I can feel the pain and confusion in his wordless exhale, and I feel even worse. For so long, ever since the night, Bones has been my closest friend. He’s the only one, except Tatiana, who’s always been here for me, no matter what. The only one I can talk to about anything.
But I can’t talk to him about this. Not this mess I’m feeling. Not without hurting him or losing him. Just the thought of that happening makes my heart clench.
“Sooo…you’re not mad at me? I haven’t done something to upset you?” he asks.
I laugh noiselessly knowing he can’t see my expression. “No, nothing is your fault. I’m just going through some weird stuff right now, and I have to figure it out on my own.”
He crosses the room and kneels beside me. Clasping my hand in his, I see a glimmer of light reflect in his sad, bronze eyes. “If there’s anything you need…anything you want to talk about, I’m here. That’s our deal, remember? For as long as you want me, I’ve got your back.”
Because he’s pure demon, Bones is immortal, unless he’s killed by a pure Angel—Light or Dark. So he’ll continue to live on for indeterminate eons exactly as he is now. When he chooses a companion, he chooses a mortal, like me, and I will be replaced upon my death, or my deciding to end the friendship—whichever comes first. I’ve always known just how lucky I am to have won Bones’ affections and unwavering loyalty when I was just a young demion. I’ve never taken his friendship for granted, and could never imagine living this life without him by my side.
Until now.
Now I’m beginning to wonder if I can stay his friend, now that I know I want so much more from him…something he can never give me.
I know this is all Liora’s fault. Somehow she’s making me have these crazy feelings I’m not supposed to have—or, at least, not able to control. I’ve never exactly loved that Bones needed to mate with so many virgins, but it’s never bothered me this much before. And the couple in the car—as much as I try to block the man’s story, it still haunts me. Why, oh why, did I choose that car to stop?
I squeeze Bones’ hand and give him a small smile. “I’ll be okay. I just need some space for a while. Just ‘til I figure out some stuff.”
“By space, do you mean space… from me?”
I take a deep breath, whispering my response. “Yes.”
His body stiffens and he stands up. Even in the darkness, his silhouette seems colder, harder. It’s a subtle change, but I can feel it.
After a long pause he speaks. “Fine, but that doesn’t mean I’m not keeping an eye on you.” He places his hand on my shoulder, and I tilt my head up, wishing I could freeze this moment in time—when it’s just the two of us. No one else exists. No one else matters. “Where are you going after you’re done here?” His voice sounds strained.
I glance back at the woman huddled in the corner. She’s almost stopped moving, so I’ll be wrapping it up soon. Torment to exhaustion then on to the next.
I shrug. “Not sure yet. Maybe Mr. Ludwings’s. He’s still playing with little boys in a not-so-playful way. I guess he didn’t receive my first message quite clearly enough. This time I’ll make sure he gets it.”
Bones leans against the doorway. “Well, I’m just glad you’re doing okay. I’m gonna go find me some ladies before the sun comes up.”
Suddenly, it feels like a rock is lodged in my throat.
“Hey, this guy, Ludwing, doesn’t he live near Baymore Park?” he asks.
“Pretty close. Why?”
“I heard some Altrumina Demons have set up a nest there, so be careful. Do you have any weapons with you?”
“I have my dagger.” I pat the emerald-tipped blade nestled safely inside my boots, hidden under several layers of lace. This dagger is good for most demons, but no match for an Altrumina. One touch is all it takes for them to transfer their own mind-bending curse.
Bones arches an eyebrow. “You know that’s not gonna cut it. Stay away from there, especially since you’re unarmed.”
“Yes, Dad,” I tease.
“I mean it, Lucky.” His tone is firm. “You know what they can do to you, and there’s definitely something brewing out there. All of us have been put on alert. Don’t go looking for trouble tonight.”
With a sigh, I stand up and gently push Bones out the door. “Go. I’ll be fine. You’re worse than a Sapie mother, I swear.”
He chuckles. “Like you’d really know.”
“Go.”
He silently slips away into the night, and I turn my attention again to the whimpering in the corner.