“Dusha moya,” he started, lifting a brow. “I thought you knew.”
“Knewwhat, Dimitri?”
“I’m not human. I mean—look at me.”
Myjaw dropped as I took in his words. Looking at him as he asked. Broad. Tall. Handsome.
“You’re ridiculously gorgeous, yes. What’s your point?”
“Thank you, but not what I meant.” He grabbed my hand and placed it on his chest, moving his shirt to the side so my palm could connect with the skin.
Smooth skin. What?
I slid my hand to the side, then up and down before going back to where he placed it.
My heart missed a few beats.
“Didn’t I—”
“You did, Anastasia.”
I shivered. He almost never used my full name, but every time he did, it was whispered softly.
“Yes, I remember. Icutyou here. Two days ago.”
He opened his shirt until it was hanging off his shoulders and leaned back, showing the place where the Hellhound had gotten him.
Nothing, apart from barely visible white lines. He was already healed.
“It can’t—”
“I’m not human, Anastasia. I would have told you if I didn’t think you already knew that.”
I looked at his face again.Fear. He was as afraid as I was.Iwas terrified because it meant he was some sort of demon or—Divine. What was he scared of?
“But—your blood runs red. I’ve been told that—”
“Not all Immortals are full Hellriser or Divine,” he said, placing his hand over mine to keep it on his chest. His heart was beating fast. Faster than mine. “I’m part human.”
“Part—”
Beware of the Giants, my father had told his army many times.They may look human, but they’re as deceitful as their Immortal parent.
I tried to pull my arm away as I gasped, “Nephilim.”
His hand tightened on mine as he pulled me closer.
“Please, don’t be scared of me,” he said, his voice a desperate plea. “I’m not—I won’t hurt you.Never.”
My eyes lingered on his mouth as he spoke, and here they were. Sharp canines. He had Divine origins.How have I not seenthis before?
“Dimitri…”
“Dusha moya,” he pleaded and I froze. That term of endearment now etched under my skin. I was hismate.My soul, he kept calling me since we met.
His blue eyes were wide as they darted between mine. Terrified that I’d leave. That I’d be scared or repulsed by him.
Was I?
