Page 76 of Dante's Circle Reborn

Jasmine tugged at Eva’s arms, trying to get her to stand up, but Eva didn’t budge. She was afraid for this man, notofhim. How wondrous.

“That’s not all, Jasmine.”

“What do you mean, that’s not all? He is your death. There’s more to it?”

“He’s my mate, Jasmine. Just like you are to Desmond. He’s mine.” She let her fingers trail along his forehead, hoping he would wake up soon. Because if she were going to find a way to protect herself and not die, she really wanted to see his face. And make sure that she didn’t accidentally kill him in the process.

“How? What? That doesn’t make any sense. Reapers don’t get mates. They’re already dead.”

“Well, apparently, we were wrong about that bit of the legend. It’s not like we actually know what happens to reapers. They don’t come out into society and let everybody know what’s going on.”

“Perhaps not. But, darling, he can’t be your mate. He’s here to kill you.”

“Well, he didn’t. Instead, he found out he was my mate, said the wordmateat the same time I did, and then passed out.” Eva frowned. “I don’t really know why he passed out.”

“Well, let’s go get some chains. We’ll secure him, and then we’ll figure out what to do next.”

Eva just blinked at her sister. “The first thing you think of is chains? Do I really want to know what you and Desmond do when alone?”

Jasmine turned pink and shook her head. “Don’t even start with the sass. We are going to figure out exactly what’s going on.”

“No, you are going back to your family to make sure they’re safe. What if I’m wrong about death. Maybe he’s not here for me?”

Jasmine’s eyes widened. “Eva.”

“I’ll be fine. He’s my mate. I guess we’ll have to figure out exactly what that means, right?”

“Maybe. But, Eva, let us help.”

“No, keep the family safe. I’ll figure this out. I’m strong, Jasmine. You know this.”

“I do, darling. I’m still allowed to be scared for you, though. With Mama and Papa gone, we’re all we have left.”

“No, you have your family.” Eva ignored the familiar pang of loss she felt at the thought of her parents.

“Don’t you dare tell me that you have this,” Jasmine said, flinging her hand out to indicate the reaper. “He’s here to kill you, most likely. You don’t get to have him.”

“I don’t know what’s happening. You know our lives are all about listening to the fates. You need to follow that. And if I have to fight for my life or for those I love, I will. I’m not going to put you in danger by having you be here when he wakes up.”

“Ifhe wakes up,” Jasmine mumbled.

Eva held back a smile, even though she was a little bit worried herself. “He will. Now, go. Protect the babies. Keep the others away. I’ll figure out what to do.”

Jasmine looked at her, then leaned down and kissed her on the top of the head like she had when they were little. And then went off to protect her family.

Eva hoped she hadn’t been lying. Because, honestly, she really had no idea what she was doing.

She lay there with the reaper close to her on the ground for a little bit longer, knowing if he didn’t wake up soon, the other banshees would likely ignore her warning and come to help her. She didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. And, honestly, she needed time to think about what was happening. In order to do that, she needed him to wake up. She needed answers.

Thankfully, his eyelashes started to flutter. When his eyes opened, she held back a gasp. His eyes were coal-black with white spirals inside. She had never seen eyes like that. Didn’t know if it was all reapers or just him.

He frowned at her, and she swallowed hard again.

“Are you okay?” she asked, clearing her throat since her voice was a little husky. After all, she hadn’t expected to meet her mate. Or die. She really hoped the latter wasn’t going to happen. The fact that she could joke at all, even in her head, meant that she was using a coping mechanism. And she was just fine with that. She really didn’t want to die.

“Who are you?” he asked, still flat on the ground, his unusual eyes staring at her.

“I’m Eva. Are you here to kill me?”

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