Page 26 of Signed in Blood

It worries me though, how she can just watch them. How she resists temptation. She needs to follow through and end their lives, or there is no deal between us.

I don’t hesitate to speak, knowing she’s aware it’s me behind her. “You’re distracted.” I state the obvious and turn her around, making her look at me. Grabbing her chin, I add, “What do you need from me?”

Her eyes peer into mine and I can feel her fucking doubt. She whispers, “I don’t know if I can do this.” Fear flashes in her eyes, fear of disappointing me.

I place my hand over her chest. “Because you’re pure at heart.”

“And you?”

“I’m your conscience.”

She scoffs out a soft chuckle. “Is that how it works?”

“Something like that.” I smirk and let my thumb brush her bottom lip. I place a single kiss on her plump lips and allow the moment to linger. A caw in the skies above reminds me of something else. Perhaps, something that can help her.

“The crows know where they all are. If you close your eyes, you’ll see what they see now.”

“What?” she asks.

“Close your eyes and think of the crows, you’ll see what they see. They’ll listen to you as they do me.”

“You’re giving me more power?”

“I’m giving you more…options,” I tell her and she takes a hesitant step back. “Close your eyes,” I command.

She does what she’s told, and what she sees is a shock to her system.

“What is this?” she asks with a hint of skepticism.

“It’s the power of sight. Do you like it?”

She takes a moment, her eyes still closed. “Yes.”

“They’ll help you. The crows, and this.” I hand her a knife. Within the blade is a memory though and at her touch the crows take her back to that night. To them ravaging her.

She takes it, gasping and then gripping it so hard it turns her knuckles white. “I want them to hurt.”

“So hurt them.”

“I want them to die,” she says and opens her eyes. A newfound anger takes over.

I brush a lock of hair from her face, seeing her true form and not this mask she wears to hide her identity. “So kill them.”

“And then what?” she asks me.

“Then you’ll be with me forever.” Something clicks inside of me at the thought. My heart grows warmer.

Her eyes flash as if she can feel it too, although I know she can’t. She whispers the question as a faint snow begins to fall. “I thought the devil was supposed to be bad?”

“Trust me, little piece.” I grin. “I’m nothing but pure evil.” With her eyes staring into mine, I add, “You please me though.”

“More than anyone else?”

“More than anyone has,” I answer her and then realize I’ve spoken the truth. I don’t tell her, I’ve never offered a deal to anyone. I’ve only ever negotiated with those who have come to me. She is my first and only.

I kiss her again, soft and slow.

The sound coming from her throat reminds me of how her mouth feels wrapped around my cock. I can’t wait to have her in my den, and part of me wants to claim her right now, but I restrain myself. This isn’t about me, it’s about her and her desire to make those men hurt.