Page 114 of Mated to Monsters

He seems to realize that I’m lingering and returns to my side, pressing an insistent hand to my low back and leading me to the table. “Sit,” he says as he draws a chair out for me. “I do need a moment to prepare.”

I’m confused.

Didn’t he say there was food? A rolling grumble escapes my belly again, and I try to stifle it with a swallow, scrambling into the seat he’s offered. When he seems content that I’m not going to run away, he takes one long stride backward, putting his palms up. Magic dances around his fingertips, and when he waves, it leaps from his hands, sending a shower of blue sparks over the table’s surface.

The fragrant smells hit me first, and a gasp escapes me.

Before my very eyes, a feast appears, the table overflowing with good things to eat. I thought I would have to grow accustomed to the demons’ diet but among the new and strange are familiar dishes too. Some that I could have prepared, myself.

I can only describe the banquet as abundance, morsels and fruits abound, many from Protheka and others I’ve never seen before. Rolls and ryes and salami hailing from Oshta. Rare cheeses from the west and taura steaks from the north. I know these things because Toklys had once shared his rations with me, and said there much more besides.

And pastries. Pastries galore.

I can’t imagine where to start, my mouth watering something fierce.

The demon sits at the head of the table, never once picking up a utensil. His plate remains empty as he takes me in with more interest than before. I assume he is wondering if I ever plan on eating the bounty he’s provided.

Embarrassment burns my cheeks, and I take a generous helping of the nearest dish, which is a silver salad that appears more metal than leaf. “Thank you,” I say, not sure what else he expects from me. “How did you do that?”

His eyes remain fixed on me, and his lips pressed shut.

There’s something- not entirely friendly about how he’s looking at me, but he has offered this meal, and I don’t intend on spurning him. So, I spear a few leaves and take the smallest nibble at first, finding it more succulent than it appears.

I can’t help but take a true bite.

There are red spuds drizzled in a dark gravy. I take a sample of everything within reach, from the taura to the gallus, and everything in between. My fingers are sticky after trying the strange golden fruits that ooze with sweet nectar, and I lick them clean, throwing a glance over to my host—my captor—before giving pause.

He’s still staring.

I swallow down my bite, wondering if I’ve offended him again.

This demon is impossible to read. His moods are fickle, so that one moment it’s difficult to breathe, the very air charged by his magics. The next, he is cool and calculating, measuring me with the heavy stare of his impossibly dark gaze.

I think he means to devour me, instead.

Using the napkin provided, I rub the nectar off my fingertips. “I’m sorry, I-”

Before I realize he’s moved, he’s already seized my jaw. My apology withers as he leans in, his unyielding gaze scouring every inch of my countenance. I don’t know that I can speak, his grip is so tight, but I don’t dare, either.

He is a predator of the highest order.

I have dealt with predators before, but not like him. A creature without an ounce of humanity, his alien features so like the elves, and yet, there is no mistaking them as he dips his horned crown closer. Even sitting, he towers over me. His silvery hair falls over one shoulder as he leans in and draws a slow breath through his shapely nose.

I swear our lips nearly brush.

My heartbeat thunders in my ears, and I’m certain he can hear it too. His eyes narrow as mine widen, refusing to blink lest he moves too quickly again.

If I keep him in my sights…

A scowl comes over him as if he’s found me not to his liking, then releases me all at once, his gaze flitting away, freeing me from my paralysis. “If you’re finished,” he says with a dismissive wave. “You may return to your room.”

I waver in my seat.

Just like that?

There is still so much food left to be eaten, but suddenly, I’m not hungry any longer. A queasiness settles into my gut with the steak, and I shove myself back from the table without a word. Fury settles under my skin as I storm away on trembling legs, afraid of what I might say if I give myself the opportunity.

He’s a demon, I remind myself, my sight blurring with the onset of fresh tears. I’d be a fool to expect anything else from him.