The Demon's Mark

The Deal

Jack paced his living room, phone pressed to his ear, his voice rising with frustration.

"I understand, Rob, but I just need a little more time. My doctor extended my leave, and I'm not ready to come back yet."Jack said softly.

His boss, Rob, sighed on the other end of the line.

"Jack, you're an important part of the team, and we need you back. The production floor's a mess without you, and I've been understanding, but this can't go on forever." Rob said a bit sternly.

Jack squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. It wasn't that he didn't want to go back to work. He needed something to pull him out of this endless spiral of grief and guilt. But he couldn't go back—not until he heard from Alex again. He wasn't even sure if that would change anything, but he couldn't focus on work while everything in his life felt so... uncertain.

"I know," Jack muttered. "Believe me, I want to get back to normal, but it's complicated."

Rob sighed again, this time with more sympathy. "Just let me know when you can start, okay? We'll keep your spot. But we can't hold it forever."

Before Jack could respond, a soft rustling noise came from the corner of the room. His heart jumped. There, standing casually with his arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips, was Alex, looking as effortlessly wicked as ever. His black wings were folded neatly behind him, and he wore that sharp, red suit that Jack was starting to think of as his usual attire.

Jack's voice faltered as he stared at the demon. He nodded at the phone distractedly. "Yeah, I'll... I'll let you know, Rob. Thanks."

He hung up and stood there, the silence thick between them. Alex's eyes roamed over him, taking in his disheveled appearance with a look that could have been mistaken for concern, if not for the amusement twinkling in his eyes.

"Hello, darling," Alex purred, his tone dripping with flirtation. "Miss me?"

Jack bristled, folding his arms over his chest. "What do you want, Alex? And why are you here?"

Alex raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening.

"Aren't you glad to see me?" Alex said with his devilish smirk evident in his voice.

Jack's gaze hardened.

"That depends. Why are you here?" Jack challenged.

With a low chuckle, Alex sauntered closer, his eyes never leaving Jack's.

"Impatient, aren't we?" Alex said, amused.

Jack raised an eyebrow, matching Alex's teasing with his own.

"I thought you told me you like a man who knows what he wants." Jack said coolly with a knowing smirk.

Jack knew he had him. Jack called him out on his bullshit, and he knew it got under Alex's skin.

For a moment, Alex's expression shifted—his eyes darkening with something Jack couldn't quite read. Attraction? Annoyance? Maybe both. Whatever it was, Jack could tell he'd hit a nerve.

The satisfaction that came with getting under Alex's skin surprised him. He allowed a small smile to creep onto his face, which only seemed to amuse Alex further.

"Why are you smiling?" Alex asked, genuinely curious.

Jack let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

"I don't know... something about annoying a demon brings me joy." Jack said with a shrug.

Jack paused.

"That really shouldn't be a normal sentence in my vocabulary." Jack said with a gentle laugh.