He closed his eyes, leaned down, and pressed his forehead to mine.
“Yes.”
A sudden chirp broke the moment.
I jerked back, startled, and found the skeletal bird not even an inch from my face.
It chirruped again before taking flight, bones rattling softly. The little cutie twisted in the air like it were checking to make sure I watched, then squeaked and flew straight toward the woods.
I blinked.
“I think the bird wants us to follow.”
Without waiting, I took off after it.
Chapter Forty-One
Kara
“Don’t run ahead.”
Luke’s thunderous footfalls closed in behind me.
“You’re mortal.”
“I could do without the reminder,” I said, quickening my pace.
A prickling tingle slid down my spine. He was right behind me. I veered to the right just in time to dodge his hand.
He sighed—though it sounded more like a growl.
I giggled.
Probably a bad idea, but I couldn’t help myself. He could grab me anytime he wanted.
As if reading my mind, he muttered, “We both know I can end this game whenever I want. Slow down.” He kept up easily, always a step behind—further proving he was letting me run.
“It’s not a game,” I said. “You’re heading to the woods anyway, and the bird is calling us in.”
“Do you have no sense of danger? It could be a trap.”
“No.” I glanced back at him. “It’s a creature from your world. We both know nothing here would hurt me.”
His footsteps stopped. I halted too and turned to look back.
He was just… staring at me. That gaze of his—hot, heavy, and consuming—should have burned. And yet, somehow, it feltpeacefulagainst my skin.
Slowly, I smiled. “What?”
His head tilted, expression unreadable.
“Did you forget your run-ins with the creatures in Hell?”
“No. Those were demons you brought down here. These new animals—they belong here. Just like you.”
Yes, Luke belonged here, even if he didn’t think so.
Before I could get caught in his expression—before it had the chance to hurt—I whipped around and took off toward the forest.
