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

CHAPTER 14

Before they had a chance to step into the blue light, the bus shook with footsteps. For a moment, Katie thought the rest of the band was coming onto the bus. She glanced down at Mike. He wasn't dead, but he didn't look good. Tear streaks stained his face, he was pale, and he was staring blankly into space. If she had walked into the situation and saw Deb in that state, she would instantly assume something suspicious was going on. No doubt, Mike's friends would do the same. She wracked her brain for a lie to tell them, but the effects of the soul made it difficult to think of something. And what about the portal? How would they explain that? The pair turned to look at Braden. He smiled. Well, at least they didn't have to think of a lie.

"I will escort her to Hell." He looked at Katie. "If you don't mind."

Oh, politeness. Katie wondered if it hurt him to say something nice. And it made her instantly suspicious, but it didn't last long and she quickly fell back into euphoria. She already knew Braden had ulterior motives, but she didn't care what they were at the moment.

Josh stepped forward threateningly, but Katie placed a hand on his arm to still him. Now he was willing to defend her. Inside, he'd been ready to run away when Braden first showed up, and he had cowered when the senior demon had joined them at the table. What made him decide to turn on the anger or not? Maybe it was the soul. Maybe that gave him strength.

"As a matter of fact, I do mind." Katie found it hard to feel angry with the emotion of the soul surging through her. She blinked slowly and swayed slightly. "Instead of making this a contest, why don't you both escort me?"

Josh's head whipped around to look at her. His eyes were narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. He was right: it was an awful idea and he wasn't pleased with the situation. She felt his irritation and displeasure. It flowed from him in waves. She assumed it was because of the soul that she could sense his feelings. Katie totally agreed with him. It wasn't her first choice to have Braden go with them. She could probably tell him to disappear altogether and get away with it, but that wasn't going to fix their problem. She had to give in to him just a little bit longer. At least until they finished this mission. He was already there and obviously not planning on leaving. They had to indulge him. He was the superior demon, and Josh might be forced to pay for his insubordination with his flesh again. After that, they could figure out a way to get rid of him for good.

She placed her hand on Josh's shoulder and cocked her head to the side. "We don't have a lot of time." She nodded toward the musician. "It's probably best not to air our dirty laundry in front of others."

Braden didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and grabbed Katie's wrist, pulling her through the portal. She grabbed Josh's shirt and dragged him through behind them.

The Pit was just as crowded as it had been the first time Katie had the pleasure of being there. She entered the chambers, and demons turned and glanced at her, but none of them attempted to approach. Not one of them even curled a lip. She had no doubt news of what happened between Josh and Braden had made its way through the ranks. None of them wanted to suffer that same fate. That coupled with the fact that she was with Braden was probably a good deterrent. Not that she was complaining. She was more than happy to be left alone.

Braden attempted to stride across the room with Katie behind him, but she jerked out of his grasp. He turned to her abruptly, anger flashing through his eyes. Some of the other demons picked up on his emotions and growled. They stood behind him, ready to defend their senior, but when they noticed her, they quickly slunk away. Katie smirked.

"I'm not under your control," she said calmly. "I came here of my own free will to deliver a soul. You will treat me with respect."

Braden guffawed. "Of course, Katie. Where are my manners?" He bowed and gestured toward The Pit with an extended arm. "Please fulfill your mission."