“Wait, jail?” He perks up. “Is there a supernatural justice system?”
I chuckle at his open curiosity and eagerness for knowledge—he really should stop by the library, he and Giles will get on great. “Yep. Although sanctuary towns operate a little differently to the wider supernatural community. There are two Supernatural Investigation Bureau agents assigned here, but we tend to handle our issues in house with the town council and protection team. Oh, that reminds me, were you given a handbook when you arrived?”
“Yeah, but I can’t say I’ve read it yet.”
I smirk. “If you had, you’d have saved yourself from passing out from shock in my shop—the handbook would have clued you in on the big secret right away.”
“Honestly I would have assumed someone was pranking me if I’d read about all this in a booklet. While my skull might disagree, finding out the way I did was probably for the best—no room for doubt when a gargoyle appears right before your eyes.”
“Fair enough,” I concede. “But make sure you read the handbook. Sanctuary towns have a few extra laws in place—you’ll find them and details of our emergency protocols in the booklet.”
“Emergency protocols? Like for weather warnings?”
“No, we use the same warning system as humans for all that—just on our own network. The booklet will tell you what to do in the event the wards are compromised, if a human somehow makes it past the wards, if you’re experiencing an uncontrollable power surge, and more.”
“Has any of that ever happened?” he asks, concerned.
“Not for as long as I’ve lived here, but it’s always best to be prepared. Some people move here because sanctuary towns are more accepting than the wider supernatural community, but some of the town’s residents are literally seeking sanctuary from supes who would harm them. The wards are designed to repel not just humans, but any supe with malicious intentions. Still, it’s important to always be prepared. Someone with an intent to harm could slip through or create a breach. Crystal Lake is a beautiful place to live with a wonderful community, but it’s much more than that for a lot of the residents. Keeping the town protected is a matter of life and death.”
“I understand,” Jared replies solemnly. “I’ll make sure I’ve memorised the handbook by the end of the week.”
It’s clear both of us are in need of lighter conversation, so we clear away our dinner and then move through to my living room to continue Jared’s crash course on the supernatural world. My tiny couch feels even smaller with him sitting next to me, and it’s only by sheer force of will that I avoid blushing each time our knees brush against each other.
“Hux said he couldn’t tell what kind of demon I am. Do you know?”
I shake my head. “Sorry, the dampening amulet is blocking too much of your magical signature. I can only just tell you’re a demon.” Jared’s hopeful expression slides away, and I rush to comfort him, laying a hand on his forearm. “I’m sure Huxley will help you figure it out in no time. You said you’re starting lessons with him tomorrow?”
The corners of his eyes crinkle with his soft smile, and he covers my hand with his, the warmth of his palm soothing part of my soul. Our mate bond is messing with my head. I lock my spine to stop myself from melting into his side. Unlike some of the town’s residents, I’m not well-versed in human dating rituals, but even I know that would be moving too fast. “Yeah, after work. I’m nervous but excited.”
“You’ll do great.”
The air hangs heavy between us, and I’m painfully aware of how his long, lean form angles towards mine, the weight of his hand still covering mine where it rests on his arm. My traitorous body shifts infinitesimally closer. Or is it him gravitating towards me? We’re like waves on the sand, unconsciously drawn together. This close, when I look into his eyes, I notice the wide bands of green surrounding the circles of brown closest to his pupils.
He swallows, drawing my gaze down the column of his throat to where the top two buttons of his shirt lie open. “Thank you.”
My jaw clicks with the force of my yawn, and I flinch while Jared winces in sympathy from his relaxed position beside me. He glances at his watch and bolts upright.
“God, it’s been hours—no wonder you’re tired. I shouldn’t have quizzed you for so long.”
“I didn’t mind. You’re good company.” It’s the truth. For the most part, I don’t mind living alone—I enjoy it even—but somenights the cottage feels a little too quiet, too empty with only me pottering about inside. Jared’s presence matches his outward appearance, warm and comforting. Now that I’ve got to know him, it’s clear my nickname for Jared is even more accurate than I first thought. He really is my Golden Boy. I should probably stop calling himmineuntil he knows about and accepts our connection, but I’m not sure I can. The best I can do is give him a chance to adjust to his new life here before telling him about the mate bond. It won’t be easy, but it’s what’s best for Jared. As his mate, it’s my duty and privilege to look out for him. If he accepts the bond, he’ll do the same for me.
“Well, I should get going but thank you for having me. And thank you for answering my questions. I really appreciate it.”
“It was the least I could do considering the whole ‘surprise, you’re a demon’ thing.”
He grins, and all my thoughts come screeching to a halt. It’s the first time I’ve seen a full smile from him, andwow. Jared’s already plenty handsome with his brow furrowed in concentration while he’s focused on absorbing as much information as he can, but Jared smiling? Hopefully he adjusts quickly so I can tell him about our mate bond soon. Otherwise I’ll have to murder anyone who tries to hit on him, and with looks like his, the body count will behigh.
“We both know that wasn’t your fault.” I shrug a shoulder in response, then he smooths his hands down the sides of his trousers looking nervous. “Would you… er, can I buy you dinner, as a thank you?”
Is he… asking me out?
“Yes,” I answer quickly, a little too quickly. I cough and try again, this time like a normal witch. “Dinner would be great.” He smiles again and damn. Someone call the SIB because those dimples can’t be legal. “Did you get a SIM card yet?”
“Yesterday.” He hands me his phone so I can add my number to his contacts. When I pass it back, his thumbs fly across the screen and a moment later I feel my phone buzz with a new text from him.
“Great. I need to check my schedule—I’m working extra at the shop while we prep for the Halloween festival, but I’ll text you.”
“I look forward to it. Goodnight, Selene. I’ll see you soon.”
