There was a lump in my throat, and I wiped my eyes, only to get the grit of sand in them.

“No,” I said, taking a step back until his hands fell from me. “Pierce, I don’t love you.” His lips twitched, hearing a lie that wasn’t there, and I took his hands. “I don’t love you,” I said again, my throat closing up. “I loved the idea of you and me together, and from that, maybe someday love could have come, but that isn’t going to happen. Ever. I am a demon.”

He took a breath to protest, his eyes wild and his denial obvious. “You are not.”

My eyes dropped to his hands holding mine, seeing his calluses and strength. “I am. I did something no witch, no male demon can do, and all the demons agree. There’s no way around it. It’s not like I wanted this.” My voice had gotten squeaky, and I looked up, seeing panic in him.

“It’s okay,” I whispered, sniffing back a tear before it showed. “It doesn’t mean I’m bad, but it does mean that there is no way that…” I stopped. It was too hard to say.

His grip on mine tightened, but I felt dead inside. “I’m not afraid.” Pierce’s hand drew me closer, and I resisted until he eased his pull.

“I’d never hurt you,” I protested, remembering him standing before Ku’Sox, fighting for my safety, risking his life for me. What person wouldn’t be humbled by that? Grateful?

His gaze jumped to mine, his anger lighting his eyes. “I meant I’m not afraid of love being difficult. If it was easy, then everyone would find it. But have it your way.”

He turned away, and I reached after him, saying nothing as my hand dropped. It was better this way. “Perhaps you should call him out,” Pierce suggested, angrily looking at the hills.

I nodded, even as my stomach clenched. I’d told him I didn’t love him, and he didn’t seem to care. I’d told him I was a demon, and he’d said so what? Then told me love was hard. I knew that, but it shouldn’t be impossible.

Shoes silent on the pavement, I walked across the street to the beach, stepping up onto the cement bench next to the boarded-up restrooms. It was covered in gang runes, and my feet spread wide, I cupped my hands around my mouth. Damn it, why couldn’t I have a normal life?

“Ku’Sox!” I shouted up into the park, my frustration giving my voice some anger. “You have something that belongs to me!”

The radio, I realized, was playing bouncy beach music. With a sudden snap, it vanished. My pulse hammered, and I glanced at Pierce. He was standing with his hands clasped, ready to fight for me, even after I’d told him I didn’t love him. Why?

“Just a minute!” Ku’Sox shouted back, and my lips parted. I did not believe this. Just a minute? Had he really told me to wait?