Page 10 of The Jorogumo

Liam blinked, surprise making his eyes flare wide. "Are you asking me out?"

I nodded mutely, and Liam's lips parted, though no words came out. I knew he was attracted to me, but had I misjudged the situation? Perhaps he had no interest in dating me.

"Uh, I'd like that. The bakery across the street has great coffee, and some damned good cupcakes. Maybe we could go there during my lunch break?"

I smiled widely, surprised and delighted that he didn't want to wait. "That sounds good."

Liam grinned, then shook his head. "I was not expecting that."

Smiling sheepishly, I ducked my head, then thought I should probably tell him what I could. I might not be able to reveal the supernatural stuff just yet, but I could tell him about my sexuality. As my mate, he would hopefully accept it, but it was possible he might need some time or explanations.

"Um, there's something I need to tell you, and if it changes your answer, I'll understand."

Liam's brows furrowed, and he pulled a stool over to sit on, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees as his dark eyes peered into mine. "I don't think there's anything that can change my mind, but go on."

Hoping he was right, I blew out a breath and explained as succinctly as I could. "I'm somewhere on the ace spectrum. I don't really experience sexual attraction, and while I enjoy giving pleasure to my partner," a spark of pleasure raced up Liam's spine at that, and my powers reacted instantly. I had to shove them down before I could continue, "I do not want it to be reciprocated."

Liam watched me for a long moment after I'd stopped speaking, so long that I started thinking he was searching for a kind way to let me down. I was just about to offer him an out when he spoke.

"I can reciprocate in non-sexual ways, yes? Like with extra cuddles or your favorite food for dinner. Show you my appreciation."

I stared up at him, into those dark, curious eyes of his, and wondered how he'd known just the right thing to say. Was this what it felt like to click with your mate? No wonder Silas and Khush were head-over-heels for their mates.

"I'd like that," I answered, my voice barely above a whisper. In the few times I'd attempted to form a relationship with someone, human—back before I'd stopped feeding on them—or supe, no one had understood my limits as easily as Liam. There were always questions, clarifications, and even after all of that, most people assumed I'd change my mind once we started dating.

Of course, Liam wouldn't be my mate if he was the same as the others, would he?

Liam

I had a date with Haruto! A date!

Of all the things I'd expected him to say, asking me out hadn't been it. Was this why he'd pulled away? Because he'd been trying to figure out his feelings?

I glanced down at myself, straightening my soft blue button-up and eyeing the comfortable black jeans I wore. If I'd known I'd be going on a date, I would've dressed up.

Then again, I was the one who'd suggested we go out on my lunch break, so I only had myself to blame.

"Everything okay?"

"Oh yes, everything's great," I said with a grin, making Haruto smile. "Oh, I just remembered! I found an issue in the stuff I bought from the garage sale and I think you'd want it."

"Really? What year is it?"

"1961."

Haruto whistled, and I grinned. He followed after me as I made my way to a shelf in the back. It was where I kept all the used comics I had available for sale.

I peered up at the top shelf, cursing past me for stashing the comic up there. I'd done it so no one else would spot it because I'd been in a hurry when I found it while shelving the others, but now I'd need to fetch the ladder.

"Wait a minute. I'll be right back, okay?"

Haruto nodded, and I walked across the room to get the ladder from its corner, positioning it under the right shelf and opening it up.

It wobbled a little as I climbed up, like always, and I reached up to grab the comic I'd placed on top of the shelf.

My fingers brushed the edge of the cover, and I reached further, making a triumphant sound as I finally grabbed it. Before I could do anything more, though, a snap echoed through the air, and I found myself falling.

I had just enough time to realize it was going to hurt—and I was going to thoroughly embarrass myself in front of Haruto—when I suddenly stopped short, swaying gently three feet above the ground. What the hell?

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