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“No response?” I prodded.
The big demon chuffed, scratching the back of his head. “Being quiet was my response. You need to process. I’m good with that.”
I appreciated Casimir's quiet understanding, but I needed to talk or do something to get my inner witch to calm down.
"I don't know what to do," I confessed.
He could have no idea how vulnerable I felt admitting it. "Just as I was starting to feel settled I received a clear reminder that things are actually spiraling out of control."
Tempting as it was, I didn’t look at him. He gave me silence to process. I could do the same for him. Luckily, he didn’t need as much time.
"You're not spiraling. I can see why you feel that way, but really, none of this should be all that surprising."
I stopped walking.
Casimir turned, coming back to where I stood. "You saved a male years ago. He's part of the coven that we contract to set wards. Being here with me, as my mate, odds are that you would run into someone who knows him. You just happened to be here one of the times he joined Vera."
"And Nik?" I pushed, assuming he'd get a little riled.
"The shifter works for Brokk and is one of his most trusted males. Being mated to you means I'd meet him eventually. Circumstances made that meeting come sooner rather than later."
Stupid rational demon.
Speaking of circumstances ... "And my family?" The words came out harsher than intended.
"Are you concerned Brokk Ulrik cannot take care of himself while searching for his son?"
I blinked. "Well, no."
"Are you worried Kol will do something dumb but incredibly honorable? And some form of harm may come to him as a result?"
That one made my eyes burn. Swallowing, I nodded.
Strong arms enveloped my body. "Then that's the thing we should concentrate on. The rest is nothing to obsess over. I would come to know the pieces of your past at some point anyway, and you mine."
I rested my forehead on his chest, taking strength in his embrace and his words. Only he forgot something.
"You forgot about the fae from yesterday."
"Actually, I didn't. We're going to let the Shadow Lord handle that situation."
"But–"
"We'll ask for the recap, but for now we'll let him handle it," he repeated, this time more firmly.
"Fine."
Casimir jerked slightly. "Fine? That’s it? No argument?"
"I don't have an army. He does.”
It was true. Though, having an army of my own sounded rather appealing at the moment. It was also a terrible thought. I would never take the mantle of queen just to have an army at my back.
“Ah. How very reasonable.”
“I know,” I agreed, not trying to be funny. Despite the tightness in my jaw, I wasn’t going to fight every battle on my own, not when Kol would likely end up needing help.
“I’m learning to accept help,” I told him. “Or trying to, at least. “Besides, I doubt I’ll ever be able to stop your cousin from doing as he pleases, not when he thinks his family’s safety is in question. Draven has every right to be involved since your mate has brought him trouble. So it’s more logical to work with him than against him. Same with you.”
