Page 50 of How to Accidentally Become the Devil

A grin splits Maddy’s face and she nods. “Why do you think we’re here?”

“Oh my god, I love you!” He throws his arms around my mate and if I couldn't feel the purely platonic love Maddy has for him radiating through our bond, I might be jealous.

As fast as he hugged her, he pulls away and runs to the ladder. Looking back at us with a face splitting smile, he stands on the first step and pushes off the ground with his other foot, the ladder gliding smoothly across the floor as he swings an arm out and throws his head back.

“Oh my god, that was amazing!” Reed cheers as he hops down.

“I know, right? My inner child was shouting with joy when I did it.

“Yourinner child?” Zeph arches a brow. “Pretty sure there was nothing internal about your squealing when you were playing with the ladder, Angel.”

“Oh shut up. You wouldn’t understand.” She says haughtily.

“Someone didn’t watchBeauty and the Beastas a kid and it shows,” Reed says.

Maddy nods with a pained expression on her face. “It’s a sad truth. But that’s okay. They don’t need to understand for us to enjoy it.”

When Reed gets back to where we’re standing, Maddy wraps her arm through his.

“We’ll be back,” she says.

“Maddy… If you disappear on me again, you won’t have to worry about Oz spanking your ass.I’lldo it. And I’ll make sure it’s not near as enjoyable,” I warn.

“So dramatic.” She rolls her eyes. “We’re just going for a walk in the stacks.”

I narrow my eyes. She drops Reed’s arm and walks over to where I stand.

“I won’t leave the library. You have my word.” Power courses over me at her vow and my shoulders sag.

“Thank you, Sweetheart. Have fun catching up. We’ll be here if you need us.”

“I always need you, Zar,” she says before kissing me then skipping away.

Madelyne

As soon as we’re out of eyesight, Reed pounces, peppering me with questions. I explain everything from my mom leaving when I was a baby to my aunt controlling my dad and forcing him to marry her. By the time I get to the part about Chad being a demon, he’s vibrating.

“I knew there was something wrong with that creep!”

“Oh, that’s not the half of it. He kidnapped me and tried to bind me to himself so he could use my powers.”

“Girl! What the actual fuck?”

“It’s okay. He’s dead now.” I shrug. “But that’s how I found out I was part demon and supposedly destined to be the next ruler of Hell.”

“Man. And I thought my family was bad,” he mutters.

“Yeahhhh, kidnapping and murder are big in my family. Been kidnapped twice now. Hopefully that’s done now, though. Both my psycho uncles are dead and my evil aunt is… occupied, long-term.”

“Damn, girl. Is that something I should be worried about? Like no one’s gonna kidnap or torture me, right? You’re just all sorts of special?”

“Oh, yeah.Superspecial,” I laugh. “Sooo, you’re staying?” I ask hopefully.

“I mean… I guess I’m mated to a demon now. And my best friendisthe fucking devil. Why wouldn’t I stay?”

“I really want you to stay. I’ve missed youso much. But I don’t want you to stay just because of me. And if it’s Geo… I can release him of his duties and he can go back to Earth with you if that’s what you want,” I offer, hoping with every fiber that he turns me down.

“Bitch. Why the fuck would I want to go back? There’s literally nothing there for me. I got fired not long after you disappeared for missing too many days. I was inconsolable. I was at your dad’s every day asking for updates. Eventually we packed up your shit and had to get rid of your sweet kitty. I didn’t know your dad was allergic.” He grimaces. “Don’t worry, though, I found her a good home.”

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