I let out a relieved exhale. “Thanks.”
Hux shrugs a shoulder like it’s no big deal. I’ve noticed he does that a lot—tries to brush off or deflect anytime someone notices his thoughtfulness. “How are you feeling after yesterday?”
“A little embarrassed, but Selene was beyond great about it. My magic feels much more settled today.”
“Spending time with your mate without the dampener blocking the bond from you probably helped.”
“Wait. You knew Selene and I were mates?”
Hux’s guilt is written all over his face. “Er, yes.” He shifts in his chair uncomfortably.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
Hux holds up his hands in surrender, wheeling himself back to his own desk. “It wasn’t my place. I might enjoy pushing boundaries, but even I’m not stupid enough to get in between fated mates. The two of you needed to figure things out on your own.” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Seemed like you were ready to do more than that when I left yesterday.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter,” I chide.
“I’m a lust demon. My mindlivesin the gutter.”
Shaking my head at his nonsense, I fire up my computer, ready to dive into the new week. I’ve got a job I love, the woman of my dreams is my fated mate, and I have my powers under control in time for the Halloween festival’s opening night this Friday. Moving to Crystal Lake was the best decision I’ve ever made.
When lunch rolls around, I make my way over to Hunter’s Moon to talk to Garrett about what the bar is doing for the festival. I sense eyes on me the moment I leave the office, but before I can panic, I remember what Huxley said this morning about my magical signature being noticeably different. Combine that with the fact that it’s only been a month since my arrival in town, and I’m still something of a novelty. A quick glance around reveals a few surprised faces—harmless, so I do my best to ignore the uncomfortable feeling of eyes on me. The voice in the back of my mind still rattles off the worst-case scenarios but, thanks to the work I’ve been doing with Mohinder, it’s easier to ignore in favour of rational thought.
The bar’s not open yet so I knock on the glass pane in the door to let Rett know I’m here. The longer I stand still, the more unsettled I become. It was easier to ignore the unsettling feeling of being watched when I was on the move. Waiting out in the open feels more vulnerable, especially since I’m unable to spot who is watching me.
“Hey.” Garrett opens the door wearing dark jeans and a forest-green flannel shirt that matches his eyes with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His welcoming smile dims when he gets a look at me. “Are you OK?”
Shaking off my unease, I plaster a smile onto my face. “Yeah, all the staring is a bit much, that’s all.”
Rett’s eyes soften in understanding, and he steps back, holding the door open for me. “Come on in.” He leads me to a corner booth, letting me sit with my back to the wall and a view of the door. “Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, water?”
“I could use a coffee if you don’t mind.”
“Sure thing.” Garrett strides behind the bar, and I watch him work the intimidating-looking coffee machine they’ve got back there with ease. Rather him than me. The scent of freshly brewed coffee initiates a Pavlovian response, my clouded mind clearing before the first sip.
Rett sets our mugs on the wooden table then settles into the opposite side of the booth. “So, you’ve taken the amulet off. How do you feel?”
Smiling, I cradle my mug in my hands. He’s never been one to mince words—it’s one of the reasons we get on so well. “Better, mostly. I’ve got more energy and I feel… lighter. Does that make sense?”
“Absolutely. I could sense the dampener was powerful, but now I can read your magical signature…” He shakes his head. “I’m honestly amazed you were walking around with that thing on.” He takes a sip of his black coffee.
“But it was only blocking my powers, not draining me or anything.”
His head bobs from side to side. “Yes and no. Your magic is part of who you are. Suppressing it completely for so long, especially when you’re so strong, it’s not good for you. You may not have noticed the weight of it because it’s something you’ve always worn, but I’m not surprised you’re feeling better now it’s off.”
“That makes a strange kind of sense.” Pretty much the reaction I’ve had to most of my supernatural education so far. “Now if I could get everyone to stop gawking at me, I’d be all set.”
Garrett chuckles, running a hand through his dark curls. “They’re surprised, that’s all. You went from registering as someone with very low power levels to one of the most powerful demons in town, if not the country, overnight. That’s bound to turn a few heads.”
“Yeah, well, the sooner people get over it, the better. I’ve had enough of being stared at to last me a lifetime.”
“It’ll pass once they realise nothing’s really changed. Right now, they’re probably wondering if you’re going to try for a council position.”
“No way.”
“Exactly. When they realise you’re not going to cause any drama, they’ll move on to the next thing.”
“So you’re saying I should just wait it out until they get bored?”
