Page 10 of Used By the Unicorn

“I’m fine.”

They give each other a look I can’t fail to interpret. Sapphy steps closer, putting her hand on my arm. “Stirling...”

I sigh. “Look, I know Boaz probably told you about the human—”

Knight cuts me off. “Boaz is still in bed, as far as I know. We saw you with our own eyes.”

We all fall silent.

I take another long swallow of coffee. “If you could have seen how much she liked it.” I brush a hand through my mane, trying to find the right words to reassure them.

“Stirling.” Knight’s tone is gentle. He looks at Sapphy, then back at me. “It doesn’t matter if she’s human. None of it matters if you think she could be yours.”

Everything I wanted to say dies in my throat and I stare between my herd in wonder. “You mean it? You’re not worried?”

Sapphy shrugs. “Humans are less close-minded these days. And I saw her last night. You’re right, she fitted right in. No hesitation.”

I let out a huge breath. “Oh, thank fuck. I thought you were about to tell me to let it go.”

“Of course not, silly.”

So I find myself anxiously checking my phone every few minutes for notifications from the Monstrous Deals app. After Sapphy helped me find the monster escort service, I immediately filled out the online application, but when the notification comes through a few hours later to say I’ve been approved, I can’t find her profile amongst the others.

I scroll through all of them, though, and while there are many attractive humans, I can’t find my human.

Screw this. I throw on a shirt and head for the door. There’s a physical address. Surely someone there can help me. I’m going to go down there and find out for myself.

“I’m sorry, but the escort you’re looking for isn’t on our permanent roster. She only worked the party as a once-off.”

The petite woman is so slight and wispy she looks half-fae. Wouldn’t surprise me if she was. She has such a warm smile it’s hard to feel mad with her, even though my insides churn with frustration.

“Isn’t there some way you could let me have her contact details? An email? Anything?” I don’t know why I’m even asking. I’m glad she’s protecting Jade’s privacy. I’m just not glad she’s protecting her fromme.

The Monster Bar in the basement beneath the Monstrous Deals office is dimly lit, but not dingy. In fact, it has an understated charm. Real candles, a wooden bar, good music.

The guy behind the bar—a tall lycanthrope—turns and leans across the wide wooden surface, to nudge the owner. “Sof, can’t we at least send her a message for him? There’s nothing worse than having your mate slip out from under you and disappear. Believe me.” He gives the owner a meaningful look and she sighs.

“Reece, I know, but...” Her large green eyes drift back to me. “There’s something complicating my read on this.”

“But you have a feeling, right?” The bartender’s expression ignites a little hope in me.

Sof, the owner, shakes her head. “I have something, but it’s different. Muddy.”

I frown, looking between them. It’s like they’re talking in their own special code. “Look, I’ll do anything. Jump through any hoops. I have to see her again. I wasn’t done, you know?”

Reece nods. “Oh, I know, brother.”

“Will you at least ask if she’ll take another booking? It doesn’t have to be private. I’ll meet her here, or anywhere she feels comfortable. Please.”

The blonde woman puts a soft hand on my arm. “Your aura is clear. I know your intentions are good, but there’s a terrible sadness clouding her future, and you’re connected somehow, even if you don’t mean to be.”

My eyes widen. “You have the sight?”

She nods.

“But how do you know I’m not connected because she’s my bond mate? If there’s sadness in her future, then it’s mine, too, and my herd. Please.”

Her expression softens. “I’ll ask her about a booking. I can’t promise more than that.”

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