“You just seem brighter.” Mac shakes his head. “That’s not the word. Luminous. That’s it. You look nice.”
I perk up a little. I don’t know what’s causing his reaction to me, but I won’t complain about it. “Thank you.”
He nods, blinking until his human eyes are back then clearing his throat. “What do you think about Tokyo? Can we go today?”
“Whenever you like.”
“Tokyo?” Roman says, raising his thick eyebrows. “Why are you going there?”
“We got a tip from Alenor that our shifty mage might be hiding there,” I explain.
“In the Shinjuku district,” Mac adds.
“Sweet. I’m in. I’ve got a little business there myself.”
“I haven’t been there in ages,” Atlas says, rubbing his chin. “I’ll go too.”
Cassius sighs heavily, like he’s completely put out. “Fine. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go on an adventure. I do enjoy the effect the ocean has on the blood.”
“Uh, none of you have to come,” Mac says. “Unless you’re keeping tabs on me.”
“Not at all.” Cassius waves dismissively. “Business has been a little slow lately and we’re restless. You’ve actually got something going on.”
Mac nods, but I still sense his suspicions. I pat his hand, hoping to calm him. The guys really do just want to tag along. I would know if their motivations were different.
I squeeze Mac’s hand. “Finish your breakfast, then we’ll go.”
The others hurry from the table, filled with excitement now that they have another adventure. Mac shovels pancakes into his mouth before guzzling a tall glass of juice.
“So good. How do they know just what to make that everyone wants?”
“They’re demons.”
Mac nods, even though he doesn’t look exactly satisfied with my answer. “I’m ready to go whenever you are.”
“I’m always ready.”
“Don’t you eat?”
“I snack sometimes, but I don’t require sustenance in the same way you do.”
Before we rise from the table, Mac searches my eyes, swaying slightly towards me. I reach out and card my fingers through his hair, and his eyelids flutter.
“If you ever desire me, you only have to come to me or call my name.”
Mac opens his eyes and nods, exhaling a tendril of smoke. “Okay.”
We rise from the table and rejoin the others, who are all gathered now.
“Shinjuku district, right?” Atlas asks.
“Correct,” I say. “We have no idea what Rune looks like, but his magic has a distinctive smell. We should be able to detect him even in a crowd of people.”
“We’ll let you know if we find anything interesting,” Roman says before pulling Cassius close.
I wrap my arms around Mac’s waist, standing so close we could kiss. I feel the need to ask for his consent, so I do.
“May I kiss you, Mac?”
