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And after that, I would figure out what to do about the imp.
Chapter 13
Zoe
After a long dayof shopping to replace my essentials, we returned to Lucian’s place and collapsed onto the couch, completely exhausted.
“So,” Lucian said after a minute, turning to look at me. “How are you feeling?”
I sighed and leaned back against the cushions. “Honestly? I have no idea. Everything is so… surreal. I feel like I’m just goingthrough the motions, and I’ll wake up tomorrow to realize that this was nothing more than some horrible nightmare.”
Lucian nodded, his expression sympathetic. “I’m sorry you’re going through this. But I promise I’ll do everything I can to help you through it.”
I thought back on the odd sense I was getting from him since the day started, like he felt like he owed me his help, like he was responsible somehow.
“I know, but… why?” I asked.
Lucian paused, a flash of confusion crossing his face. “Why what?”
“Why are you so determined to help me? You barely know me, and you’ve already done so much. I just… I don’t understand.”
Lucian let out a long sigh and ran his hand through his hair. He seemed to be weighing his options, deciding just how much to say. “I’m almost certain I’m the reason you’re in this mess. I have enemies, and one of them, I think, is responsible for the fire.”
My eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“Five years ago, I almost killed an arsonist. He was an imp from the underworld. And I think he’s out to get revenge on me by hurting anyone I care about.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. It was a lot to take in. After another moment, I said, “Wow.”
“I know it’s a lot, especially after everything else you’ve been through. That was why I debated telling you sooner.”
Lucian looked so guilty and defeated that I reached out and took his hand in mine. “Hey. It’s not your fault. Just like my crazy ex isn’t my fault. The both of us are being targeted by assholes who have nothing better to do. I know how helpless that feels. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this alone.”
Lucian shook his head. “I don’t deserve your sympathy, Zoe. I almost killed him, so it makes sense why he’s after me. And he’s probably going to try again.”
There had to be more to his story for Lucian to have almost killed this demon. “Did he hurt someone?”
Lucian nodded. “Dozens of people were trapped by a fire he started in an apartment complex. I wasn’t able to save everyone, and it made me lose control. That was when my beast took over, and I tore into him.”
He paused, taking a moment to collect himself. “I couldn’t stop myself. It was like I was watching my own actions through someone else’s eyes. And when I finally came to, I was standing over his mangled body, covered in blood. To resort to violence… I was no better than him.”
“But he was hurting innocent people.”
“I know. But it doesn’t make it right. It doesn’t change the fact that I almost killed him. And now he’s out for revenge.”
I thought back to the moment I was trapped in the apartment, and how I had heard a voice. “What does he want from me?”
Lucian hesitated. “Well… You’re an easy target. Humans are much more vulnerable than monsters, and somehow he’s found out about us. He knows I care about you, and he’s using that against me.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath as I tried to process everything I’d just been told. But more than being scared, I felt awful for Lucian. He’d been dealing with this alone for so long, and I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him.
“Thank you,” I said, then squeezed his hand. “For telling me the truth. I know it’s not easy.”
Lucian smiled softly, but there was sadness in his eyes. “Of course. I want you to know that you can trust me. I’ll never keep anything from you again.”
He’d been through so much, and yet he still had such a good heart. It was truly inspiring. “I trust you, Lucian,” I said, then leaned in to kiss him softly.
He let out a soft sigh, his lips parting as he deepened the kiss. It was gentle and sweet, and my heart fluttered in my chest as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer.
