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“Someone different. I happen to like different.” He’s definitely smiling.

I smile, too. “I really do understand.” And I do, even if it stings. “I’ve never fit in. Not even with my own people…I’ve never been powerful enough, I guess.” I’m going off in a different direction and veer back on track. “They care about you. I can see that, and it’s a good thing.”

“They do. But that doesn’t excuse their treatment of you.” There’s a hint of anger in his voice now. It warms me that he wants to stick up for me.

“They don’t know me,” I say softly. “All they see is a witch. An enemy. I can’t blame them for that.”

“I can.” His voice is fierce. “I wish they would listen to me. If they can’t trust you, they should trust me, but they say that my judgment is clouded.”

“Why would your judgment be clouded?” I frown.

“Because we went through a lot. When two people are put in the tough situations we had to face, it brings them together. They say I’m blinded by that.”

It feels like he’s keeping something from me, but I don’t push.

“They’re wrong, though,” he adds when I don’t say anything.

“Like I said, you can’t blame them for being suspicious of a witch,” I say instead.

“I guess, as long as you know they’re good people, they just need time to see what I see in you.”

And what do you see?I want to ask, but I don’t dare.

The silence stretches between us again, heavy with things we’re not saying. I can feel him breathing beside me, feel the mattress dip slightly with his weight.

“It’s up to me to change their minds through my actions,” I tell him. “Let’s get some sleep.”

“Good night, McColl.”

“Good night,” I reply as I turn onto my side, facing away from him. I wish I weren’t so aware of him. Of the curve of his body so close to mine, the warmth of his breath stirring the air near my neck.

Sleep,I tell myself firmly.

Just go to sleep!

But sleep is a long time coming. I lie there in the darkness, listening to the soft sounds of his breathing. Trying not to acknowledge the growing certainty that what I feel for this fae king is far more dangerous than any enemy I’ve ever faced.

I like him.

I like him more than I should, and it could get me into trouble. A witch and a fae are like oil and water. We don’t belong together, and we never will.

Thankfully, despite my muddled thoughts, I finally drift off.

16

Kian

The sound of someone clearing their throat cuts through the haze of sleep like a blade through silk. My eyes snap open, and for a moment, I’m disoriented by the warmth pressed against me and the sweet scent that fills my nostrils. It’s of honey and wildflowers mingled with a hint of magic.

Kakara’s cat!

My eyes open wide.

My arms are wrapped around her slight frame, holding her against my chest as if she belongs there. Her dark hair spills across my shoulder, and I can feel the soft puff of her breath against my neck. She fits perfectly in my arms, curves molding to my body in ways that make me forget…everything outside of this bed. Outside of us.

Then I remember that we’re not alone and that I most definitely should not be holding McColl like this. I look up straight into the bemused expression on Kyrie’s face.

The gods be damned, I’m a fool!