Wretched Divine: Only Human, #2

By Emma Shade

Although Mara Argueta hunts escaped demons for the Devil, he's now put a countdown for her time on Earth. When Coren went with Lucifer to try to save Mara's soul, he suddenly found himself locked inside a prison cell in Hell. Mara is determined to break him out, but she quickly discovers she's in more danger than she can handle. 

Angels are making an appearance, her closest friends are experiencing unexpected rage, and there's a new evil that could end her life. Before Mara can save Coren, she'll have to find the cause of the influential magic affecting those closest to her. With the help of her friends, and a witch named Everly, she'll stop at nothing to save the ones she loves, including something she vowed she'd never do—barter with a demon. 

She not only has to fight for her own life, but also for her friends' lives. Then again, just like deals with the Devil, nothing is ever that easy. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma Shade
• Release date: Jan 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393128984

Emma Shade

About the Author Emma lives in Indiana with her husband and three crazy cats. When she’s not busy writing her next novel, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, taking naps, or curled up with a good book. Emma is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America. Would you like to learn more about upcoming books? You can find me online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoremmashade Website:  www.emmashadeauthor.com Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ShadeEmma   Finding Clarity, The Secrets Series #2 is available now!  Finding Lily, The Secrets Series #3 is available now!  To Ashes, The Secrets Series #4 (Spinoff) is coming soon!   

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The captive can’t gossip.

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Blue blood sprayed the concrete and the demon fell in a heap on the sidewalk. I smiled in triumph. For once, I wasn’t covered in the sulfuric gore. I was getting better at this.

I wish I had a dress in that shade, Raven said as she stared at the azure hue staining the wall. 

Wiping my curved blade off on the grass, I raised a brow. You’re weird. 

You have to admit I’d look awesome in that color. She gripped the demon’s soul in her right hand and it screeched at her. Don’t go anywhere until I get back. 

She vanished, leaving only a tendril of black smoke. I propped myself against a light pole and looked up at the snow as it began to fall. The flakes moved in the yellow streetlight, each one dancing as they made their way to the ground. Winter had arrived, and I was no closer to saving my soul. Or Coren’s either. Three days ago, Coren went to Hell to try to save me. I was still waiting for his rescue plan. Neither Death nor Raven had any idea where he was or if he was still alive. They both refused to bring me to him until we formulated a plan of escape.

The reason he sacrificed himself? Well, that was complicated. First, my mother tricked me into signing my soul over to Lucifer when I was a child. With the help of Death and Raven, I began hunting demons at sixteen, which was just another deal with the Devil to keep my body on Earth. But Lucifer decided he’d give me a timeline for my life, and after a prophecy surfaced, Lucifer’s obsession over my soul went into overdrive. That was how I had met Coren. Lucifer put him in charge of me. Coren, who we all originally thought was a demon, surprised us all. He was an angel but allegedly plummeted to Earth for me. I fell in love with him—not that I would admit that to anyone. Emotions weren’t my thing and they only showed weakness to enemies. Apparently, Lucifer suspected we’d come for Coren with guns blazing. The Devil was wrong, and he wanted to make it as hard as possible for us. Asshole.

Of course, my emotionless existence was further threatened when I had met Lor. He was a shadow, a being from another realm who had been somehow born on mine. He was a great friend, and hot. His shadow family, or friends, or whatever they were, also infiltrated my life. There were Char and Vex, and Fable and Zen, all couples and married, although I hadn’t seen wedding bands. I guessed shadows didn’t need them.

Deadly demons attempted to kill me, Lucifer threatened my body and soul, I saw and spoke to shadows, and I had to not only save my own soul, but Coren’s as well. Other than my soul crap that happened at a young age, the rest occurred in only fifteen days. Regardless, my job continued and I had to hunt the demons arriving on Earth. The pay only to keep a roof over my head and food in my belly. The money wasn’t my motivator anymore. Humans were.

Raven materialized in front of me, her smile playful. The demons don’t know what to think about ending up in a sanctified warehouse instead of going to Hell. I love delivering the news. 

I grinned at her. The captive can’t gossip to Lucifer. Best we leave him in the dark until we have a way in and out with a certain angel. 

He’s so distracted, he hasn’t noticed the demons aren’t coming back. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to have another meeting with you to gloat about Coren. 

Guilt speared my heart. My grin fell flat. Give it time. He’s nothing but predictable when it comes to wanting chaos and torment. 

I’m thinking the same. Maybe he’ll give us some sort of clue. If not, I’m at a loss, she said, her voice bleak but determined. We’ll find him eventually. 

But in what condition? I asked softly. 

I’m not sure. She bit her lip.

That was the awful truth. We had no way of knowing what Coren experienced, and we’d both traveled to Hell enough to know how terrifying it could be. Tortured souls in the walls reaching out to you in desperation, Lucifer’s horrid treatment of the individuals who ended up there, the throne of skeletons, and of course, the extremely hot and smelly climate. As reapers, Raven and her father lived there and had delivered bad people there for centuries, but even they didn’t know how big the place really was. 

Raven and I walked in silence, the only sound the occasional honk of a horn or a police siren. I was thankful for Raven. She kept me grounded and out of trouble. Without her, her father, and Lor, I’d probably be rotting in Hell right now. Demon, I murmured as the sword on my back vibrated a warning. 

I pulled it free and held the handle in my tight grip. With the help of my friends, I was learning to fight with both hands. Their lessons gave me the courage to use my left hand instead of my dominant right hand. 

She beamed as she noticed the way I held the blade. You’re getting better at switching hands. 

Yeah, we’ll see how well I fight with it against a bad guy. I shrugged a shoulder. 

Put your sword down, Mara, Zagan said as he rounded the corner. 

His blond hair was in a low ponytail and he wore his usual trench coat and black ensemble. The scar on his left cheek twisted when he smiled at us. For a General of Hell, you’d think he’d be bulky and imposing, but Zagan was tall and thin. And, of course, lethal.

Zagan, Raven growled through gritted teeth. 

He barely glanced in her direction. Reaper.

I rolled my eyes at him, but I kept my weapon elevated. Nice of you to make an appearance. Are you here on a friendly visit? 

I’m not here as your friend or your enemy. His celery-colored eyes scanned the street. I’m here to work out some details, but we need to do this in private. There are always ears listening. 

I opened my mouth to tell him exactly what I thought of his privacy, but I let out a cry as he gripped my arm and faded us away. Raven screamed and reached for me, but it was too late. In an instant, we stood on the same Caribbean beach he’d brought us to when we’d made our agreement. The only person to transport me this fast and this far was Lor, which meant Zagan’s power level was immense. 

I shoved his hands off of me as soon as we materialized and he stumbled back. You son of a bitch.

Do that again and you’ll have a few broken bones, he warned.

Go ahead and try, I goaded as I yanked my sword free.

He put two fingers on the edge of the blade and moved it slowly away from him. I won’t hurt you unless you push me into it.

My body tense, I finally took in the surroundings. Gentle waves lapped the sand and the stars above us glittered. I stared at them in wonder, never witnessing something so beautiful in all my life. The city lights ruined the view back home. The closest I’d seen to this was in Colorado, but this star-filled sky put that sight to shame. The ocean’s soft hush and the quiet soothed me more than I wanted to admit.

Holy shit, I whispered, my head tilted up to watch the dazzling heavens. 

Yeah, this is what it should be like. No light pollution, no sounds other than nature, no distractions. 

I lowered my head to stare at him. If you like Earth so much, why do you live in Hell? 

It’s all I’ve known. He shrugged. I’m an ancient demon, Mara. What else am I supposed to do? 

Watching him, I observed him staring up at the dark expanse of sparkling sky. I wondered if he saw Heaven or Hell as he took a deep breath and let out a long exhale. 

I’m sorry, I whispered. I guessed he had about as much as a choice as I had.

Don’t feel pity for me, he replied, his tone sharp. I’ve lived a couple millennia, and half of that time as a general. I don’t expect a mere mortal to understand my existence. 

Zagan was older than Death? I blinked a few times in shock before I focused on why we came here. You said you had information? 

He sighed loudly. Can’t we enjoy a little bit of peace before we talk business? 

No. I don’t have time to relax when I’m being hunted for something as simple as my soul. 

Simple? His eyebrows rose even though his focus was on the stars. Darling, your soul is your entire existence. Without it, you’d be a shell of skin and bones. 

I huffed. Then how can Lucifer own my soul if I still possess it? 

His head tilted side to side as he came up with a response. "That subject is tricky. With all of his agreements, Lucifer doesn’t allow them to live long enough to contemplate saving themselves. They’re already doomed. You’ve defied the odds and lived longer than anyone else. Ever. You see, souls are on contract and he doesn’t get to collect yours until you die." 

My eyebrows rose. So I still technically had my soul? Interesting.

He continued, Death is the main way to collect the souls, but there are other ways rarely used in the modern world. And Lucifer is determined to get your soul by any means necessary.

Anger scorched along my insides. No shit. The fucker was after my life before I was even born. 

Zagan’s gaze whipped to my face. Are you certain? 

If not, he burned down the church my mother worked at for shits and giggles. Too bad his timing sucked and she was giving birth. He wasted his attempt at killing me in the womb. 

Lucifer is ruthless, but an unborn child? His nostrils flared. That’s an atrocity I can’t even fathom. 

Hard to believe, coming from a demon, I replied as I turned my attention to the ocean waves in front of us. I thought you all detested kindness and mercy. 

I have children, Mara. Don’t paint us all with the same brush, he hissed through gritted teeth.

I winced inwardly. Zagan might have a few redeeming qualities, as rare as they may be. I had originally judged Coren without really knowing him. Maybe I really was as jaded as Everly had said. 

Refusing to apologize because he wouldn’t want it, I gave a quick nod in concession. Fine. Now, what’s the info? 

Patience, my dear. He gestured to the ocean in front of us. Want to take a swim with me?

No thanks. Too many things in the water could think I’m a tasty snack. I shivered, thinking of all the predators ready to eat me alive.

His smile was wicked, full of blocky white teeth. Precisely.

Zagan, I said with a sigh and raked a hand through my multi-colored hair.

Can’t blame a man for trying, he muttered, giving me a once-over.

Quit stalling.

Fine, he huffed. Rumor has it that Heaven is buzzing about Coren’s imprisonment. Several of the fallen have vanished, and so have some demons. My guess? Angels are pissed. 

He hadn’t known we had kept the demons imprisoned. My mouth was sealed on that topic. But the fallen angels? Was it my alleged father? Marlin Reed had said he hunted rogue angels and perhaps he’d succeeded. 

If it wasn’t? My blood ran cold. Would Heaven send their people after me, too? I mean, Coren was in Hell because of me. 

Demon got your tongue? 

I focused on him with a frown. Huh? 

Nothing. He snorted. As for Coren’s captivity, I think he’s either held in the East prison or the dungeon under Lucifer’s home. I’d lean toward the latter because it’s somewhere I would keep a high-profile prisoner. Less prying eyes that way. 

My heart leapt at the news, but I kept my face as impassive as possible. Why wouldn’t he keep him in the East? 

Because that one is a hellhole. And, yes, the irony isn’t lost on me. His mouth twitched with the hint of a smirk. The guards and staff would spill their guts if he was there. Nobody has even mentioned his name, which tells me Lucifer has him well hidden. Trust me. 

So we had an idea of his location, but not how to save him. How would I get into the dungeon unseen? 

You can’t. Zagan shrugged, his eerie green eyes meeting mine.

Watch me. My chin rose. I’m not as weak as you think I am.

I didn’t say you were. He threw a hand in the air in exasperation. You’re going to get yourself killed by always rushing into things.

Hey, I said as I pushed a finger into his chest. He looked down at it with a frown. I’ve survived this long without much help. I don’t need anyone to come to my rescue.

Friends aren’t always a bad thing, Mara. He brushed my finger away from him with a sneer.

Aww. Are we going to braid each other’s hair and watch sappy movies together? I sassed.

Zagan’s eyes flashed in irritation. "We are not friends."

On that, I agree. Now, tell me how to get to Coren.

His lips pressed into a thin line. With an eye roll, he shook his head. You can either let Lucifer capture you or you get him to leave Hell. 

I had thought as much. All I had to do was get Lucifer to hunt for me on Earth. My mouth lifted in an evil smile. 

His eyes narrowed. I don’t like that look. Please tell me you’re not going to sacrifice yourself to save an angel. 

And if I do?

I don’t know if I can save you, Mara. His attention went to the ocean and his jaw flexed once. I have a lot of pull, but I can’t do miracles.

The warm ocean air had begun to frizz his blond hair and I smiled wider at the sight. I think you like me. 

His nose wrinkled. I do not. 

Yes, you do.

Zagan sighed. You’re a pain in my ass.

And you’re just now figuring that out?

A single eyebrow rose and he hid a smile behind a hand.

Yeah, Zagan liked me. He’d never admit it, but I’d grown on him. I blinked a few times as I realized I hadn’t thought twice about teasing a demon like a good friend. What is happening to me?

Clearing my throat, I said, I guess it’s time to get back to reality. We’ve wasted enough time here. 

We’ll both go back on one condition. He wrapped his fingers around my upper arm. 

I looked at his hand before meeting his gaze. I raised an eyebrow in question. 

No surrendering your life to save another. You’re too valuable to lose. Deal? 

You know I can’t make that deal, Zagan. My chin lifted in defiance. "But I will promise I won’t fail. I have no other option." 

He searched my face for a moment. I thought he might leave me here on the island. He finally clucked his tongue and nodded. His hand tightened on my arm and I let out a squeak as he faded us back to Indiana. I swore he chuckled at my cry of pain when the beach in front of us evaporated. 

CHAPTER 2

Because we focused on the snake, we missed the scorpion.

––––––––

The shadowed being in front of me blocked out the light with his tall, muscular frame. 

Lor narrowed his crimson gaze. "You’ve been meeting up with the General of Hell? Are you insane?" 

That’s not the first time somebody asked that. I shrugged. Zagan may be the only one who knows where Coren is. 

If he’s telling the truth, Lor countered. You could be a mouse pursuing the scraps the deadly cat leaves behind. 

So you think this is a trap. I raked a hand through my hair and rolled my eyes. My whole life is a trap, Lor. 

Your life is not as bad as you make it out to be, he replied with an eyebrow raised. Where does Zagan think Coren is being held captive? 

In Lucifer’s dungeon. Under his castle. 

He let out a low whistle. Not good. Not good at all. The place must be well-guarded. Otherwise, I’d think Coren would’ve escaped by now. Don’t you? 

Yeah. Thinking, I drummed the handle of my sword in the scabbard. That means I’m going to have to save him. It can’t be that hard to sneak in and out of a dungeon. 

Oh, no you won’t. Lor shook his head and clenched his jaw. Lucifer wants you more than his own rule over Hell. If you went there, you’d be far too much of a temptation. 

Unless he was distracted on Earth, I said as I tapped my temple at the genius idea.

And how do you plan on getting him here when you’re in his realm? Death asked with his deep baritone, causing both me and Lor to spin around in surprise. "You’re going to have to distract him yourself and send somebody else in to get him. I won’t risk your life, mi cielito." 

My attention darted between Death and Lor, both men refusing to back down. Annoyance flashed through me at their flat refusal, but they were right. The plan was rickety at best. Lucifer wasn’t known for his willingness to come to Earth often, and I’d have to do something extraordinary to get him to leave Coren and meet me on my turf. 

The rising sun outlined Lor and Death in a glorious glow. Their broad shoulders and muscular build were the stuff of legends. I doubted either of them could go through my door frames without bending over to avoid hitting their heads. Despite the similar height and build, they were complete opposites. Death was tall, dark, and deadly, and Lor was tall, blond, and shadowy, but they had the same goal. Me. 

Sleepiness caught up with me and I yawned. I need to get some sleep. See you two soon? 

Death patted my shoulder as he dissipated from my apartment. Goodnight. I’ll see you tomorrow. 

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing the Grim Reaper inside your apartment. Lor hugged me. Sleep tight. Don’t let the demons bite. 

I laughed as his body became a shadow before fading away. 

Once I used the restroom and brushed my teeth, I removed my sword and straps, set them on my nightstand, and snuggled into my bed. I stared up at the ceiling as my mind ran rampant. How had I gotten in this deep? I considered the General of Hell a friend. And I trusted his word. As far as Coren went, I hadn’t stopped thinking about him. If I hadn’t developed feelings for him, then I’d never consider volunteering for a trip to Hell. Emotions were irrational and dangerous. They turned the best of us into reckless fools. 

I closed my eyes to sleep but tossed and turned. I threw the covers off because I got too hot, then I snuggled in because of a cold chill. At this rate, I’d be too exhausted to function tonight. After about two hours of insomnia, I finally drifted off to sleep. 

When do I get to use a real sword? 

As soon as you can hold the foam one properly, Raven said, taking up a fighting posture again. 

Her feet were spread just enough for good balance, so I copied her posture and the way she held the handle of her flimsy sword. 

Good job, Mara. Her father leaned against the wall to my left. 

I glanced at him and heat rose along my cheeks. He was beautiful but deadly. The perfect combination of bad boy. A smack across my face brought my attention back to his daughter. 

My hand flew up to my cheek. Hey! That’s not fair. You have to wait until I’m ready. 

"Is that what you’re