Page 63 of Death Deals

“He was worried and for good reason,” Kay said, bringing my attention back to her. “We couldn’t let him do it alone. We knew we had to help.”

I blinked as the reality of what was happening hit me.

They’d all stopped their lives to findme?

Kay had closed her shop and left her baby in another state? Arianna with Divine Magic, too? Sean had left his life in Smithfield? And Cole… He’d halted his search for the demon, Amon, all to help me?

I… I was speechless.

“You seem surprised,” Eli commented.

Frankly, I was.

“We thought you may have been in trouble.” Kay took my hand and pulled me further into the room. At that moment, I was thankful she was there with me over anyone else. Like always, she was the only one who managed to keep me grounded.

“Well, to be blunt about it, I am.”

That grabbed everyone’s attention. Everyone’s eyes snapped my way.

“What?” Eli asked, glancing Andre’s way again.

“Not him,” I said quickly. “It’s Monnie. The demon of Greed.”

“Mammon,” Eli said. His expression turned grave.

“Greed, as in another original sin demon like Amon?” Sean asked.

I nodded. “And he’s coming to collect my soul.”

“What?” Eli gasped, eyes wide.

Which reminded me… “Sean, what time is it?”

He peeked at his laptop again. “One minute to midnight. Why?”

One minute until the New Year.

I glanced at Andre. Seeming a little paler than normal, he gave me a knowing look.

This was it.

My time was up.

“Wait a minute,” Cole said, walking back into the conversation. “The only way a demon has claim over a soul is if a deal has been made.”

I rubbed my arm, my gaze dropping to the floor. Time for me to fess up for my own stupidity. “Exactly.”

Eli groaned, “No, Jade. You didn’t.”

“He tricked me,” I said. “I didn’t know what was happening.”

“No wonder you weren’t able to Ascend. Your soul is no longer yours,” Eli said, his expression pained.

“Wait, she still may have a chance here,” Cole interjected. “As long as he didn’t kiss you. All demon deals are binding with a kiss.”

I said nothing.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Jade.” Cole ran a hand over his face and paced to the other side of the room. “How did you not know? You’re an angel, aren’t you?”

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