Page 463 of Evil Hearts

Aryx shakes his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I wasn’t aware that humans could be affected by the monsters’ heat or mating call, or whatever. The idea of you leaving my side makes me want to rage.”

“That’s quite alright, Aryx. Full-blooded humans aren’t affected by our mating calls. Like many humans born here, you have some monster blood in your ancestry. It’s why you’re reacting the way you are. I’d love for you to join me now. You can help me with the groceries.”

He glances down at my cart, as if he’s just realized it was there. He steps away, gesturing for me to go ahead of him. “Right. Yes. I can do that. Lead the way, Sulessta.”

I shoot him a wink as I pass him. He walks beside me, his hand going to my lower back, and I shiver at the touch. Heat radiates from that small touch, and it makes me want to shift to my human form so I can take him right here in the parking lot.

Instead, I walk to my truck and open the back door. Before I can load the groceries inside, he nudges me away.

“Let me do this. Why don’t you get the car started? It’s hot out today, and while I might not know much about heats, I know enough to know that you’re likely roasting.”

I shrug. He’s not wrong. It’s hot as hell.

Boosting myself into the driver’s seat, I coil my tail inside before shutting the door and start the truck. The air that rushes through the vents isn’t exactly cold right now, but it won’t take long to cool down.

It takes less time for Aryx to load the groceries and return the cart than it would have taken me. By the time he climbs inside, the air is already cooling.

“So you can drive with your tail?” he asks as I pull out of the spot, heading toward my home.

Glancing at him, I smile. “I can. I actually have a human form as well. I can drive in both. Going out in my human form feels like hiding—especially with my heat coming up. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I’m a Maska—of two breeds. Everything about me is different.”

“The human half kind of gives you away.”

I hum. “And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Should it?” He sounds confused, and I glance at him once more. He looks just as confused as he sounds.

“Many humans agree with the monsters that there should be no cross-breeding. That all lines should remain pure.”

Aryx snorts. “Yeah, my family doesn’t agree with that. I have a sister who married a monster. Plus, it would be hypocritical if I did. As you said, I must have monster blood in my ancestry.”

I shrug. “That doesn’t mean much to the purists, but I’m glad my mate isn’t one.”

“Do you have any other mates?” he asks hesitantly.

“As of now? No. I have spread my scent throughout the town, so we’ll see if more answer my mating call or not. Does that bother you?”

I catch him shaking his head from the corner of my eye. “No. I don’t have a problem with polyamory.”

I hum once more, surprised. Most of the humans believe in monogamous relationships. It’s yet another reason they frown upon the monsters. Most of us are polyamorous.

“I think I’m going to like you, Aryx,” I finally say.

He’s grinning again. “I hope so, since we’re going to be stuck together for the rest of our lives.”

We fall silent for the remainder of the drive until I pull into my driveway and park the truck.

“This is where you live?”

Turning to him, I see his eyes are wide as he stares up at my home. While large, it’s nothing overly special. When I had it built, I was hoping I’d have mates and children eventually.

“It is. My parents are well off, and I’m an only child. I have a job, but it’s working for my mother. I try to be as independent as I can be, but I’m lucky to know that if I need something, they will provide it.”

“My parents would do the same if they could, but they’re not exactly well off. We never wanted for anything growing up, but there was never extra money.” He shakes his head. “Enough of that. Let me carry the groceries in so we can put them away.”

Which is exactly what we do before I lead him into the living room, where we stand awkwardly for a few moments.

“I have no idea how any of this works,” he admits eventually. “You’ll have to help me along.”

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