Dead Man's Brew

Leah’s blade kisses Aiden’s throat as she whispers, “You murdered my mother.” His death-mark flares beneath her hand—but instead of striking back, the ex-reaper lets her come closer. For three centuries, Aiden has served coffee by day and ghosts by night, saving two thousand lives to repay the debt that keeps him from returning home. Leah was sent to audit his penance, yet the gentle café owner’s touch awakens a lethal power—and a forbidden pull she can’t explain. Every time he saves her, her hatred cracks a little further, while Aiden realizes she may be the final life on his ledger. If saving Leah earns him freedom but means losing the woman he loves, will Aiden obey the Council—or let her die and damn himself forever?