Page 195 of Huntress

“What are you talking about? We’re perfect for each other, that’s why the Ancient Magic gave us our bond. You were dying, and I wasn’t thinking clearly when he got between Callum and me.”

“Sometimes the universe is wrong,” Elsie said firmly. Saint blinked, reaching for her as though it were second nature. She took a step back before he touched her. “You were right from the beginning. I was using you, just like I used everyone else.”

“No, you weren’t. We both know I stopped thinking like that a long time ago. I know who you are now. I didn’t, then.”

“You have no idea who I am.”

“We’ve spent every minute of every day together for the last two years, nobody knows you better than I do.” The confusion was evident in his eyes.

“You only know what I’ve shown you.” She pointed back to the barrier. “They’ve scheduled your execution, Saint. I can’t protect you anymore. And honestly? I’m tired of fighting with everyone around me to fool around with a demon who’s no longer of any use to me.”

“You’re not making any sense, did they drug you? You don’t have to protect me from them anymore. We’re already outside the barrier, and those demons will keep them busy for a while. Nothing is stopping us from leaving right now. We can gather food from the wilderness, and you don’t have to worry about running while you’re still healing. I’ll shift, and you can ride on my back. There’s so much I want to show you—”

“I don’t want to see it!” she shouted, loud enough to startle them both. “I can’t protect you out here either, not with the king of the fae breathing down my neck. And don’t even try to claim that you’ll protect me. You didn’t last three days without me, I had to come save you! What use do I have for a weak demon who can’t even take care of himself?”

“That’s not fair, Mistress.” The confusion in his voice had shifted to hurt. “I only submitted because I didn’t want to harm anyone you might still care about. And I didn’t want my actions to fall back on you.”

“You make it sound like I’ve never had to bend over backward to explain your behavior or apologize for your existence before. I was dying in there, and you didn’t care enough to stay by my side,” she accused.

“You know that’s not what happened. What’s this about?” Saint asked, willing as always to listen before passing judgment.

“I’m tired, Saint. Tired of fighting with my people over a demon who refuses to even attempt fitting in. Tired of having to keep an eye out for you, and tired of you hovering over me like some dark, broody shadow all the damned time. I’m tired of you.”

Saint stared at her for a long moment, then shook his head. “You don’t mean that. There’s something wrong, talk to me, Elsie. This isn’t the right way to deal with whatever you’re so afraid of. Tell me what’s happening, and we’ll face it together.”

“Oh, my gods.” She pulled a disgusted face, hating herself to the very core of her existence for what she was about to say. “You planned all of this, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“How many times did you say it yourself? But like an idiot, I fell for it. You’re good at manipulation, I’ll give you that. You swore you’d take everything from me before taking my life. My squad, my career, my friends—they’re all gone, just like you promised.”

“No–”

“Don’t lie to me! Every kiss, every touch, you were faking it! None of it has ever been real. Marley was right. You fooled me this whole time.” Her lips drew back in a sneer. “I’m ashamed. How did I ever convince myself that I loved you?”

He winced, and Elsie looked away. She couldn’t let his reaction to this sway her decision.

“But you do love me.” His voice was strained. “I know you do. You’ve said it yourself, and I’ve felt it in our bond. Come with me right now. We’re leaving the hunters and never looking back. This isn’t you. You’ll feel better once we’re out of here.”

“No, I won’t. I was fooling myself when I said those things. I’d rather give myself up to my father than stay with you, demon.” Elsie gnawed at the inside of her cheek to keep herself from crying. “You were a fun distraction for a while, but I don’t want you, and I never have.”

“If that’s true, what was that back in the barn?” he demanded, eyes glistening.

“I needed to decide for myself if my feelings for you were real, but that kiss proved they never were.” She finally looked at him, giving him the most disappointed look she could muster. “A temporary infatuation with a pretty face.”

“That’s bullshit!” He took a step forward, arms out as though he wanted to embrace her, but he stopped short. His tears flowed freely. “You can’t mean this, you can’t. You’re my whole life, Mistress. I live for you.”

“Why is this so difficult to understand?! Who do you think gave the orders to have you brought here in the first place?” she thundered. Saint’s hound ears flattened against his skull as he shook his head in denial.

“They promised me a hellhound, and all they could find for me was you. A cheap, third-rate alternative. I’ve been using you in place of the real thing, but now my true companion is on her way. She’ll be here in a few days, and I don’t need you hanging around making moon eyes at me while I’m waiting. I am done with you, Saint.”

The shock on his face drove daggers into her soul, but she hardened herself. She’d fall apart after he was safe and well away from the hunters who wanted him dead, when he couldn’t be used as a weapon against her. When she knew that he’d make it, even if she didn’t.

“I don’t know why you’re doing this, why you’re resorting to cruelty, especially now. This isn’t like you. Tell me what’s happening, please. All I want is to figure this out with you. Please, Elsie.”

Elsie stared hard at the ground near his feet, doing her best to set it on fire with her eyes to hide how badly she wanted to cry and apologize for the hurt she was causing him.

“That’s unfortunate, because all I want is for you to leave.”