Page 39 of Hunted By Fear

For the first time in I’m not even sure how long, I wake without feeling like I got hit by a truck or my head is going to split open. Instead, I’m hot, as if I’m in an oven.

Blinking my eyes open, I’m more than a little surprised to find I’m snuggled deep into Bast’s very bare chest.

I pull back and look up at him, careful not to disturb him. Bast is usually quiet and shy, though I have some recent memories that paint him in a more angry light. I don’t think that’s normal.

No, I can see it now as he sleeps; he’s gentle in a way the others aren't.

So what has him so on edge? Is it me?

I hope not. I already feel bad enough for everything I’ve pulled them into.

I take the opportunity to really look at him as he is, unguarded, in what I believe is his half-form. Horns protrude from his head, his blonde hair wild and disheveled, but somehow still looks good. His mouth is slightly open, but it’s enough for me to see the fangs, and I have to resist the urge to touch them.

I wonder how sharp they are. If I touched one, would it cut me?

He should scare me like this, but I’ve never felt safer—well, that’s not true. I had the same feeling yesterday when Lucifer comforted me.

Actually, now that I think about it, I don’t remember anything past that. The idea that he had Bast come in here both warms my heart and hurts my feelings at the same time. I’m glad he didn’t leave me alone, but it also hurts that he didn’t stay, even if I don’t know why.

I don’t know him, so why would I want him to stay?

Get a grip, Aeri.

I turn my attention back to the man in front of me… No, not man, demon.

That’s what he is, after all; that’s what they all are. Well, not Ruin and Rome; they’re angels. It’s still so crazy to think about, so I don’t. Instead, I push the thought to the back of my mind as I carefully free my arm from between us to run my finger over one of his horns.

Huh, I’m not sure what I expected, but they're soft, like a rock that has lived a life in the current until all the rough edges are smooth. They're bigger than I thought, with a curve to them and ridges.

I push up a bit to get a better look, and oh my god, are his ears pointed?

One second, I’m exploring him; the next, I’m once again pressed to his chest. A low rumble echoing around the room lets me know I wasn’t at all subtle in my exploration.

“Horns aren’t as sensitive, but my ears are,Tesoro. I don’t have wings, but it’s the same concept, though my tail is the most sensitive.” His voice is breathy and deeper than usual, and I thank the universe his eyes remain closed as my cheeks heat so much it’s almost uncomfortable.

I hadn’t meant for him to catch me. I hadn’t even realized I’d touched his ear until he said something, so wrapped up in my own thoughts.

I should apologize, but when I open my mouth, nothing comes out.

“I can hear your heart; it’s beating so fast. It’s okay, I promise we will free you from him.” He mistakes my embarrassment for worry or fear, and I can’t bring myself to correct him even if I could find my voice.

What would I say? I thought I could feel you up without waking you. Sorry, I was rubbing on your horns.

Oh man, the more I think about it, the warmer my face gets.

“Aeri?” Bast pulls back to look at me, and I try to duck out of his view, but he doesn’t let me get away that easily, his hand reaching up to grip my chin and keep it in place.

“Why is your face so red? Are you feeling okay?”

I give a jerky nod, but he doesn’t seem convinced. I need to say something, anything really.

“I…uh, I’m sorry.” I squeeze my eyes closed, unable to look him in the eye. “I shouldn’t have touched you without permission. I won’t do it again,” I say in a rush before I can chicken out.

To my absolute horror, he laughs.

“Oh, Aeri, you can touch me however you like, whenever you like. I just thought you should be aware of what your touch does to me. It only seems fair, seeing as you don’t have knowledge of demons, it seemed like an unfair advantage.”

Does that mean he knows humans?