Page 197 of A Soul to Steal

His kindred had fully accepted a bride who couldn’t produce younglings, and Aleron had no qualms about it either.

They would create their ownfamily– just all four of them.

That would be all he needed.

Gideon watched as the other Duskwalker relinquished his woman into Aleron’s arms. Sensing this was some kind of unspoken trade, he ventured closer to Orpheus – although not daring to touch him.

He turned to Reia and eyed the sword and dagger at her waist. She had only recently put them on after venturing insidethe quaint little log-cabin home situated in the middle of the clearing they’d landed in.

He had a funny feeling she’d donned weapons for Orpheus’ sense of security rather than her own.

They’d all been properly introduced before all this. He’d even shaken this Duskwalker’s hand, and surprisingly, he hadn’t shaken him face first into the dirt. There had only been a brief period of small talk, as Aleron obviously wanted to end this quickly so they could move on. Which is where the sense of urgency regarding her ride had come from.

Safely cradled by a monster, Reia flashed a beguiling smile at Orpheus, utterly refusing to place her gaze on Gideon.

He mused over his interactions with this woman.

His attempts at trying to talk to her, since they were both humans who had bonded with Duskwalkers, had gone poorly.

Even after pasting on the most welcoming expression he could muster, her lips had tightened. Her gaze narrowed into a steely glare. Then she’d shrunk into Orpheus’ side and wrapped both her hands around his thick wrist while hiding behind his arm.

What she’d done was obvious.

She had very plainly, and sternly, informed him that she wasn’t interested in him. That her heart completely and utterly belonged to the Duskwalker she was with. Or maybe she just wanted to show that her eager trust was only for those who weren’t human.

Gideon was sure there were other reasons as to why she didn’t like him, since there had been a hint of deep hurt and lack of faith. He figured human men in the past acted rather unforgivably towards her.

It was also likely his face.

It’s always the handsome men that end up being the biggest cretins.Even Gideon had dealt with attractive males who utilised their temporary looks for their own gain.

For most of his life, his friends had teased him about being a ‘pretty boy.’ Apparently he had a face women wanted to date, and men wanted to carve out and place over their own. Gideon had always known he was attractive, and it tended to incite many uncomfortable conversations he’d rather have avoided.

Women tried to cling to him because he was pretty, had a good job that paid well, and a decent personality. They’d just never known he’d rather date their brother.

The whole situation with Reia was silly, considering he was bonded to a Duskwalker as well.

Regardless of her reasons, Gideon had become platonically smitten with her for it.

He adored her loyalty. Already he could tell she was brash, did what she wanted, and gave no shits unless it involved herself, Orpheus, and their Duskwalker child.

A woman who strongly expressed herself.

He liked that in a person, even if it wasn’t always welcoming.

However, when Gideon tried, he could be rather charming. He’d win her over, and he’d bet he could do it by the time they left.

She may even think I bonded with Aleron to use him to come back to life.Especially since her behaviour worsened when she learned he was Emerie’s brother, who had met Aleron in the afterlife.Or that I wanted immortality, no matter how I achieved it.

He did find it strange that she was completely at ease with Aleron, though. She’d immediately showed him kindness. With a bright smile, she even playfully threatened that if he dropped her, she’d shank him with her dagger when she came back to life.

Ballsy. Aleron had been taken aback and fidgeted nervously.

Gideon had laughed to help defuse the situation when it became obvious Aleron didn’t understand she was only joking with him. Then he’d let Aleron know, regardless of the truth inher threat, it was mostly empty – simply because he knew Aleron wouldn’t harm a single blonde hair on her pretty head.

“Be safe, Reia.” Orpheus’s warning was soft but serious as he fully stepped away once she put her arms around Aleron’s neck for extra security.

Aleron’s snout tipped in Gideon’s direction, showing he was looking at him, so Gideon waved. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

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