Page 46 of Galen

As the scent of rain and earth surrounded me, I closed my eyes and rested my head on the side of his. My protective urge over him increased, as did a strong possessiveness. That feeling bounced around in my chest and only settled when I pressed my face into his soft hair.

Nearly every supernatural species—vampires, werewolves, even certain types of demons—all had a version of mates. Nephilim were no exception. When the one destined to be your mate crossed your path, a connection was formed, one not easily broken. But in the eons I had lived, I’d never experienced that possessive need to make someone mine.

Until now.

***

Saturday evening, I sat on the back porch watching the sunset. Shades would descend upon the city, just as they had for the past several nights, once the light of day finally faded. Until then, I took a moment to breathe. To gather my thoughts.

I had steered clear of Simon all day in the hopes that my feelings toward him would change. The mark I’d given him would fade over time. It didn’t mean he was my mate. To fully make him my mate required much more than a bite. But marking was usually a prelude to mating.

Like hell I’ll ever let that happen.

The door behind me opened, and the scent of rain touched my nose.

“Hey, Galen?”

“What?”

Simon sat beside me on the steps. His dark green sweater brought out the same shade in his hazel eyes. He pushed his glasses farther up his nose and focused on the setting sun. I tried not to stare at him, but his proximity caused the feelings I’d worked so hard to ignore all damn day to come rushing back.

“Look,” he said, wringing his hands in his lap before relaxing them. “I know it was just sex between us. I get it. But I can’t help but think you’ve been intentionally avoiding me.”

“I haven’t,” I lied.

“Bullshit.”

I tore my gaze from his face and watched as the sun finally sank below the mountain. My chest ached as I sensed the sadness coming off him. Instead of addressing it, I stood up and turned toward the door. “I need to get ready to patrol.”

“Wait,” Simon said. “That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about. Not really.”

I looked back at him. “I’m listening.”

“I want to help.” He stood from the step and walked closer. “Raiden told me that angel guy won’t give you any answers about that ring. You can’t go inside Ravenwood because of the warding. But I can.”

“No.” I shook my head, irritation prickling under my skin. “You’re not getting involved in this.”

“Raiden said you’d say that.” A breeze swept around us, and Simon crossed his arms. “You can’t expect me to stay in this mansion forever or I’ll go crazy. Let me help you.”

“No.”

“You didn’t even think about it.”

“I don’t need to think about it. The answer is no.”

“God, you’re so stubborn.” He furrowed his brow, and I had to force myself not to smile. He just looked too adorable when he was frustrated. “I have a life to get back to, you know. I miss my shop and the people I work with.”

“You only have one employee.”

“Well, I miss Kyo,” Simon said in an annoyed tone. “He’s a really good friend. Closing the shop for a week is one thing, but he’ll get suspicious after a while.”

I clenched my jaw.

I knew he was right. I couldn’t keep Simon at the mansion forever. Then it reallywouldbe kidnapping. Or… human napping. Whatever. I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. By letting Simon leave, I’d be putting him in danger. But by forcing him to stay, I’d be robbing him of his life. Mortal lives were too short as it was. He’d miss so much if kept him within the safety of these walls.

But at least he’dhavea life.

“And the shades?” I asked. “What about when they come sniffing around your shop in the middle of the night? They have your scent, Simon. They won’t stop hunting you.”