Reaping Me Softly

milk to drink. Death never forbade his Reapers to mingle with humans. He allowed them to have consorts. To live lives like the souls they reaped on a daily basis. Something about seeing Nikolas so happy, even if the boy tried to hide it with a straight face, had Death wondering. Tomas popped into Death’s office just as he sat behind his desk.

“Master?” Tomas came forward.

“Wipe away that concerned expression.” Death lowered his cowl. He snapped and a chair appeared before Tomas, which the Reaper of California took immediately. “I met with Nikolas today,” he said.

“Oh?” The older Reaper unbuttoned his suit jacket then placed his elbows on his chair’s armrests. “You sought him out?”

“We happened to run into each other at the processing plant. In fact, he would have had to look for you if I hadn’t come along.”

“Really? Why is that?”

“Oh stop acting surprised, Tomas. I know you have spies everywhere, and that you were supposed to meet with him today,” Death chided, and Tomas had the decency to show a smidgen of guilt. “Now, what can you tell me about the girl Niko had in his domain?”

Tomas twirled his thumbs. “Can you believe our boy is finally inviting girls over?”

“Took him long enough. I was beginning to worry Nikolas was an anomaly. Not even our most solitary Reapers go long without consorts.”

“If you’re so curious, why don’t you just practice omnipotence on him?”

Death pouted. “You know I don’t do that anymore. Not after Brenna.”

“That massacre should never have happened.”

“Well, I should have minded my own business. I don’t want that to happen to Nikolas.” A dreamy expression crossed his androgynous features. “You know I adore that boy. He’s so serious sometimes, which is why seeing him happy delights me.”

“Master, please don’t say ‘delight.’” Tomas shuddered. “It’s unbecoming of Death.”

A crumpled piece of paper sailed across the room and bounced off Tomas’s chest. “Shut it! I can say ‘delight’ as many times as I want. So, about this girl?”

“She brings a smile to his face.” Tomas mirrored Death’s amusement. “I’d never seen Nikolas so happy. I knew the boy was a late bloomer, and you’re right, he is too serious. I think she’s good for him.”

“Keep watching him.” Death’s sigh came from a happy place of cotton candy and miniature ponies. “I want to know how this relationship develops.”

Tomas chortled before he disappeared.

A new stack of Certificates appeared on Death’s desk, but he ignored them, content to dream about budding romances, first loves, and stolen kisses.

Chapter 18 BLOODY MURDER

NIKO DROVE UP THE STREET where Arianne lived, humming along to Noah and the Whale. After he’d returned from the Crossroads the night before, he’d called her about a ride to school, hoping to formally invite her into his domain.

From the moment he’d woken up to the time he’d started listening to their album L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. in his car, Niko already had sunshine on his face. He’d reaped souls then eaten his breakfast in such a jolly mood that Sickleton thought he’d fallen and hit his head on the pavement. Even his minions stared at him with consternation, especially the twins. Paris and Rome mumbled to each other while sneaking glances at their master, but Niko had ignored them all, eager to be off.

He eased in front of Arianne’s classic colonial and honked. She flew out like a bat from a cave and into the passenger seat with an irresistible glow, color high on her cheeks. Only the click of her seatbelt being fastened broke the intense attention he paid her every movement.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

She leaned in and said against his lips, “Good morning,” retreating before he could bite on the lure she dangled.

“That’s just cruel.” The corners of his mouth tugged downward, unhappy with the depravation they suffered.

“Don’t worry,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “There’s more where that came from. I’m surprised. What made you want to drive to school today?”

Niko shifted from neutral to first and stepped on the gas. “You convinced me that there’s nothing more human than driving to school.”

“Then as my reward, we need to bring Ben with us.”

Jealousy, a mythical creature he didn’t appreciate, reared its ugly head. He wanted his time alone with her, but Arianne’s pure glee helped Niko vanquish the Gorgon that would have turned him to stone. I could invite her into my domain any time. No big deal.

“As you wish, my lady,” he said. “Where pray tell does Master Benjamin reside?”

“Up the road to the corner bus stop, Jeeves.” She flicked her hand as if she shooed away an annoying pet.

Niko laughed. He’d never felt as lighthearted as he did in Arianne’s company. She brought out a playful side in him he’d not once considered to have possessed in all his lives, not even when he’d been young and in training with Tomas. His playtime had consisted of learning as much as he could about the duties of a Reaper and reading every history and mythology book he could find. But with Arianne, he found he wanted to show her the world, touch her every chance he got, and most of all, he wanted to make her happy. No matter the cost.

He applied pressure to the brakes as they reached the bus stop. Ben dozed on his feet, head down, hands in his pockets, and backpack slung over his shoulder. Niko wondered how the tall teen managed to stay upright. Arianne giggled.

“He’s not a morning person,” she said as she stepped out.

“I can see that.” Niko’s smile came from the inside out, her mirth infectious. “Need help?”

“Nah. I’ve got this.” She snaked her arm around Ben’s and tugged.

The jealous Gorgon returned, causing Niko to grip the steering wheel. He opened the door for her without touching it, and she nudged Ben into the backseat. The boy grunted. Then she slipped into the passenger seat and gave Niko a quick kiss on the cheek. And just like that, Snakes-for-hair died a second death.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “You’re telekinetic too, I see.”

Her teasing tone had him glancing at her. “One of my many talents.”

“Did I mention how humble you are?”

“How can the two of you flirt so early?” Ben grumbled.

“Poor grumpy,” Arianne cooed, twisting in her seat to watch her friend.

“Good morning, Ben.” Niko looked at the barely conscious boy through the rearview mirror.

“I just don’t get why you’re so complacent when we’re about to enter the warzone.” Ben coaxed his eyes awake with a massage.

Niko noticed Arianne stiffen. He reached out and curled his fingers around hers. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s…it’s just…” She trembled. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Why would I get hurt?”

Ben answered, “Darla was at the memorial yesterday. She saw the two of you all touchy-feely.”

“All I have to do is tell Darla that I only see her as a friend.” Niko shrugged as he pulled into the school parking lot. He eased his car into a vacant slot between a pick-up and a Subaru and killed the engine. “Why the silence all of a sudden?” He stared from Arianne, who’d gone mute the rest of the way, to Ben, who’d pulled his cap lower, attempting to disappear. “Des told me Darla’s had a thing for me since I transferred in. I’ve never seen her as more than just a friend. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“I’m sure she would.” Uncertainty and disdain accompanied Ben’s words. “If you were with someone else,