Page 302 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Soren smirks. “I’m not a demon. But good to know. Make sure you don’t forget that when you’re in the Underworld. Demons never play by the rules.”

“Noted. But what are you then, if not a demon?”

Soren winks at me. “That’s a story for another time. Now on to our little deal.”

If he thinks I’m going to make any type of deal with him, he’s definitely lost his mind.

“We can always get another guide.”

Soren smiles, knowing it’s a complete lie. “On such short notice?” He raises a brow. “And one willing to risk the mess that’s more than likely going on down there. Not likely.”

He moves closer to me, making me take a step back. “Also, I can assure you, you won’t find anyone like me. Nor will you get as far down there without me. I know the Underworld like the back of my hand and can get you through places many don’t even know exist. I’m sure you’ve been made aware of just how dangerous it is but add the imbalance on top of that and you’ve got realms full of chaos and mayhem ready to implode. Another guide won’t be able to get you to your goal, not without one or more of you becoming a permanent resident of the Underworld or worse… a permanent fixture with no chance of an afterlife.”

Damn it.He was right. And from that damn smug look that was now plastered across his face, he knew it too.

Even if we could find another guide on such short notice, I had a feeling what he was telling me was the truth. There would be no one like him. There is something about his energy. Something almost familiar that says I can trust him. But actually doing that is another thing. I learned my lesson long ago not to trust so blindly.

“Why me?” I ask him.

“Because you’re the only one that can do it.”

I narrow my eyes on him. “And you’ll get us all safely through the Underworld to find King.”

“You have my word.” He dips his head.

I release a harsh breath, looking out of the cave and back to him. “Then what do you want?”

Soren’s smile grows like the Cheshire cat. “When the time comes, I’ll call on you for a…favor.”

“I’m not dying for you. Neither are any of my mates,” I tell him.

Soren’s eyes soften. “I would never ask you to, nor put you in danger like that.”

Soren looks around me, his eyes narrowing on something outside the cave. A smile appearing on his face. “You’ll need to make up your mind. One of your mates has found us and looks awfully pissed.”

I look behind me but can’t see anything. I reach out with my senses and find Kai rushing forward, his light pulsing red and growing the closer he gets.

“He’s definitely pissed.”

Soren looks at me. “Rightfully so. I took his mate without asking.”

“You knew they were going to be pissed, and you still did it?”

“Of course. Now, do we have a deal or not?” His smirk grows, a glint of humor in his eyes as I narrow mine on him.

“Fine. I’ll help you with your favor, but if you do anything to betray me or my mates, you will pay.”

Soren bows, still smiling. “You have my word.” He grabs my hand once more. Heat travels up my arm as Soren’s eyes flash red. “Deal.” He lets my arm go just as quick.

“What was tha–”

A dark shape flashes by me just as the cave shakes, something slamming into the wall a few feet in front of me.

I look over and find Kai with Soren by the throat against the cave wall. “If you ever touch my mate again, I will rip you apart before turning you to ash.” Kai slams him into the wall, leaving a large indent behind before yanking him out and throwing him to the other side of the cave.

Before Soren hits the wall, he disappears and reappears further down the cave, laughing. “I see your lineage is as strong as ever. Orthis will be glad to see the line has not weakened.”

The rest of the guys appear around me, Jax pulling me into his arms. “Did he hurt you?”

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