Page 115 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“I didn’t know that. How are you this good on the stage if you’re so new to it? I spent my life working at my craft.”

“I’m good because of you. I always wanted to perform, but I never thought it could be real. Not for me. You pissed me off—and you made me realize if you can do it, I can do it too. So, I took a risk.”

“Did it pay off?”

“I don’t know yet… I mean, fuck. I guess it did, because I’m here with you. Whether it pays off with an acting career doesn’t matter anymore. And now I know you’re more than talented, driven, and passionate. You care so much about your friends, and for the first time in my life, I feel like someone gives a fuck about me, too. Is that true?”

There’s something pleading behind his expression. I know how hard this must be for him, to give me all the power, to waitfor me to set him free or let him find his home in my heart. Either option is terrifying, after all we’ve been through together.

My gaze softens. “Of course, it’s true. You have no clue how much I care about you. I want to protect you. Do you know how weird it is to want to protect a demon built like a brick wall?”

“Mm… no. Can’t relate.”

“Lucky you.”

He lets out a shuddering breath. “And that? That protective shit? That’s hot—and it’s more. I can’t put it into words.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Jun. What if we really are mates?”

“Then I’m a lucky bastard.” He shrugs. “Whoever you choose as your mate is.”

“I’m not ready to choose yet, but I think… I think I want it to be you. And I think it’s a possibility.”

It being a possibility at all is huge. Not everyone fits as a mate—most people don’t. Out of all the people I’ve been with, none of them awakened the mating bond.

And even though I won’t make it official with a mating ceremony anytime soon, it feels like we already chosen each other. He leans in, pressing the sweetest kiss to my lips, and I accept it.

“I love you too,” I murmur, closing my eyes. “You make me feel safe. I haven’t been safe in a long time.”

He doesn’t question the bond the way I do. It’s enough to find safety in this cruel, terrifying world.

Chapter Twenty-Six

It’s noon when I finally check my phone.

A month ago, Tobey was my biggest concern. She was new in a school full of supernatural beings, and there was a killer on the loose. Caldwell changed things. I didn’t think there was a need to worry about her, but… that quickly proves untrue.

Tobey

Are you coming home tonight?

I guess not. Have fun!

That’s not supposed to be passive aggressive, I swear.

It’s more like wink wink.

The texts are normal until the last one?—

Tobey

H ELP

My heart races as I read the singular word. If the roles were reversed, it would be easy to assume dramatics, but Tobeydoesn’t have the same flair I do. She’s not one to cry wolf. If she’s asking for help, she means it.

“What’s wrong?” Jun asks before I can voice my concerns.

“I don’t know…” I toss him my phone, wrapping my arms around myself. “Something may have happened to Tobey.”