Free Cataclysm by Karice Bolton Page A

them to come over,” Noah said.
    “It’s got to be lies he’s telling them!” The anger began trickling through my veins. “There’s no way mortals would sign up for that!”
    “I’m sure a lot of it is lies,” Noah agreed.
    “There are mortals out there that like to dabble though. Don’t forget that, angel,” Athen chimed. “I know you don’t like to think anyone would choose this, but I think we’d all be surprised.”
    “Regardless, I’m sure Azazel is telling huge lies to get them to sacrifice themselves!” I said. I got a sudden urge to investigate the initial introductions these dark demons were performing with the mortals.
    “I don’t doubt that. I’m just saying that I think there are some who are closer to the line than we know.” Athen treaded lightly.
    “It’s a tough concept to think about.” Arie hugged me. “I wasn’t expecting to see these types of numbers. I’m thankful Noah started this.”
    “I think it tells us to start preparing on both fronts. We’ve got to start paying attention to the mortals and the immortals. Also, as you can tell, it’s all around the globe. I’m not trying to be inconsiderate, but I think we need to tell Cyril soon. If there’s a chance that memsors can keep a family together, we are really doing a disservice,” Noah said.
    Arie tightened up. I knew that was not what she wanted to hear, no matter how true it might be.
    Looking over at Noah, I saw no ill intent. He was only trying to be the voice of reason right now. He looked up at me, and the worry in his eyes couldn’t be hidden.
    “I didn’t mean anything by it,” Noah muttered.
    Arie looked over at him and nodded.
    “The worst part is that you’re right. It’s a horrible thing for me to keep this from the rest of the white demons another day longer than I have to. But you proved my worst fear earlier. You wanted proof. If we gave proof to the white demons, and it got out to Cyril before we had a chance to tell him,” she sighed. “I can’t even imagine how that would go down.”
    Athen’s voice started up again from the phone.
    “Hey, sweetie. I’m gonna hang up. I hear something downstairs. Cyril might be up. I’ll see you soon. You guys need to stop while you’re ahead for the night. I think you’re all tired and cranky.” Athen’s ability to put things in perspective was a trait I valued beyond anything I could quantify.
    “See ya soon!” I said, reaching for my phone to turn off. Secretly, I wanted to text him a simple thank you too.
    Noah started gathering his things together quickly. Arie was staring off in the distance. I just wanted to go home.
    “I’ll walk you to your car,” Noah started.
    “No, that’s okay. I’m gonna help Arie before I head down.” I knew I probably should take him up on his offer, but something felt a little off. “We’ll see ya tomorrow. It was nice to meet you. Wish it was under better terms.”
    “Yeah, totally.” Noah fumbled a little. I wasn’t sure what I recognized about him, but it made me feel a little bad.
    “You’ve got my number. I can get here as soon as you need,” he offered.
    “Thanks for that,” I said, walking him to the door. “You’ve done some fabulous things here. I can’t wait to show Athen. I’m glad you’re on our side.”
    He smiled quickly, before exiting out the door. I shut it quietly behind him, hoping my worries about him were wrong.
    “What do you say about taking me to that special spot on Mt. Rainier tomorrow?” she asked out of the blue.
    “Do you really think that’s a good idea by ourselves?” I asked completely perplexed.
    “I was thinking we could take Noah,” she replied.
    “Really? Even after that last little thing?”
    “Noah’s right. I think we need someone like him who’s on the outside of our little circle to point out the obvious. Truthfully, there may come a point when I need to hear things that I don’t want to.”
    “I’ll let Athen know when I get back home,