Wanting to be done with this already, Silas answered, “She asked, didn’t she?”
But she won’t be able to hear me.
“I’ll translate.”
It wasn’t like it would be the first time. His clan knew all about Tal. They weren’t necessarily comfortable around the wraith, seeing as he was technically dead, but there had been a handful of times where Silas acted as Tal’s voice for them.
Okay.
But Tal didn’t move. He remained there in the corner, his shadows ebbing and flowing in a way Silas recognized as unease.Already at the limit of his patience, he snapped, “Are you gonna come outside or not?”
Honestly? I’m nervous.
“Why? You’ve already met her.” Several times. One of which involved seeing what the bolt gun did to her insides.
Tal’s tone took on a familiar note of exasperation when he replied,She’s your mate, Si. It’s a big deal.
“It’s not like it was a surprise to you.”
So? It still matters.
Silas had half expected Tal to say something smug about being right, but the wraith hadn’t said a word about his warnings. That uncomfortable squirming sensation took up root in his chest again, but he had no hope of pinpointing where it came from.
I want to make a good impression, but I can’t because I’m… this. It’s frustrating.
“You can’t make a worse first impression than me,” he pointed out.
You’ve got me there.
“She’s waiting,” Silas prodded, growing increasingly antsy.
I know. I’m sorry. I’m just—Tal cut himself off, then, in a resigned tone, explained,I think I’m jealous of you, Si, and I don’t want her first impression of me to be this.
“I’d be jealous of me, too.” He bared his fangs. “But you’ll have to kill me if you want her.”
I don’t want Petra,Tal firmly replied.But I want what you have. I’d do anything to get it. Horrible, evil things — and I wouldn’t think twice about it. I don’t want her to see that, or to only know me as a monster in the dark. I want… I justwant.
It wasn’t a big surprise to him. He and Tal had always shared the ugliest parts of themselves with one another, and usually those parts lined up neat and tidy. The difference between them was that Tal felt shame. Silas could never manage that bit.
Distinctly uncomfortable, as he always was when Tal got sentimental, Silas rolled his eyes and quipped, “Well, it’s a good thing for both of us that Petralikesmonsters.”
“Silas?” His mate’s voice, a little high pitched, made all his muscles tense. Silas was already backing out of the fort before he’d even made the choice to do so.
“C’mon, asshole,” he muttered, ducking to make sure his horns didn’t catch on the ceiling. In a louder voice, he called out, “You’re fine, baby. I’m coming out now.”
The breath squeezed out of his lungs when he backed out of the doorway and turned around to find her standing where he’d left her, all alone and glowing in the full darkness that had fallen.
A look of profound relief crossed her features. She lifted a foot like she intended to hustle across the clearing, and he immediately tensed. Not only did he not want her too close to Tal, but there were loads of rocks and random machinery parts scattered around, hidden by vines and moss. If she tripped and hurt herself, he was pretty sure he’d lose his mind.
Heartbeat accelerating, Silas held up a hand. It was deeply gratifying to see her halt immediately.
They had a long way to go, but that sign of trust waseverything.
His voice came out a little hoarse when he ordered, “You keep your pretty ass there. I’m coming to you.”
Petra sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, but she nodded.
A dizzying swell of pleasure expanded in his chest. “That’s my girl,” he rumbled, lengthening his stride.
