guy or the bad guy.”

  “And did you find out the answer?”

  “No, she hasn’t fallen in love with either of us.”

  “She? You mean, me?”

  Ben was too embarrassed to say anything and just nodded.

  Blood rushed to her head as she contained the urge to slap him. The tremble in her hands disappeared as she clenched her fists.

  Matthew poured tea in a mug and pushed it in Nora’s hands. “Drink. Before you say anything.”

  The tea was the perfect temperature. The familiar smell of chamomile met her as she drank and she calmed down. She gave Matthew an intense look before finishing the cup. She didn’t appreciate Matthew manipulating her feelings, but the tea tasted good.

  “Dear God, why didn’t you just take a survey of all women and see what they had to say?”

  “We needed someone pure hearted, someone who wasn’t spoiled by past experiences or let down in love. Someone who hadn’t been in love before.”

  “And why did you even think this was fair to a human? You really think that just because you’re angels you could disregard our feelings and play with us?” Nora needed to get her frustration out. She put down her mug, just to be sure. “You told me and Josy about the future. I’m pretty sure that isn’t allowed. You stole my first and second first kiss. I’m sure any intimacy between angels and humans isn’t allowed either. Unless you want to be a fallen angel, because that will happen if they find out. I honestly can’t believe you. You’re worse than human teenagers. At least they’re legally allowed to mess with my feelings. I hope you fall. You don’t deserve to be an angel.”

  Ben flinched. He had always looked tall, but now he looked like a small boy who got scolded by his dad for kicking his ball through a window.

  “I know. I’m sorry.”

  “Like hell you are.” Nora raised her voice and her hands. “You and Danny thought it would be fun, right? You wanted to know what love was since you can’t feel it. And what would be a better way to find out than to try and win over the same girl? What would be the best way to win someone’s heart? Have you ever considered that every human is different? What if I like girls? What would you have done? You wouldn’t have had a chance at all.”

  Nora’s hands were all over the place. She didn’t care. She needed to get it out. Felicia was right all along, the boys had played her. They had ruined her school life, her friendships and her perception of reality.

  “No.” She pointed at Danny. “You are selfish, as is Danny. I don’t care for the sob story he told me about that granny in Italy. He is just as bad as you, manipulating my feelings through words instead of actions. It’s despicable. I want you and him out of my life. I will ignore you if I see you again, you hear me? I’m done with you.”

  Nora wanted to walk away when Danny stormed into the room.

  “Bad news. Oh hi, Nora.” Danny stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Nora’s angry face.

  “Get out of my way, jerk.”

  “No, you need to hear this.” He blocked the way out, so she had no choice.

  “Not at all. I heard enough.”

  “This affects your life as well, Nora.” Danny put a hand on her shoulder. “You should hear what I have to say. Feel free to leave after that.”

  “Fine.�
� Nora sat down again and drank another cup of tea. Maybe it would sooth the turmoil within her.

  “Nora, I’m sure Ben has told you why we’re here, and I understand that you’re upset. Ben and I have been trying to find a way to get out of this deal, but there’s nothing we can do.”

  “No shit. It’s a deal with the Devil.” Even if half of the stories she heard about him were true, she knew he wasn’t to be trusted.

  “I know. That’s why I went to see him—to renegotiate. Instead, he’s given me an ultimatum, to punish us.”

  “What did he say?” Ben asked. He was paler than usual and his eyes dull—the colour of murky water.

  “If the human choses none, she will be punished.”

  Chapter 24

  Yesterday’s revelation was still in the back of Nora’s mind. She barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, the Devil chased her, his red eyes following her everywhere. She was scared. And angry. She was going to Hell, and it wasn’t even because of something she did.

  Nora felt the pressure of the bet weighing on her. What would he do with her if she wasn’t able to answer the question?

  Nora sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of tea. Her mother was busy doing finances and the table was covered with folders and papers beside her laptop. “Mom, you know how Christianity is the subject of many great art pieces?”

  “I know, yes.” Her mother nodded, still typing away.

  “Angels are in many of them. Are they real?”

  “As real as God himself.” Her mother’s gaze was still fixated on the screen.

  “Like, they exist, but we can’t see them, so we have to rely on faith?”

  “Exactly. Have faith and they become real. In your heart.” Her hand caressed the golden cross around her neck and smiled.

  “Are you still catholic?” Nora never flat out asked her parents this. She knew it was a difficult subject for any religious person.

  “I believe in God and I follow the Bible, but I don’t want to be part of a church that has done evil to children, homosexuals, or followers of a different belief.” She smiled at her daughter and stroked her cheek.

  Nora nodded, considering her mother’s words.

  “Why are you asking about angels? Any caught your eye?” Her mother pushed her laptop aside.

  “Eh, no. I have the art history exam this week and Christianity in art is one of the subjects we covered.” Nora made up the excuse on the spot.

  “It’s been a long time since you asked me about school work. I’m glad you still feel like you can ask us questions. Angels are a sensitive subject within the church. There are clergymen who have evening-long discussions on their role in the Bible, and if they exist or have existed. People claim to have seen angels, as messengers of God. Others have declared them crazy or mentally insane.” Her mother did her best to convey her experiences from a middle ground.

  “And what do you believe? Do they exist?”

  “I have never seen one, but I would be happy if they did. If they keep us safe, like guardian angels.” Her mother gave her a reassuring smile. “You have to believe what you think is right. Your father and I will never force you to stay catholic. Although we do hope you’ll still live with God’s compassion, kindness, and love.”

  “I know, mom. Thank you.” She kissed her mother’s cheek and went back upstairs to contemplate what happened over the past week.

  If angels were real, the Devil could be real too. The way Danny and Ben talked about him wasn’t good either. She feared she wouldn’t even make the end of the school year. Matthew said he would protect her from the supernatural, but could he take on the Devil? Could anyone?

  ***

  Nora needed to talk to a friend. She didn’t feel comfortable talking to Felicia yet, not about this. Josy and herself had grown closer since the beginning of the year, she hoped she would have the time and energy to talk about something as big as this.

  “Josy, can I talk to you? I’m in a big mess.” Nora asked Josy after class the next day.

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “I don’t know if Felicia told you or not, but it seems that Ben and Danny have a bet about who I’ll go out with.”

  “She mentioned it, but I didn’t think it wasn’t true.”

  “Well, it is. They admitted it.”

  “Wow, really? Why? Are they both in love with you?”

  “I think the bet started before we even met. I don’t really know why they picked me, but I don’t want either of them.”

  “And you told them that.”

  “I did. But they still want an answer on who I like more.”

  “Seriously. Things like this make me want to give up on men. They just want their masculinity confirmed. Can’t you just pick one?”

  “I don’t know. I hate them both equally.”

  “At least you’re fair in your judgment.”

  Nora laughed. It’s been weeks since she had a sincere laugh with a friend.

  “Thanks. I don’t really know what to do. I told them I want them to stop bothering me and that they had to get out of my life. Thinking about it gives me chills.”

  “I understand.” Josy sat closer to Nora and put her arm around her. “Guys are jerks.”

  “I feel like they have power over me because some stupid words. I didn’t even want to be part of this.”

  “It’s selfish. Bets like this are all about ego. I wish I could make it easier for you.”

  “How do I forgive them? It might be the only way to stop it from haunting my nights. I want control over my life back.”

  “Give them an answer. Then remember they’re just a bunch of idiot boys consumed by their hormones and their disregard for another’s feelings have nothing to do with you. You only have to live with it now, but they will have to live with it for the rest of their lives.”

  “You make it sound so easy.” Nora didn’t know how Josy could talk about it without worry.

  “Trust me, it’s not. Promise not to tell the others, but I’ve had my fair share of boys trying to get my attention. They don’t know us, and what they feel is only for the image they’ve created of us in their mind. Don’t mind them. Just be who you are.”

  “Thanks, Josy. I missed you. And I won’t tell Felicia. We don’t want her to get jealous again. I wouldn’t know what to do without you.”

  “I missed you too. Now, do you want me to kick some boy ass for you?” Josy laughed.

  “No, it’s okay. I believe Matthew already gave them a stern lecture. They confessed while he was there and he had my back. And I’m sure all of them don’t want to see me angry again.”

  “I remember that time when some kid tried to steal your phone. I’ve never seen anyone so mad. That kid peed himself.”

  “Like you said, my judgment is fair. Stealing should be punished. And peeing his pants was good enough for a ten-year-old.”

  Both girls laughed.

  Chapter 25

  Nora walked over to her friends. They all had their headphones in and their eyes glued to the screen of their phones. She noticed people looking at her as she passed.

  “Hey, what are you guys looking at?” Nora asked.

  “Didn’t you receive a message? Maybe you should check your phone,” Emily suggested.

  Nora took out her phone and noticed she had a new message. It was a video message sent via the internal school network everyone connected to. She opened it and saw Ben’s face. Josy handed Nora her earphones.

  “You should listen to what he has to say,” she said.

  Nora plugged them in and started the video.

  “Hi Nora. I’m making this video for you, but I want everyone else to know. I’ve been a jerk to this wonderful girl and there was no reason to. I made a bet that involved her without her consent. It was wrong of me to do so. It wasn’t fair to you, Nora. I only did it because I was bored and wanted a thrill. I never meant to hurt you. And just for the record, for everyone else watching this. I stole that kiss at prom an
d we didn’t have sex after. Nora went home with her father while I was still recovering from a right hook. We’re not dating and she probably hates my guts. For all the guys watching, don’t be like me. Don’t be a dick. Respect a girl and her boundaries. Don’t involve her in something she doesn’t want to. Don’t mess with someone’s life just to gain some satisfaction. You don’t have that right. You’re not above anyone else. And girls. I know I’m on a blacklist of dating right now, which is fair. Don’t date dicks that aren’t worthy. Find someone who treats you like the woman you are. You don’t have to do things just to please him. Do things that make you happy and he should stand with you. Because that’s what a partner should be. Supportive of your happiness. Nora, I’m sorry. I was a jerk. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and I honestly hope we can still be friends. I even found a shirt with a cute panda on it.” Ben leaned back to show off his shirt. It was a girls’ fit and it looked way too tight on his chest and around his arms. “I got it from the girls’ department since men aren’t supposed to love panda bears, apparently. I know you like pandas and I hope you’ll like me a bit more now.”

  Ben waved at the camera and turned it off.

  Nora took the earphones out and returned them to Josy. More and more people were looking at her. Some pointed, others tried to hide their gazes. Her friends stared at her, waiting for her response.

  “Thanks,” she said to Josy.

  “And?” Felicia asked. “What are you gonna do about the bad boy? Will you forgive him?”

  “I never knew he was that ripped. I mean, did you see his biceps? If you don’t want him, I’ll take him,” Emily said.

  “I don’t know. Should I? Was that a genuine apology?” Nora wanted to listen to the video another twenty times to make sure she heard everything.

  “It’s probably the best he can do. He didn’t wear a shirt two sizes too small for you, just to make an impression. This won’t ever leave the Internet, so a career in politics is ruled out,” Josy mentioned.