by Ivy Asher
“It was a fucking bunch,” I repeat, glaring scythe-blades at him. “Heaps of demons. Bucket loads. I swung, and poof! They just evaporated into ash. I mean, I worked at a bar. I haven’t been in a fight since high school. What the fuck was that?”
“You’re a demon,” Iceman tells me, as if that explains it.
“So that just gives me the right to go scythe swinging and not even care that I killed people?” I demand.
“Not people,” Jerif corrects. “Demons with no respect for balance or the agreements both sides are held to. And imps, who were horrible creatures that did horrible things while they lived. They deserve to die if they refuse to see the wrong in what they’re supporting. Maybe in their next round, they’ll do better.”
“Okay, but I’ve never fucking killed anything before except for houseplants that I forgot to water, so excuse me for being a little shaken up!”
Flint whistles. “Good Lucifer, this arguing is about as useful as a trap door in a canoe,” he says, his twang in full effect. “Nothing to worry ’bout, darlin’. You’re a Guardian, and that’s what you were doin’.”
“Is it always like that?” I ask the six of them. “Just...demons and imps breaking through?”
“Yes,” Iceman answers. “That’s why we have to guard it and stabilize it as best we can. So imps like that can’t come through and wreck this world.”
“What about the others?” I ask, pointing in the direction that I know the bar is located. “All those demons down there? They’re allowed to come here on a field trip?”
“Certain demons have duties here. They have permission to be here as much as we do, because they won’t disrupt the balance. Imps and Outer Ringers, however, have no business being here unless they have permission and jobs on this side.”
Crux looks over at Flint and Alder. “I didn’t think you normally had attacks like this with so many able to get through at once.”
“We don’t,” Alder replies, and I notice there’s already another lily tucked behind his ear. “Our Gate’s getting worse.”
“Good thing we were here then. Don’t think you two could’ve handled that alone,” Jerif says with a smirk.
Flint rolls his eyes. “Shoot, your Gate is fucked six ways from Sunday if it needs the power from five of ya to now handle it. I thought our Gate was needy and in bad shape, but it only needs two of us, so don’t you worry about me ’n Alder. We’ll guard our Gate just fine. We’ll get a third if we have to.”
“You’ll have to,” Iceman tells him with confidence. “I can feel your Gate needs more power to stabilize it now.”
A tingle runs up my back, and I question if I’m feeling the Gate too. Or maybe that’s just shock.
“Can we go home now?” I ask, suddenly feeling exhausted.
Crux and Echo are at my side in an instant. Jerif shakes his head, and Iceman...well, I sort of get distracted staring at his muscles, so I don’t notice what his reaction is.
“You two get her back. Jerif and I will go check back on things at Perdition Estate. Hopefully, we don’t have another organized party of Uber Hunters hitting each of the Gates. Just in case though, no sleepovers,” Iceman orders, looking at them sternly.
“Well, that’s very party pooper of you,” Crux accuses.
I look over at him incredulously. “I’m covered in Cousin It powder. How is that even on your mind?”
“You’re still hot as fuck, Delta. One might even say Del...icious,” Crux says with a wink. Jerif groans, but we both ignore him. “And besides, there is such a thing as group showers,” Crux adds, wagging his brows as he leans toward me conspiratorially. “I can’t wait to find out if you do that Xena scream when you come too or if that’s reserved only for when you’re attacking demons.”
I choke on air, not at all expecting that to come out of his mouth. I feel simultaneously wary and also...really turned on.
What is wrong with me?
Beside me, Echo snorts. “Crux wants to wait until you and him are all cleaned up, but for the record, I’d take you right now if you wanted to, and then in the shower, then after, again and again and again,” Echo says in my ear, and I swear to fuck, all my lady bits start to fan themselves.
“We have a shower here y’all can use so long as I can participate,” Flint offers with a salacious grin, but Jerif reaches over and slaps him upside the head. I worry for a split-second that the marbled demon is going to get pissed, but he just laughs. “What? I’m curious about that whole Xena-scream y’all are talkin’ ’bout.”
Jerif looks like he wants to smack him again, but Alder steps in. “Come on, Flint. You can’t afford to keep getting your skull knocked around. The small rocks in there could come loose and fall right out,” he says with a snicker.
Flint glares at the pollen-peppered male. “You’re about as full of shit as a tick is with blood.”
Alder just smirks at him before looking over at Iceman. “Get her inducted,” he orders, his face taking on a serious expression as he and Flint begin to walk away. “Or we will,” he finishes, earning a low growl from both Iceman and Jerif.
“You know how well we take to threats,” Echo calls out to his back.
“Wasn’t a threat. It’s a fact. Today proves that there’s no time to waste,” Alder counters, turning around and walking backward. “It was nice to meet you, Delta Gates. I sure hope we get the pleasure again real soon,” he says with a sin-filled smile before pivoting on his heel and walking off, Flint following behind him with a wave.
Iceman sighs tiredly as soon as the five of us are alone. “Let’s get Delta home.”
I don’t point out that I didn’t ever get to hear Flint’s compelling story about how he went from anti-Gate Guardian to pro, but I think we’ve all been through enough tonight. With Iceman leading the way, we leave the Hellgate and head back down the hill and past the bar, going back down to the swamp.
I groan when I see the side-less boat bobbing in the water, the imp chewing on a reed as it waits for us. “Can’t we just do that pop thing you do where one minute we’re here, and the next we’re not?” I ask as I tense up with the thought of once again being a floating alligator appetizer.
Jerif snorts and Crux chuckles.
“No, we can’t shift within one mile of a Hellgate. It’s a protection that’s been built in. It allows us to see danger coming,” Echo informs me.
“Feel free to claw my other leg this time,” Jerif snarks as we climb onto the wobbly floating plate. I shoot him an eat shit smile and flip him the bird.
I claim the middle seat once again, not looking forward to the ride, but at least there will be a breeze. I’m fucking melting at this point. Everyone is always all too happy when the Wicked Witch of the West melts and dies, but I’m feeling hella sympathetic for the bitch right now. This level of humidity just isn’t right. No one should have to go like this.
“What were they going to do?” I ask, wanting to distract myself from the boat ride, but also trying to piece everything together. “If imps and demons know that the Gates are guarded, why risk it?”
The imp starts the fan up on the boat and takes off, while I grip the bottom of the bench seat with both hands so I don’t go diving head-first into Jerif’s crotch again.
“They’re most likely looking for Ubers, but the list is endless in what they can do,” Iceman leans down and yells to answer my question.
“Ubers?” I ask with confusion.
Jerif chuckles and leans toward me, the distinct smell of charcoal coming with him. “It’s a joke we make about mortals who can be possessed.”
“What?” I squeak in shock. “You call them Ubers? Isn’t that a little—”
“Funny?” Jerif inserts.
“Heartless,” I counter.
Jerif leans back with a smile and shrugs. “We’re demons, Delta,” he announces, pointing at himself.
I scoff. “Doesn’t mean you need to be crude dicks.” I don’t like the thought of them making fun of humans for getting possessed. �
��It’s not their fault.”
Jerif levels me with a look, his fiery hair whipping back from his face. “Yes, actually, it is. They do it to themselves. So before you go feeling sorry for some poor innocent soul, remember that they invited us in,” he rebuts.
“Wait. What? Humans invite the demons? How does that work?” I shout as I try to trap all the hair strands that keep flying all over the damn place.
“The way most sin works. They convince themselves it’s worth it, or they don’t care about the consequences. Or maybe they just don’t think they’ll get caught, but the powers that be are always watching...on both sides,” Jerif explains.
“Okay, but why do demons need a human...Uber?” I ask, cringing slightly at the blasé word choice. “Why not just wreak havoc in their own bodies?”
“Some do, but most Outer Ring demons want a human host because they have the potential to become more powerful.”
“Plus, it’s harder to punish a demon or an imp when they’re holding a body and soul hostage. It’s a pain in the ass for both sides,” Crux points out.
“Hence the attraction of possession,” Echo adds.
I get a chill that has nothing to do with the wind whipping around us, and everything to do with the fact that I could’ve been around possessed humans for years and not even known it. Sean, my ex-boss, is a good candidate.
“But why are demons allowed here at all? Shouldn’t they all be in Hell?”
“Both sides are tasked with maintaining a balance. We both do what we can to pull souls to one side or the other, but we aren’t supposed to do it by force. There has to be free will.”
“But you’re demons, so why aren’t you all for the downfall of everyone?”
Jerif snorts and rolls his eyes. “Oh right, because demons are all evil. Is that what you’re getting at?”
“Uh, pretty much?”
“Well, you’re wrong. We’re noble as fuck, and it’d be nice to get a little appreciation for it every once in a while.”
I stare at Jerif for a beat, not sure what the hell to say to that. Iceman shakes his head and gives a tired chuckle. “The other side has been using these scare tactics since the beginning of time. It gets old,” he explains, like that helps Jerif’s words and frustration make more sense to me.
News flash, it doesn’t.
I am appreciating the view, though. Iceman with no shirt on and an open suit jacket that flaps in the wind over his muscled blue chest is downright sexy.
“The Mortal Realm is a trial,” he tells me, completely oblivious to the fact that I was just checking him out.
“Okay, yeah. I’ve heard that,” I admit as I pull my eyes away from his abs.
“But the end game isn’t Hell or Heaven, but to become better. To level up, so to speak, and move on to the next challenge. It’s all about growing and progressing until you earn your own world and your own Mortal Realm to watch over and help. But none of that is possible without giving souls obstacles and choices, challenges and falls to get up from. Without the dark, there is no light. Without pain, there’s no pleasure. We’re the shadows of it all. We test and tempt and make beings question things. We trip and coax and lure, not because we’re evil, but because that’s what needs to happen. No one can grow and overcome without us. We weren’t thrown out or condemned. We were tasked with a sacred responsibility, and we were willing to sacrifice our own reign for it.”
I stare at Iceman wide-eyed and try to make sense of it all. “But why? Why wouldn’t you want all the good things and all the blessings?”
Jerif shakes his head. “Blessings? More like a shit ton of work and responsibility, and don’t even get me started on what a thankless situation it all is. Give me temptation and consequences any day of the week,” he declares, and all the other guys nod their agreement.
“So I’m not evil because I’m a demon?” I press.
“Annoying maybe, but definitely not evil,” Jerif deadpans.
I glare at him.
I blink when the swamp boat engine turns off, and I realize that we’re back where we started. Holy shit, I didn’t even freak out! I look down at Jerif’s leg and feel all smug when I catch his eye. Didn’t even need to hold onto it this time. Sure as fuck showed him.
“Gator!” someone screams out in warning.
I shriek and climb that volcano of a male so fast that you’d think I was more squirrel than demon. I get most of my upper body situated on his shoulders, but he’s shaking too much to make it easy on me.
“Where?” I scream, scanning the water all around us for the predator as I cling to Jerif like a deranged chimpanzee. Oh God, did it get on the boat? This is why boats need sides, dammit!
It takes me a minute to calm my terrified heart enough to realize that everyone—including the imp—isn’t looking around frantically at the water like I am. Nope, they’re laughing at me.
Crux wipes tears from his eyes and points at where I’m still perched on a howling Jerif, clinging to his chest for all he’s worth. “Did you see her? I swear she pulled out rock climbing gear and just hauled her ass right up!” he states between fits of laughter.
“Those were some epic monkey moves,” Iceman admits, his deep laugh turning into a happy sigh.
“Fuck all of you, that was just mean!” I accuse, with no intention of getting off of Jerif. This walking rock can just carry me off this boat, because I’m not risking it. Nope. Not today, Satan. “Clearly, everything you just told me was bullshit because you are evil. Each and every one of you, of the purest kind.”
That just sets their laughter off again, and I huff out a sigh and blow purple hair out of my face. Fucking demons.
17
True to their word, Iceman and Jerif leave to go and “tend to the Gate” while Crux and Echo take me home. Crux makes a detour to the mansion first to grab clean clothes for both of them, but he does it so fast that we only have to wait two minutes.
I really should just stay at the mansion, but I’m not ready to walk away from my house and everything it’s always meant to me. What just happened at the other Hellgate has definitely opened my eyes, but I need my own house and my own bed in order to work my way through what it all means for me. I need to be as comfortable as possible before I dive into this demon stuff once and for all.
“Take out?” I ask as soon as the three of us pop back into my house. Once again, I’m all off-kilter from the weird ass demon teleportation, but it sure beats the bus.
Crux and Echo pause, looking around my still semi-destroyed house, but I just slip my scythe back in the umbrella holder by the door and repeat my question like I can distract them from the mess. “There’s Chinese, pizza, tacos…”
Crux looks over with a smirk. “We like tacos.”
“I walked right into that one,” I mumble before pointing at myself. “Once again, I will remind you that we are covered in dead demons, and that is not sexy.”
Crux grimaces as he looks down at himself. “Shower. I need a shower.”
I sigh, scratching at my itchy scalp. “I guess blood and guts takes precedence over ash,” I relent before pointing down the direction of the hallway. “Linen closet is the first door on the left so you can grab a towel. Bathroom is on the right. Don’t use up all the hot water, or I will make you regret it,” I warn.
He starts backing away toward the hall with a grin. “You could always join me,” he says, wagging his bloodied brows. “Conserving water is important.”
I make a face. “No offense, but I’m not sharing a shower with the dude covered in the insides of the Cousin Its. No way I’m letting that grossness get on me.”
“Fair enough,” he says, turning around. “But if I clog your drain with pieces of demon, just know that it’s not my fault.”
“Ugh,” I groan, hating the visual he just left me with. I get grossed out just from having to clean the slimy hair from the drain. Crux just chuckles before he grabs a towel, and then I hear the bathroom door snick shut.
“There.”
I look over at Echo’s voice and see that he’s clicking away on my phone. “Umm...what the hell are you doing?”
“You got me in the mood for tacos, and I’m starving, so I took the liberty of ordering us food while you were staring at Crux’s ass. You really have a thing for asses, don’t you?”
My face heats. “I wasn’t looking at his ass.”
Echo smirks. “But you’re not denying that you like our asses?”
I shrug and head into the kitchen, my feet meeting bare concrete. “I may be a demon, but I don’t lie.”
The shadows shift, and Echo pops in front of me. “Liar,” he says with a grin, his pale skin and bright teeth nearly glowing in the dark.
I pretend that my heart didn’t skip a beat when he suddenly appeared like that, and I breeze past him to flip on the light switch. “Fine, I lie sometimes. But hasn’t anyone ever told you that it’s rude to shadow pop in front of people?” I ask as I head for the sink and start washing my hands.
“Nope, I’ve never been called rude,” Echo says while he helps himself by opening my fridge and grabbing an old beer that’s probably been in there for who knows how long.
“Right,” I drawl as I watch him pop the top off using nothing but his fingers and then drink my last beer. “Can’t imagine why anyone would say that about you,” I tease.
“Precisely,” he replies after drinking a third of the bottle with a click of his tongue and a satisfied gulp. He holds it out to me. “Want some?”
“Would I like to drink some of my own beer that you just had your mouth all over? No thanks,” I say with a chuckle.
He leans against the fridge, his appearance lightly windblown and bloody, but the effect just makes him look sexier. I watch him like I’m hunting him. I can’t get enough of the intense contrast of his coloring. Buzzed white hair, black scruff on his face, jet black brows that are sharp and dramatic over his pale, milky skin. His black eyes are like pits, sucking me in every time he looks at me. And those ever-shifting tattoos of his that slink and trail over his arms and disappear up his shoulders and down his neck. He’s like a piece of art, and I want to know if those tattoos travel all over his body.
