Page 66 of Their Promise

He nodded. “I was following the man and saw him come down this alley, but then the portal and demon were here. I don’t know where the man went, if he went into one of the doors in the alley or through the portal.”

My eyes widened. “You think he was a demon? He felt like a hybrid to me.”

Kayden shrugged and dusted himself off. “He didn’t look like a demon or feel like they do, but he was definitely suspicious. I’ll call Caleb and update him while we head over to the restaurant.”

“Oh, which restaurant?” I asked, shocked he still wanted to go to dinner.

“You choose, but I know you love the pasta place two blocks over.” He pulled out his phone and we headed out of the alleyway.

“Princess, are you alright?” a male werewolf asked as we walked out.

I smiled at him. “Yes, thank you for your concern. I was able to force the demons back just as the portal closed.”

He exhaled in relief. “Thank goodness you and Kayden were here. It makes me feel more at ease knowing you are focused on the demon problem.”

I patted his shoulder as we walked by. “Just call in any portals or demons you see and we’ll rush over.”

He nodded vigorously.

Kayden filled in Dad about what had happened as we walked and I let my mind wander.

Could the demons be using the stones? If so, what for? It seemed odd for them to need them, but then again, we knew nothing about their world. There were a lot of uses for mana stones, not just for wards, but also to augment an individual’s powers. Maybe that man was conducting experiments and needed the extra magic? Or maybe he was part of the demonproblem and had used a spell to hide his identity? There were too many variables and questions without answers.

Dad said he’d have others do more stakeouts and try to find out who the mystery man was and told us to enjoy the rest of our night.

Kayden opened the restaurant’s door for me and poked the middle of my forehead. “You keep scowling like that and you’ll develop permanent wrinkles.”

I rubbed the spot and stuck my tongue out at him. “Maybe I want wrinkles, then you’d forget all about our promise.”

He slid his arm around my shoulders and squeezed me against his side. “I don’t care if you’re covered in wrinkles, scars, or whatever else. You’re the only woman for me. You just need to accept that so you can stop these courting dates with men unworthy of you.”

“Pretty conceited to think you’re worthy,” I whispered, though I didn’t mean it.

“I know we aren’t worthy of you either, but I’m too selfish and possessive to care.”

And somehow those words made my heart flutter.

“Good evening, Your Highness. Allow me to escort you to the private room,” the concierge greeted us with a warm smile.

“We can take a regular table,” I said quickly.

“Nonsense, no one has reserved it anyway. Follow me,” he said and hurried through the restaurant.

“She really is courting the demon trio,” a man whispered as Kayden and I walked by.

“Lucky,” a woman nearby muttered.

Kayden smirked down at me and I rolled my eyes at him.

We walked into the private room, an area sectioned off with walls to allow for conversations not to be overheard.

Once seated and drinks ordered, Kayden relaxed back against his seat and stared at me. “Your darkness seems to act upmore frequently these days. Is it because of us? Do we agitate the darkness in you?”

I hadn’t realized my hair was glowing until he said that. Embarrassed, I ducked my head and tried to calm myself. “It’s just been an … eventful time.”

“I think part of the problem is you haven’t had enougheventsto cool your needs,” he said and sipped on his water.

I choked on the water I’d been drinking, nearly spitting it out across the table.

---