Page 50 of Demon Shock

Mya grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Because she wanted me out?Still unsure, I stood.

“If you’re looking for open houses here, there are a few on the west side. Personally, I’d avoid looking for a place in Tenacity. It’s overcrowded, and although June and Matt cleaned out the really bad apples, it’s still a tense environment over there. If you want a place that’s more harmonious with the fey, stick to here or Unity, our newest community. They have a lot of unclaimed homes there.”

“That’s the one with the greenhouses and fields, right?” I asked.

“It is. Are you interested in being a farmer?”

“My grandpa was really into gardening. I have a few binders filled with the seeds he collected over the years. He made notes about hardiness and yield. He was really into it and liked to talk about it. I wouldn’t mind trying to put some of that information into practice. No guarantee I’d be any good at it, though.”

“You won’t know until you try. And this is the perfect time for it. I suggest heading there first.”

I nodded, stood, and held out my hand. “It was nice to meet you, Mya.”

“You too. Thanks for accepting Gyrik’s invitation. I hope you two find a house you like in Unity.”

Gyrik took my hand and led me to the door where Drav spoke to another fey. I smiled politely at both of them as they stepped aside, allowing us to leave.

Once we were a good distance away, I looked at Gyrik.

“I can’t tell if that meeting went well or not. Were we just kicked out?”

He blinked at me.

Where was Zach when I needed him?

“Nevermind. What do you think of Mya’s idea of checking out Unity to find a house? You’re still willing to live with me, right?”

The idea of snuggling with Gyrik every night appealed to me…a lot. And if a few more impromptu explosions happened because of it, my ego wouldn’t mind the boost. He was easy to talk to and easy to be around. His teeth had surprised me a little, but he really did have a heart-melting smile when he let it free.

And most importantly, I felt really, really safe with him around. And appreciated. And cared for.

I realized I’d already started the slow fall, which hadn’t been very slow. I reallylikedGyrik.

As I waited for an answer, the tips of his ears darkened. I needed to ask Zach what that meant.

“Yes, I want to live with you, Ava,” he said finally.

My smile was so wide it strained my cheeks.

“Perfect. Let’s find Pete and Repeat and head over there. You know how to get there, right?”

“I do.”

As we walked back toward the wall, I noticed how many people were walking around and how many of them weren’t human. Men just like Gyrik wandered between the houses. I saw one walking a cow on a leash.

“Well, that’s something new,” I said. He made eye contact with me, and I waved.

Gyrik caught my hand, and I fought not to grin.

“Pete and Repeat are there,” he said, pointing down the road.

My two cats were twining around the legs of a group of gathered fey. One would occasionally squat down to give a cat a pet and stand again when the cat walked away.

Still holding my hand, Gyrik led me toward them.

Pete saw me drawing near and abandoned the group to stroll my way. Gyrik released my hand so I could scoop Pete up and give him the smooches he enjoyed.

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