Page 38 of Demon's Beauty

“Nobody… special.”

I smile at him like the cat that caught the canary. “So, somebodynotspecial?”

His blush deepens.

“Or maybe more than one somebody? Are you trying to tell me you’re such a ladies’ man that—”

“No.” He coughs, clearing his throat. “I just have a lot of… friends.”

“Mmmhmm,” I drawl, turning back to a rack of vials that could use a good cleaning.

“Not that there would be…” he starts, then trails off.

I glance back over my shoulder and watch the conflict play across his face.

He sighs. “This is going to scare you off. I know it will. But I’m going to say it, anyway.”

“Well.” I turn to face him. “That’s not ominous.”

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I’ve always dreamed of finding my mate.”

“You’re a romantic? Color me surprised.”

“Hear me out before you judge too harshly?”

“Alright.” He looks serious again. So serious and earnest it’s hard to reconcile this part of him with the shameless flirt he was a moment ago.

“I’ve always dreamed of finding my mate, and I take it very seriously that the Goddess found me worthy of having one.”

A sharp pinch in my chest, somewhere dangerously near my heart.

“And I don’t expect it to be the same for you. I’ve heard enough about the other witches who’ve mated with demons at court to know it doesn’t always feel the same. But… I just want you to know, I suppose, that no matter how I’ve behaved in my past, I am endlessly thankful to have found you, Soleil, and I intend to show you I’m serious about this.”

“Won’t all yourfriendsbe disappointed?” It comes out a little choked, with how strangely tight my throat has gotten.

What he just said makes me want to bolt.

Maybe.

I don’t know.

I just met this guy yesterday, and he as good as told me he’s all-in on this wholebeing matesthing.

It should terrify me.

And yet…

There’s something undeniable about the way the magick pools warm and satisfied in my chest.

Stupid mate bond, throwing all my better instincts out of whack.

“They’ll live,” Finn says with a shrug. “Like I said, I don’t have anyone special waiting for me.”

So does that make me someone special?

I don’t say the words out loud, because I’m pretty sure I know what the answer would be and I’m not sure I can handle it.

Not today. Not yet.