Page 67 of Demon's Mate

“Fly?” Harper whirled around. “Really? That would be so cool.”

Ash grinned. “Then I’ll definitely take you flying. Shall we go up to the roof?”

Some of the joy in Harper’s eyes dimmed. “No. Let’s save that for something strictly fun. I need to get used to walking around again.”

See, he was strong, facing what made him uncomfortable.

“I like the idea of flying being fun,” Ash said. “I’m so used to it. I haven’t thought about it that way in years.”

Harper laughed. “Well, I can’t imagine it ever being anything else.”

With Harper, flying could be something special. Everything had the potential to change when they were together.

They left the building and walked through the Banks along the familiar route Ash had seen Harper take to the apothecary. Harper checked over his shoulder constantly, no less vigilant because Ash was with him.

“I don’t see anyone or sense any witches,” Ash murmured, hoping to provide reassurance.

“Me either,” Harper agreed, glancing over his shoulder again.

Harper’s fear ran deep. What had his coven done to him? Whatever it was, Ash would make them pay. No one should be this afraid to walk down the street.

Once they reached the apothecary, Harper turned to Ash. “Is it okay if you wait out here for me?”

“Of course.”

Harper reached out and squeezed Ash’s hand. “Thanks.” He disappeared inside the shop.

Ash kept watch over the street while he waited, periodically glancing through The Herb Emporium window. When Harper exited the shop, his eyes immediately darted around the street, but his posture seemed less tense than before.

“How did it go?” Ash asked.

“It was good.” Harper made an exasperated sound. “Nico didn’t say anything weird or hint at anything. It made me feel like I was stressing over nothing.”

Ash had suspected that might be the case but didn’t say so. “I’m glad he put you at ease. Are you going to continue selling potions to him?”

“I think so.” Harper glanced back at the shop. “There’s a position open for an in-house brewer, but I can’t take it while pretending I’m human.”

Ash tried to get a look at Nico through the window, but there was too much clutter in the shop. “Do you think Nicowould understand and still be interested in offering you the position if you explained why you’re hiding your identity?”

Harper grimaced. “I don’t know. Maybe. He seems like a good guy. But I can’t trust him enough to tell him I’m hiding. It won’t work.”

“All right.” Ash clasped Harper on the shoulder. He wasn’t here to be pushy. He might not be able to solve all of Harper’s problems, but he could still bring his flower joy and care for him in other ways. “Want to do something fun?”

23

HARPER

“Like flying?”Harper perked up.

He’d had more than enough sorting out his life for the day. Everything he did felt like a monumental decision. Any wrong move bound to be his last. Fun and a little distraction would help keep him going so he could face whatever agonizing choice came next.

Ash’s eyes flashed. “Yes. Exactly like flying.”

Harper melted, his muscles going lax and core burning to match the heat in Ash’s gaze.

Why was Ash so into him? Maybe it was a demon thing to go from zero to a hundred in the relationship department. But did that mean Ash would get tired of him quickly too? Was all his intensity and apparent adoration just how he was in all relationships?

“Let’s do it.” Harper pushed his doubts aside. He wanted to see Ash’s wings when he wasn’t cooped up in a small apartment.