Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Now it was Luke’s turn to hesitate. He was the one who said that he wanted Matteo to accept all the parts of his life and that he intended to keep the demons in his life. If Azroth wiped Matteo’s memory of the demons now, weren’t they just living on borrowed time, setting themselves up for more pain down the road in the event that Matteo was never able to accept the demons as Luke’s extended family?
“I don’t know,” he whispered.
“Then…can I have a little time to think about it?” Matteo squeezed Luke’s hand and flashed him an incredibly fragile smile. “I don’t want to lose you, but I need to figure out if I can handle this.”
“That’s fair.” Even though it was breaking his heart.
There wasn’t much more to talk about. Matteo reluctantly released Luke’s hand, and they both got dressed. One of the demons must have been listening, because none of them were to be found as they descended from the attic to the front door.
Matteo paused as he stepped past the threshold and looked at Luke. The sun was shining brightly overhead, chasing away all of last night’s shadows except for the ones that seemed to linger in Matteo’s sad brown eyes.
“I’m sorry—” Matteo started, but Luke quickly cut him off.
“Don’t. Please don’t apologize. None of this is your fault.”
“But I like you, Luke. I like you so damn much, and I don’t want to screw this up.”
“You’re not. I promise. You’re looking out for you, and that is important to me too.” Luke lifted a hand and brushed his knuckles lightly across Matteo’s cheek. “I want us to date, but I won’t ever sacrifice your peace of mind. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here.”
Matteo nodded jerkily. He lunged forward, his lips crashing into Luke’s for a hard, painful kiss before he darted away, running down the porch stairs. Luke watched him as he hurried along the street, closing the door against the cold winter wind only after he could no longer see Matteo.
He turned and sat in the foyer, his back pressed against the door. Had he made the right decision?
Tog appeared a moment later in his demon form, shuffling down the hall toward him. The demon stood over him for a heartbeat before flopping on the floor next to him, his back against the door as well.
“Matteo will come around. I know it,” Tog declared.
Luke leaned his head on Tog’s beefy shoulder and sighed. “I really hope you’re right.”
Chapter 27
Demon on Campus
AZROTH
Azroth stepped into the library and fought down his revulsion. It was too bright and airy. He preferred the library at home with all its dark corners, old wood, and that rich decaying book smell. The furniture was large and unwieldy. The carpet was thick and the same color as dried blood. And then there was always the chance that the library would break into weeping at the most random thing. All bonuses that made being in the library at home even more enjoyable.
But here at Ravenwood, the library was filled with college students studying for their exams. No one was making mischief or plotting evil. So boring.
Or as Luke’s generation would say: Zero stars. Would not recommend.
Azroth rolled his eyes at the thought and again at Luke’s entire generation.
At least Luke had some redeeming qualities. Besides, he was their Luke, and nothing else mattered.
Which was why he was standing in the middle of Ravenwood University library in the first place. Their Luke was depressed, and this needed to be fixed now.
It had been a week since those bastards had dared to attack Luke and Matteo. That also meant it had been a week since Matteo and Luke had last talked. Luke said that he respected Matteo’s need to think things through, but all the demons knew they were perfect for each other. Matteo just needed a little nudge.
Ignoring the annoying brilliance of the library, Azroth wandered until he found his prey. After Matteo left the house, Azroth had ordered the crows to keep an eye on the young man. He’d had a feeling he would need to stage an intervention.
It took Azroth only a moment to locate Matteo seated at a table in the middle of the third floor, piles of books surrounding him. A sliver of happiness shot through Azroth to see that Matteo didn’t appear to be handling his separation from Luke any better. The man’s face was sallow, and dark circles underlined his eyes as if he’d not had a good night’s sleep in a week.
The demon marched over to the table, pulled out one of the empty chairs across from Matteo, and elegantly draped his long, slender body across it.
Matteo’s head snapped up, and he just gawked at Azroth for several seconds. It was as if someone had blown out the pilot light of his brain.