Page 2 of Demon Shy

I shut the door and stared at my reflection in the entry hall mirror. My dull brown eyes stared back at me. I tried smiling, but it didn’t reach them.

The number of wrong turns I’d taken in life had left their toll. The virus that had killed half my neighbors and then being kidnapped by people who I’d thought would help me had drained me of my last bit of hope…in people and in life. I looked like an empty shell of a woman—one who had nothing left to give.

It was hard to want to try to find happiness with everything happening outside of Tenacity’s protective walls. Death waitedfor us all. According to Molev and Andie, we had days until the first wave of infected hit us.

And that was why I’d decided to try. I had nothing left to lose and didn’t want my last days spent alone and in fear.

The women who’d risked everything and embraced life with a fey at their side were happy. I wanted that. I dreamt of it at night. Being held by someone. Loved. Cherished.

All I needed to do was put aside my fear that I was taking another wrong turn and try. If it didn’t work, at least I could tell myself I’d tried to find some happiness.

Smoothing back my dark blonde hair, I tugged a knit cap on and zipped myself into a worn canvas jacket. After looping my bright pink scarf around my neck, I went outside to try my luck at finding a happier ending.

CHAPTER TWO

HEJUN (A.K.A. BOB)

She was walking outside again.The woman who filled my thoughts every waking moment.

May.

She wore the bright pink scarf that made her yellow hair look so vibrant, but her pretty gaze once again saw nothing except the road in front of her. I took in her slow steps and the unchanged slouch in her shoulders and felt sad and hopeless.

My brothers and I all knew why we should never approach May. She had suffered at the hands of men. Humans who had kept her in an underground bunker and forced her to do things for food. Sex things. Things she did not truly wish to do.

I growled and fisted my hands, unable to look away from her. My frustration and need to help May grew with each passing day.

Angel had told Merdon that, when women were hurt, they needed time and understanding to recover. But it had been many months since my brothers and I had rescued everyone from the bunker, and May did not look like she was recovering. She seemed just as sad and resigned as the first time I saw her.

She turned her head suddenly and looked right at me. I quickly averted my gaze so she wouldn’t know I’d been watchingher. While I had no wish to mislead May, I also did not wish to cause her more fear or distress.

If she knew how often I watched her and thought of her, she would feel more fear. That was something I did not want. Yet, I couldn’t stop myself from seeking her out day after day. I worried. Did she have enough to eat? Was she warm enough? Were any human men trying to take advantage of her like those in the bunker? My hands fisted at the thought.

I was still looking down at my feet when she veered in my direction. My chest started to ache, and I considered hurrying away before she could scold me for my unwanted attention.

“Good morning,” she said without a hint of censure in her tone. “I’ve been meaning to stop and introduce myself. I’m May.”

She held out her small hand, offering it to me in a human greeting that my brothers and I seldom received.

I stared at her delicate, waiting fingers in surprise. She wanted me to touch her? Anticipation overruled common sense, and my fingers trembled as I very carefully took her hand into mine and held it.

“Um, what’s your name?” she asked.

“Hejun.”

“Hey-junn?”

I nodded, still staring at her tiny hand in mine. She felt so soft.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Hejun.” She moved our hands up and down twice then indicated she wanted to be released. I quickly let go and glanced at her face.

Her smile hinted at sadness.

“I was wondering if you’ve heard the latest news about the volunteers the doctor is looking for?”

“Yes,” I said, wondering if that was why Eden had gone to May this morning. Had Eden warned May? Were they worried a female would be forced?

“Good,” May said. “That makes this easier, then. I want to volunteer. Would you be interested in being my partner?”

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