Page 28 of The Reluctant Heir

He runs a hand at the base of his neck. “That didn’t come out right. I knew you would be gorgeous—you’re half succubus. Isn’t that what a succubus is all about? Being beautiful? And youarebeautiful, but you’re… less plastic-y feeling. You’re real. I like that.”

“Oh, you mean because they have the whole Barbie thing going on? Yeah, try living with them.” I roll my eyes.

“I bet the incubi loved you.”

I laugh but stop when he doesn’t join me. I raise an eyebrow at him. “You’re serious.”

He nods.

“Let me assure you, incubi didn’t love me.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m a dirty hybrid.”

“So you don’t have an incubus boyfriend waiting on you?” he asks.

“No.” I let out a breath. “I haven’t even dated, unless you count one horrible date when I was sixteen. He ordered the most expensive thing on the menu and expected me to pay.”

He frowns. “Your date did that?”

“Yes.” I can’t help but grin at the silly memory now. “After that, I decided to never go out with an incubus again.”

“What about other supernaturals?” he asks.

“There weren’t any local,” I admit. “I did date a human once. We went on two dates. He told me he loved me so I had to break things off. I don’t have as strong of an aura as most succubi so I didn’t think it would affect him. It did, though.”

Succubi are sometimes referred to as sirens. While it doesn’t affect other supernaturals as strongly, it does affect humans. It’s why relationships between succubi and humans don’t exist. Their feelings would be obsessive and not real. It’s all magic.

He furrows his brows. “You shouldn’t tell any of the guys fighting for your attention this.”

“Not even your brother that I don’t remember?”

He chuckles. “Even him—especially him. He’ll be disappointed that he’s so forgettable. I know that he found you quite beautiful. He already told my father he wants to marry you. I’m sureallthe guys have done the same. Your father will have alliance proposals from every single clan before the night is over, I guarantee it.”

I groan, hiding my face with my hands.

This is worse than I thought.

Damek nudges me with his elbow. “Don’t worry—it’ll all work out.”

“Will it though?” I chew on my bottom lip, wondering if it’s too late to book a flight back home. But then I think about beingthe girl who takes notes and fetches coffee for my cousins and quickly opt against that decision.

“Madeline.”

At the sound of my name being called, I groan.

I should’ve known better than to think I could hide out.

9

SORRY I PUNCHED YOU

“There you are.” Kaine steps out onto the stone patio. “Your father is looking for you.”

“Please tell me he doesn’t want to introduce me to a single guy that just happens to be around my age.” I cross my fingers.

Kaine hesitates. “Uh…”

Damek chuckles. “Good luck, Princess Madeline. You’re going to need it.”

“Just Madeline,” I say, turning to face him. “Maybe you can rescue me.”

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