Page 4 of Fighting My Demons

“Fine. To make it fair, no demon magic, no dream-walking, no lust tricks. Then once she chooses, the others back off. Deal?” Blaine says, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.

“No, she is mine,” I tell them, letting my aura slip. They are no match for the Prince of Darkness.

“Yes, you can’t place bets on a human,” Eli tells them.

“Well, have you got a better idea then?” Xavier whines.

“Yeah, I do. Leave her alone and go back to Soya City, where you all belong,” Cyrus tells them.

“Not happening. I want her,” I tell Cyrus, folding my arms across my chest. I am not leaving without her.

“Six months, or we all go back, Latham?” Xavier says.

“Two months. I don’t need six to get her in my bed. Shit, I could have her there by the end of the day,” I tell him before holding out my hand to Xavier.

“Without your magic, doubtful,” Blaine says, and I growl at him.

“No magic, and don't eat my employees,” Eli tells us before walking over to Cyrus.

“Eli, Addie will lose it if she finds out they are taking bets on her friend,” Cyrus says to Eli.

“She won't know. It stays between us. Either of you tells Addie and causes shit for Cyrus and Eli. I will bleed you out,” I tell Blaine and Xavier.

“Fine, but no demon tricks, Latham,” Blaine and Xavier say, folding their arms.

“That applies to you two as well,” I tell them, knowing they are both more likely to cheat, though I admit it will be hard doing shit the human way.

They both nod.

“So, where do you want us?” Blaine asks Eli.

“Ask your new manager,” Eli tells them, pointing to me.

I smirk. This is going to be fun.

“Let the games begin,” I chuckle.

“Pretty sure we need new janitors on that floor,” I tell them both as we walk down the corridor to find Bella.

Chapter Three

The Next Day

Bella

Stressed is an understatement. Eli’s just called to tell me that I was going to be working with all of them and wanted me to meet them upstairs. I hop in the elevator and hit the button when Addie steps in. Her eyes run over my disheveled appearance. I’ve even made an effort this morning by spending more time than necessary straightening my naturally curling red hair. Yet even I know that I look run-down. Nothing can hide the weary-looking eyes and the bags that hang under them.

“You okay?” Addie asks.

“Yes, just so much going on. I am having issues outside of work as well. It is just getting to me, and now I find out that Latham will be sharing my office with me. I can barely think in his presence. How the heck am I going to get any work done?” I ask her, pinching the bridge of my nose and blowing out a breath in frustration while tapping my foot.

I need a drink, some hard liquor. Everything is going to shit.

“He isn’t that bad,” Addie tells me.

Still, I doubt he is going to be as well-mannered as he is around me and tolerant of me bossing him around. I know we are going to clash.

My phone starts ringing, and I glance at it, my breath lodging in my throat. My brother is calling, and I refuse to answer his call, especially being within hearing distance of Addie.