Page 71 of Tempt

The human who works with them is involved in some way too, but I am not quite sure how to ask about this. I do not want to disrupt the Vorthex and his underlying rage. My very presence sets them on edge. They know I’m aware of where they came from—that they are escaped mine workers and should be sent back.

But that is something I will never do.

My only real question right now is how Hepyn is surviving. The Vorthex look enough like Vyastil that he can pass as one in the human world, especially since his wings were taken from him. But I know better.

And I know what he needs.

It’s why I find myself walking into the shop after finishing my notes, my gaze searching the counter for him. He sees me and immediately snaps something at the human behind the counter that I can’t hear before walking through the swinging doors.

I glance down at the human’s badge to recall his name. Syl. He offers me a half-friendly smile, but it’s filled with caution and a little sass.

“I would like to speak with Hepyn,” I say as I lower my head in greeting.

Syl’s shoulders straighten, and his jaw goes tight. I have seen this look of determination on Everest’s face, and on Dante’s. They would give their lives to protect their VySytheh. But surely that cannot be true for Syl.

Vorthex do not have VySytheh.

“Um, why?” he asks.

I keep my shoulders low, a posture of docility, in hopes he’ll understand I mean no harm. “I just have a few questions.”

“Yeah. No. He’s busy,” Syl replies, his voice hiding some derision within. He must know about Hepyn if he is being protective, but then again, I do not fully understand why. He cannot be bonded to him, and from what I saw before, I do not even know if they like one another.

I hunch closer to him. “I do not mean harm. I promise.”

He snorts and rolls his eyes. He is a terrible human employee, but I do not say this. Instead, I murmur, “I wish for their freedom as much as you do.”

“Yeah, whatever, but like I said, I’m the only one available right now. You have to deal with me.”

My tongue darts over my lips, wetting them as Syl stares, those dark eyes behind his glasses taking me in. No matter how long humans are around others from my world, they are still fascinated by our differences. I understand that a little too well. I can’t seem to get enough of Luca’s fragile, human skin, and his short, blunt tongue, or his ridgeless cock.

“I understand. Perhaps you can tell me if he is well.”

Syl’s lips curl down. “What do you mean?” He cocks his head, and I see fire flare in his eyes. “Oh, do you mean, like is he better than when he was in the fucking underground prison your people threw him in?”

My face heats from embarrassment on behalf of my people, but that’s not what I meant. “Did he tell you this?”

Syl’s eyes flick away, and he shrugs. “Might have overheard it, but whatever. It wasn’t cool or nice to do that. Actually, it was shitty to do,” he hisses. “What the fuck is wrong with people…and…you know, monsters?”

I do not know the answer to that question because there is something deeply wrong with the Vyastil, but I do not say this.

“I just know his kind have unique needs. I am simply inquiring as to whether or not his needs have been met. That is all. If he does not get it, he might be in danger.”

Syl pales. “What do you mean danger? Like…”

“Like if he is not tended to, it is likely he will die.”

Sucking in a breath, Syl leans closer to me. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” There’s a faint tremble of fear in his voice now. “How do I help him?”

I take a breath. I’m not sure it’s my place to say. I do not know if humans will react kindly to this.

“His kind need something very specific in order to survive.”

Syl whispers loudly, “Like the Vyastil and cum?”

My mouth softens into something that feels like a smile. “Yes, but at the same time, it is very different. It’s important they have⁠—”

“That’s enough!” Hepyn’s voice booms before I see him. I know if he were able, he would be spreading his wings to shield Syl from me right now. His eyes are blazing bright against his black sclera. “You are interfering in matters that do not concern you.”