Page 7 of Ridge

Kael snapped his mouth shut. He wished he could say he’d heard that wrong, but he knew he hadn’t.

He licked his lips and looked away. “And Ridge agreed?”

“From what I know, he did.”

“And you didn’t think you should’ve told me this before I agreed?”

“Should I have? As far as I know, there’s nothing going on between you and Ridge.”

That was a lie, and they both knew it. They hadn’t talked about it, though. Kael had refused, even though Nymon had wanted to. Nymon still wanted to. Kael could see him almost vibrating with the need.

But he wouldn’t push if Kael refused. He wouldn’t talk about it unless Kael wanted to.

Kael didn’t know if he wanted to talk about it. He wasn’t even sure there was anything to talk about. Ridge had been there when that mess in Starhaven had happened. He’d been nice to Kael, and it was easy to read into that.

But he suspected. He was pretty sure there was more to it, even though Ridge had never told him. He wasn’t about to ask. He was terrified because he didn’t know what would happen if he did. He also didn’t want to make a fool of himself if he was wrong.

He wished he could back out. He wanted to call Gregory and tell him he’d changed his mind. He was pretty sure that Gregory would be okay with it. Kael didn’t want to back down, though. He wanted to visit demons, to talk to them and be in a familiar place for a little bit. He wanted people to stop staring at him like he came from another planet. He would never regret following Nymon, but he needed a little space from all these humans.

Apparently, that came with less space from Ridge.

Chapter Two

Ridge was hopeful as he headed out to pick up Kael. The two of them were going to spend a few hours alone in the car, then the next few days together as they tried to convince the demons they were about to meet that it would be a good idea for them to open up their towns to humans.

Ridge couldn’t say he disagreed with that, but at the same time, he understood why demons would be wary. They had their way of life, and they didn’t want that to change. Unfortunately for them, it was what happened as time passed. Things never stayed the same, no matter how much one tried to cling to them.

That was one of the reasons Ridge hoped things would change between him and Kael. So far, Kael had been avoiding him, and Ridge hadn’t said anything. He understood. Kael couldn’t know they were mates, not for sure, and he’d just left everything he’d ever known behind. He’d fled the town where he’d been born and lived all his life and had been thrust into a place where he didn’t know anyone except a few people and where he was supposed to live for the rest of his life. That would freak out anyone, let alone someone as sweet as Kael.

But maybe Ridge could help him. Maybe Kael would want help navigating the town or the people who lived there. Maybe once he felt like he’d settled down, he’d be ready to at least talk to Ridge.

Or maybe spending time with demons would show Kael that he’d made the wrong decision when he decided to move, and would push him to go back. Ridge had no way to know, but he was terrified.

He also didn’t know what they would do in the car during the drive. It would take a few hours, and he wished Gregory had allowed them to shimmer. Unfortunately, the demons wouldn’t open the shields for a random Nix, and it would be faster for Ridge and Kael to leave if they had a car. They wouldn’t have to waste time calling a Nix and waiting for one to get there. It was a smart move, but it also worried Ridge. Everything depended on how his mate reacted when he climbed into the car, and Ridge was about to find out.

He parked the car in front of the building where Kael lived. Gregory had confirmed the address, so he knew where he was going. He still hesitated. Would Kael want him in his apartment? Or would he rather Ridge ring the doorbell and wait outside?

Every single one of Ridge’s instincts were telling him to go, find the right apartment, and help Kael carry his bag or something like that. His caracal was pleased they were finally spending time with their mate, but less pleased that Ridge wasn’t planning on doing anything to convince Kael to give them a chance. He wanted to give Kael time first. They barely knew each other, and demons didn’t have mates. He didn’t want Kael to feel like he owed him something, because he didn’t.

If Kael wanted to walk away from all of this, Ridge wouldn’t try to stop him. It would be his choice, and after all, since he didn’t have a mate bond himself, he probably wouldn’t suffer much for it. He might feel like he was missing someone for a bit, but he’d get over it easily enough.

Ridge, on the other hand, wouldn’t.

But that wasn’t something he needed to worry about now. No, for now, he only needed to worry about getting out of his car and letting his mate know he was there. Once he did that, he could go back to worrying about Kael’s reaction and what would happen next.

They were being sent on a mission. They had a job to do, and in Ridge’s case, it was to protect Kael. He would do that even if Kael wasn’t his mate, but the bond made it feel like there was a sense of urgency to the situation. Ridge’s cat didn’t want his mate going anywhere because it was too dangerous, but Ridge’s human side knew there was no choice. Hell, Kael had probably jumped at the chance. After all, he’d agreed to this. He’d no doubt missed his world, and spending some time talking to demons would make him feel better.

Ridge was terrified that it would make him feel so much better that he’d decide to move back to Starhaven or maybe to this new town they were going to. If that was what happened, there would be nothing he could do.

Since he had Kael’s number—Gregory had made sure he did, though he’d already had it because Tex and Nymon had both texted it to him after Kael got a phone—he quickly texted Kael. He didn’t think Kael would want him to come upstairs, but he hoped that if he did, he would let him know.

Ridge didn’t have to wait long. A figure appeared at the door, carrying a bag that was almost bigger than him. Ridge was out of the car in seconds, rushing toward his mate, ready to help. He startled Kael, who jumped and took a step back, his eyes wide as he took in Ridge. Ridge berated himself mentally. He needed to be more careful.

“Hi,” he said, smiling in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture. “Let me help you.”

“I don’t need you to.”

“I never said you did. I just offered my help. I’m sure you can get that bag to the car easily, but I can do it, too.”