Stranger at the Hell Gate by Ash Krafton Read Free Book Online Page B

having accepted her into their space, he never dropped his guard.
    "Not yet, I don't. I have a feeling I'm gonna get lucky, though." Jagger stooped to hook his jacket from where it lay in a heap on the floor. "There's been a job or an event every night for the past three weeks."
    "Maybe not," she said. She drew her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them. "Maybe you can stay in tonight."
    "You okay?" He turned at the door, peering intently at her. "Your voice sounds funny."
    Her body had changed quite a bit recently, she mused, but she doubted it would show in her voice. "I'm fine. Just—wanted to talk, is all."
    "Don't worry, Sunny, I'll be fine." He came back to sit on the bed, pressing his forehead against hers. "I've been doing this a long time."
    "It's not that. I need to tell you something."
    "Then tell me," he said with a laugh, sitting back. "What's all the drama about?"
    "Jag." She reached for his hand. "I'm—"
    The phone rang downstairs.
    His arm tensed beneath her touch and he turned to glance at the door.
    A moment later, Enzo called up the stairs. "Hey, buddy. Time to work!"
    "Sunny." He shook his head, looking almost apologetic. "I have to go."
    She swallowed hard and looked away. "I know."
    "Hey. We'll talk as soon as I get back. 'kay?"
    She nodded. "Okay."
    "Later, babe." His boots made a hollow sound as he clumped down the narrow staircase.
    Sonya swung her feet over the edge of the bed and crossed the room to where a floor-length mirror was bolted to the wall. She regarded her nude body, smoothing back her tousled hair and running her hands down her arms, across her breasts. The movement came to a halt when her hands reached her abdomen.
    She sighed.
    Heavy tears slid down her cheeks and she wiped them away with her fingers. "Just wanted to let you know… I figured out what my mission is."

DEMONS
    One evening, the air in town felt—charged, for lack of a better word. Jagger sensed an energy on the wind, a silent vibe that made every vein in his body quiver. His demon blood detected it. He did his best to ignore it.
    It'd be easier to ignore it if Sonya hadn't felt it, too.
    "Something is coming." Sonya paced the floor again, sidestepping a squeaky board she'd discovered on an earlier pass.
    "I can feel it. A storm?"
    "No." She looked out the window at the gathering dusk. Sunset's warmth washed the sides of the buildings outside. "A person. He's looking for you."
    Jagger scowled and yanked a strap tighter around his chest. His holster fit better now that he didn't have to baby that shoulder tendon. If one could actually call it babying; he never gave it any rest, despite its stiffness.
    Wearing the holster this way felt better. His shoulder felt better.
    He stole a glance at Sonya, who'd paused in front of the windows to peer out. His gaze traced the familiar curves of her body, her creamy skin awash with the glow of the sunset.
    Everything felt better now.
    "Someone is always looking for me." Jagger smirked and pulled the rune sword out of the scabbard. "I seem to be on a lot of shit lists in this town."
    "Don't joke, Jagger." She cast a stern glance over her shoulder at him. "This is different."
    "Okay, okay. I'm sorry." The word sounded odd the moment he said it, hanging awkwardly in the air. Jagger wasn't used to apologizing. "Hey. I'll go down and grab us something from the cooler. Mango pop?"
    He nodded when he saw her sudden smile. "Right. I'll be right back."
    Jagger grabbed his gloves and tugged them on while trotting down the steps. Crossing the office, he walked over to an ice box in the corner. He'd only opened the chest when he noticed the smell.
    It wasn't coming from the freezer.
    " Son of the betrayer ." The voice was little more than a gurgle. " I've come for you."
    Jagger spun, gun in hand, eye-blink fast, spying the demon.
    It heaved and glistened. And dripped.
    Great , Jagger thought. A wet demon . "You slimy bastard, you ruined my chair. Let's see how much you like being in