I shake my head and let out a sarcastic laugh.
“Okay.” I don’t argue. What’s the point? He’s dug in. Figures, I finally find a guy that’s sweet, thoughtful, and really likes me, and he’s bat-shit crazy. Just my luck. I stand at the sink and ready myself to tell Stone that maybe this, us, isn’t a good idea. At least not until he gets some help. I turn around and...
“Ahhh!”
Chapter 21
Stone
“It’s okay, Camilla, it’s just me.” I take a step forward to reassure her. She shies away, but with the counter behind her, she can’t back up. Instead, she stands frozen in place.
“You’re a... a...”
“Gargoyle.”
“No. They’re lifeless, made of stone. You’re here in my living room, alive.”
“We sleep like that during the day, but you must have heard tales that we come alive at night.”
“I’ve seen you during the day. You came here to see me early in the morning.”
“The rules are a little different in Erie Cove. Haven’t you noticed that the sun never shines? That a dark cloud hangs over this town? Some days are brighter than others, but it’s never sunny.”
She thinks for a moment. “It’s been overcast, but it can’t be like that all the time.”
I nod. “It is. That’s so beings like Raven and me can move around freely. Whatever time of day.”
Breathing a little easier, she leans forward. “You have wings. I mean, they’re attached to your back. And fangs, and horns. I must be seeing things.”
“You’re right. I have wings, fangs, and horns. A tail too.” I wave my tail at my hip for her to see.
“That’s impossible.”
“This is why all the kissing and touching became painful. When I get very aroused, my wings tend to, I don’t know, come out. But I’m still me, and I am devoted to you. I promise, I will never hurt you.” I drop my eyes because I know that’s likely not a promise I’ll be able to keep. Not if we take this where Camilla wants. “Not on purpose.”
“But how . . . It’s not possible.”
I extend my hand and wait, perfectly still, for her to take it. After a few minutes of silence, I continue. “I never meant to lie to you. You knew I was different. You had to sense it. I was surprised that you didn’t take notice of the people around town and ask before now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was afraid.”
“Of what?”
