Damon had heard that certain types of shifters and groups had arranged marriages, but never really thought to ask Gabriel about the Russel Pride. “Oh. Do you already have a—”
“No,” he said quickly. “But … someday, Genevieve will probably find me a suitable lioness to marry. Anyway, let’s not talk about me. So … Anna Victoria, huh?” He chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Congrats, man. I heard mating was a special thing.”
“Don’t congratulate me,” he said. “I’m not planning to bond with her. Or even tell her.”
“What?” Gabriel’s voice rose a few decibels. “Not bond with her? Why the hell not?”
“You know why.” Gabriel knew the whole story. And had been there for the aftermath. “I can’t … not with anyone.”
“But she’s your mate. Surely it wouldn’t happen again. Not with her.”
“I can’t risk it.” His hands tightened into fists.
“That was a long time ago,” Gabriel pointed out. “It has to be better by now, right? Your animal—”
“Is exactly the same.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “Nothing’s changed.”
“But you said you were better.”
“I am … except for that.” How could he even begin to explain to Gabriel what it was like? “I can’t go through it again, and not with her. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I hurt her.”
“But—”
“If there was even a chance I could harm her, I don’t want to take it. Would you?”
“I wouldn’t just leave her, not without giving it a chance.” Gabriel scratched at his head. “For God’s sake, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. You don’t get another mate.”
“She’s human, she’ll get over it. Hell, she doesn’t even know. She still has a chance to find a husband and have kids.” The Demon did not like that one bit and clawed at him, making him grit his teeth in pain.
“But—”
“But what about you?” Damon really didn’t want to fight with Gabriel again, but he was pushing again. “If you found your mate but she wasn’t a lioness your eldest sister picked? Would you give up everything for her?”
Gabriel’s jaw hardened. “That’s different.”
“How?”
“For one thing, you deserve happiness after everything you’ve gone through.”
Now that stunned him into silence.
“You don’t want to bond with her?” Gabriel said. “Fine. Stay away then, and stop hurting her because you can’t see what’s right in front of you.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “If you change your mind, I’m going to the Winter Carnival with J.D. and Anna Victoria. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll find someone else who’ll take care of her and cherish her the way she deserves.” With that, he turned around and stomped off.
Goddamn my fucking life!
It was hard to breathe, hard to think. The Demon was furious at him, but it wasn’t trying to take over. No, it wanted him to go to her, and claim her and bond with her.
But he couldn’t do it. Not after what happened the last time.
The Demon roared at him in denial and shook its block head, as if saying, no, we won’t harm her. I promise.
His heart slammed into his rib cage. The Demon had never done that before. Never promised him anything. Violence was its usual form of communication and bargaining. It never wanted anything as much as it wanted Anna Victoria, and it was as if it finally understood what had to be done.
But, could he risk it?
Chapter Eight
“Wow,” Anna Victoria exclaimed as she looked at the sights around her. “This is amazing. I’m so glad you brought me here.”
“It’s only the second year they’ve done it,” J.D. said. “But it was such a big success the first time, I guess the businesses decided to bring it back. It’s a great way to get people to go out and spend after the holidays.”
The Blackstone Winter Carnival was in full swing, and Main Street was dressed to the nines. The road was closed to vehicles, and various booths lined the street, selling everything from handcrafted winter wear to homemade baked goods and hot drinks. It was crowded, and everyone was in good spirits. Couples walked by holding hands, families flitted from booth to booth excitedly. As if on cue, snow began to flitter down from the sky.
“It’s so magical.” Anna Victoria closed her eyes, taking in the clean scent of the cold air.
“There’s no snow where you come from?” J.D. asked.
“We do get snow,” she explained. “Albuquerque’s actually a desert in high elevation, but around this time, we’ll get one to two inches the whole month. Less than ten the entire season.”
J.D. guffawed. “The whole month? You should have been here two weeks ago! We saw a record snowfall. Over thirty inches high up in the mountains, I think.”
“Wow.”
“C’mon.” J.D. dragged her toward one of the booths. “I want to try this hot chocolate wine.”
“Ooh, I’m in!” Thank goodness her paycheck finally came through yesterday. It was a relief, finally having some money to spare. It wasn’t much, but she was able to set aside half of her rent, plus, she could afford to splurge on a few treats tonight. They lined up at the booth, chatting as they waited their turn.
“Hey, J.D.! Nice to see you here.”
“Kate, you made it out! Glad to see you, too.” J.D. greeted the woman who had come up to them. “Is that Sofia?” She nodded at the dark-haired child bundled up in winter gear at her hip. “She’s so big.”
“Yeah, she’s getting big, my girl.” She kissed the baby on the cheek, making her laugh. Sofia grabbed a handful of her mother’s dark blonde locks which were tipped with aqua green and matched the studded jewel on her nose.
“By the way, Kate, this is Anna Victoria.”
“Oh, so you’re Anna Victoria. J.D.’s told me all about you.” She held out her free hand. “Kate Caldwell-Thalassa. It’s a mouthful, I
