Page 22 of Inferno

“And you’re being a pain in the ass.”

“Then go back to the clubhouse.”

“No can do,” he says. “Viking wants me to relieve you so you can go back and get some rest.”

“I repeat, we’re dead,” I snap.

“And here in the human world, we do human fucking things.”

“I’m not leaving Emmy.”

“Brother, I’ve got her. I promise not to let anything happen.”

I consider his words for a moment. I know they’re true. Demo might be a player, but he’s not a liar. And he’s my brother. We’ve got each other’s backs no matter what. And that sentiment extends to those we care about.

Emmy is just a job.

Soul mates don’t just exist for humans.

Frustrated to my core, I nod curtly. “Fine. But I’ll be back.”

“I’m sure you will,” he says, his tone taunting.

I reign in my temper, keeping it on a very short leash, and begin to push my bike down the street. Demo was right about the noise, and the last thing I want is to wake up the entire neighborhood.

11

Emmy

“It’s been a while since our last appointment.”

Dr. Karen Bolten, my therapist, watches me with a keen eye. I started coming to her after the fire because my parents thought I needed someone to talk to, and I’ve stuck with her because she knows me. Which means she knows that I only schedule an appointment when my anxiety is wreaking havoc on my life.

“I know.”

“How’s work going?” she asks, giving me the space I need to be comfortable enough to tell her what’s wrong.

“Great,” I tell her honestly. “Staying busy. Trauma never sleeps, ya know?” My attempt at a joke falls flat. Dr. Bolten patiently waits while I keep sorting through my thoughts. “I think I’m going crazy,” I finally blurt.

“What makes you think that?”

I take a deep breath before completely unburdening myself. I tell her about the note, the letter, and the tires. I explain to her that we have a new janitor at work, and that he’s the son of my rescuer.

“I swear, he looks just like him,” I say. “For a moment, I thought he was him. But that’s crazy because the guy died after he saved me.”

“It’s not so crazy,” she insists. “Dean Haskins was your link to safety back then, and it makes sense that your brain latches onto that in your current predicament.” She shrugs. “Besides, there are millions of fathers and sons who look alike.”

“I know, it’s just…” I chew on my bottom lip.

“Just what, Emmy?”

“It feels like I know him, ya know? Like there’s more to his story.” I wave my hand dismissively. “Like I said, crazy.”

“Stop,” she instructs gently. “You are not crazy. You’re human, and your brain is doing what it needs to do to protect you mentally. If you feel safe around him, maybe you should trust that.”

I do feel safe around Inferno. I realize that might not make sense to most people because he’s a virtual stranger, but I wasn’t lying when I told Dr. Bolten that it feels like I know him, like I’ve known him my whole life.

It’s all confusing as hell, but in a good way.

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