Arean the Demon (complete)

Male Reader x Male Monster (both cis)

I was very young when my mother passed away. I remember standing at her bedside and watching her small, pale hand fall onto the bed, never to rise again. My father never fully recuperated from the loss. While he was a good parent, it was as if he was a ghost of his former self. Everything he did felt like the memory of a memory, a movement made out of habit turned into the repetition of the ballerina in a music box.

It surprised me when my father remarried, as it was off his routine. When he met her, I was never sure. How this proposal came to be, I had vague ideas in my head. The woman he brought home was attractive and educated. Lady Lila Barbarossa was her name, but I’d never heard of her before amongst the other families we usually dealt with. She brought with her books and beautiful clothing along with a maid and two daughters, Violet and Lucy, both slightly younger than me.

Right away there were changes to the home. Lila began remodeling, decorating, and easily taking money from my father’s purse. The house began to appear garish and opulent, it was almost hard to look at sometimes.

Violet and Lucy were also digging into my father’s pocket. They approached him like dolls, sweet and innocent, being a bit too coquettish for their age. But that all faded away once they got their money. The new women in the house spent lavishly, as if the reservoir of money my father had was endless.

“You, boy,” Lila called to me one day.

I walked into the room where she was standing. Her eyes were focused on the painting of my mother above the fireplace.

“Yes, Lila?” I asked, irritated I might be hindered more than I wanted to.

Lila put on a smile, one I had seen one my cat when it had captured a bird from the garden. “Please, sweetheart, call me mother. A boy does need a mother.”

Even if I was too young to remember much about my mother, I had one, and Lila wasn’t going to be it. I nodded gently, neither answering her nor indulging her.

She turned her face back towards the painting. “I think your father would much prefer a new painting there. One of me and my girls.”

I glanced to my mother and frowned. “I think he’d prefer she stay where she is.”

There was a crack in her smile. Lila approached me, extending her hand trying to touch one of mine. “I know it must be hard being without her. I still miss my mother dearly,” Lila crooned. She was still trying to take my hand, and when she couldn’t, she placed her hand upon my face. My whole body stiffened, she knew I didn’t like to be touched.

“But you have a new family now. It will be good for you to have this new feminine presence in your home.” Lila’s pal smoothed down my cheek and then her fingers slipped under my chin, tilting my head up.

“You’re a very handsome young man, Cove. I bet you have all sorts of admirers.”

I shook my ead and stepped away from her grasp. “I’m sure my father would like a painting of you and your daughters. But there are many, many rooms in this house you could put it.”

Lila’s smile was forced. “If you say so.”

A few days later, I heard a great commotion coming from that room. As I rushed towards it, I saw the cat come running out like a bat out of hell. Lila’s maid came after it, looking at me then back into the room.

“What happened?” I pushed past her and inside where I saw my mother’s painting on the ground, frame smashed, and part of the canvas ripped.

Lila’s maid came up behind me. “The cat lost its mind, sir.”

I picked the painting up as delicately as I could. My mother’s face had been slashed, and it was not the work of a cat.

“Oh, how horrible.”

I looked back at Lila standing there, her face completely blank despite the sound of concern in her voice.

After that, my cat vanished.

I started hiding money. The way Lila and her daughters spent, I was worried we would be broke in a few short years. Since I worked for my father, and did most of the work, I hid what I took in the books. I had a special hiding place in my room, something my mother had shown me long ago. It was one of the few memories I had of her. There was a part of trim that would come undone, and behind it was a hole just big enough to hold a small box and a few other things. It was behind my bed, so I would crawl under my bed to get to it. I felt secure with where it was.

Even before Lila arrived I had taken on a brunt of my father’s work. Since he was getting older, I had insisted on doing the traveling that was required. Now with Lila and her daughters there, I found work that would keep me away for long periods of time.

I was getting ready to go on such a trip, and it couldn’t come much sooner as the house was becoming insufferable ever since my mother’s painting was destroyed.

“Be safe out there, I would hate to think what would happen to your father if anything happened to you.” Lila’s cloying voice was overly exaggerated.

“Bring us something back,” Violet said.

“Oh please, brother! Bring us back something nice!” Lucy joined in.

I picked up my bag and avoided their embraces. “It’s a business trip. I’m not leaving to play or spend money. I’m trying to bring that home.”

“He’s right, girls,” Lila replied. “I’m sure Cove will be a good big brother and do something nice for us later.”

I didn’t trust her eyes when she looked at me, so I hurriedly went outside to my horse which my father was tending to.

“Are you sure you don’t want the carriage?” My father asked.

I smiled. “No, I'll be fine. There’s no reason for it when the weather will be fair, and the journey itself is not long at all. I’ll just be gone for a few days.”

He sighed and nodded, looking towards the house where Lila stood on the stairs. He then looked back at me and cleared his throat. “There was something I wanted to talk to you about, Cove. Lila said something seemed odd about the accounts and-”

Of course she did. I frowned deeply and looked at him. “Can we talk about this when I get back? I can explain the books when I am home, but right now I really have to go.”

My father nodded. “Yes, yes, of course Cove. I trust you.”

I hopped onto the horse and left without another word.

Some hours later, I took a break from riding and led my horse to a nearby stream to get some water. I stretched my legs and got a snack to eat from my bag.  Everything was quiet, and the more I noticed this, the more I became unnerved.

I turned one way and before I could blink I was shoved up hard against a tree. Someone grabbed my arms, pulling them around the tree and tying them together. From behind a blade was placed against neck.

“Don’t move,” a gruff voice laughed. “Don’t even make a sound!”

A woman walked around the tree, glaring at me as she aimed towards my horse. The man beside me kept his blade against my neck while my cheek scraped against the bark of the tree.

“There isn’t much here,” the woman scoffed.

“The book,” the man snapped. “We’re looking for a book.”

“He’s got a book!” The woman snapped. “Calm down.”

I tried twisting my arms. “Wait a minute-” I was shoved harder against the tree and the man’s knee went between my legs.

The man chuckled into my ear. “I told you to stay still.” He slammed her hand into the back of my head, knocking my head hard into the tree. I bit into my cheek, and blood began to fill my mouth.

“Easy on him!” The woman snapped. “That face doesn’t need any marks. We’ve gotta take him to the market, remember?”

“I figured they’d like seeing their meat a bit scuffed up,” the man laughed.

I struggled more, twisting my arms as I tried to break the ropes around my wrists. I had heard stories of people kidnapped off the roads, taken far away and sold to the highest bidder. I never thought it could possibly be real.

The man’s knee went up and into my groin. “I said: stop moving!” He followed that by striking something hard into the back of my head.

The air in my lungs vanished and I lost the use of my legs for a few seconds. I nearly collapsed in pain, but the tree held me up. The world was spinning, my vision went tunneled. I heard the two thieves talking, but I couldn’t understand them. I faded, unable to think of anything, I couldn't even be afraid.

I woke in a warm bed, surrounded by pillows and soft blankets. It was dark in the room, all the curtains were drawn and the candles were snuffed out. My head hurt and there were bandages around my wrists.

I sat up in this new bed, trying to recall what had happened to me.

“Be careful,” a gentle voice came through the shadows. “Don’t try to force yourself. I brought you here to rest.”

“Who's there?” My own voice in my head felt like beads rattling in a tin can.

A cool, soft hand touched my forehead. I didn’t like to be touched, but I did enjoy that. “I’m Lord Arean. Now be quiet.”

I grumbled, frowning as I began to feel all the aches and pains in my body. “What happened?”

“I’m not too sure on the details. But I saw two rough looking characters carrying you all bound up. I didn’t like the looks of it, so I gave them a good fright.” I felt Lord Arean sit onto the bed, and through the shadows I saw long white hair flow down from his shoulder.

“Thank you,” I sighed with relief.

“I’m just glad I was able to catch it in time. Before they put you on that boat.”

I frowned. “Boat?”

He made an irritated sound. “Well yes. That’s where I caught them.” Lord Arean’s hand moved away. “Stay still, I’ll go and fetch you some water.” I barely caught a glimpse of him as he left. Through the crack in the door, the light the illuminated his figure showed he was quite tall.

I laid there, closing my eyes again as I tried to remember anything at all. But the last thing I could remember was when I was attacked after leaving home. But if Lord Arean had stopped me from being put onto a boat that would mean I was near the ocean, which was days and days of travel from where I last was.

Moments later, Lord Arean returned, setting a glass of water down by the bed. “Is there anyone who you would like for me to contact?” He asked, sounding a bit put out.

“My father he-” I stopped when I remembered the thieves had specifically mentioned my accounting book. “No. That’s not a good idea.”

“Pardon?” Lord Arean said with almost a laugh.

I placed my hand around my head. “I think I was set up by my step-mother.”

“Really? That trope?” Lord Arean grumbled under his breath.

I looked towards his outline in the shadows. “Excuse me?”

He cleared his throat. “Nothing.” He stepped closer to the bedside. “But I am now curious to your situation.”

“It’s about money.”

Lord Arean sighed. “What a shame. Such a lovely face as yours had to get banged and marred for something as silly as that.”

It hurt to furrow my brow. “Thank you?”

“Look, you may convalesce here for the time being. But I have rules I expect to be followed and maintained while you are. Also, I am not accustomed to guests. So…deal with that as you may.”

I nodded, a little surprised but not put out. “You saved my life so I can’t complain. Once I’m better I promise I’ll be out of your hair.”

“You best never be in my hair,” Arean scoffed.

“Okay…” I murmured unsurely.

He approached the bed again, sitting on the edge with his back turned towards me. His shoulders were broad and his back was wide. All i could think was how massive of a man he must be.

“During daylight the house is free to roam. But once sunsets, no one is allowed outside of their room,” he said warningly. “Although, for you, I don’t think that will be too hard to follow.”

“I don’t think those rules would be hard to follow in general,” I replied.

Arena turned his head slightly then rose from the bed. “Get some rest. Drink that water.” He pointed to the glass before he left.

“Strange fellow,” I murmured. I leaned back into the pillows and sighed heavily.

If Lila had something to do with this, then she was probably looking for the money I had kept hidden. There was no way she was going to get it, and even if I never returned home I had no doubt she would never find my hiding spot either. Once I was well, I would go home to confront her and my father both. As badly as I felt about hiding from my father, I had to play dead for the time being.

The first few days I was in Lord Arean’s home I didn’t do much. I mainly slept, rested, and in between I chatted with his two wards, Ansel and Carnie. They were both young boys, younger than me, both with white fluffy hair. They were odd young boys, but they have been good company while I healed. In a way, they are what I wish Violet and Lucy had been.

“Lord Arean does come out much, does he?” I asked one day, playing a game of chess with them.

“Nah, he’s not much for people either,” Ansel scoffed.

“He’s not for much of anything except books.” Carnie watched as Ansel and I played, waiting to play whoever won.

“I understand that a bit. I would much prefer books over people most days.”

“After this I doubt you’ll like people much at all.” Ansel took a knight and grinned gleefully at Carnie.

I exhaled heavily. “You’re not wrong.”

There was a knock on the door, and the three of us turned to see Arean standing there. Carnie and Ansel became very still and quiet under his gaze. Arean stepped into the room, dipping his head to make it through the door. He was so tall, and massive to boot. He looked like the sort of man who would be more comfortable ripping stumps from the earth than someone who kept himself hidden inside.

“You two are supposed to be studying,” Arean huffed.

The two boys glanced in different directions and slowly removed themselves from the table. “Sorry Arean,” the said in unison.

“You boys have work to do, many things you must accomplish. You won’t do anything goofing off.”

I looked up at him and smiled. “That’s my fault, sir. I was bored.”

Arean cut his eyes towards me.

“We’ll go study,” Carnie huffed.

“Sorry!” Ansel replied mockingly as they stomped from my room.

“Stop that!” Arean snarled after them. He turned back and looked at me, his features strong, jawline chiseled and covered by a white beard. He was rugged for a lord. I found him to be quite attractive. And if I must confess, I had been trying this whole time to speak with him, but he was rarely around. I took it as a bit of a challenge.

“They’re rowdy boys, that is why they are in my care.”

“They were just having a bit of fun is all. No harm in indulging that once in a while. Ansel was almost winning though.”

Arean came close to the chessboard. He looked over it in approval. “Not how I would have done it, but he had you all the same.”

“How would you have done it?” I asked.

He stepped closer to the table, placing pieces back onto the board, moving mine back into place. He moved a pawn, then I moved a piece.

“What are you doing?” Arean huffed.

I motioned to the empty chair across from me. “Playing a game. Go on, sit.”

He rolled his dark eyes and took the seat. “At least it appears your brain was not damaged. Whatever happened to you.”

“Yeah, I’m still trying to recall that. But I think it’s best I try and put it behind me.” I watched his massive hand move the small pieces. A thought floated through my mind wishing I was one of those pieces.

“What will you do when you get home?” Arean asked, leaning back in his chair as I plotted my next move.

“I’m not sure,” I sighed. “My step-mother has my poor father wrapped around her finger. I fear he’ll believe her over me.”

Arean’s eyebrow cocked as I made my move. “What does she want from you?”

“I told you, money.”

He breathed in deeply, raising his hand to his chin. He stroked his neatly trimmed beard as he gazed down at the board. “Do you have any?”

“A lot, actually. But it’s hidden back home.” I followed his fingers as they reached for a piece, moving it along the board and blocking me.

“But what do you plan to do once you return home?” Arean asked. “If she is there and has already tried to end you once, would you really want to live with her?”

I opened my mouth then shut it. “I would probably just leave the house. But my father-” I reached for a piece on the board then stopped. I pulled my hand back, second guessing my next move.

“You don’t think your father would leave her?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think he has the strength anymore.” I moved my piece and Arean tilted his head to the side.

He studied the game for a moment, then leaned back into his seat again. “So you would take the money and run?”

“Most likely.” I then smiled half heartedly. “I can’t help my father if he won’t accept it, and I can’t stay in that house much longer the way things are. Even if I end up having to stay with friends or family, I think it would be better in the long run.”

Arean made a move, and in that instant, he won.

“Holy shit I didn’t see that!” I exclaimed. “You’re really good.”

He grinned as he sat back. “I taught Ansel and Carnie the game after all.” He stood up from his chair then knocked over my queen with a flick of his fingers.

“I suppose you’ll be going back into hiding now,” I teased.

“Suppose I will. It will be getting dark soon anyways.” Arean said as he walked towards the door.

I glanced towards the window, seeing the sky had begun to change colors in preparation for the sunset. I sighed heavily, folding my arms upon the table then laying my head down upon them.

The next day, Arean had to take Ansel and Carnie into town, so I had the whole house basically to myself. Using a cane I wandered about, poking around into rooms and seeing the sort of home Arean kept. I was surprised to find most of the rooms had shelves filled with books. Even the kitchen had a whole wall dedicated to cook books and other books concerning food.

Upstairs a couple of doors were locked, but one was wide open. It was Arean study, and every single wall was covered head to toe in shelves laden with books. His desk was in the center, books stacked high all around it.

I sat down in his chair, which was large and comfortable. My feet barely touched the ground it was so high up. I picked up one of his books from the floor, opening it to a random page just to see what he was interested in.

“The farmer barely had a chance to breathe before the Demon King has his fist around his neck.” I read the book aloud. “Oh boy, it’s scary,” I chuckled. I leaned back in the seat, ready to devour what I assumed was a horror tale.

“The Demon King pushed the farmer down, staring down at his delicious prey with a deep desire in his eyes. The farmer moaned and gazed up, staring the Demon King right in the eyes before saying ‘fuck me my master.’” I stopped there, looking over the book then around me in confusion.

“‘Put your rod inside me, and so not spare me for a moment!’ The farmer cried in desperation.” I furrowed my brow and shook my head. “‘You will feel my love penetrate your soul,’ the Demon King crowed lustfully. He ripped away the farmer’s clothes and gazed upon his erect shaft with glee.”

“Okay!” I sat the book down. “Let’s try another one.” I reached for another book and cracked it open.

“The prince cried out in ecstasy as their monstrous lover bent them over the table. The prince knew he would not last long with such a devoted and well aimed spear thrusting inside him.” I closed the book and clicked my tongue.

“One more.” I said as I picked up another.

“The handsome priest greedily took the demon’s cock down his throat.” I shut the book and placed it aside as well.

“Now I’m confused,” I muttered.

I heard the doors opening downstairs, so I made my way out of his room and towards the stairs. Arean was already coming up them, a stack of books under one arm.

“What are you doing?” He growled.

I looked him up and down, my vision of him changed slightly. “What are you doing?” I repeated at him.

His eyes narrowed at me.

I cleared my throat. “Stretching my legs. Where’s Ansel and Carnie?”

“At a lecture, they’ll be home tomorrow. So it will just be us tonight.”

The books I read ran on repeat in my brain. “How romantic.”

Arean glared at me.

I cleared my throat. “What are the new books you have there?”

He looked under his arm and sighed. “I ordered these long ago, but they are not what I expected. I am starting to think I am being had.”

For some reason, I followed him back to his study. “What’s wrong with them?”

Arean placed his books upon the desk and then his eyes stilled. He touched something upon the desktop then picked up one of the books I had read.

“Were you in here at all, Cove?” He asked, but I think he already knew.

I fidgeted with the handle of the cane. “Was I not supposed to be? The door was opened and I was wanting to find something to read.”

“‘The priest and the demon of lust’ isn’t beginner friendly,” he growled.

I pressed my lips together. “I noticed.” I looked away guiltily.

Arean sighed and set it aside. “So what do you think of me now?” he said with a low growl.

“Am I supposed to think something?” I murmured. “I thought they’d be poetry books or war stories.” I scratched at my chin as I tried to think of a way through this. “But stories about cock can be educational too, I suppose.”

Arean chuckled, which surprised me. “You don’t find it perverse?”

I looked into his dark eyes, seeing there was a red hue to then in the light. “I like cock myself, sir.”

Arean leaned back against his desk. “What about the demons? The monsters? You don’t find that strange?”

“I don’t know. I think if I was given the chance I’d like their cocks too.”

Arean’s smile became a grin, he showed his teeth and he started laughing from his gut. His smile, the laugh, it made my heart skip a few beats, even if the conversation before hand was strange.

“You’re a funny one, Cove,” he said with a smirk. He rubbed his big hand across his chest. “I like that.”

“It’s nice to hear that, sir,” I murmured.

He turned and looked down at his desk, picking out a book which he extended to me. “Try this one. You may like it.”

The cover was worn but I could still see the embossing of the title; ‘Daylight Lover’.

“More romance,” Arean replied. “If you’re into that.”

I opened the book to the first page. “I like being wooed.”

Arean walked around his desk and sat behind it. “I have some work to do. But feel free to make yourself comfortable here to read.”

This surprised me more than the pages filled with dick. “Really?” I looked him over to make sure it wasn’t one of the boys in disguise. “You really don’t mind me here?”

“As long as you’re quiet.” He waved his hand to some comfy chairs by the fireplace. “Go ahead.”

“I’ll take that offer.” I took a seat and opened the book.

The book started with a lonely young man who was desperate to marry so his family’s fortune was not lost. He made a deal with an old woman with magical powers, who promised him a lover when the sun rose. The next morning, the young man found a beautiful demon in his room, and the demon promised to love him eternally. The two fell swiftly in love, but the demon could only appear during the day. At night he would vanish from his lover’s side, only to return in the morning. When the young man grew worried, he followed the demon during sunset. When it grew dark though, the demon transformed, revealing his true form. But the young man was not repulsed, and when the demon wailed in agony, the young man stayed by his side until morning, promising to love the demon eternally.

“Any good?”

I looked up at Arean and smiled. “It’s beautiful.”

Arean held his hand out to me, helping me to rise from my seat. “It’ll be dark soon. I’ll walk you back to your room.”

I held onto his arm, touching his bare skin directly. “Thank you.” I smiled up at him and saw that his cheeks flushed soft pink.

Once in my room, I held onto his hand. “Stay a while,” I said. “We can share a drink.”

“You know the rules, Cove,” he replied. “Once it turns dark, everyone must stay in their rooms.”

“You must like that book too much,” I pouted. “But fine.” i tried to let go of his hand, but Arean squeezed tight onto it.

“You’re going to sneak out aren’t you?”

“What?” I blurted. “No! It was just a book. Although now my curiosity is piqued.” I stepped closer to him, placing my hand upon his chest. “Are you a demon, Arean?”

His head tilted to the side.

When he didn’t answer I was thrown off for a second. I chuckled and shook my head. “Sorry, I’m being silly, aren’t I?” I shrugged.

“May I touch you, Cove?” His voice was a low, gravely whisper.

“Oh uh…sure,” I gasped.

Arean slipped his fingers under my chin and he turned my head this way and that. “Your bruises look much better. I can see just how handsome you really are.”

I swallowed as his fingers brushed against the sides of my neck. “I’ve been seeing how handsome you are this whole time.”

His hand stilled and his smile went blank.

Maybe I was high off of the romance of the book, maybe I was just lonesome. But that moment of breathless silence filled me with more courage than I thought I had.

I stood on tiptoe to reach him, placing my hands upon his chest. I barely had a chance to kiss him before he pushed me away.

“Sorry,” I murmured. “I got swept up in the-” Arean scooped me up off the ground, placing a deeper, better aimed kiss upon my lips.

“Your knee was shaking,” he said into my ear.

I couldn’t say anything. I was far too pleased with everything. I kissed him again and again, trailing my lips all over his face. Arean then sat be down in bed and moved away from me.

“Get some rest. I’ll come see you in the morning.” He turned to leave.

“Wait,” I gasped. “Are you really leaving after that?”

He hesitated in the doorway, turning to look back at me. “I have to.” he walked out, shutting the door behind himself.

I sat there in bed only wanting more. I could have devoured him if he had let me. I laid back in frustration, grumbling to myself until I drifted off to sleep.

I woke to kisses on my forehead. It was so bright when I opened my eyes so I kept them closed as Arean kissed me good morning. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His robe fell open and I could greedily touch his bare chest.

“Not too fast. I am not that kind of man,” Arean warned. He sat up, closing his robe and smirking down at me.

I smiled up at him, taking in the dreamy sight. “I’m still pissed at you for running away last night.”

“I have my reasons.” Arean stood and went to the table, pouring a cup of fresh tea. “Be grateful I like you at all.”

“That’s smug.” I sat up as he brought me the cup. “What time do the boys return?”

Arean went back to the table, turning his back as he prepared his own cup. “They should be back soon. Once they do though they will be returning you home.”

I almost spilt my tea. “What?”

Arean nodded. “You’ll have the carriage and their assitance. Plus I instructed them to bring you back here once you’ve said your peace.”

My face went blank.

“Despite your bad influence and penchant for goofing off, I think you’ll be a good influence on the boys. You have a mind for business, and I think they could learn a thing or two from you.” He smiled at me. “Unless you plan to move from place to place between the homes of friends and distant relatives.”

My hand shook as I held the tea and saucer. “It’s just…it’s so kind. When I first got here it seemed you could care less.”

“That was a while ago,” Arean replied. “I’ve grown accustomed to you being here. Plus the boys like you for some reason.”

I smiled nervously, afraid to make it too big or too small. “We’ll be gone for a while, you know?”

Arean nodded. “I know. It will be worth the wait.”

The journey home was a long one. How I had remained unconscious the first time I don’t really care to know. The carriage ride is nice, and having the company of Ansel and Carnie made me feel safe.

Everyone was shocked when I returned home. My father and the staff greeted me, relieved to see that I was not dead. Lila on the other hand, appeared to be as white as a ghost. She tried to act happy, but I could tell it was all forced.

Later that day, when we were alone, I told my father what had happened, including how I suspected Lila. Just as I suspected, he didn’t believe me. I was prepared for this, so I let it be.

“I’m going to go stay and tutor the young men who brought me,” I told him. “I expect a letter every week from you. If I miss even a single letter, I will return home. Do you understand?”

He nodded. “I’ll remember that, my child. But I think I will be able to keep the letters coming.”

I patted his hand. “Don’t let Lila trample you, okay?”

He nodded in silence.

I went to my room that evening, crawling under the bed to get the box from the wall. As I was pulling back the trim something came to stand on top of my bed. The mattress squeaked, and the frame jostled slightly.

I put the trim back in place and climbed out from under the bed. Standing atop my bed was a monstrous figure. He was massive and pale white all over. Large wings spread out, slowly closing as I gazed up at him.

He stepped off the bed before me, glaring down at me with glowing red eyes, six of them in fact. He tilted his head to the side and chuckled.

I swallowed hard, looking him up and down. He had extra hands, spikes growing from his shoulders and elbows. A long tail began to curl up my leg.

“It is you, right?” I finally spoke.

Arean chuckled, bending down to press a kiss to my forehead. “I said I could wait. But I grew impatient.”

I smiled smugly. “It’s okay.” I placed my hands upon his waist. “I’m fine.”

“I know. But I also knew your heart would break.” He cupped my chin in his large palm. “And I had to see you.”

I smiled up at him. “I’m glad you did. You’re beautiful.”

Arean growled. “You’re not afraid?”

I rested my head upon his chest, wrapping my arms around him as tightly as I could. “Should I be?”

His hands rested on my shoulders, the second set wrapped around me. “So you do like demons?”

“I like this one,” I chuckled. “I like this one very much.”