Page 90 of Protected By Monsters (Everwood Demons 1)

Was it just a dream? Or was it something more?

And who was I not to trust?

I couldn’t help that my mind instantly went to the new demon who had arrived. That couldn’t be a coincidence.

“I hope the date was good, sorry about the main food,” Bug said as he averted his eyes, and I softened as I offered him my hand.

“It was perfect,” I said with a smile, and he lit up as he allowed me to help him up.

I helped pack up the picnic and carry everything inside to the kitchen, and he snuck another soft kiss before ushering me off, not wanting me to allow me to help him put it away.

I headed off to my room, pondering my weird dream the entire time.

I sat on my bed, groaning at the situation I’d found myself in.

I was having dates with nearly all my hellhounds. It was wrong, and I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, but I couldn’t stop either. I wanted to spend time with each of them, to see what could flourish.

The thought that I’d have to choose eventually was too painful to think about.

And Chumley knew of my date with Bug. Was he annoyed? He’d sabotaged our meal, so clearly he wasn’t too happy. But we also had the date tonight for a movie. Just the thought of it made my stomach knot up.

Were they perhaps competing for me? Seeing who could win me over? I wouldn’t put it past them.

I closed my eyes in frustration as I sprawled back on the bed.

They were going to be the death of me.

Even if I was enjoying myself a little too much with them.

“I’d like us all to give a warm to Charlie,” Dezikiel stood at the head of the table as he beckoned at our newest student. I was jammed between Chumley and Bug as I gave Charlie a glance while everyone said hi.

“Nice to meet everyone, I’m looking forward to learning more. Dezikiel said it’d be best to tell you all a little about myself,” Charlie said sheepishly as Dezikiel sat down and he rose instead. “Obviously, I’m Charlie, and I’m a demon,” he shared with a smirk. “Kinda feel like I’m in a triple A meeting,” he joked, and there were a few sniggers around the table.

“Anyway, not a whole lot to tell really, I guess. I’m hoping to lead a better life than I did before now that I have another chance,” he said as his gaze wandered to meet mine. My breath caught as he stared at me for a few seconds longer than was comfortable before he shook his head.

“Well, that’s it really,” he said as he slumped back into his seat.

“Nice to meet you,” Hadley said, and everyone else welcomed him.

He was less off-putting now, and I watched as he spoke easily with everyone. Maybe I just felt uneasy about him since he was a demon. Xander seemed relieved to finally have another demon student, so he was rattling off questions to him, which was good.

I overheard him explaining to Diane and Hadley that he had been a bully before his demise in a freak accident involving a falling air-conditioning unit. He’d regretted a lot in his life, and was taking this as a second chance.

I couldn’t help but notice the glances he kept sending my way, staring at me for a few moments longer than I deemed necessary. I knew it didn’t go unnoticed by my two companions as they stiffened each time he looked my way with his charming smile.

But that smile that was wooing even Diane and Hadley only made my skin crawl.

There was something not quite right with him, even if no one else sensed it.

I tried to push past my unease when dinner came out, forcing myself to eat and enjoy the meal as everyone conversed.

“So you’re Lily, right?”

I stiffened as Charlie spoke across the table to me, and both Chum and Bug bristled, their attention hyper-focused on the new student as I nodded.

“Nice to meet you, Diane tells me you’re a strong demon-born. You can control hellfire, that’s pretty wicked,” he grinned, and Diane practically swooned over him beside her.

“Thanks,” I said a little flatly, but he ignored it.

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