“A while ago, at Merrill’s funeral, you said I didn’t know how to trust. Because of Mom, and because of the coven.”
He brushed his lips over my temple and held them there for a long moment. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, you were right. I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. Trusting doesn’t come easy to me at the best of times, and Mom always insisted we stay away from demons. She must have assumed it was the best way to prevent Lucifer from finding out I existed.”
I blew out a shaky breath. “When she died… the last thing I said to her was angry, hateful. Once she was gone, and I was hunting for her killer, I felt like I’d failed her. I figured I could at least do that one thing for her, you know?”
He nodded. “I understand, witchling. Your mother would be proud of the woman you’ve become.”
I didn’t think so. He must’ve read my thoughts on my face because he pinched me. I laughed, snuggling into him.
Tomorrow, I’d have to deal with the fact that I was officially all-in with my domineering demon. But for now, I was going to simply enjoy the feel of his arms around me.
16
Danica
Iwoke to find Samael’s silver gaze on my face. His arms tightened around me and I smiled at him.
“Were you watching me sleep like a creeper?”
Humor sparked in his eyes. “Merely listening to the sweet sound of your snores.”
I scowled at him, slipping my hand between us and poking him lightly in the gut. My finger met nothing but muscle.
“Lower,” he said, and I laughed.
“I don’t have time for your games this morning. I need to talk to Harriette.”
His eyes narrowed slightly at that. “The light fae woman.”
“Yes. The one who was friends with my mom.”
I yawned. The demon had kept me up late enough last night that it was a struggle to keep my eyes open.
He gave me a sleepy, very smug smile. He looked disgustingly attractive and incredibly relaxed.
And now I was waking up next to him in his bed.
The idea of moving in with him had freaked me out. I’d been convinced I’d lose my independence. But I was too stubborn to let the demon steamroll over me. Ever. Our relationship was destined to be a power struggle until the end.
At least we’d never be bored.
“I want you to let me train you,” Samael said, and I slowly turned my head. He was lying on his side, playing with my hair.
“How long have you been holding that in for?”
“I understood— when you didn’t want me to train you after the incident with the witch descendants.”
I eyed him. “Incident?”
“But now you’re mine.” I opened my mouth and he smiled, bopping me on the nose with the tip of one finger. “And I’m yours.”
I slitted my eyes at him. “Try that again, and you’ll lose that finger.”
His smile widened, but his eyes turned serious. “You chose to be mine. And that means you’ll allow me to do everything I can to protect you. My instincts urge me to tie you to this bed and keep you here, safe from Lucifer’s reach.”
I smiled sweetly. “It’s a good thing you’ve had centuries of dealing with your instincts.”
