Page 3 of Little Music of Night

Bell hesitated, but then nodded. “Would you tell us if you knew of our mates? Like if I was ready to find someone, and you knew who it was. Would you tell me?”

Oh gods. It was something I’d thought about many times. After countless discussions, Trixie, Lucy, and I agreed I’d only interfereifI were asked to by our children.

“Only if asked to help.” I swallowed hard as the memory of severing Layla’s bond resurfaced, opening like a fresh wound. It had hurt me too. “I know I made a mistake, possibly, with Layla?—”

Bell shook his head. “I don’t want to talk about Layla right now. I’m talking about me.”

I scowled. “As in . . .”

“As in, what if I’m ready for my mate?”

“But you’re so young.” So, so young. He was just a baby to me still. All of them were only born a blink ago.

“I mean, I’m twenty-six. By human standards, that’s a normal age to start dating seriously. I just . . . I want a mate. Everyone is so happy with their mate. Marina and Demi. Fitz and Sage. Malachi and Leo. All of my aunts and uncles and our extended family. Every monster who has their mate ishappy.Even you, Mom, and Dad are perfect for each other.”

“They’re perfect for me,” I sighed. “I am unsure at times if I am perfect for them. I try my best.”

Bell shrugged his shoulders. “I know they’ve been mad at you, but it’s like you always said growing up. Just because you’re mad at someone does not mean you love them any less.”

Some of the tension eased in my chest and I smiled at him, leaning my head against the wall. Despite feeling like I was constantly making mistakes, I was reminded in this moment just how proud I was of our children.

“I think I needed that,” I said. “Thank you.”

Bell’s soft smile spread into a wicked grin that reminded me of Lucy. “So. Are you going to find me a fated mate?”

“Not yet,” I said. “Sorry. It’s not your turn.”

“But you’ll tell me if you find them, right? Andnotsever my bond with them?”

I winced. “No, I don’t think I’ll be doing that again. Also, have you had any . . . magical occurrences?”

“Do you mean am I like Layla or Luca?” Bell asked. “Probably. Who knows. I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Well, that was suspicious. No child of mind ever told me not to worry unless Iabsolutelyshould have been worried.

“Have fun matching those phantoms. I’ll be working the shift that day just so I can see howthatgoes.”

I snorted as Bell waltzed off.

I decided I’d worry about him later. I had a human to introduce to the monster world.

1 /GHOSTED

Christy

I’d dreamed about a ghost being in my room again.

Every night for the last three months, I’d dreamed about him. Dark hair, a masked face, stormy eyes that watched me, hungry and yearning. And every morning, I woke up with a gasp, my body buzzing with lust.

It was getting out of hand. The onlylogicalway I could think of to get my imaginary friend out of my head was by going on a date.

Honestly, I had no business dating. I was already busy enough. As an opera singer, I often traveled more than half the year. I had countless rehearsals every week, practicing songs in Italian, German, and French. I also had yoga sessions three times a week to keep my limbs flexible and body warm, preparing for roles and constant auditions. My life was intense enough as it was.

Adding romance on top of that? It sounded like an absolute nightmare.

Which could be perfect to rid me of my dream ghost.

About two weeks ago, my wonderful friend Lisa pulled me aside at the opera house and asked if I wanted to get coffee with her after rehearsal. We’d ended up in a quaint little cafe outside the city I’d never heard of.