Page 38 of Lich's Mate

Meera gives me a lopsided smile. “I don’t think he likes me much.”

“What? No, he respects you. You got a nod out of him, that’s more than any non-demon would typically get. Especially a female.”

“Oh.” She smiles and folds her hands over her lap. “Lucky me, then.”

I stand up to look out of my window. The horizon radiates with the promise of revenge and success.

“The information you gave us is invaluable.” I make a point of looking back at her. “If it’s accurate.”

“Now you’re calling me a liar?” Her tone is less accusatory than it was with Vex.

I chuckle. “No, no. I’m sure Vex will learn much thanks to your observations.”

“He seems like a capable demon. I’m sure that there’s a lot he and your other spies can pick up if they just get a bit closer to those ugly bastards.”

I nod in agreement.

“Have you always been a tactician?”

The question takes me a bit by surprise. I think for a moment. “No. I’m a warrior at heart. There’s nothing I enjoy quite like facing my enemies and looking into their eyes as they draw their last breath, their death at my hand. A foe’s blood dripping from my hands is a sight I’ll always appreciate.”

Meera’s face pales a little bit, but she doesn’t seem overly bothered by my words.

“The situation with Gorran has forced me to retreat and take a more calculated approach.”

“You really are passionate about this, huh.” It’s not a question, more an observation. The adoration on her face makes my heart flutter.

My feelings remind me of books I read as a curious youngster. Books about human poets and romances between the species’ lovers. For such oppressed creatures, they can truly make interesting art even in the worst of times.

Get a hold of yourself, Kavian. You’re a demon warrior, not some lovesick human in the throes of an affair.

I stare out of the window for another moment before facing Meera again.

“We’ll use whatever intelligence Vex uncovers to strategically dismantle Gorran's operations. I promise.”

She nods. “Good.” She seems relieved, perhaps impressed by how our meeting with Vex went.

Compelled to say more, I give her a smile, hoping it looks genuine. “Thank you for your bravery and cooperation. Together, we will take down Gorran.”

Her eyes sparkle. “Yes, we will.”

Once again I feel my heart respond to her. I was determined to bring Gorran down and wipe his arrogant smirk off his face. Now, I want to erase him from this world as painfully as possible.

Certainly, Meera is influencing me, but it’s a good thing. She encourages me to remain firm with my aspirations. She’s not a distraction. Not at all.

“The meeting was a success, I think.” I hold out my hand to her. “Would you care to join me for a stroll in the gardens? I have exquisite wine that would be perfect for the occasion.”

She takes my hand with a wide smile. “I’d love to.”

As we walk out of the building hand in hand, I can’t help but glance at her every few minutes, appreciating her beauty.

Who knows what the future holds? Right now, it doesn’t matter. I simply want to enjoy these moments with Meera.

15

MEERA

The gardens are particularly lovely this time of year. I follow Kavian through a maze of flowers and intricately cut bushes that block us from the rest of the world.

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