Page 54 of Twisted Devotion

“Whose fault is that?” I snap.

Seth frowns. “It’s mine. I know that.”

“So, you were just going to get the procedure and let me find out you were human?”

He glances down. “I’m not sure. I didn’t want to tell you, didn’t want to go through this. Before you came into the room, Jackson and I were discussing it, and he suggested I tell you. He left it up to me, but said it was important to have people who cared about me and who I cared for be part of the process.”

I lean against the wall, mildly concerned that my knees are going to give out. “I don’t understand, Seth. Why are you doing this? Why do you want to behuman?”

Seth inhales deeply and exhales on a sigh. “I was born fae many years ago. So many, I’ve stopped counting. I want the chance at a different life. One where I don’t have to feed on people’s energy to survive.”

“How long have you been thinking about this?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “Quite some time. Since around when The Experiment was at its peak. And after the battle, things progressively got worse. It took a bigger toll on me than I initially realized. Having to harm people, even humans determined to hurt our kind, impacted my outlook on eternity.”

I nod absently. Seth is the most empathetic person I know, so what he’s saying makes complete sense, but I don’t know how to respond to it.

“I know this is probably the last thing you were expecting,” he says.

“Well, yeah. I understood that you needed some time away after everything, but for you to finally come back and dothis? I can’t wrap my head around it, Seth. You’re my best friend, and I want the world for you, but the thought of losing you . . . it makes me want to keel over and throw up.”

He reaches for me but I move away, and his brows furrow. “Please try to understand.” His voice cracks, and the sound brings tears to my eyes.

“Seth—”

“Please,” he whispers, his eyes glassy. “I am terrified. I need to do this, but the thought of you hating me for it . . .”

My eyes widen. “Stop.” I shake my head, grabbing his wrists. “I could never—I willneverhate you, okay? It’s not possible.”

Seth has been a part of my life since I became fae. There is no version of me that could exist without caring about him. Even if he does become human. While the thought terrifies me to the marrow of my bones, in the end, I’ll support him no matter what. Like he did for me when I needed it most. Whenmylife depended on it.

There’s a brief moment of hesitation before Seth hauls me against his chest and wraps his arms around me as if he’s afraid to let go.

Truth is, I’m terrified, too.

17

Seth followed us back to Jackson’s for dinner. He wanted to talk about becoming human, but the atmosphere of the facility was still filled with tension, so Jackson suggested we move the conversation to the giant, plush couches in his living room.

Now, Jackson makes himself scarce, saying something about checking on dinner and leaving Seth and I alone.

Sitting next to my best friend, who I haven’t seen in months, is weird. Even weirder is his reason for being here. As much as I’m still struggling with it, I’m gladsomethingbrought him back.

Seth reaches over and takes my hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. “The reason I want to become human,” he starts, making my stomach twist with nerves, “is more than just wanting a different life than the one I’ve been living for a long time.”

“Okay,” I say, trying to sound supportive, to encourage him to keep talking.

“Please understand, I don’t say this to upset you,” he breaks off, sighing. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, dropping his chin and staring at his lap.

I squeeze his hand back, and he looks up at me. “Don’t apologize. Just talk to me.”

He swallows hard. “I’m close to the end of my rope.”

I blink at him. “Meaning?”

“I’ve lived more lifetimes than I could possibly want, Kelsey.”

My heart stutters, cracking slowly and painfully.

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