A muscle thrummed along his jaw, but he kissed the tip of my finger. I smiled at him. “We don’t even know what’s going to happen out there. Probably nothing but really awkward conversations with some person who has no idea we’re about to tell them they’re a demigod.”

“Yeah, I figured that would be your response, but I had to try.”

“And that’s the only reason why I’m not throat punching you right now,” I paused, smiling sweetly, “with love.”

His lips curved up on one corner. “Can you make me a promise though?”

I waited. “Yes. I promise to forever use you as my Pillow Pet.”

Seth chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that, but that’s not what I was asking about.”

I giggled. “Okay. What?”

There was a pause. “If we run into any problems, promise me that you’ll stick close to Alex and Aiden.”

Unsure I heard him correctly, I looked over at him again. “What?”

“If anything goes down, you’ll stick close to them,” he repeated. “I know you’ve been training. I know you can fight and you’re using the elements. I’m not saying this because I doubt your ability to fight and hold your own.” He paused, brows furrowing together. “Even though I sort of suggested that earlier, but I was being a dick because, well, I’m a dick.”

I snorted.

“But I just want you to stick close to them, okay?” he finished.

I really had no idea where to start with this. “Why would you tell me to stay close to them and not you?”

His hand stilled on my breast. “I can get a little . . . out of control if a fight turns bad.”

My brows inched up.

“I just don’t want anything to blow . . . back on you,” he added as his lashes lowered. “I couldn’t deal with being the reason something—”

“You’re not going to be the reason.” I placed my hand on his cheek, lifting his chin so his eyes met mine. “And I know you’re never going to hurt me.”

A muscle flickered along his jaw. “How did I . . . ?”

When he trailed off and didn’t finish, I ran my finger under his lower lip, smoothing out the skin. “How did you what?”

Those eyes met mine again. “How did I get so lucky with you?”

“Good question,” I murmured.

He laughed, but the light sound quickly faded, as if it was never there. “I know that sounds stupid, saying something like that, but I . . . I never expected you, Josie. Not once did I ever think any of this was going to happen.” He paused, dragging his hand down, over my stomach. “I’ve never been in a serious relationship.”

“And this is serious?” I asked, wanting to squeeze my eyes shut.