Alone

By K.P. Leigh

Nola Mirg is used to being alone. After being abandoned at birth and moving from foster home to foster home, she has already had her fair share of hardships. After her foster father abandoned her two years earlier, Nola is doing her best to move on with her life. However, destiny has other plans, and her life is flipped upside down when she finds out she is the daughter of Death and can bring back the dead. Now she’s in a life-or-death struggle as she tries to figure out where she comes from and where she belongs.

Asher Delin is a powerful demon. After a past betrayal that left his sister blind, he has come to hate everything about humans. Feeling guilty for what happened to his sister, he has decided to let himself go and is slowly losing his senses one by one and can no longer feel anything. Soon, the darkness will eat away at his humanity and end his misery.

Asher is sent to Earth to eliminate a threat that is shifting the scale of human souls. He needs to eliminate the threat before the gates of hell are opened and all hell is let loose on Earth. When Asher meets Nola, he immediately dislikes her, but what makes it worse is that he can feel her, making him second-guess his decision to end his miserable life.

When he realizes who Nola is and what she can do, he realizes that not only is she the threat but that there are also a lot more going on than a simple scale shift. Soon, he and his cohorts find themselves tangled up with Nola in a perilous situation where no one can be trusted, and there seems to be no end to the dark secrets surrounding them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662457722

Book preview

Chapter 1

Stop! The word echoed through Nola’s head, and it was almost as if she had thought it herself. She looked over at her best friend, Janell, who was sitting next to her, holding a cup of coffee in one hand while moving the other one around theatrically as she spoke. Thinking she must have misheard, Nola hit her blinker and smoothly switched lanes as Janell continued to talk about her latest disaster of a date with her boyfriend, Danny.

Nola nodded and hummed at the appropriate times, though she wasn’t really paying attention. It wasn’t that she wasn’t a good friend. It was just that she had already heard this story a million times before. Though the setting was different, the theme of the story was always the same.

Can you believe that? Janell asked. Nola shook her head and glanced at her rearview mirror before switching lanes again. She glanced over at Janell, who was still deep in her own conversation. Her long caramel hair gleamed in the fading sun, and her blue eyes shone. Though her boyfriend was a complete tool, she seemed to be quite happy in general. That was all she wanted for Janell. Even though she couldn’t dedicate the time to pay attention to her constant fights with the wrong guy, she couldn’t stand it if anyone truly hurt her. She had been her savior for so many reasons that it would be difficult to express how much she loved and appreciated the young woman sitting next to her, swinging her hand around like a lunatic.

Stop! The voice was much louder this time, echoing through Nola’s head with such strength that pain shot through her skull and down the back of her neck. Gritting her teeth, she slammed her foot on the break, sending her and Janell flying forward. Nola’s chest hit the steering wheel, knocking the air out of her, before the seat belt locked and slammed her back in her seat.

Shit, Nola! Janell yelled from beside her. What the hell? Her coffee had spilled all over her shirt and lap, and she was pulling the wet material away from her skin.

I’m sorry. I just…I…

Before she could get out a plausible explanation, someone slammed on their horn, and they both looked up to see a semi swerve dramatically in the other lane, causing a little red car to break abruptly. A white SUV that was behind it slammed into the back of it with such force that it flew over the top of the little red car and rolled into the semi, sending the back off-kilter and tipping the entire truck over onto two unsuspecting vehicles. The sound of squealing breaks and horns filled the air as people desperately tried to stop before they joined the mess of twisted metal on the highway.

W-what just happened? Janell stuttered. Her voice was hushed as if she was speaking an unspeakable secret. Nola opened her mouth, but not knowing what to say, she instead unbuckled herself and pushed opened her door. Janell reached over and grabbed her wrist, stopping her from exiting. What are you doing? Are you insane?

They need help, Nola said, pulling her arm from her grip and sliding out of the truck. Call the police.

Taking in the scene, she started across the four lanes of traffic. The semi driver had climbed out of the side of his truck and was yelling something incoherent. Seeing that he was able to move, Nola turned toward the white SUV and the little red car. She could see a young man about twenty climbing out of a shattered window of the red car, and she hurried over to him and offered her help. Reaching out a bloody arm, he grabbed on to her shoulder, and she helped pull him out of the car window.

Two other men came running forward to help with the situation. They took the man from her and helped him limp to the side of the road. Nola turned toward the white SUV, which was lying on its hood, tires to the sky, glass shattered in millions of pieces all over the road. Because of the force in which it hit the ground, it looked as if there was no way that the driver could have survived.

Hurrying forward, Nola dropped to her knees and glanced through the shattered window. A woman hung upside down. Her long blond hair, stained with blood, hung toward the roof of the car, dangling, much like her life. Nola felt there was no way that she was still breathing, but she reached into the car anyway to feel for a pulse. As her fingers collided with the woman’s neck, searching for that small thump that would show that she was still living, she felt the glass cut into her knees. She ignored the sharp pains and moved her fingers down lower. The woman suddenly flung her head back and made a horrible screeching noise. Nola jerked her arm back from the sudden movement, her arm catching on a jagged piece of glass. Wincing, she ignored the wound and reached for the woman again.

Shh, it’s okay. We’ll get you out of there, Nola comforted, trying to find a way to release the woman from the belt without causing her any more injury. The woman started whimpering and turned her head slightly toward Nola. Her entire face was covered in blood, a large gash was across her forehead, and her mouth was bloody from where many teeth used to be. Her breathing was shallow and ragged. I’m going to release your belt, Nola said softly. She started to reach around the woman, her bloody hair brushing against Nola’s face.

Don’t, the woman whispered. The word sent a rush of blood from her mouth. Leave me.

Just hold on, okay? Nola said. She didn’t think the woman knew what she was saying, and there was no way in hell that she was about to leave her there to die.

The sound of someone yelling had her looking over her shoulder, and she saw the semi driver. He was waving his arms frantically and motioning back to his truck. The two men from earlier were running toward him, trying to calm him down, when a loud explosion went off. Nola slammed her head against the side of the window as she jumped from the sound. She could feel the heat pulse against her skin for a moment before another explosion went off.

Leave me.

Nola looked back at the woman, who was staring at her with one good eye. I’m not going anywhere. She reached up and pushed the button to release her buckle, but nothing happened. Nola pushed it again, but still, nothing happened, and she felt herself start to panic.

Nola, get out of there! she heard Janell scream. She turned to see her friend standing by the truck, panic written all over her face. Get out of there! It’s going to explode! Quite a crowd had gathered, completely blocking traffic, and she could hear sirens in the distance but knew that they wouldn’t get there in time.

It was dark, the woman said. Nola turned back to her and saw that her eyes were now shut. It was dark, but I could hear them laughing.

Ma’am? Nola asked, confused.

They told me to tell you that they will see you soon.

I don’t understand. What?

Miss, we have to get out of here, a deep voice said. Nola turned to see a young man standing behind her. It’s not safe. It’s going to explode.

I’m not going to leave her, Nola said.

She’s already gone, the man said.

Nola turned back toward the woman and reached out for her hand. I’m not leaving you. She tried to sound calm, but she was sure that the tremor in her voice gave her away. I’m not leaving you.

Come on, the man said, grabbing her waist, and he started pulling her from the car.

No! Nola screamed, holding on to the woman’s hand. No, we can save her!

She’s gone.

No! Nola screamed again.

The woman suddenly opened her eyes, and a small smile appeared on her face as her dark eyes met hers. We will meet one another again, she whispered.

The man pulled apart their hands and carried Nola toward the crowd of people as the final explosion, which consisted of five short blasts, sent scraps of metal, flames, and dark clouds of smoke into the dusky sky. The force was so strong that both Nola and the man flew to the ground. She could feel the concrete dig into her flesh, but she felt no pain. She felt nothing as her ears rang and as she stared into the hazel eyes of the man lying next to her, trying to shield her body with his. His mouth kept forming the same words over and over again, and though she couldn’t hear them, she knew what he was saying: I’m sorry.

Chapter 2

Asher buttoned up his shirt, ignoring the woman sulking behind him, whom he had just shoved off his cock. She kept glancing up at him as if he was going to change his mind and give her another round, but he just continued to button up his shirt. Grabbing his shoes, he started over to the edge of the bed, only to change his mind last minute. He sat down on one of the chairs instead. He didn’t want to give the woman any leverage to get him in bed again. Sliding his feet into his shoes, he glanced up to see her fussing with the zipper of her dress and willed her to move faster.

He was sure that the ensuing anger and shock that came after every time he shoved a woman out the door was going to come. It was as if they couldn’t believe that he would just fuck them and leave them. He wished she would just get it over with. He was tired and had other things to do and was starting to regret the physical need for release, but he was stressed out and needed something that would take the edge off even if he couldn’t feel it.

Asher couldn’t feel anything anymore, nothing, and it was starting to grate on his nerves. Of course, he still had his emotions, but he could no longer physically feel anything. He couldn’t feel the caress of a woman or the warmth of her. He couldn’t feel the breeze or the sun on his skin. Nothing. The only reason he bothered with the act of sex at all was that though he couldn’t feel, he still needed that release. Maybe it wasn’t fair, but he really didn’t give a shit.

So that’s it? the woman asked, pulling him out of his thoughts. He looked up at her, trying to see what he had seen in her a couple of hours ago. It was probably just the fact that she was available and willing. She had blond hair that hung around her shoulders and bright blue eyes and full lips that some men would call pouty, but Asher just found it to be disproportionate to the rest of her face.

Asher looked back at his shoes, not bothering to answer her. The more he spoke, the more she would think that she could talk him into more than one night, and that was not something he could ever allow. Sitting up, he leaned back in his chair and looked at her, conveying everything with one look, and he saw her visibly shrink. Reaching up, she clutched at the collar of her dress, which had taken her forever to put on. Her eyes became glassy, and Asher tried not to roll his eyes but failed miserably when he saw her turn her head as if to hide the emotion.

I’ll leave payment with Naamah, Asher said as he stood up and walked over to the small decanter of gold liquid sitting next to his bed. The woman didn’t say anything as he picked up the bottle and took a large swig from it before setting it back down. He could no longer taste the amber liquid, could no longer feel the burn of it sliding down his throat, and the smell was no longer there either. That was newer and probably a sign of concern, but he just couldn’t make himself care at the moment.

There is no need to pay me, the woman said, and Asher sighed before slowly turning toward her.

Yes, there is, he said in a deep voice. The truth was, he could get any woman he wanted to spread their legs with a curve of his finger. He didn’t have to pay for sex, but he did it to ensure that they wouldn’t get attached. The woman blinked, and tears slid down her cheeks. She looked ready to say something else when a familiar voice cut her off.

Save yourself the embarrassment, Viatress. There’s nothing you can do to change him.

Viatress’s head jerked in the direction of the voice as Asher slowly looked over at his sister. Lady Delin, I am so sorry. I… Viatress trailed off, her face turning a bright red as she tried to make herself look more presentable.

No need to apologize. Just be on your way, his sister said.

Asher looked over at her standing in the doorway. Her long black hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, and her pale skin looked even paler in the flickering light of the candle and the red tint of his room. She looked ill. Her cheeks were hollow, and her lips were chalky and cracked. Her once beautiful gray eyes, the color of a cloud-covered sky, were now snow white and unseeing.

Viatress hurried out of the room, bowing deeply before scampering out of the door, leaving Asher alone with his sister. When are you going to stop doing this? Olivia asked.

Asher tensed. He grabbed the decanter again and removed the stopper to take another long swig. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he set it back down before asking, Doing what?

Don’t fuck with me, Ash. You know exactly what I’m talking about! she yelled. Asher glared at her over his shoulder even though he knew she couldn’t see him. He knew that she would be able to sense it, and the subtle crossing of her arms and the pursing of her thin lips were his proof. You’ve already lost the ability to feel, Ash. What more are you willing to lose?

Do you really want me to answer that? he asked. He hadn’t had the balls to tell her that he had already lost much more than that. When he lost the sense of smell, he was more appreciative than anything for not having to smell the shit fields, the decay, and the burning of flesh. The loss of his taste was a little harder to swallow, but he didn’t think Olivia needed to worry herself over that. He would be gone soon enough.

Olivia narrowed her eyes, making the whites little half-moons. This is no joke, Ash. You may have been born into the darkness, but you are walking a dangerous line. Your soul is dying. Her voice softened at the last part, and Asher winced. At moments like this, he was glad he hadn’t told her about the loss of his other senses. She was already on him for the one. You’re losing yourself.

What do you want me to do about it, Olive? he asked, using her childhood nickname, his voice going softer as well. What do you expect me to do?

I want you to fight, Ash!

Like you? he snapped and regretted it immediately after seeing the look of hurt that crossed her face.

My blindness was not caused by lack of feeling, Ash, unlike yours. We may be creatures of darkness, but darkness can’t survive without the light. If you continue on this path you are on, you will be lost, your soul will die, and there will be nothing left, Ash, nothing but the purest evil. You will be a vessel for torture, unthinking and uncaring. You will have no control—

Why are you telling me this? Asher snapped, cutting her off.

Because you forget! she snapped back. You may have given up, but I haven’t. I might be blind, but I will not watch you lose this way, not like this! Asher just stared at her, wishing he could disregard her words like he did everyone else’s, but he knew deep down that he couldn’t. He knew she was right, and it killed him that he was hurting her. You’re numb, Ash.

He turned his head to the side and gritted his teeth, trying to control his anger. Taking a deep breath, he let it out through his nose before turning back to the only person in the entire universe whom he cared about. Did you come here just to berate me, or is there another reason? he asked, wanting desperately to change the direction of the conversation.

There was a long moment of silence, and he took the opportunity to chug more of the amber liquid before placing it back on the table and turning around to look at his sister. She was still standing in the doorway, her body much thinner than it had been when they were younger, and it made him sick to his stomach to think of her wasting away, much similar to how she must feel about him.

There is another reason, she said, causing him to look into the whites of her eyes. You are needed on Earth. You need to assist Gius. Ronan seems to have gotten himself into it again, and you need to pull him.

Asher snorted at that and ran his hand through his hair before walking over to his bed and sitting down on the edge. He was sure the room still smelled of sex, especially by the way that Olivia wrinkled her nose at the shift of the sheets.

That’s nothing new.

No, but his father is losing patience. You need to get there before his father does something to stop this little rebellion permanently, Olivia said, and he wished he could say that a father threatening death on his only child was shocking, but the truth was, it was part of his day-to-day. And the fact that Ronan hadn’t already been taken down was the shocking part.

I’m on it, he said.

Olivia stood there for a moment, just staring in his direction, before giving him a shadow of a smile. Think about what I said, okay?

Her voice was soft and was filled with concern. He wanted to tell her that he really didn’t think there was any hope, that he had lost the will to care a long time ago and nothing was going to change that, but knowing that would only fire his sister up again, he forced a smile.

I will.

Chapter 3

Nola sat on the edge of the hospital bed with her feet dangling above the ground. The doctor had already treated her cuts and road rash, as well as stitched up her arm and wrapped it in a bandage, all the while telling her how lucky she was that she wasn’t more seriously hurt. Janell had stepped out with the doctor a moment before, leaving Nola alone with her thoughts.

She had overheard a couple of nurses talking about how eight people had died. The only survivors were the semi’s driver, who had a mild concussion, and the man in the little red car, who came out with a few bumps and bruises. A few times, a nurse or a doctor would stick their head in her room and say how brave she was, but she didn’t feel brave. She felt like a failure. She knew it wasn’t her fault, but she wished she had been able to help. The woman’s words ran through her head again: We’ll meet one another again. Was she trying to be philosophical, spiritual? What did she mean?

The voice that told her to stop came back to mind. She had asked Janell if she had heard it, but she said she hadn’t, said that it was probably just intuition that had her slamming on the brakes. Nola wanted to believe her, but the truth was, she could still recall the voice echoing through her head as it bounced around her skull. It was as if the person was sitting right next to her. It was so loud and forceful that she had no choice but to listen to it, and if she hadn’t, she was pretty sure she and Janell would have been the ones with sheets over their heads.

Sighing, Nola reached up and tucked a piece of her dark hair behind her ear before glancing up at the TV, which was showing images of a muted political debate. She watched Governor David Lemming, a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, reach out and shake the hands of the campaign members as he turned a smiling face toward the camera. He was a good-looking man with strong features and bright green eyes. Nola knew he was ahead in the rankings not by choice or free will but because Janell had a ridiculous crush on the man and seemed to be keeping up with the campaign like a crazed fangirl.

The door opened, and Nola turned from the TV to see Janell step back into the room. She knew that she was mad at her, but she didn’t really know how to address the situation. Janell walked back over to her seat and sat down. Her blue eyes were filled with an intense relief, but her mouth was pulled tight. There was a long, tense moment of silence before she finally spoke. Janell was never someone who could stay silent for long.

You could have been killed, Nola!

I wasn’t, Nola said softly.

Only because you had to be physically dragged away from that car. What the hell were you thinking? Nola looked down at her hands and stared at her nails, which had been chewed to the wick. Did you think of me at all as you were trying to save some stranger’s life? Nola jerked her head in her friend’s direction, who uncrossed her legs and leaned forward with determination.

Yes, yes, I’m being selfish. I know that you did the right thing, but I can’t get over the idea of losing you, Nola. I can’t imagine this life without you by my side, giving me dirty looks and telling me I’m being stupid. I can’t imagine you not pretending to care about my love life. Do you not understand how much I love you and how much you scared me today?

I’m sorry, Nola said, and Janell lowered her head for a moment. Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders and shielded her face as she clasped her manicured fingers together before taking a deep breath as if to calm herself. Nola understood what she was saying. They were all each other had. Though they had met only two years earlier, they had become closer than sisters. Janell was the only one who knew about Nola’s shitty past, and Nola knew all about Janell’s dark secrets and strange fetishes. She didn’t know what she would do without Janell constantly talking by her side, and the idea made her physically ill.

Janell suddenly let out a deep breath and then nodded once. Raising her head back up, she narrowed her eyes and gave Nola a grave look. If you ever scare me like that again, I will kill you myself, okay?

Nola gave her a small smile before nodding. Agreed.

Good. Now I’m going to go see about getting you discharged. Janell got back on her feet and headed for the door.

Hey, Nell, Nola called. Janell turned back to look at her. I love you too. Janell gave her a smile before opening the door and disappearing out into the hallway.

Sliding off the bed, Nola quickly got dressed, minding her cut knees and watching out for her bandaged arm. As she raked her fingers through her hair, there was a timid knock on the door, and she yelled that it was open. Sitting in one of the empty chairs, she slid her feet into her tennis shoes as the door swung open, and she looked up to see a young man. He had to be in his early twenties with clean-cut blond hair and hazel eyes. He had a straight nose and very severe-looking lips with sharp angles. His face had some road rash on it, but it didn’t take away from his good looks as he turned and gave her a small smile.

Hi. I don’t mean to disturb you, he said softly, looking a little nervous.

It’s all right, she said, sliding her other foot into her shoe and tying it. Can I help you?

You don’t recognize me? he asked. She looked back up at him. She took in his broad shoulders and muscular arms, then let her eyes trail back up to his face, where her eyes once again took in the road rash and hazel eyes. Recognition hit.

You were the one who pulled me from the car.

I am, he said softly, but not in a way that was bragging for what he had done. Instead, there was a sense of sadness in his tone as if he thought he had done something wrong. She tilted her head to the side and watched as he shoved his hands awkwardly in his jean pockets. I’m sorry, he said.

For what? she asked, leaning back in the chair and looking up at him.

I made an assessment on the probability of who would survive. She raised an eyebrow at his words. I…I…I didn’t think she was alive, he stammered. I knew that you were trying to help her. You were trying to save her, but I—but we were running out of time. His words were getting faster, and she struggled to keep up with them. I knew you wanted to stay, but you were the higher probability of survival at that point. I couldn’t leave you there to die.

But you could leave her? she asked, standing up, and he lowered his head as if ashamed.

I didn’t mean it like that, he started. It’s just that…

Nola held up her hand to stop him. She hadn’t meant to accuse him. She knew what he was trying to say, but he was articulating it wrong. I know what you meant, she said, trying to keep her tone conversational, not accusing. Thank you for saving my life. I got too emotional. You are right, the probability of her surviving was nearing zero, but you must understand that you can’t choose who to save by the probability of their survival rate.

He opened his mouth to say something, but she shook her head to stop him. I know that’s not what you meant, but just keep that in mind. He nodded slowly. Thanks again for saving my life, she said, and he finally lifted his head, allowing her to see his eyes. They were beautiful, a dark brown with green shooting from the pupil. Thank you for stepping in and putting yourself in potential danger.

It’s nothing, really. It’s my job.

Your job? she asked, confused, and he nodded and shrugged his shoulders.

I’m a firefighter. I just happened to be off duty today.

Nola let out a little laugh, now understanding his natural reaction to analyze the probability of survival rates. I see, she said. Well, maybe you’ll get overtime for this. He gave her a small smile, both knowing that the situation wasn’t funny but needing a little comedic relief. I’m Enola, by the way, but everyone calls me Nola. She held out her hand.

Brent, he said, taking it in his warm palm. It’s nice to meet you.

You too, she said as the door opened. Janell stepped into the room holding a small pile of papers. She looked at her, then over at Brent before her eyes widened in recognition.

Hey, you’re that guy! Janell said. Brent gave a shy smile before releasing Nola’s hand. Thank you. Thank you so much, Janell said, running forward and giving the man a hug. He looked shocked and unsure of what to do, so he just stood stock-still until Janell released him. How will we ever repay you?

No need, he said quickly and looked back at Nola. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I should really get going.

All right. Thanks again, Brent. He nodded and hurried out of the room, leaving Janell staring after him.

He was yummy, Janell said, and Nola rolled her eyes. Can you believe that hunk saved you? You’re so lucky.

Nola took the papers from her hands as they started out the door. Nope. I just had the higher probability rate of survival.

Chapter 4

Asher’s black boots crunched the multicolored leaves as he moved his way through the hotel parking lot. The Vacancy sign buzzed softly in the night and flicked on and off, the C and A completely burnt. Moths gathered around the light outside the office, desperately trying to get to a better place. Pushing open the door, he heard an annoying bell go off before he turned to see a repugnant man sitting behind the counter with greasy hair and about a hundred pounds overweight, stuffing his face with a microwaved burrito. He looked up with dilated pupils and sniffed before taking another huge bite of his burrito, the overstuffed meat falling to the paper towel placed over his stained jeans.

What can I do for you? the man asked with his mouth full. He wiped his greasy fingers on his pants before reaching over to shut the TV off, which was showing a NASCAR race. He turned back to Asher as he took another bite of his burrito and chewed loudly.

I’m looking for someone, Asher said, trying his best to control the urge to jump over the counter and demand some respect, a man by the name of Ronan Canson. Asher knew full well that Ronan didn’t give a shit if he used his real name or not. It was not like humans knew who he was. The fat man sniffed again before scratching his chest and reaching over to push some wrappers off the counter before grabbing what looked like a ledger. He stared down at the tainted pages as he took another bite of his burrito.

Um, Ronan, right? Asher nodded once, clenching his teeth together tightly as the man pointed one of his pudgy fingers against the page, leaving a smudge of grease across the page. You gonna kill ’em?

If the opportunity arises, Asher snapped. The man looked up in surprise. His question was obviously supposed to be a joke, but at hearing his response, he swallowed hard.

Whoa, lighten up, man. We’re all good here.

Then just give me his room number so I can get the hell out of here, Asher snapped. The man almost tilted out of his chair in an attempt to scoot farther away from him.

112, the man answered, his words muffled. Asher nodded once and spun around, pushing the door open with probably a little more force than necessary, and headed down the cracked walkway toward room 112.

As he neared the door, he could hear grunting followed by cursing. Rolling his eyes, Asher lifted his leg and kicked open the door. It flew off the top hinges and slammed precariously into the wall behind it. A loud scream pierced the air. Asher looked into the room to see a woman bent over the side of the bed, her tits hanging low and moving with the force of the man slamming his cock in her from behind. Her red hair was a mess, and her green eyes were glazed over with pleasure and fear.

A loud groan had Asher looking up at Ronan, who hadn’t stopped fucking the woman when the door burst open. Instead, he just continued to slam into her until his release hit. He tensed behind the woman, his fingers digging into her hips as he held her still, and he exploded inside her. When he was done, he pulled out and pushed her away, causing her to fall into the bed. He looked up at Asher, not at all ashamed of the fact that he was as naked as a bluebird.

What do I owe this pleasure? Ronan asked, walking over to the nightstand, where an open bottle of whiskey sat. He grabbed it and took a long swig as the woman started to slowly gather her belongings. Placing the whiskey back down on the nightstand, he grabbed a used towel off the floor and started to wipe the fluid from his cock.

I have been sent to babysit your ass, Asher snapped, watching the woman’s tits as she bent over to grab her skirt. She caught him looking and gave him a sultry smile before slowing her movements even more as if giving him a show. Pulling his eyes from her, he turned back to Ronan, who was glaring at the woman, obviously noticing the smile as well.

I thought that’s what Gius was doing? Ronan asked, turning back to him.

Apparently not well enough, Asher said, walking over to one of the horribly painted landscapes that was nailed above the small table. Your father is calling for heads.

He’s always calling for heads.

Where do you think you’re going? Ronan asked. He looked over to see Ronan grab the woman, who had started to put her clothes back on, only to push her back over the edge of the bed and hold her in place.

Do you think I enjoy being here? Asher snapped. Ronan looked up and glared at him. This is not my idea of fun, Ronan! I don’t know what the fuck you’re trying to pull here, but I’m not going to get pulled into another one of your plots to get back at your daddy.

Ronan glared, his dark brows moving lower over his brown eyes as he clenched his teeth tightly together. The woman on the bed wiggled her ass in the air as if getting impatient, but Ronan just ignored her. I didn’t ask you to come here.

No, I did, another voice said. Both Asher and Ronan looked over at the door, where Gius was standing with a brown paper bag and looking at the busted door with interest. His purple eyes landed on Asher for a moment, and he nodded before looking back at Ronan.

What the fuck, man? Ronan yelled, pushing the woman away from his half-erect cock and moving around the bed. I thought you came here to have… Gius held up his hand to silence Ronan and shook his head.

I don’t really care about getting my dick wet, Ronan. There are more important things going on here. Ronan opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Gius looked over at Asher and gave him a small smile. I apologize, Asher, but I brought you here under false pretenses.

Asher shifted his weight from one foot to another before shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans and meeting Gius’s eyes. What’s going on?

The scale is shifting.

The fuck! Ronan yelled, and the woman flinched at his harsh tone. What do you mean the scale is shifting?

Gius looked over at him for a moment before moving his eyes to the woman, who was staring at all of them like they were pieces of top sirloin. I think it’s time you get dressed, Gius said, leaning down and grabbing the woman’s clothes, which she had been trying to get on earlier, and tossed them at her. She caught them quickly but pouted as she started to get dressed. Gius walked over and set the paper bag down on the little table before turning and looking at them both. The shifting, if not stopped, will cause chaotic consequences throughout not only the realm of the living but in the other realms as well. The Elders are even discussing opening the gates.

Asher could feel the blood drain from his face as his stomach turned at his friend’s words. There was no way that this could happen. There were laws prohibiting it, security. His nails bit into his palms, and he wished that he could feel the pain he was inflicting to take his mind off what Gius was telling him.

That’s impossible, Ronan said, turning to look at the woman, who seemed to be taking her precious time getting dressed. Get the hell out! he yelled at her. She jumped and grabbed her shoes. She ran barefoot from the room before Ronan turned back to Gius. There’s no way that’s true. Where are you getting your information?

My sources are sound, Gius said, his purple eyes narrowing at what Ronan’s words were implying.

Why? Asher asked, and Gius turned and looked at him while running a hand through his blond hair. What kind of shift would cause such a course of action as to have the gates opened?

Gius took a deep breath as if trying to choose his words carefully before clearing his throat. The type that someone is causing.

Someone? both Ronan and Asher asked at the same time. Gius nodded.

The threat is a person, a person who needs to be stopped before the scale shifts any more. The Elders fear losing power, and with each shift, they risk just that.

This is impossible, Asher said. What do you think opening the gates will solve? One death means nothing in the grand scheme of things, so opening the gates doesn’t make sense. Is this supposed to be some kind of free-for-all?

No, Gius said. It’s a free-for-one.

What the hell does that mean? Ronan asked as he strutted across the room and grabbed a pair of shorts and pulled them up, finally covering himself.

"It means that the gates will be opened to potentially eliminate a threat. The threat has been deemed potentially more dangerous than hell being released on Earth. Luckily, we have been given the opportunity to eliminate the