Page 30 of Evil Hearts

Chapter Six

R uthless was right. Going through the portal made me throw up. At least The City of Bones is really a city and there are people milling about like they would be anywhere else in the world. There are apartment buildings and parks. Stores and even demon police.

I mean, we’re in a diner that serves regular food and demon food.

“Not what you expected?”

I shake my head. “It’s so…”

“Normal.”

“Yes. I thought it would be a wasteland of fire and misery.”

“For some, that’s all there is, but we have a need for order and normalcy, just like anywhere else.”

“Don’t tell me you have a government?” I eye a fire truck passing by the window. “Doesn’t everyone have magic?”

“No.”

“Will I have powers?”

“No. You’re not a demon, but if we have a child, there’s a possibility of them passing some of their magic to you. But only during pregnancy.”

“A child? Pregnancy? Not happening.” I push my plate of French fries away, losing my appetite at the thought of giving birth to one of those creepy little red men.

“Eternity is a long time. You’ll change your mind. And our baby would look like us. I’m only half demon.”

“Your mother is human?”

“Yes,” he says so matter of fact.

“This is too much.”

“You’ll adjust in time.”

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the idea that I’m dead and that I’m soul bonded to a son of Satan.

You’ve not even seen me shift yet.

Stop listening to my thoughts.

You project them loudly.

How can I shout through thoughts?

He smirks, as though I’ve just proven his point.

Ugh.

“Ready to see the clubhouse?”

“The what?”

He shifts in his seat to dig money out of his pocket and that’s when I see the patches on the vest beneath his leather jacket. One says president.

“You’re the president of a motorcycle club in Hell?”

“Yup. Making you my ol’ lady.”

I scrunch my nose, and he laughs.

“Let me guess. You call yourself Soulless Riders.”

“What gives you that idea? We’re soul bonded, remember?”

“Oh. Right. Hmm.” I tap my chin. “Hounds of Satan?”

“Not even close.”

“Okay. I give. What’s the name?”

“Undead Bastards MC.”

“Yeah. Never would have guessed that one.”

We leave the diner, and I try to trick my brain into believing that I’m out on a first date and not trapped in Hell. I climb onto the back of his flaming motorcycle, thankful that the flames don’t hurt me and wrap my arms around Ruthless like I’ve done it a million times.

“Hold on tight.”

I tighten my grip on him, and we roar through the city. The growl of the engine rumbles, vibrating the seat as I take in the sights. We could just as easily be in New York City. We pass through a section that resembles Times Square. Billboards for movies and clothing lines flash. The Demon Who Loved Me.

You have movies?

I heard the book was better.

Be so for real.

What? You think we sit around all day stealing souls and plotting evil?

Don’t you?

Not always. Those serving conscription as reapers collect souls. I served my time. I was serving it when I first met you.

When did we first meet?

The night you failed to take your life.

Tell me about this clubhouse.

I don’t want to think about how I got myself into this mess.

We conversate through our minds as we ride. I guess there could be worse things. He tells me about his club that mostly is made up of men or demons that he was conscripted to Hell’s Army of Reapers with. Some of them are married with children while others are single. The club has a code, which sounds strange for demons. Hell isn’t lawless. The club trades in magic and secrets. All members have their own powers and specialties.

I’m trying to wrap my mind around everything he’s telling me and read between the lines of what he’s not sharing.

Some Demons can cross into the mortal world, and I wonder if I’ll ever be able to go back.

Before we walk in here, I need you to promise you won’t stare.

What do you mean? Why would I stare?

He cups my face between his hands like he did earlier, pressing his forehead to mine. His gaze lands on my lips and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me, but more than that, why do I want him to? My mind flashes with the image of a Minotaur.

Ruthless’s breath fans across my lips as he exhales slowly and pulls away as if the act itself is painful.

Aster can be sensitive about his looks.

Noted.