Page 66 of Demon's Mate
Harper shot Ash a contemplative look. “Maybe not, but I can’t let them find me again. I can’t risk it.”
“I won’t let them get to you, Harper.” Ash fixed a flame-flecked stare on his mate, letting his fire burn, showing how much he meant it. “You know what I am and what position demons hold in the magic world. No one will get through me.”
A shiver ran through Harper. He squirmed. “Is getting all protective of your brand-new boyfriend a demon-dating thing?”
Ash chuckled and Harper’s lips twitched. “It is. We aren’t the most casual creatures.”
Harper barked a laugh. “I’m starting to get that.”
“So, would you like to go out, or is it too soon?”
Harper sagged, his shoulders drooping. “I need to go out. I…um…I sell potions to make money and need to deliver my latest batch.”
“Perfect.” Ash shifted Harper off his lap and stood.
Harper hesitated.
“Is there something else?”
Harper collected the empty coffee cups and paper bag and took them to the kitchen. “I think the shop owner can tell I’m lying to him. I’ve told him I’m selling the potions for my boss and that I’m human. He can’t detect my magic, but the last time I was there, he kept hinting like he didn’t think my boss was real.”
Ash paused as Harper tidied away the remnants of their coffee date. “You’re worried about him?”
“Yeah.” Harper fiddled with a dishtowel, eyes glued to it.
“Does the shop owner have any connections to the coven you’re hiding from?”
Harper shook his head, hand tight on the towel. “No, but it would still be smarter to get another job. I can’t have anything giving me away to people in the magic world.”
Ash frowned, hating to see his mate agonize over everything he did. “Do you think this witch will sell you out?”
Harper’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “No, I don’t think so. It’s not like that, but he could give me away by accident. He could mention something to the wrong person, and they could tell someone else. It could get back to my coven that way. Not that he really knows who I am. I’ve tried to change my appearance so descriptions don’t give me away. But it’s not foolproof.”
“I see.” Harper was being extremely cautious, maybe even too cautious in this particular case. “If you don’t think this man is dangerous or about to sell you out, then it’s probably safe to keep selling potions to him. But if it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to. You’re not under any obligation to him, are you?”
Harper stepped closer to Ash. “No, there’s no obligation. But I don’t exactly have any other way to make money.”
Ash longed to pull Harper against him and tell Harper he didn’t have to worry. Ash would take care of him—pay his rent, give him a place to live, anything. But he couldn’t. Offering would be too much, and he didn’t want to attract Harper’s suspicion about why he was so committed or hurt Harper’s pride by implying he couldn’t take care of himself.
“If this guy turns out to be untrustworthy, I’ll protect you, Harper. On the other hand, if he isn’t a problem, maybe this job will be good, and you’ll get to know the shop owner better. I assume you don’t plan to be isolated forever, hiding from your coven and all other witches?”
“No, I don’t want to hide forever.” Harper ran a hand through his hair. “I was going to leave the city when I could afford it, but I’d rather stay. Though now that they’ve found me, I’m not sure.”
“I can make them go away,” Ash said softly like he was whispering sweet nothings, not offering to release his demonwrath on a group of witches. “If you tell me what’s going on, I can do more than keep you safe day-to-day.”
Harper stepped back, giving Ash an awkward smile. “Let’s start with Nico and The Herb Emporium.” He turned and walked out of the kitchen.
“Sounds good.” Ash tried to mean it, even though his stomach sank. Harper still didn’t trust him. He must be dealing with so much fear. Ash wanted nothing more than to take it all away.
Patience. He had to be patient. In time, Harper would learn that he could always turn to him. Ash just had to be here waiting when Harper was ready.
Harper retrieved a shoulder bag from his room and headed for the front door, Ash following in his wake. Harper hesitated at the door.
“All good?” Ash asked.
“Yeah.” Harper opened the door and stepped into the hall.
“We can walk or fly.” Ash closed the door behind him. “No one will see us if we do the latter.”
