Page 58 of Unfettered Demon

“How about we stay here instead?” I suggest.

Dark eyes flash at me with amusement and a smoldering temptation that quickens my heart. But he shakes his head.

“They will be sad if we don’t go.”

I sigh. It is good for him to socialize. And it’s not as if dinner takes that long. We will be back here soon enough.

I heave myself out of bed, grab my clothes, and head for the bathroom. Gray joins me and we perform a quick, perfunctory wash. Then I quickly pull my clothes on. Gray might be onto something with his whole robe thing. It would certainly make life easier.

“Ready?” I ask.

He nods and takes my hand. We walk out of the basement together, stepping into the summer night air. Gray tilts his head up, stops walking, and lets out a soft sigh. Staring at the sky, as if he can see all the galaxies obscured by the glow of city lights.

I smile and wait. And wait some more.

“Ezra?” I try.

My stomach is fluttering. He hasn’t given me his true name, but he has to know I overheard it and I know it now. I’ve been trying to muster up the courage to bring it up, but now the moment is here, I just want to take it back.

Dark eyes lower from the sky to look at me. He shakes his head, and it feels like a crushing condemnation. He doesn’t want me to use his true name.

He squeezes my hand. “I’m keeping my harem name, like the other boys.”

A rush of air escapes me. I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath. I raise Gray’s hand to my lips and kiss it.

“Gray suits you.”

He smiles, and my stomach flips over. I really, truly have become soft. And it is wonderful. I understand now why so manypoems and songs are about love. It is the most amazing thing in all the worlds.

We resume our walk and head into the house. It’s noisy chaos in the kitchen, and we are soon directed to the dining room. We do as we are told and settle down in the adjoining room. As soon as we sit down, the others start streaming in.

Pink, Jade, Ned and Sammy are first. Sammy flashes me a quick smile, but he appears engrossed in conversation with his new friends. I’m happy he is settling in so well.

Lello and his mate Carter, walk in laden with serving dishes piled high with food. Next come Red and Brodie, similarly weighted down.

Blue slinks in and takes a chair at the far end. Gray stiffens beside me, so I give his thigh a reassuring squeeze.

Red and Lello dish up with frightening efficiency. In no time at all, everyone has a steaming plate of delicious looking dinner in front of them. Pork, roast potatoes and a selection of vegetables. Gray is going to love this.

Several conversations are flowing. Everyone tucks in. No ceremony or formality. I like it.

I turn to Gray to tell him he doesn’t need to use cutlery, but he has already picked up his knife and fork and is cutting into the pork with the grace of a princess. The sight makes me smile.

I turn my attention to my own food, and pick up snatches of conversation that drift around me. Everyone seems to be in good cheer. This is lovely.

There are even bottles of wine on the table. I lean forward, grab one, and pour myself a glass. It is surprisingly good stuff. I let out a contented sigh. Gray turns to look at me and he grins. His plate is already empty and licked clean. I really don’t know where he puts it all.

I grin back at him, and his eyes light up. It is too much. I wrap my hand around the nape of his neck and pull him in for a kiss.His lips are so soft and he tastes so damn good, I could kiss him forever.

Someone coughs. Reluctantly, I pull away. The room has fallen silent and everyone is staring at us.

What? I don’t think it was a particularly filthy kiss. Was it?

Lello lets out a squeal as he wriggles in his chair. His eyes are huge and sparkling.

“Are you going to get mated?” he exclaims.

Gray’s dark eyes flash and grow wide. He stares at me intently. My guts twist uncomfortably. My good mood is evaporating. Damn it!