Dealing with Devils (Book 2 in the Road to Salvation Series)

CHAPTER 10

Katie turned to walk out of the office and reached down to pull her phone out of her pocket. She wanted to let Josh know what was going on and figure out what they were going to do about it. But right before she had a chance to do anything, a black wave slammed into her chest and slowed time around her. She looked at Braden, unimpressed. What exactly did he think he was doing? This whole situation was beyond ridiculous. It was becoming absurd. She was still reeling from the argument she'd had with Josh. The last thing she wanted at that moment was to deal with another demon, especially one who was as big a jerk as Braden. Biting the inside of her cheek, she waited for whatever he was going to say. Braden continued to smile.

"I know what you're thinking." His tone was pompous. "Josh already knows I'm here. We demons have a way of sensing each other. That's how he knew where to find you at the lake." He took a step toward her. "But he can't do anything to stop me. I'm well within my rights as a superior demon."

Katie set her jaw and stared at him harshly. This was the last thing she needed today. "What do you want?"

He shrugged and stepped even closer. She brought her books up and held them in front of her chest to form a barrier between the two of them. She knew they probably wouldn't do much, but it was all she had. His stomach touched the back of her wrists. She felt the hard muscle beneath his shirt. What was it with demons being so attractive? She may have hated Braden, but she could admit that he was hot. It wouldn't take long for everyone at school to realize it either. And the last thing they needed at school was another demon. She needed to get Braden out of there ASAP.

"At the moment, just to observe."

What was that supposed to mean? Observe what? Katie would have walked away if she could, but her back was against the counter. Her anger reached the boiling point and she stepped forward. Her hope had been that she would shove him back slightly, but instead it was like hitting a brick wall. Her face was inches from his.

"I hope you enjoy the show," she snarled.

Katie had no idea what her response meant or what it was for, but she felt like she needed to say something. Braden creeped her out and made her feel uncomfortable, especially after the comment in Hell about wanting to possess her, but she wasn't going to let him know that. That would tip the power in his favor, and she couldn't let that happen. She had to stand her ground and hope that things worked out for her. Even if they didn't, she was going to put up a hell of a fight.

Braden chuckled before stepping back and restarting time.

Deb smiled. "You ready? I can take you to your first class."

Braden turned his attention to her. "Yep. Let's go."

"You comin', Katie?"

Katie shook her head. "No. I better get to class." She leveled her gaze at her friend. "Be careful with this one, Deb. He looks like a devil."

Braden laughed, and Deb forced out a chuckle. As they walked away, Deb glanced over her shoulder with one eyebrow raised. Katie hoped that was an indication that she picked up on her clue. She headed into the hall and took out her phone.

Braden's here, she texted Josh. Something needs to be done.

I know, Josh texted back.

Katie waited for another text, expecting a plan, but nothing came. With a huff, she headed for her class. She would deal with all of this later. Right now she really needed the distraction of being a normal student.

The day passed without any further incidents. She didn't see Braden or Josh again. She wasn't exactly sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, especially not seeing Josh, but she was thankful nonetheless. It gave her a chance to put things in perspective, to decide if things were as big a deal as she was making them. She wanted to forget everything that had happened. However, as much as she tried to put the incident in the office out of her mind, she couldn't stop wondering what Braden meant. What was he observing and why? She was also slightly worried about Deb. Katie had no idea what Braden would do to her—if anything. She probably should have forced Deb away from Braden, but she had to have confidence Deb could take care of herself. After all, Katie couldn't always be there to save her friend, and she knew Braden could strike anytime, anywhere, but at least Deb had fair warning.