Page 136 of The Demon's Fire
Skyler swiped a hand across her damp brow. The room was hot. “Oh, God. I could use a cold drink.”
ChapterThirty-Two
Koleopened the fridge. “Beer?”
“Please.”
He grabbed two cold Buds, twisted the caps off, and handed one to Skyler. They clinked bottles.
He leaned against the counter beside her, stalling as he searched for words.
“You have something to say? Don’t keep me in suspense.” Skyler shifted her skirt back into place.
Taking a deep breath, Kole spit out, “I want you as my mate, Frisca. I want the Settling. It’s a demon ceremony.”
Skyler cocked her head. “Is there a proposal hidden somewhere in your words?”
“Yes.”
“Shouldn’t you get down on one knee and ask me?”
“If I’m on my knees at your feet, Frisca, it will be for another reason.” Kole hesitated before he sighed, bending a leg.
Skyler halted him with a hand on his elbow. “I don’t need that. Just ask.”
“Ask?” He quirked a brow.
“Yes. I did not hear a question.”
She rested a palm behind her on the counter, took a swig from her bottle, and looked at him with a frosty, no-telltale expression.
“You’re tough. Okay. Skyler Maxwell, will you do me the honor of becoming my mate?”
Her shoulders tightened. Then, she uttered words every male hates to hear from his female. “We need to talk first.”
And like an idiot, he fell into the trap every male does when he said, “About what?”
“I lived under my father’s thumb for years. He convinced me I was unlikable, unworthy, and a mediocre success. Even though I became the CLO of the Alliance after him, I doubted myself. I kept people at arm’s length because I thought if they knew me, truly knew me, they would see how incapable I was. I don’t believe that anymore. Thanks in part to you.”
Kole grinned, proud he had helped Skyler see how wonderful she was.
“I know I made mistakes.”
He nodded, still grinning.
“I’ll make more. I’ve accepted we’re all a combination of flaws and perfections. But I won’t be under a man’s thumb again.”
“Lucky for you I’m not a man.”
“I’m not giving up my job to be a demon’s housewife.”
Kole shoved away from the counter, tenting his fingers to prevent sparks from flying. “Great Gahya, Skyler. Is that how you see me?”
“You told me your breed was a male dominant society. I assumed…”
“That’s not me. I have female warriors who are as qualified as my male Firebrands. Are their skills different? Hell, yes. Doesn’t make one better than the other. I don’t expect you to give up your job. I’m proud of you. Of what you do.”
“You are?”
