Page 86 of Demon's Bane

“No weddings,” I mutter. “We haven’t even decided where we go from here.”

A look of concern crosses Allie’s face.

We talked a little about it this afternoon and evening while we were getting ready for the ball, but I still don’t feel anywhere near certain about what I want. And nor do I think it’s up to my best friend—even with as much as I love her—to help me decide.

Allie opens her mouth to reply, but she’s cut off by a deep, affectionate voice behind us.

“Exquisite as always, little witch.”

Allie’s whole face—her wholebeing—lights up as she turns to face her husband, and Eren’s glowing just as brightly, all his focus on her. From the curve of her neck where her hair is pulled up to expose bright red fang marks, to the dress she’s wearing that’s just as daring as mine. Sparkling silver and cut to hug every one of her generous curves, Eren holds one of her hands in his and gives her a slow spin so he can take it all in.

I have to look away and give them a moment.

The ease between them, the certainty, the sheertogethernessof them makes an ache kick up in my chest.

“Want to come in with us?” Allie asks a few seconds later, nodding toward the doors into the hall.

“You guys go ahead. Make your grand entrance and distract everyone. I’ll slink in in a few minutes.”

Allie shakes her head. “Fine. But don’t take too long, alright? I can’t wait to see the look on Rhett’s face.”

Together, Allie and Eren approach the hall. She tucks her arm into the crook of his elbow and gives him another bright, beaming smile before one of the demon ushers standing at the door announces them.

“King Eren and Queen Allison!”

A cheer rises from everyone already inside, and they disappear into a crowd of well-wishers.

Left alone, I take a few slow, deep breaths and try to find my center.

It doesn’t help.

No amount of therapeutic breathing could ever help the fact that I’m standing alone outside the demon court, in the most beautiful dress I’ve ever worn, waiting to go in and meet my demon mate for aball, of all things.

But, knowing the nerves are only going to get worse the longer I stand here, I suck it up and take the plunge.

“What’s your name, love?” the usher at the door asks as I approach. “So I can announce you.”

I immediately shake my head. “No, that’s not… can I just go in? No need to make a big deal about it.”

I’m nervous-babbling, but he just gives me a shrug that clearly sayssuit yourself, and steps back to let me pass.

The great hall is awash in candlelight, from the chandeliers above to the candelabras on the tables to the sconces burning along the walls. It glints off wine glasses and shines over elegant gowns and finely cut jackets, casting the whole place in a warm, inviting glow.

Despite passing up the formal introduction, I immediately start to draw attention as I walk into the room. It makes me feel exposed, shaky, not sure what the hell I’m even doing here. I desperately scan the crowd for the only demon I want to see right now.

It only takes me a few seconds to find him.

Seated at one of the tables that have been pushed toward the edges of the room to make space for a dance floor in the middle, the tightness in my chest loosens the second I see Rhett. I make a beeline for him, weaving around demons and witches making their way to dance, trying not to let myself chicken out.

There are a few other demons sitting around the table he’s at. Friends, apparently, as they share loud, boisterous, animated conversation.

The demon sitting beside Rhett glances over and sees me approaching. With a flare of obvious interest in his expression, he starts to rise. The movement catches Rhett’s attention, and when he follows the other demon’s gaze, the look in his crimson eyes makes me go weak at the knees.

I feel the weight of that gaze in every place it touches me.

Skimming along the dress’s daringly low neckline, tracing the curve of my shoulders and bare arms, widening a little as itfollows the slit to the middle of my thigh. Every single place he looks at me burns.

Rhett rises in one smooth movement, stepping out from behind the bench and grabbing his companion by the horn. Never taking his eyes off me, he shoves the other demon back down into his seat and reaches me in three long strides.

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