Page 98 of King of Malice

He drops down on his knees, which makes my head whip back, surprise making my eyes wide. “You’re right.”

“Which part?” I ask, my anger deflating like a balloon.

“All of it. I’ve pushed too hard and I made choices on your behalf that I shouldn’t have made. You’re angry. I’m bossy. I need a woman who calls me out on it.”

I don’t know what he expected, but my hands relax. “Thank goodness.”

“What?”

“Is it messed up that it makes me feel better that you’re not perfect?” I say shaking my head.

He laughs and then pulls me close, his face settling against my stomach. “You don’t think I’m perfect? I think you are.”

“Oh please,” I snort, but I run my hands through his hair. “We both know I’m as far from perfect as one can get.”

He looks up at me then, his eyes open and honest. “You’re perfect for me.”

My breath catches. “I am not.”

“You are, Cadence. I already told you. I don’t want simple. I like that you challenge me. I…” His hands spread out on my back. “I’m falling in love with you.”

My lips part as I stare down at him. He can’t mean it. “Zane.” I hear the tears in my own voice.

“You don’t have to say it back. I’m still going to help you heal. But I just want you to know that I’m willing to give you my whole heart if you’re willing to take it.”

I curl around him, my eyes squeezing shut. “I love you too.”

“You do?”

“I do. And I want to be the kind of person who knows how to give love and how to receive it.”

“Good.”

But then I tug on his hair. “But just so we’re clear, loving me means taking care of Ava too. I wouldn’t be here without her. She’s the first person who showed me that some people don’t leave. They stay and they love.”

He nods. “I’ll make my apologies, and from now on…I’m clear. Ava is on the protected list.”

I feel like the Grinch, because I swear, I can feel my heart swellingand growing in my chest. What I hoped, what I wanted, has come to pass.

I have found love thanks to The Hunt.

And for the first time in a long time, I think I might be able to work past my anger and live my life with peace and joy.