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The bars on the window rattled. They gave way as a powerful force yanked it from the jamb. The steel bars fell down with an alarming clank. Maddie’s body flew outside in a heartbeat.
“Help!”
Maddie grabbed the windowsill at the last moment. But she didn’t know how long she could last. Whoever was dragging her outside was very strong.
And there was no help…
She swallowed a cry. This would be the end of her. The invisible hand yanked her down. “Jean-Luc!” she bawled from the top of her lungs. Seconds before she hit the ground, she saw an enormous black dog charging towards her.
Everything went dark.
Chapter Three
The sound of someone breathing snapped her back to reality. Maddi
e instinctively pushed herself into a sitting position. An immense relief washed over her.
She was still in one piece. And not splattered flat on Jerry’s World’s sidewalk. Thank God.
Maddie drew a deep breath.
Jean-Luc. He had saved her.
Her gaze travelled upward to the black-clad figure sitting by the edge of the bed.
Jean-Luc Berthier. The Hellhound. In the flesh.
The man didn’t seem pleased. “Stubborn girl,” he chastised. “What would have happened if you hadn’t called me? You could have been killed.”
“I didn’t think they would bug me.”
“You’re vulnerable without protection.”
“Geez. Do you have to spell it out?” A pregnant pause stretched between them. Maddie cleared her throat. “Who are they, anyway? Spirits usually aren’t homicidal.”
“They’re called andras, the death omen. They’re the Reapers’ helpers. Their job is to facilitate one’s demise before their master comes to reap the soul.”
“Death omen?” Maddie shuddered. “Why would they want to kill me?”
Jean-Luc didn’t answer. His frown deepened.
Maddie looked around. The room seemed familiar, but the scent of burnt wax and roses cloyed the air. “Where am I?”
“Maison Plaisir. You’re safe.”
Maison Plaisir. The all-inclusive cat house for the spirits. Oh great. “I…uhm…”
“Yes?”
“Thank you. For saving me.”
Jean-Luc stared at her long, before sighing heavily and rising from the bed. “You’re welcome.”
“Does this mean, I…uhm…we made a pact?”
A twinkle of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. “Do I have to spell it out?” he mocked.
She guessed it was inevitable. She had almost been killed and Jean-Luc had saved her life. There was no other way. “Do you…want it now?”
