The Demon's Bargain (A Deal With a Demon #4)(17)
“I’m serious, Lenora.” For once, their lightly mocking tone is nowhere in evidence. “Kristoff is protected. You and your friends aren’t.”
I hate the reminder as much as I hate the reality of this situation. “Yes, I’m aware. But all Jack has to do is grab the amulet and get to Sanctuary.” Not even Kristoff can harm them there, and if he’s so busy chasing after Jack, I’ll have a chance to slip a knife between his ribs. As long as I do it before he reaches Sanctuary. It’s a designated neutral zone, and it’s magically enforced.”
“Hmmm.” Ramanu opens the door and holds it for me. “And me as your fail-safe.”
“I won’t need you.” But even as I say it, I wonder. Our plan is a decent one. The event tonight will be crowded, and everyone will be drinking and partying. It’s practically tradition to steal shit from each other and then hook up in the shadows, to the point where you don’t bring anything to the event you’re not willing to part with. Another way we magical beings show our prowess over each other.
Games. Always games.
I used to love it. I’ve never been great at pickpocketing or sleight of hand, but the rush of catching someone trying to take crystals from my pockets and the rush of what came after… It made me feel alive.
Now I’m just tired. Jack doesn’t play like that anymore now that they’ve settled down. Olivia sticks to the family-friendly events here with her girlfriend and kids. The only person who will be there to party tonight is Kristoff, and if that’s not depressing, I don’t know what is.
Ramanu stops next to me as I step out onto the street. “Something wrong, little witch?”
I don’t even consider lying or brushing them off. I just answer honestly. “I’m a dark witch. Dark witches aren’t supposed to get sad because all their exes are off living their best lives. We aren’t supposed to get tired of the fighting and fucking and theatrics.” But I am tired. I never realized how much until this mess with Kristoff.
“Lenora.” Ramanu catches my wrist lightly. “This isn’t about the amulet.”
“No, I guess it isn’t.” I sigh. “Look, it’s nothing. Just one of those things where you get older and look around and realize everyone around you has settled down yet you’re still living like you’re twenty. Most of the time, it doesn’t bother me.” Much.
But the times when it does?
It makes me wonder what’s wrong with me that I can’t have what my fathers have. A love—an acceptance—that goes soul deep. All my exes have tried to change me or have found me wanting. It’s the nature of the beast. There’s a reason they’re exes, even the ones I’ve maintained friendships with. We didn’t match.
In my darkest moments, I wonder if there’s anyone who actually matches me.
Ramanu falls into step next to me, easily matching their longer stride to my shorter one. We move through the streets toward the main market area. It’s just come into sight when Ramanu catches my arm. “Lenora.”
I like the way they say my name. I like it entirely too much. The pet name is cute, but their voice goes low and serious when they use my actual name. I can’t believe I was so reckless as to sleep with them. It’s going to be Kristoff all over again, except this time the stakes are even higher. “I can’t do this.”
“Lenora,” they repeat. They don’t release me, but I’m not exactly trying to jerk my arm free. I just stand there and look up at them helplessly. Ramanu squeezes my arm gently. “We’ll get the amulet back. I promise. You don’t have to worry.”
“The cost is too high,” I whisper. I like Ramanu. Even with the bickering—maybe especially with the bickering—it’s been a really enjoyable day. If the circumstances were different…but they aren’t.
They curse softly and drop their hand from my arm. “Goddess save me, but Azazel is going to kick my ass.”
“What?”
“We’ll get the amulet back,” they repeat. They shake their head. “Not as a bargain. We can discuss that later.”
I stare. Surely they’re not saying what I think they’re saying. “Ramanu, the whole reason you’re here is to get those seven years from me.”
“Yeah.” They shrug. “But I like to color outside the lines and piss my leader off sometimes. This will just be one added to the list.”
They just lied to me. I’m certain of it. If what they said earlier was true about the celestial blood, I imagine making a bargain with me would be a coup. I don’t entirely understand how bargainer magic works, but obviously there’s something about the bargain itself that is powerful and fundamental to their magic. They aren’t just hauling over humans to breed with and add half-demon babies to their ranks; if they were, then children would be part of the contract rather than a caveat if it happens.
Ramanu is ambitious. I can practically taste their striving on my tongue. Yes, I summoned them, but I believe them when they say they had their attention on me before that moment. They went after me because I’d be a feather in their cap. They have absolutely no motivation to offer to help without a deal attached. “Ramanu—”
“Let’s stop wasting time. We’re headed this way?” They start walking before I have a chance to respond, easily weaving through the crowds starting to gather for the night’s activities. I curse under my breath and scramble after them. Through it all, I can’t help feeling I’ve missed something important.