Page 79 of Protected By Monsters (Everwood Demons 1)

Not that I’d even experienced a hint of a panic attack since my powers had emerged. Truthfully, I had a feeling it was more the fact that I had my monsters fully now, by my side and able to talk. It had helped me out so much becauseI knew I wasn’t alone.

Sure, I hadn’t been alone before, but a part of me always believed they weren’t real. Not anymore.

“I hope so, I hope they could see me like that,” he murmured.

“You are perfect, I’m telling you that. Don’t you ever change yourself for someone. You only change if you want to,” I said, smiling as his face softened and those dark eyes fell on me.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, and I swear I caught the slightest hint of his cheeks reddening.

God, he was utterly adorable, with his ashy brown hair swept to the side and his ears jutting out as he looked at me.

His hand brushed mine again, and I was sure it was on purpose this time as the tingle shot up my arm.

“Lily,” he murmured, chewing his cheek hesitantly as he flicked his elastic band again.

“Mmm?” I arched a brow.

“Would you like to go on a picnic with me?” he asked as he came to a halt and turned to me.

I stared up at him, at the nervousness and uncertainty in his eyes.

His fingers were twisting the elastic band up around his wrist, but his dark eyes didn’t stray from mine.

“I’d love to,” I found myself saying, my stomach flipping at the invitation.

He broke into a wide grin as his shoulders sagged with relief, and I smiled warmly as we continued walking, our hands brushing repeatedly.

But all I could think about was Jack. God, why had I said yes? I’d just been hit with a wave of excitement and joy at the thought, and then the harsh reminder that I wasn’t sure where things were headed with Jack flared up.

Why did I do this to myself?

I didn’t want to hurt them. I was being selfish.

But I couldn’t bring myself to say anything to Bug about it, instead accepting that I’d just do the picnic date and deal with whatever happened then.

Yeah, I sucked ass.

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