Read Online Soul Surrender by Katana Collins - Free Book Online

conditioner had kicked on.
    With one last pop, Lucien disappeared from the box in front of everyone’s eyes. The oxygen caught in my lungs, and I held my breath while Buckley lifted the box to the audience once more. Damien squeezed my hand and I stole a glance at Kayce, who had blanched to a deathly pallor.
    On the exhale, I directed my attention back to Buckley. Lucien was the ArchDemon of Nevada and all the Southwest. He could teleport anywhere he wanted. He would be fine. Because he had to be fine.
    Buckley raised his hands once more, chanting again in a foreign tongue. Another pop sounded through the theatre—only this time, nothing happened. The box remained empty. Buckley’s eyes darted to us and every muscle in my body tensed when his eyes landed on me. I flinched, ready to spring to my feet.
    â€œWait,” Damien hushed, locking me in the seat by flattening his arm across my body. “It could just be part of the show.”
    I gnashed my teeth but stayed seated.
    Buckley didn’t look theatrical. He looked nervous. One lone bead of sweat dripped passed his temple. He gave a nervous titter, pushed his sleeves up beyond his elbows, raised his hands a second time. “Where do you suppose he’s gone?” His voice was sharp, and I knew Buckley well enough to know that this was not part of the plan. With the second pop, the audience edged off their seats, waiting for Lucien’s return. Again, nothing happened.
    Lucien was gone.

8
    New Jersey, 1776
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    â€œM onica, what are the chances that you will pay mind to me before the day is through?!”
    â€œOh, for Heaven’s sake.” I rolled my eyes and straightened my petticoats. With a glance to my right and left, the prostitutes flanking me on either side snarled in my direction.
    â€œCould you at least attempt to appear interested in bedding a man? Show some leg, calf? Hell, show your bloody ankle for all I care!” Lucien threw his hands in the air and brought them down onto his hips with a slap.
    â€œVery well.” I offered him an exaggerated smile and puckered my lips, shapeshifting them so large that they nearly consumed my face.
    Lucien’s face flushed to a scarlet, contrasting the white knuckles clutched at his waist. I looked comical with the new pout and I knew it. But it was simply too enjoyable to watch Lucien’s face turn red like that.
    â€œOut. Everyone out!” I followed the line of drabs when Lucien snatched my elbow, yanking me from the queue. “All except you, love .”
    â€œOh, dear. Have I been naughty?” I pinched the scruff at his jawline.
    â€œStop that!” he grumbled, and caught my hand in his. “The problem is you’re never naughty enough.”
    I snorted at that. “Clearly, my dearest brother, you’ve forgotten my origin story. I’m as naughty as they come.”
    With both hands, he kneaded his forehead and eyebrows as though they were rolls of dough. “If that were the truth, then I wouldn’t be under the scrutiny of Hell right now for low numbers.”
    I wasn’t exactly shedding a tear for him. Lucien the demon wunderkind wasn’t Saetan’s apprentice any longer. Hatred flooded my chest. I hated everything about the man. His job, his duties, his black heart. Perhaps if he’d never found me there in the courtyard years ago, I could have fallen off the radar. Perhaps Hell would have never known of my existence and I could have simply perished then and there.
    â€œDo you need to give me a spanking?” I said with an exaggerated pout. Of course, I wanted his hands nowhere near me. The worst had been in our last home—we had to act as though we were wed. I shivered, grateful for the fact that Lucien, at the very least, always gave me the bed and slept in the parlor.
    â€œSpank? Christ, Monica—we are brother and sister here!”
    â€œYes, yes. I recall. I am your sister. Mummy and father died in