Page 50 of The Jaguar's Flower

Mac nodded. “The perfect plan.” The emotions gripped his throat as he blinked away the tears.

“How is 004?” Mica smiled. “Did he forgive me?”

“He understood why you did it.” Mac noticed the pain in his brother’s eyes. “He forgave you, brother.”

Mica nodded. “Good. Now.” He gripped Mac’s shoulder. “If 004 can forgive me, you can too.” His voice cracked from the emotions.

Mac inhaled again. His heart felt like someone gripped it tightly. “She told me I’m not a monster. They pitted us against one another. There was no other choice.”

“She’s right. When you go back, you should tell her thank you for me.” Mica patted his shoulder. “I bet she’s amazing because when you mention her or think about her, your eyes glow. Guess I don’t need to worry about you after all.”

“But-”

“You’ll be alright, Mac. Before you go.” Mica grinned. “Did Avel ever kiss that shifter?” When Mac tilted his head in confusion, the jaguar laughed. “Guess he never told you. 002, I remember cause he told me at night he wanted to touch him. Serious Avel, who knew, right?”

Mac chuckled. “When I see him-” He froze when something pulled the jaguar’s waist.

“It’s time, brother.” Mica smiled. Before Mac could speak, the unscarred jaguar touched his cheek. “I forgive you. Now, go home. Hopefully, I’ll see you on the other side.”

“Not yet.” Mac gripped his tunic. “I need to know one thing before this ends.”

“I don’t hate you for ending my life. Never did, brother. It was an awful place for both of us, but at least I know I made the right choice.” Mica smiled. “Tell Avel I miss him, and 004, I’m sorry I missed our game nights.”

Mac started to slip away. Before whatever pulled him away, the jaguar pulled Mica into a brotherly embrace. “Goodbye, brother.”

Mac gasped as his lungs filled with air. When he opened his eyes, he stared up at the demon who brought him to the primordial pool. “You.” Unfortunately, it didn’t stop the slap he felt against his cheek. The jaguar growled as he turned onto his side. “What the fuck? Why did you smack me?”

“It was already wound up, Maccy. No take-backs.” Asmodeus moved away.

“What happened?”

“You went in. Then the weird limbs threw you out. You weren’t breathing, so I tried everything. The slap was the last resort,” Asmodeus answered. “Quick question, are you sure you’re Maccy? What’s your name?”

Mac groaned. “That is more than one question.” When he rose to his feet, Asmodeus joined him. “My name is Mac.” He paused as the jaguar remembered his father. “I’m the brother of Mica and Avel. I am also Violet’s mate.”

Asmodeus smiled. “Are we getting some titles next? Lord of the Western Seas, and-” He shut his mouth. “Alright, I’ll shut up.”

“Why didn’t you warn me about the water?”

Asmodeus covered his face with his hands and groaned. “I did! But you heard get in the water, and then I had to wait!” He peeked behind his fingers. “But you survived it, Maccy.”

Mac’s nostrils flared. “Show us the way out of here. I am tired of your games.” He reached for the demon and gripped his shirt.

“If you think this is a game.”

“Now!” the jaguar growled threateningly.

“Fine!” Asmodeus slipped out of his grasp and phased a few feet away from him. “Now I get why you’re Violet’s mate. You are exactly like Sarus when you get all antsy. Definitely need to get laid. It’ll calm you down.”

Mac didn’t bother to entertain him as he followed. Once they reached the area they entered, he stopped and looked at Asmodeus. “Do you know that place?”

Asmodeus shrugged. “The nightmare of heaven? Yeah, I know it. I came from it.” Asmodeus glanced at the waters. “It’s where all the good and the bad come from. Do you know that’s where banshees come from? We had one lady in there for eons, and then one day, her scream tore the barriers.”

“And the lost souls inside? Can they also tear away from that place?” Mac asked.

“If they cannot tear the barriers like the banshee, then they are either lost forever or become something darker if they don’t pass through.” The demon scratched the back of his head. “Sarus creates all beings, Maccy. Even the dark ones.”

Mac didn’t look back as his eyes focused on the entrance. “And mates?”

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