Saint missed him so much at that moment it was as if he hadn’t seen him in years instead of hours.
Knight looked smug when it was finally closing time and he came to Saint’s side.
“Miss me, did you?” He could probably hear how fast Saint’s heart had begun pounding once he’d flown down from the roof.
Or maybe he could taste all of Saint’s sticky emotions in his scent. That thought shouldnothave been so weirdly arousing, Jesus Christ.
“Hush.”
Knight grinned. Then he sobered, making Saint subconsciously brace himself at the sudden seriousness.
“I’ve been meaning to ask; do you think it’s possible to find a demon living in the mortal realm?”
Saint blinked, surprised. “There are demons that live here?”
“Yes.” He offered no other explanation.
“And by live, you mean ...” Saint prompted.
Knight looked bemused. “I mean,live. Get a home. A human partner, possibly. Remember what I told you about humans selling their souls for nothing in exchange?” It felt wild when he’d said it then, and it still felt wild now. “Well, contracts aren’t the only things that can tether a demon to the mortal realm; owning a human soul does the job even better.”
Oh.
Saint tried to control his breathing. He didn’t want that. Did he? No. Of course not. Perhaps demons were more cavalier about shit like that, but it was way too early for him to be thinking about selling his soul, all because he wanted Knight to stay with him for just a little longer.
“So,” Knight prompted, “do you think there might be a way to find demons in the mortal realm?”
He tried to sound airy as he replied, “I mean, if demons actually live alongside humans as you said, it only makes sense that they’d have some sort of community. I think. We can check online, see if we find anything, though I’m not making any promises.” Most likely, Saint would search up “demon community” and it’d turn up with nonsense. He’d try for Knight, though. “Why? Is there ... is there someone you’re looking for?”
Why did that make Saint feel irrationally jealous?
“There is ... someone,” Knight said, almost hesitantly. Saint noticed he was clutching the paperback in his hand tightly. “She was a part of my community in Hell, and she’d ... well.” Knightstopped, jaw working. “She’s here, in the mortal realm, and I fear she might be ... stuck.”
How can she be stuck, Saint wanted to ask, but Knight clearly didn’t want to talk about it. Perhaps it wasn’t his story to tell.
“I want to know if there’s a way I can free her.”
Free her?Again, Saint didn’t ask. Knight looked honestly distressed, which made Saint’s misplaced jealousy disappear like smoke, replaced instead with concern.
He touched Knight’s arm. “We’ll go online first thing when we get home.” His heartbeat jolted at the word. “I’ll make sure to cover all my bases.”No matter how small or bogus.
Knight smiled warmly at him. “Thank you.”
Saint smiled back, feeling that warmth like a roaring flame. “Who’s the one thanking who, now?”
“Hey.”
Saint laughed.
They were literally five steps from the gates to the compound when Saint realised something odd. The moment he did, he stopped in place, feeling a slow, dawning dread. A lump the size of a yam filled his throat, threatening to cut off his breathing.
Knight spun to face him, his nostrils flaring. “Saint?” he said urgently, glancing around. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
If they’d been followed, Knight would have known. And his red eyes were giving an unnatural glow right now, so he must be using his magic to make sure.
Unlessthey’dcome earlier, long before Saint had closed from work and began making his way home. Saint glanced at the corner of the fence, at the little alleyway hidden between his abode and the fenced ones next to it.
“Saint,” Knight said again, cupping his shoulders. “What is it? Talk to me.”
