Excerpt of The Reluctant Santa by Sylvia McDaniel

"His soul is mine," Devon, the devil's angel, said. He watched the humans, who were oblivious to his presence, gathered in the sales office. One of the best things about being an angel was his ability to pop into just about anywhere and spy on his subjects without their knowledge. He could observe the humans as if were watching a play and even occasionally act as director.

A chill wind howled outside the downtown Denver office, heralding the arrival of winter and the holiday season. The perfect time of year to increase his soul count. Devon studied his next soul, a brown–haired young man with expressive brows and a quirky grin. Unbeknownst to him, the salesman's life meter was about to expire unless he made drastic changes.

"Devon," a voice echoed into the atmosphere before the being that irritated him the most shimmered into his vision. "Doing a soul count before he's yours?"

Slowly, an angel materialized, clad from head to toe in a white leather jacket and white knee–high boots fit snug over white leather pants. A gold belt around her waist, held a cross that signified sergeant, angel, first class. Her halo was tilted at a rakish angle. In earth terms, Gabriella looked hot.

"Whoever is in charge of your wardrobe, I like the changes they've made," Devon said, letting his eyes rake her until a searing heat reminded him he was crossing boundaries. "Please tell me they ditched the boring robes."

With a toss of her blonde hair, her blue eyes flashed, glinting silver as her brows rose.

"My robes are hardly boring, but no, one of my cases is a motorcyclist. I'm riding shotgun today, trying to keep him from splattering all over the highway. The robes kept blowing up in my face, so I found a solution."

"Nice!" Devon shook his head and forced his eyes back to the human whose life he'd soon influence. "I thought your promotion at Easter took you out of the saving souls division."

Gabriella smiled as the air around her shimmered. Why didn't the angels from purgatory patrol get that shimmery essence?

"Devon, we work so...well together" she said, drawing out the word until he wanted to snap at her. He held onto his temper.

"We're all looking for ways to make quota this time of year. Only the strongest stay out of the pit, and every time I come up against you, I lose. But not this time. This one belongs to me," he announced, staring at the man whose only interest in life was making money. No family, no girlfriends, no friends— just work and money.

Gabriella tsked. "Now why would you want to send this poor man to hell for eternity? He just needs a little coaxing to choose the right path."

Devon sighed. "His time is about to expire. I'm here to collect his soul."

"Maybe," she said. "Unless, I can give him some guidance and save him from evil."

"Not this time. Heavenly angels may not be able to play dirty, but I can," he said, smiling at Gabriella. "And I intend to win this one."

Gabriella laughed.

"Always so arrogant, Devon." She glanced at their human. "His case is challenging, but I'm certain I can help him."

She turned toward Devon, her brows rising. "Playing dirty landed you where you are now. Why should I expect anything less?"

"How I got here doesn't matter. I need this soul," he snapped. "You make your soul count or the big man sends you back to the pit to fight and claw your way back for another chance."

"And Colin McDermott needs to be saved," Gabriella said, swirling back to their subject. "I mean, look at the poor man. He has no idea his priorities are in the wrong place. He's a selfish, greedy man because he's unloved."

"Love!" Devon exclaimed. "You heavenly angels think loving someone solves everything."

Gabriella shook her head at Devon, her blue eyes darkening with some sort of power. "Even you deserved love, Devon. In fact, if I had been your angel, I would found someone to show you love. Hopefully, you'd have been smart enough to grab the lifeline."

"Well, you weren't my angel, and now I'm the big man's soul catcher."

"It's simple, Devon. Why would you want to lure more men into the darkness you already face?" she asked.

Devon clenched his fist, struggling to control the frustration that spiraled through him. Hell was not a place anyone planned on going. "The pit!" he said. "Let's just concentrate on the human."

"I already was." She contemplated Colin McDermott. "He's quite handsome with those long, sandy lashes and sparkling honey eyes. If I were human, one look and he'd melt my heart."

"Women on earth know he's not a good risk. I could wrap this case up before Christmas, if you weren't here."

"Too bad. I'm here to keep you from destroying him," she said, giving him a stern frown. "The poor soul has no idea of what he's about to face. I'm sure you've got some nasty surprises in store for him, some hard to resist temptations. But hopefully, with my guidance, he'll make the changes his life needs."

Devon shook his head. "No, by Christmas he'll be mine. Count on it."