Page 17 of Virgin Lust

He smirked, showing off his filthy teeth. “Oh, no! She’s done nothing, Sire. Your true nature is finally revealing itself.”

My shoulders stiffened, and my eyes narrowed. “Say that again?”

Dirk couldn’t possibly know the weird, obsessive feelings I had. While I welcomed the thoughts of the woman, it was unsettling that she was all I cared about. Then I recalled her hypnotic blue eyes and her pink lips. I imagined what she might look like if she smiled, and my heart skipped a beat. She could lead me into the depths of Hell, and I’d be her willing servant.

“Your shadow has imprinted itself onto another. It’s what happens when a soul reaper finds his one true match.”

“One true match?” I blinked. Seconds later, I scoffed. “Care to fucking elaborate? Are you telling me my kind have mates?” That was absurd. Right? My pulsed raced as I considered the meaning behind Dirk’s words.One true match?That didn’t sound terrible. When it came to my raven-haired beauty, nothing sounded bad. A light-hearted sensation rolled through my chest.A mate.

I didn’t think my kind was allowed to have a mate. I didn’t even know the woman, but it was a given I’d be the lucky one. No one cared for soul reapers except for gremlins. Not that I blamed them. I’d need to be a better person for her. First, I had to control my shadow around her. Then I’d learn what she liked and disliked.Yes.

Suddenly, I felt my soul might burst out of my skin. Goose bumps erupted over my skin. All the excitement trapped beneath my flesh itched to break free.

“It’s a bond for life, but I wouldn’t exactly call it finding your mate. It’s a lot more wicked than that.” Dirk’s grin stretched across his face.

My cigarette broke in half as I squeezed my fist together.Of course.I should have known it was too good to be true. For a split second, I believed there could be some perfection associated with being a demon.How dark could it get?I thought of tasting her soul, and my heart sank. I wasn’t meant to hurt her, was I? The act would make Dirk happy if it meant being the cruelsirethe gremlins wanted.

“What do you mean?” I asked slowly, fearing what he might say.

“Well, as you’ve learned from your encounter with Grim, soul reapers aren’t exactly good demons. Most kill and plunder spirits until they're caught by the Reapers. It’s why—”

I slammed my fists down on the coffee table. “Get to the shit I don’t know!”

“As I was saying, there’s this thing that happens when a soul reaper crosses paths with a certain soul. It causes yours to wilt flower petals when you’re not around her. The longer you’re away from her, the more often it will happen. The dead flowers convey your desire for her. Not all soul reapers are lucky to find their mates. Your fortune is her misfortune.” He cackled.

I glared. “How so?”

“She has a soul reaper’s undivided attention. You probably already know this, but your kind loves the same way they devour spirits—endlessly and obsessively. Her thoughts, passions, dreams, and even her needs become your goal. Everything you do will be for her. It can be maddening for the soul reaper. Some soul reapers have driven their mates to death before they realized what they were to them. The desire to devour their obsession can be far too addictive.”

My shoulders slumped. His words were like a bucket of cold water, chilling me to the bone.Oh, fuck.I could still taste her soul. Dirk’s information made me consider what happened in the dream.Did I try eating her?Not on purpose, right? That was fucking cruel of me. Mystery Woman had every right to push me out of the dream. If she’d been a normal person, I would have killed her, but her immortality protected her.

“Fuck,” I said, running my fingers through my hair. “Shit, shit, shit.”

What did she think of me?

I deserved to be cut down. I’d rather die than become overcome with the darkness stealing my sanity. I wasn’t a monster. I would never eat a bright, good soul like hers.

I hadn’t done so in years. The first few times I pursued souls, I made the mistake. Once I discovered what I’d done, I was more careful.

Shaking my head, I looked at Dirk. “How do I make it stop?”

“There’s no stopping it. It’s a bond—a part of what you are.” His brows raised. “You’ve done something, haven’t you?”

I let my head drop. “She’s immortal. If she wasn’t, I would have devoured her in a dream last night.” Only that realm meant she wasn’t real, so I didn’t actually nibble on her.But I tasted her!And it offended her.I squeezed my eyes shut as my pulse raced.

Despite it all, my mouth watered and my cock hardened. Just thinking of her forbidden scent made my bones itch. I wanted desperately to find her.

“Close your mouth, Sire, before you drool on yourself.”

I glared at him, wiping my mouth. “This can’t work. You know that, right?”

“Why not? This is pleasant news. You finally understand that it’s okay to be a soul reaper. You’re a strong demon, Sire, and feared for good reason. You won’t get yourself killed because you’re smarter than the others. You know how to control your appetite and your emotions.”

“It’s because of what I am that she’ll reject me.”

“Don’t start.” He groaned, and his tiny yellow eyes slanted. “You are the most infuriating, depressing demon I’ve ever encountered.” Dirk snarled before taking a deep breath. “But you are my sire. I’ll live until you are no more.”

I fell against the cushions and then laughed. We were quiet for several seconds before I added, “I know where she is.Always.”

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