Read The Cupid War for Free Online

“That’s the biggest offense we have, you know.”
    â€œHe was waiting for me,” Caleb said, arriving with two fistfuls of Love.
    â€œWhat d’you think you’re doin’ with that?” Louis said, pointing at Caleb’s haul. “He’s gotta earn his own, and he ain’t gonna do it lyin’ around on … ”
    â€œOh, stop it!” Caleb said, and he tossed the Love down into Fallon’s lap and stormed over to Louis. “He was attacked by a Suicide. We could have lost him. You, of all people, should respect that.”
    Louis’s eyes went wide. So did Owen’s. Fallon looked from them to Caleb, wondering what would happen next.
    â€œOkay, he can have some of your Love,” Louis said. “But only enough to get him back on his feet. Then it’s back to work for both of you.” With that, Louis turned and walked off.
    â€œHey, sorry dude,” Owen said, kneeling beside Fallon. “I didn’t know you’d been … I’m sorry. Take some more of mine. But just a little bit, okay?”
    â€œHe’ll be fine with what I brought him,” Caleb said. “Eat up, Fallon.”
    Fallon did. Voraciously. It was still cheesy and corny, but it was the best cheese and corn he’d ever tasted in his life. And death.
    â€œFeeling better?” Caleb asked, watching him lick his fingers clean.
    â€œOh, yeah,” Fallon replied. “I haven’t felt this good since … since … ”
    â€œI understand,” Caleb said, reaching out a hand to help him up. “Don’t think about past times, Fallon. That’s where you will find you are weakest. Focus on the present.”
    â€œThat’s what Louis told me when I started,” Owen said. “He was my mentor, you know. He says … ”
    â€œOwen—that’s your name, right?” Fallon asked.
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œGet lost, Owen,” Fallon said.
    â€œWhat?” Owen said, the indignant look returning. “You get lost! This is my spot.”
    â€œCome on, Fallon.” Caleb put an arm around his shoulders and led him away. “Time we were getting back to work.”
    They began the long trek back to the portals. Fallon found it much easier going this time around—he was no longer tired. Realizing he’d been completely healed from his attack, Fallon felt almost cheerful.
    â€œI wouldn’t get on Owen’s bad side if I were you,” Caleb said as they walked.
    â€œWhy not?” Fallon asked. “The guy’s a jerk. He wouldn’t help me out when I w as desperate.”
    â€œTrue,” Caleb replied. “But he is one of Louis’s favorites.”
    â€œOh,” Fallon said. “Oh crap.”
    â€œOwen isn’t that bad,” Caleb went on. “He projects a tough outer shell to hide his guilt.”
    â€œGuilt?”
    â€œYou must have noticed he is your age, or close to it,” Caleb said. “He died when he was young. Crashed his car while drunk. Killed himself and his girlfriend Jada. It’s been three years now, but he still blames himself for it.”
    â€œWell, it was his fault,” Fallon said.
    â€œWhat’s done is done,” Caleb said. “Since that time, he’s become a fine Cupid. So has Jada, incidentally. She’s one of my favorite students. They both have their own designated neighborhoods to look after. Someday you will too.”
    As they walked, Fallon remembered something Caleb had said earlier.
    â€œWhat did you mean,” he asked, “when you told Louis that he of all people should respect a Suicide attack? Was he attacked once?”
    â€œNot exactly,” Caleb said. “Most Cupids have been attacked by Suicides, actually. Some get over it, others can’t. But Louis’s story is more complicated than that. And personal.”
    â€œOoh, do tell!” Fallon said. If there was dirt to be dished on Louis,