Chapter 127: Earlier

Chapter 127: Earlier

NYC, 19 Hours Earlier

Becca lounged in the armchair shed dragged out of home furnishings into the center of the abandoned malls plaza. The power was out, but late dusk light filtered in through the skylights high above. Her Bushmaster lay across her lap, glossy black and gleaming. With one hand she brushed the tip of her braid over her lips; with the other she thumbed the safety on and off.

Before her stood the demon.

Tall, elegant, refined, it regarded her with an alien expression somewhere between amused and enigmatic. Twin horns poked out of his mane of black hair, and his suit was impeccable. The bastard could have starred on the cover of any number of billionaire romance novels, all chisel-cut and hard-edged. But its eyes. Those lizard-like, variegated eyes, striated yellow against rich green and blue.

Alien, demonic eyes.

You said this would be simple. Her voice echoed in the still fastness of the atrium. Yet somehow I dont see how we can stop James and his fucking crew if theyre all god-level.

Its a challenge, to be sure. The Nem4s voice was oily and smooth. But first and foremost, youve bought yourself time. Had you not struck this deal, you would have faced my elder brothers in quick succession. I assure you that wouldnt have been pleasant.

Becca sneered. You think Im scared of dying?

The demon considered her. No. I guess not. Which makes you all the more remarkable of an ally.

I agreed to your bullshit offer because you promised me vengeance. So. Becca sat up. Lets talk. How you going to deliver?

I can enable. First and foremost, I can put you in touch with everyone else who struck a similar devils bargain. He smiled, amused. Some are quite highly placed within the government and military.

Oh yeah? What government and military? I thought you guys had just about finished wiping out most of humanity.

True. Your species has suffered astonishing losses. Then again, it wasnt my brothers and I that chose to escalate matters.

And he complained that Bjrn wanted to rule things like some medieval king. Becca sneered again.

Are you not our finest ally? Does your heart not burn with the richest of most hateful flames? You desire vengeance, do you not?

Vengeance, whispered Becca, staring at the cube.

The vengeance you shall have.

Becca startled and sat back. The demon had changed. Vanished. In his place stood Bjrn, hirsute and gorgeous, tall and confidence. He wore the same suit as the demon, but was otherwise as she dreamt him, his smile the same shit-eating and provocative grin.

Bjrn?

I could be.

Becca blinked and pressed the base of her palm to her temple. Stop. Right now. Get the fuck out of that shape before I blow your head off.

As you wish. The demon was itself once more. I merely illustrate the possibilities open to you now. You need never be alone again, Becca. With this cube you shall command respect. Will lead an army of hard-headed survivors who understand who this bitter world works. Here. Take it. Absorb it, and inherit your kingdom.

Becca stood and approached the demon. Its hand didnt waver. With utmost care she plucked the cube free and stepped back.

You have acquired a Reservoir Cube.

Absorb?

Becca licked her lips. She studied the demon, but he was as inscrutable as before.

All right, she whispered. Lets see what this can do.

And she accepted the offer.