Chapter Nine

Poe

Another afternoon of research on demons was officially down the drain.

Like most other supes, there was no telling myth from truth unless I spoke to them directly.

Which I wanted to do. Hemlock and Grendel were two people I wanted to meet. Not only for an interview and what I predicted would be an amazing podcast episode either.

The more I got to know about them, the more I liked.

Without officially accepting the match or responding to the message they'd sent the night before, I hit the button to request more pictures.

Their response was almost immediate.

I'd studied their profile almost as much as their species. They were blacksmiths who had their own shop. They shoed horses, contrary to a few legends about their kind. Some people thought that animals, in particular, horses, could tell when a demon was near. So either that tale was a flat-out lie or the horses Grendel and Hemlock were dealing with didn't have those senses. I didn't believe either one.

They didn't look like the demons shown online either.

Not even close.

They looked like they should commission themselves as cowboy romance novel models.

Still, I hesitated in responding to their message. I'd been burned before, so many times I'd lost count.

From what I saw, they were just what I was looking for in partners. Gorgeous, sure, but there was more. They were hard workers. Most people who worked for themselves had to be, but I'd gone one step further. I'd searched their business online and found they had raving reviews. Some horse owners said they brought their animals three states over to have Grendel and Hemlock shoe them when another blacksmith messed up.

Hardworking.

Dedicated.

Great with animals.

Didn't sound like a pair of demons to me.

They owned their own home and workshop. Their physiques showed the proof of their jobs. Muscles for days, but you could also tell they didn't turn down a steak dinner. A little extra to keep me warm at night.

Two men I was sure to feel safe with, which was what I was aiming for. My wolf demanded it.

They'd sent me a cute message the night before.

It seems we are a match. We'd love to talk to you more. We listened to some of your podcast episodes. Let us know if you'd like to talk. Here or via text.

Grendel and Hemlock.

They were adorable. They listened to my podcast? I wondered what their opinion of it was. Did they like it?

Goddess, I never cared very much about the opinions of others. But now I found myself craving their acceptance and approval.

My wolf was going nuts inside me.

If she had her way, we would be on a plane, train, or in a car, already on our way to them.

I put my phone down and went for a quick walk around the block to clear my head. The fresh fall air along with the chill of the wind did my mind good. I considered my options. Ignore the message and my wolf's instincts, or go along with it and take another chance.

Taking chances on love was scarier than the vampire. And that was saying something.

By the time I got home, my mind was made up and my wolf was in full agreement. We would accept the match and message back.

I sent them a quick reply and decided to take a long bath to relax, when my phone beeped.

A response?

Already?

I picked it up and read it twice to make sure. They wanted to video chat.

Holy shit.