Grim and Bear It

Rule #28: Nonplatonic relationships with other supernatural creatures are highly discouraged. -The Reaper Code of Ethics, official handbook.

Poppy

I had never experienced a breakup, unless you counted dying. Was this what it felt like? A mini-death? Drawing that line with Jake, telling him no, and walking out of his room hurt so bad I almost couldn't remember how to move one foot in front of the other.

Without looking at him following behind me, I put my cloak on, tucking my violin and sword back into the magical pockets. I was here to help him solve a case in reaper capacity and it was time I started acting like it before I hurt us both. I just needed to forget about the painting over his bed, the way his hands felt on my body, how close his lips had been to mine, and his shaking voice when he asked me to kiss him.

I turned to face him, each of us standing on opposite sides of the room. My gaze rested more on his feet than on his face. "We were scheduled to take six souls from that house. A demon had gotten to one before we even arrived." He nodded. "Back to demons again, then."

"What are you working on? Does anything coincide?"

"Digging into the illegal sale of vampire venom. Trying to find the accomplices of someone who was turning humans into hybrid vampires without their consent. The demons threatened that if we didn't get it under control, they were going to make a move. But we have it under control. All remaining vampire-human hybrids are registered with SHAP"

A ding echoed through the living room and Jake glanced at the laptop on the coffee table. "Who's emailing this late?" He walked to the couch and sat, then popped open his computer and pulled up his email. He sucked in a sharp breath. I leaned over to read the screen, the threat clear even from across the room.

"Jake..."

He leaned back and sighed, "I've gotten threats since my first day on the job, Poppy. It's nothing."

"You need to stay off this case. Transfer. Quit. Find something else to do."

"You know I can't do that." He looked up at me.

I shook my head even as I knew I wouldn't say no to him. "Jake..."

"I don't want these people to hurt anyone else."

I stuck my hands through my hair and blew out a breath. "If I hear or see anything, I'll get in contact."

He nodded. "Thanks."

I spent one last moment looking at him, memorizing him, then nodded. "Stay safe, Jake." I walked out of his condo and back to the place where I was safe, lonely, and had forever to think about the kiss I was walking away from.