But then tonight, waking up in his arms…knowing he’d been with Liora…that something was going on between them. The sick feeling hit me almost as hard as it does when Bones leaves me for his Sapies.
And now I don’t know what to think, or do. I wish I could make these feelings disappear! Maybe I can talk with Tatiana…maybe there’s something she can do to fix me. Maybe she can create some sort of concoction that can make me how I’m supposed to be… No more sadness, anger, jealousy, loneliness, insecurities, confusion…nothing. Nothing but pure instinct.
Sigh. Talk about wishful thinking. Despite Tatiana’s great powers, even she can’t influence my curse. She’s already tried.
I slowly make my way across the bridge, pausing briefly to gaze at the churning inferno below. The hypnotizing dance of the flames mildly soothes me, and helps me remember who I am.
I am a demion. I am proud, beautiful, and powerful. And I am not about to let some stupid males make me feel weak and question my greatness. If they don’t want me…only me…then it’s their loss.
Right?
My chin held high, I stride confidently toward the Bar, ready to face anything. Then it hits me, and I stop suddenly in my tracks. Liora…Kieron…
I already knew that my mixed up feelings about Bones were caused by Liora’s influence. It’s her human side that corrupts me. But, it isn’t just my feelings about Bones that are messed up. Even when I meet other demions I’ve never had any urge to pursue them because of how much Liora hates all things demon. At least, I think that’s why.
So why is Kieron different? Why was she with him? Why was he with her? And if she didn’t feel something for him, would I be feeling this way?
I need answers. Now.
A demion named Daisy sits by the door painting her fingernails blood-red. Just as pretty and just as deadly as Ivy, one controlled touch from Daisy can instantly turn any living creature—human or demon—into stone, ash, or fire, depending on her mood.
“’Sup, crazy Daisy?” I cautiously air-kiss both her cheeks.
“Lucky, love. Long time no see. You look amaze as always.”
“Thanks, you too. Love the pink hair. But I’m surprised to see you working…Where’s Ivy?”
She shrugs and gently blows on her fingertips. “Dunno. Didn’t show up tonight so they called me in. Cody’s not here either, so maybe they’re off having one of their world-famous blowouts…”
“Hmm. Hope everything’s cool,” I say, secretly relieved to be spared Ivy’s gossip for one night.
The smoky room is crowded, but I spot both of them right away: Bones at the bar drinking by himself, looking sulky; Kieron in his usual corner with his back to me.
I decide to approach Bones first. If nothing else it’ll be good for Kieron to see he isn’t the only hottie in town. Make him realize I’m not the only one with some competition.
“Hey,” I say, sliding into the seat beside Bones. “How goes it?”
He stares straight ahead with a blank expression on his face and chugs from his glass. Then he sets it down and turns to me. His eyes are cold…like a stranger.
“I don’t know. You tell me.” Even his voice sounds different. Hard. Detached.
“Good…things are good.” I glance around nervously. I didn’t expect him to be this mad. Actually, mad would be better. Mad would imply he still cares.
I peek over at Kieron. He’s not looking my way, and now I hope he doesn’t. If Bones decides to make a scene, I certainly don’t want Kieron witnessing my humiliation. Again.
“So, it’s okay for you to talk to me now?” Bones asks in a flat tone.
“Bones, yes, of course it is.” I signal Gyan, Cody’s fill-in, to bring me a drink.
“I thought you needed space from me. If you want to be left alone so much why are you here talking to me?”
“Bones, you’re still my friend. That hasn’t changed…for me at least. And I hope not for you. I just need to figure some things out. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. Don’t be mad.”
He finishes his drink and sets down his glass. “I’m not mad. But I gotta go. I’ll catch you later.” And with those cold words he grabs his brown leather jacket off the back of his chair and disappears.
I take a few sips of my drink and stew at his attitude. What gives Bones the right to act like this? I only told him I need some time to figure out the crazy thoughts and feelings in my head. And I need to figure them out so I can be his friend even though I like him too much. It’s not like I called him a disgusting, whorish, mangy mutt or something.