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“In our world, the supernatural world, we have what we call mating bonds,” he says.
I raise my eyebrows. “I know what those words mean. At least in theory.”
“They are what they sound like. Another word would besoulmate.” He takes a deep breath. “And I know it’s crazy, but I think you and me have that bond.”
It feels like the wind was knocked from my chest. “Why would you think that?”
“Mostly, it’s a feeling. I can’t get you out of my head no matter what I do. But it’s a few other little things too. How I can hear you louder than anyone else. How I can feel your emotions as if you’re screaming at me and telling me how you feel. How the thought of not being with you makes me feel like I’m suffocating,” he says.
My eyes sting and tears threaten. It makes no sense and so much sense all at once. “Then why can’t you be with me?”
“Because it’s not safe for you,” he says.
“Why?” I ask. “The teacher rule?”
“There is that,” he says. “But that’s not the main reason. Harper, there’s things about my past that you can’t even begin to understand.”
“Then tell me,” I say.
“One day, I will,” I say. “But I can’t yet. I have to find a way to keep you safe before we can be together.”
“Adrian, what could possibly be so bad?” I ask.
“Do you want to know why I was really there the night we took you away?” he asks.
“Yes,” I whisper, not sure I have a choice. I have to know this.
“There is a rare class of demons who can wield death itself. We’re called reapers,” he says. “I was there to make sure your friends died and were sent to the afterlife.”
My lower lip trembles. “But you told me they were spared.”
“They were,” I say. “I can also prevent death. And I saved your friends.”
“Why?” I ask.
“Because even then, I could feel the bond between us. I wasn’t sure at the time that that’s what it was, but I couldn’t leave there knowing I had any part in hurting you,” he says.
“So you’re Prince Alastor’s Grimm reaper?” I ask.
“I was,” he says. “For a decade. I took souls at his order.”
My throat tightens and I swallow hard. This man, a man I might love, has been killing people for a cruel prince. “Why?”
“At first, it was because I thought I was doing the right thing. Alastor and I were friends. I served on his high council.”
“At first?” I ask.
“When I asked to be reassigned, I was placed here,” he says. “But we all end up owing a favor to Alastor sooner or later. And collecting you was payment for something he did for me.” He shakes his head. “We all make mistakes, Harper.”
I scoot closer to him and set my hand on top of his. “We do.”
He looks up at me and I can feel his heartbreak. I can feel the intensity of how he feels for me. It’s overwhelming and terrifying. Because I realize in that instant that I feel the exact same way.
“We can’t be together if you’re not safe,” he says.
I cup his cheek and he leans into my touch. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. I can tell that my touch is calming him. The whirlwind of emotions seeming to vibrate through the room around me is easing.
He sets his hand on top of mine and opens his eyes. “Some day, maybe. But for now, Harper, you have to win that pass and get out of here.”
