Chapter Two

Lilah

"You are unusually reserved today," Dr. Daemon says after Atlas, a literal giant, leaves the exam room with his tiny, four-month-old kitten.

"You're basing ‘today' off of one appointment? The clinic has only been open for thirty minutes. And I was not reserved. I was perfectly friendly. Fully professional."

"Exactly my point. You are customarily warm, compassionate, and demonstrative. Yet you barely scratched behind that kitten's ears. You did not once tell it that it is cute."

He's right, but I confess to nothing. My demon boss already has more confidence than any creature I've ever met. I'm not saying a word to inflate that dark-mahogany head of his.

Drilling me with his patient but expectant stare, the large demon crosses his arms over his chest while leaning against the exam table.

"Scoot," I say, shooing him away with one hand. "You're in the way of my disinfecting."

His deep laugh rumbles, the action causing his broad chest to expand to the point of stretching his scrub shirt taut. The town veterinarian is widely appreciated by the females in Fate's Falls. He's considered a catch among the single crowd, and there's no denying he's attractive.

But he's not the one for me. I only have eyes for one demon, for one man of any species.

Daemon moves as directed, but not before taking a whiff of me. It's his thing. It weirded me out the first few months I worked for him, but once I got used to it, to him, his sniffing habit became kind of handy. My menstrual cycle has always been unpredictable, but I haven't been caught off-guard by a period since working here. Is it strange to have your demon boss tell you exactly when Aunt Flo is due to arrive? Yep. But he's never been wrong, and I've ruined a lot less underwear because of it.

I don't bother asking what his sniffer tells him about me. If he feels it's worthy of note, he'll tell me, whether I want to hear it or not. And there have plenty of times when his comments have fallen in the would-rather-not-have-heard category.

"Have I ever told you that human emotional states produce distinct odors?"

"Odors?" I roll my eyes at him. "You couldn't use a nicer word than odors? "

"Humans are so sensitive. Odor, scent, aroma, fragrance, musk, bouquet?—"

"Yes, bouquet. From now on, whenever you do your sniff test on me, I would like you to refer to what you detect as my bouquet ."

"Ah, there you are, my spirited assistant. Welcome back. As for your bouquet this morning, it reeks of frustration."

" Reeks, Daemon?" I shake my head while heading for the second door of the exam room, the one that leads to our treatment area rather than the waiting room. "I hope you fall in love with a human woman one day, because she'll slap you so hard if you use words like ‘odor' and ‘reeks' with her."

"I quite enjoy being slapped."

"Of course you do," I say, snorting and shaking my head.

"And demons do not fall in love."

My stomach clenches, then plummets. I resist wrapping my arms around my middle, but maintaining an indifferent posture isn't adequate to hide my internal reaction to the statement. Not around my boss and his heightened olfactory senses.

"Ah, now I understand," he says, after drawing another whiff. "Your sullen demeanor and frustration are in regard to the demon with whom you have been infatuated for twenty-seven months now."

The urge to challenge him about the length of time I've been pining for the demon bakery owner is strong. I only resist because I know it'll bite me in the ass. Daemon will change the months to days, possibly even minutes. Damn his demon senses to hell. Though, I suppose that's where they came from.

"Your silence is almost as gratifying as the scent of acquiescence." His sharp features pull into what, for a demon, is a good-natured grin. "The question is, what are you going to do about it, aside from buying pastries three times a day?"

"Nothing," I say, fiddling with supplies which don't require further organization. Since we have a few minutes before our next appointment, and because it's pointless to deny anything around my annoying and equally well-meaning employer, I sigh and meet his glowing-eyed gaze. "I made a comment yesterday that wasn't meant to be a personal compliment, but then followed up by saying it could be taken as one, and Amazra's response was to zone out of the conversation. He's clearly not interested in me in that way."

Dr. Daemon's brow line rises. "If that is how ‘clearly' you communicated your desire to Amazra, it is unsurprising he did not return your interest. Demons are pragmatic creatures. If you truly wish to engage in a physical relationship with one, be direct."

"And have him directly reject me? Um, no thanks to that. I'd never live it down."

"If he were to decline, it would not be meant as a slight, Lilah. Demons are not cursed with the depth and intensity of emotions that cause humans so much inner turmoil. Any rejection would simply be a lack of physical attraction. He would not dwell on the interaction, nor should you."

Easier said than done. As much as I've fantasized about being naked and thoroughly, physically entangled with Amazra, I want more. I feel more.

But if Daemon is correct, and demons don't experience love the way humans do, I'd only be making things worse for myself by initiating a sexual relationship with Amazra. That's if he was interested. Which I'm still not convinced would be the case, even though he is sweet and thoughtful toward me on a daily basis. That's just him being a good business owner.

"Dr. Daemon," the clinic's fox shifter receptionist says, poking her russet-and-blonde ponytailed head around the wall that leads to the outer office area. "Your next appointment is here. They're waiting in exam two."

"Thank you, Holly," Daemon says, tilting his horned head toward the closed door on our side of the exam rooms. "Let us go see what ails Mr. Jenkin's teacup chihuahua this morning. Perhaps it will distract you from pining for the hot baker for a short time."

The comment startles me where I stand. I know my boss's heightened senses make him intuitive, but he's not a mind reader. Right? "Why would you describe him as hot?"

"Because he is. As am I, and Razbunare, Hellmuth, and the other hell-born demons inhabiting this realm. The hellfire from which we originated gives us a higher physiological temperature than most creatures. Not hotter than all creatures, of course, but most." Before I can assemble a response, Daemon rumbles with laughter. "Is that the compliment you inadvertently and unclearly gave? That Amazra is hot?"

"We have a client waiting," is my nonanswer, which I'm aware is totally an affirmation.

"You will have to be far more direct than that when flirting with a demon," Daemon says, making no attempt to hide his amusement. "Amazra would have taken such a comment as a matter of fact regarding his temperature, not as an indication that you find him sexually appealing."

Maybe he's right, but I'm not going to admit it. Nor do I need to because he just did his take-a-whiff thing again, so he already knows. If only Amazra would sniff me like that, he'd know how I feel. Wanting to be sniffed by the demon baker. My life has become a romcom. I can live with that, but it'd sure be nice to increase the rom aspect. Oh, and make it spicy. Red-hot demon spicy.

LILAH

Since it's a slow day, I cashed in some of the "personal time" Dr. Daemon gives all of his staff as part of our generous compensation package. I don't know how he can afford to pay us as well as he does with a limited clientele base and very reasonable fees, but I make significantly more money here than I did as a veterinary assistant in a hopping-busy clinic back in North Vancouver.

Never in a million years would I have guessed that my post-crappy-divorce, get-in-touch-with-myself-again solo camping trip in the mountains would've led me to a whole new life in a magically protected secret monster town. It's said that fate brings people—human and nonhuman alike—to Fate's Falls. I don't know how true that is, but I've never been happier than the two and a half years I've lived here. The only thing that could make my life better would be having a tall, dark, and handsome demon in it on a daily basis—other than to sell me baked goods.

The demon I strategically avoided contact with earlier by altering the timing of my morning scone run. My multiple daily visits to Just Baked are nearly to the minute, but not today. I got there early this morning. Intentionally, and I didn't go in when I arrived. I waited across the divided street, in the town square, watching the bakery's storefront like a stalker, swooping in to get my breakfast scone when I saw Amazra was busy with another customer. Since I arranged to take the afternoon off, I skipped lunch at work, swinging by the bakery for my midday muffin an hour later than usual, and once again waiting until I was sure to avoid direct interaction with my favorite stoic baker.

He must know I'm avoiding him. And why. Or maybe none of it even pings on his radar, because A, demons don't get wrapped up in emotions, and B, I haven't directly told him I'm interested in tasting more than his baked goodies.

Direct is out of the question, and unfortunately, I have more than enough swirling emotions for both of us. So, it's time for some three-level self-care. One: buy some pretty new undies nobody but me will ever see. Two: treat myself to a thick new dildo I hope nobody sees me buying at Lexi's sex-toy shop. Three: pull the shades, cue up the authentic monster porn, and pretend item number two is Amazra.

Downtown is its usual moderately busy when I enter one of my favorite shops, Perfect Fit . Terra, the owner, waves from the changeroom area, where she's passing things into two occupied dressing rooms. "Be right with you, Lilah, hon!"

"No hurry here," I return. "I took the afternoon off."

"Ooh, sounds like someone's free to join us for spa treatments," a familiar voice calls from inside one of the changerooms. Then the curtain slides open and one of Fate's Falls' other human residents emerges. Yes, emerges . Rosetta isn't someone who actively tries to get noticed, but it inevitably happens. The petite redhead is as outgoing as she is sassy, and that level is at the max.

The other dressing room door opens and a woman I haven't met steps out, holding whatever she just tried on behind her back. "I don't think these are for me," she says to Terra, attempting to subtly pass the items off.

But Ro's not having it, snagging the pieces from her shopping partner's hand. Lingerie. The skimpy variety, based on how little fabric is hanging from Rosetta's fingers. "Did they fit?"

The brunette's face was already soft pink when she exited the changeroom. Now it's fuchsia. "Yes, but?—"

"And did you look sexy as hell in them?" Ro points a finger at her. "No lying. No being modest, either."

Her friend gives a pained sigh. "They're…flattering."

Rosetta snorts, handing the items to Terra. "She'll take them. And I'll take these," she says, having zero fucks that I can see the risqué panties and bra—if they can even be labeled that when there's little more to them than some black ribbon.

Apparently, it's my turn next, because she waves me over. It'd be rude not to go. Plus, hanging with Ro is always a good time. I could use a dash of her conquer-all-the-things spirit.

"So, what do you think?" she asks when I reach them. "Join us for spa stuff after you're done shopping?" Before I can answer, she wiggles and jiggles on the spot, her wild, red curls bouncing. "Oh, but first, introductions! Natalie, this is Lilah, one of your future best friends. Lilah, this is my cousin and lifelong, number-one bestie, Natalie. Nat's here for my wedding, but never going back to Toronto, if Constantine and I have anything to say about it."

A renewed blush floods Natalie's face as Rosetta elbows her playfully. "Very nice to meet you," she says, ignoring her cousin's comment and extending her hand.

"Same." Smiling at both of them, I shake Natalie's hand. Gossiping has never been my thing, but girl talk—I could never get enough of that, and I don't get nearly enough of it. And since Natalie didn't deny or shut Ro down… "So, Cupid got you and everybody's favorite Minotaur?"

Natalie's hazel eyes nearly pop out of her head. "Oh my god, Cupids are real, too?"

Rosetta snorts another laugh, rubbing her cousin's back while looking at me. "Nat's only been here a few days, and I didn't warn her that monsters are real before she got here. She's still adjusting to the new normal."

"You could've told me, Ro," Natalie says, shooting her the side-eye.

"And risk you not coming? No way. Besides, look how perfectly everything's working out." Rosetta tilts her head toward the sales counter where Terra took their future purchases. "You wouldn't be out shopping for skimpies to be ripped off later if you'd stayed holed-up in your Toronto shoebox of an apartment, working around the clock and having no life. Ooh, and speaking of shoes, we should stop at Sole Mate and get you some of those sexy bedroom sandals with the clear heels and feathery poofs. Not that you need any extras to drive Constantine wild. He's been waiting fifteen years for you, after all."

I don't think it's possible for Natalie's face to get any redder. With the little gurgle she makes, I'm not sure it's possible for her to speak at the moment, either. Since I contributed to the embarrassment, shifting the focus is the least I can do. "To answer your Cupid question, I haven't met one, but that doesn't mean anything. I've only been in town two and a half years, so I'm relatively new to the whole monster society thing. But everyone I've met here is awesome. I know we just met, but I hope you consider staying. This really is the best place on earth to live."

"It really does seem idyllic," Natalie says as the deep blush fades from her complexion. "How did you find your way here, Lilah? Was it for love, like Rosetta with Dak?"

"Oh, no, not at all. Sort of the opposite. After a rocky divorce from an asshole I married when I was young and dumb, I somehow got the cockamamie idea to go on a solo camping trip to ‘find myself again.' Just saying that out loud now makes me realize how unhinged I was after getting out of my marriage. What twenty-seven-year-old woman with a lick of good sense goes hiking in the mountains alone?"

Natalie is obviously a sweetheart, because instead of agreeing, she places a hand on my arm and gives a gentle squeeze. "You were obviously very hurt and needed the space to heal. Did you get lost and end up here in Fate's Falls?"

"No, I've always been the outdoorsy type, and I was actually quite well prepared for my wilderness sojourn. I was collecting berries when I came upon a badly injured fox. I didn't stop and think about it biting me, or the possibility that whatever animal had attacked it might still be in the area and a danger to me. I'm a veterinary assistant, it's second nature to help animals. So that's what I did. Then the fox changed into a man, right in front of my eyes. Turns out, I didn't save a fox, I saved a fox shifter. But he was still in rough shape, so I made sure he got home, which is here. One hell of a trek, but we made it, and I was welcomed by the pack and everyone else in town. And I never left."

"That's incredible," Natalie says. "What did you do when the fox shifted into a man? Did you know about nonhumans already?"

"Hell no. I totally freaked out! But seeing is believing, right? And once you're aware that humans aren't the only free-thinking species around, accepting the scope of what else, who else, is here, isn't really so hard."

"Perfectly put," Ro says. "You know what else is hard to believe? That you've been here two and a half years and you're still walking around a single woman while surrounded by so many sexy beasts, and I do mean that literally."

"Never mind her," Natalie says, rolling her eyes. "Ever since Ro connected with Dak, she's had nothing on her mind except sex."

"Not true, I also have love on my mind. I loooove my big, green, sexy orc mate. And yes, I also want sex all the time. Literally, all the damn time." She snorts. "You would too, trust me."

"My cousin, the oversharer." Natalie shakes her head, but there's a smile on her face. "And I know we just met, so I really have no place telling you what to do or not do, but don't let Ro harass you into finding a relationship. She gets it in her head to do a thing, and she's like a dog with a bone."

"Just trying to make sure all my friends experience the magic," she says, making hubba-hubba eyes. "Seriously, though. Nobody of interest, Lilah? What about the vet? He's hot. A charmer, too, and that's saying something for a demon. Most of them are a little on the stiff side. And I'm not talking about the good stiff."

I scrunch up my face. "I'm not interested in my boss."

Rosetta might be hyper-focused on her own relationship, but she's sharp. Tack sharp. Doesn't miss much, including the wording I used for my answer. "All right, who is it? Tell us now or tell us later, but you know I'm going to get it out of you."

I turn my attention to her cousin. "Has she always been like this?"

"Literally since birth." Natalie shrugs. "And I know I should jump in and try to save you, but honestly, it's nice to have her pointing that interrogation light in another direction for a few minutes. She who used to openly loathe commitment and monogamy is now the ultimate believer in romantic happily ever afters."

"How are you ladies doing over here?" Terra asks, joining us after finishing up with another customer. "Lilah, hon, is there anything special you're shopping for today that I can help with?"

"Um…" Letting my gaze drift to the nearest display of pretty panties is like dangling bait in front of Rosetta.

"You are seeing someone."

"Sadly, no. I just need a pick-me-up."

"Or to be picked up ." Ro gives me another eyebrow wiggle. "And what better place for that than my wedding? Let's find you a hot new dress to go with whatever sexy skivvies caught your eye. Make all those hunky single monsters go wild for you at the reception. Then you can take your pick and not go home alone."

"Unless you want to go home alone." Natalie is obviously the I've-got-your-back type.

"I don't think she wants to." Terra's comment has all three of our heads turning. "I know I'm not part of this conversation and shouldn't get involved, but…" The ever-pleasant wood nymph meets my gaze and gives me a warm smile that definitely leans toward friendship, rather than business. "I have a clear view of Just Baked from my front window here. I've watched you go there three times a day for I don't know how long, but it's not a recent thing. And the baked goods are excellent, but I don't think they're the reason for your daily visits."

Well, hell. "I only came in here for a pick-me-up, but since your combined sleuthing abilities and persistence have outed my crush?—"

Rosetta cuts me off with a loud, "Woot!"

"—I might as well get another opinion on what to do about it."

" Another opinion?" Terra asks.

I roll my eyes and release a breath. "It wasn't voluntary advice-seeking, but there's no hiding anything from my boss. He says his super sniffer can detect human emotions because they all have distinct odors . He's such a delight."

"He's a character," Terra says. "It's not just him, though. All hell demons have a heightened sense of smell. A lot of the cryptid species do, too."

"Can confirm." Again, Natalie's cheeks flame with a deep blush. "Constantine is very, um, scent-motivated."

Beside her, Rosetta whoops again, giving a fist bump to her red-in-the-face cousin.

This is premium girl talk. But all I can think about is Amazra. All the times I've been in his bakery, in that small, confined space with its somewhat-lacking air flow… could he smell my interest in him? My arousal at the sight of his big, dark-red body? Groaning, I cover my face with both hands.

"If you're worried that Amazra is aware of how you feel but doesn't return the sentiment, I think you're mistaken." Terra's voice is as soft as her fingers, gently peeling my hands free so I can see her nodding. "He watches you, Lilah. First, he watches for you. I've seen it; the way he stares at the door when he's expecting you to walk through it. Then, while you're in his presence, he never takes his eyes off of you. And when you leave, his gaze follows you until you're out of sight. Sometimes, he moves to the front window."

"He does all that?" The desperation in my voice is as clear as the glass Terra has been observing us through. And I don't give half a shit. I just need to know.

"He does," Terra says, giving my arm a light squeeze. "I know hell demons can be hard to read because they're not emotionally motivated like a lot of us other species are, but I really believe Amazra is interested in you. I haven't witnessed this behavior from him where anyone else is concerned."

As hopeful as that sounds, it's the, they're not emotionally motivated part my brain sticks on. Not as straightforward as Daemon's statement that demons do not fall in love, but definitely in the same vein. If Amazra is interested in me in a physical way, would that be enough for me? Maybe, maybe not. There's only one way to find out.

"Okay, ladies, let's do this. Find me the perfect wedding-appropriate dress to make me irresistible. I've got a demon to seduce."