Page 24 of Knight’s Seduction
Demi-demon usually took this news in one of two ways: complete and utter denial followed by a full freak-out, or this horrified acceptance. Because a lot of demi felt like Meredith, wrong in their own skin or had never fit in, outcasts, loners. This news, as horrific as it was, was an answer to why. Why they’d had such shitty lives.
“You’re half human,” he said gently.
“And the other half?” She took a ragged breath.
“Demon.”
“Demon?” she whispered.
“You were adopted?”
She nodded. “How did you know?”
“A lot of the demi-demons we bring here to train are adopted or without anyone. The demon side of you can sometimes be sensed by humans. They don’t know what it is, only that something isn’t right. Biological mothers most often never bond with the babies, same with the adoptive parents of your kind.”
“That’s why my birth mother gave me up?”
He studied her carefully. “I couldn’t say. But it’s likely.”
She hugged herself. “Demi-demon? That’s what I am?”
“Yes.”
“And you brought me here to train? Train for what?”
He needed her close to him again. “Please, come and sit down. I promise, I’ll answer any and all of your questions.”
She moved back and did as he asked. But this time, he took her hand, needing to touch her. Thankfully, she let him.
“When you gain your power…”
Her gaze sliced to him. “Power?”
“Have you experienced anything strange, or done something that seemed impossible, something you keep telling yourself is all in your head, or a fluke? Anything like that?”
“No, nothing. I mean, I’ve been feeling…odd, but nothing like you described.”
He rubbed his fingers over the back of her hand. “We’ll work it out. When a demi gains their powers, demons can sense them. The type of demon that sired you usually determines the type of power you will have, though there are variables. As soon as a demon senses a new demi, they try to capture them. They want your kind for your power, to exploit and control you. It’s the knights’ job, my brothers and me, to get to you first so that doesn’t happen. Then we teach you to block those powers from the demons in this city and protect yourselves.”
“Oh god, it just keeps getting worse. All these things you’re telling me, I can’t think…” Her eyes widened. “I’m a demon, so does that mean I’m…bad, evil? Why would you help me? Or others like me…”
“No, Meredith. You’re not bad, and you’re sure as hell not evil. You’re just not fully human.”
She thrust her fingers into her dark blond hair. “Just? You make it sound like it’s no big deal. Up until tonight I had no idea angels and demons existed. Now not only is that true, I’m half demon?”
“So am I. All knights are.”
“Really?”
Her eyes were so wide and her skin so incredibly pale, she looked close to fainting. “Yes. Do I seem evil to you?”
“No.” She licked her lips nervously. “No, you don’t.”
“You’re safe here with me, with us. I’ll block your powers until you can do it for yourself. Nothing can hurt you here. I know this is a lot to take in, but you’ll be okay. You will adjust.”
Her eyes drifted shut, and she took several steadying breaths. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
