Hazel squeals. I’ve ever seen her so giddy, and it sends a rush through me like I’ve won something I didn’t even know I was fighting for.
“Can I hold your scythe?”
“Now you’re pushing it.”
By the time I’ve dealt with five more patients, I realize this is the first full day Hazel and I have spent together without anyone else between us.
When she’s not being mean, she’s actually funny. Granted, I’m still the butt of most of her jokes, but now they’re light and teasing instead of cutting.
We just… fit. Knowing you’re soulmates is one thing, but seeingwhymakes all the difference.
Now that I know how good we could be, I hate the way she hides behind pranks to keep things from getting real.
I don’t know how to make her believe that shattering the distance between us will be the best thing for both of us.
I want that life. A mate I love, who loves me back. A home full of warmth. A life spent experiencing everything good Fates have created in this world.
But does Hazel want that too?
18. Audacity must be on sale this year
Hazel
My stomach aches from laughing so hard, but Dean keeps whispering ridiculous comments in my ear about everyone we pass, and most of the time… it’s exactly what I’m thinking.
I’ve never enjoyed myself like this. never laughed this freely or wandered around without purpose. I never sat back and relaxed as the sky outside changed colors.
Dean’s grip on my hand hasn’t faltered once, and I use that to tug him away from the last soul he reaped before he actually knocks the guy’s teeth out.
Apparently, dying and thinking he’s headed to heaven—he’s not—gave him the courage to ask Dean where he found a woman like me… and if he’d get a similar one as his mate.
Men are disgusting.
I was skeptical about coming with Dean, but seeing the world through his eyes is strangely relaxing. I spend so much time watching Anxo work and training kids that I never realized how little I knew about being the Grim Reaper. Or how heavy it could be sometimes.
We’ve reaped twelve souls so far, and now I understand why Dean hates the human realm. He’s right. They’re mouthy for people who have no idea how the universe works.
I finally manage to drag Dean away, but he’s still muttering about the man—rightfully so—when I sense something shift in the air.
My feet stop. Every nerve in my body locks at the familiar pull of a Divine I know too well.
Dean takes another step before realizing I’ve stopped. His grip tightens as he looks over my shoulder. I don’t know what he sees, but the color drains from his face as he pulls me into him.
My head turns, scanning every corner as dread claws up my spine. The clock on the wall stops ticking, and that’s when I notice the humans around us are frozen… just like me.
No. no. no.
Everything stands still as a tune drifts through the silence. Tears burn in my eyes instantly because Iknowthat song. I know that voice.
But he can’t be here. He’s dead.
I killed him.
Through blurred vision, I see a figure approaching, and panic grips my lungs. I try to step back, but my feet won’t move.
No. It can’t be happening again.
My whistles are nothing compared to a true siren song. This is powerful, luring, paralyzing before you even realize you’re trapped.
