Time passed quickly after the ceremony, and Layla soon found herself yawning. She wasn’t used to staying up this late, and she still hadn’t fully caught up on that night of sleep she’d lost after her mom had kicked her out.

“You’ve got a few hours until Hunter and his group arrive,” Sophie told her. “You should take a nap. We’ll wake you when it’s time.”

Layla wanted to stay up talking to her new sisters—she had sisters!—but her drooping eyelids decided for her. Offering her thanks once again, she stumbled upstairs into bed and fell asleep in seconds.

In her dream, Hunter was looking at her with that piercing gaze of his. She was standing close to him…so close that she could feel his breath on her face. She leaned forward, closing the gap, and kissed him. He growled and pulled her closer, and Layla’s world disappeared, until there was only Hunter and his lips, his hands around her waist…

“Layla, time to wake up. They’re coming in five minutes.”

She pulled reluctantly out of her dream, opening her eyes to see Damaris standing by her bedside.

Her words suddenly sinking in, Layla sat bolt upright. Five minutes? She should have specified how long they let her sleep. She’d meant to put some makeup on and do her hair nicely, but it would be too obvious if she did it now, right before Hunter arrived. She had a feeling Sophie wouldn’t approve at all.

Nodding at Damaris and promising to be down in a minute, Layla couldn’t help feeling eternally grateful that Sophie wouldn’t be able to read her mind—because the thoughts she was thinking now would definitely get her into trouble. In the aftermath of her dream, she suddenly knew there was a reason she’d waited, putting off even casual boyfriends. She’d been waiting for Hunter, without even knowing it. Crazy as it sounded even in her own mind, she wanted him to be her first. She’d never felt so drawn to anyone, and alone in her room, she allowed herself to fantasize for just a moment about him being the first one she gave herself to.

Snapping out of it in order to get ready, and telling herself she was crazy to be entertaining such thoughts, as well, she tied her hair into a ponytail and eyed her makeup bag longingly. She didn’t have a lot, but she had some of the basics. The thought of Sophie’s face if she believed Layla was trying to flirt with demons was enough to have her hurrying downstairs, though—makeup free.

Right on time, the doorbell rang. Hunter came in first, and his eyes were on Layla from the moment he stepped inside. She felt like she was drowning in their depths and wondered if the others could see it. She had to shake herself and force her mind to focus. Three other men came in after him, all tall and with dark eyes, though none were nearly as appealing to her as Hunter was.

Hunter introduced them as Cord, Fisher, and Phoenix. They all shook hands formally, as if to agreeing to be agreeable, and Sophie led them all into the living area, now restored to its former state.

Hunter took the lead in the conversation even before they were settled, and it wasn’t lost on Layla that his forwardness annoyed the hell out of Sophie—clearly, the tension wouldn’t be ending with an exchange of handshakes.

“Our plan is to have one of each of us at your residences at all times when you’re there,” Hunter started off. “I’ll stay here, and Fisher will stay with Rose and Lizeth. Phoenix and Cord will be available to go with anyone who needs to leave the house. You mustn’t go anywhere without one of us. I’ve got our numbers here.”

He handed out cards while Rose and Lizeth spluttered. Rose spoke up in disagreement first. “You can’t expect us to call you every time we want to set foot out of our own homes!”

“If you’re both going, Fisher can go with you, but otherwise, you must call Phoenix or Cord.”

Sophie cut through their protests. “He’s right. We all know the danger. Besides, it won’t be for long, will it, Hunter?”

“Hopefully not. When not escorting you, Cord and Phoenix will be investigating, trying to figure out who’s doing this.”

The group sorted through a few more logistics with Sophie and Hunter doing nearly all of the talking, while Layla did her best not to stare at Hunter. Smart enough not to stare back, he still shot her a heated glance every few minutes. Often enough that Layla wondered how embarrassingly obvious it all was.

The meeting finally wrapped up with another round of handshakes, and Sophie got up to show Hunter where he’d be staying.

Layla leapt up at once. “I can take him. I’m about to go to bed anyway.”

Sophie gave her a suspicious look, but nodded, and Layla avoided the looks of the other witches as she moved toward the staircase. Elated with the fact that Hunter would be the one staying with them, Layla practically floated up the stairs, Hunter close behind her.

“You’ll be staying here,” she said, indicating the empty room closest to hers. “I’m over here. You should probably have a look inside,” she said bravely, before she could doubt herself. “You know… get to know the layout so you’ll be able to find me quickly in the dark if someone is attacking.” Rather than looking at him, she gestured to her door. He entered, and she just caught him smirking from the corner of her eye—she didn’t blame him. She wanted to die right here over how obvious she’d just been. Talk about making a fool of yourself, Layla, she thought to herself as she entered her room after him, and then closed the door without thinking about it.

“I’m glad you’ll be staying here.” She gazed at her hands, suddenly shy, and sat down hurriedly on her bed before her knees gave out from nervousness.

“Me, too,” he said after a moment. “It’ll give us a chance to finish that sketch you were doing.”

Hunter didn’t seem to share her awkwardness and sat down easily on the bed next to her.

“Sophie told me why you’re here. She said you were looking for a mate.” That wasn’t exactly what Sophie had said, but Layla wanted to get an indication of how the search was going.

Hunter’s face was impassive. “Partially.”

“Have… have you found anyone yet?” she asked quietly. Could he tell how nervous she was?

“That depends.” Hunter leaned closer to her, and Layla was sure the room heated up ten degrees. “I can’t just choose a mate. She has to be interested. Enthusiastic, even.”

That did it. Layla closed the tiny distance left between them, and then she was kissing Hunter, just like in her dream. Her dream hadn’t come close to conveying the reality of kissing him, though—how his tongue moved with hers or the feeling of his strong arms around her, holding her tightly.

Layla gasped into the kiss and tilted her head back, giving him better access to kiss her more deeply. Hunter pressed forward, and she was suddenly lying on her back with him hovering on top of her.

Layla felt a flash of nerves then. She wasn’t sure she wanted to go this quickly.

But Hunter didn’t do anything other than kiss her, letting her set the pace. And with him kissing her, breathing her in, and holding her, Layla lost herself in him, feeling somehow both jittery and safe in his presence.

And she was surprised when he abruptly pulled away. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet just as there was a knock on the door.

“Yes, come in,” Layla choked out, quickly checking that all of her clothes were still in place.

“Hunter, there you are!” Sophie gave them another suspicious look, and Layla couldn’t help thinking that this one was more focused on her than on Hunter. Layla really needed to be more careful.

“There was a disturbance around one of the wards,” Sophie told them. “Rose and Lizeth are going to check it out and patrol the area. You should go with them.”

“Phoenix should go.”

“No, you’re the leader. I want you to go.”

Hunter glanced at Layla quickly before answering, his voice cautious but firm. “Phoenix is the strongest fighter. He’ll be the best in an out-in-the-open confrontation like that. I’m better with close quarters and spotting an enemy staking out a secure location. I should stay here.”

Sophie didn’t look happy. “What are you two doing up here alone, anyway?”

Layla gulped, but Hunter answered smoothly. “Layla was just showing me around the house. Shall we go downstairs, then, Layla?”

“Sure.” Layla was sure her face was red, but Sophie didn’t comment. She walked out, leaving them alone again.

“Um, what would happen if she saw…well, that?” Layla gestured to the bed that they’d been making out on only moments before.

Hunter raised his eyebrows. “This house is warded against explosions, right?”

“Right.”

“Good thing, then?,” he replied, the depths of his eyes filling with humor again.

Thinking they’d better go before those wards were necessary, Layla hurried downstairs and left him to follow her.

Sophie looked a little happier when Layla took a seat on the couch farthest from Hunter. Layla eyed the spot next to him longingly, but if he was staying here, they’d have plenty of time together. Best to allay Sophie’s suspicions.

Phoenix was getting ready to leave with Lizeth and Rose, meanwhile, and Layla was surprised to see him strapping on a number of knives and even what looked like a mace. Thank goodness he was on their side.

In the end, Rose and Lizeth left with both Phoenix and Fisher, who would head to their home with them when all was said and done, or else just stop by to let them know how things had gone, depending on how they felt about it. Damaris and Cord went off to bed, then—Cord would also be staying with them, when he wasn’t escorting anyone—which left Sophie, Hunter, and Layla alone.

“So where’s the property you’re getting?” Layla asked Hunter.

“It’s just outside Orlando, a really nice place. We haven’t bought it officially yet; we’re going to wait until the protection spells are up…”

The two of them fell into easy conversation. Layla couldn’t stop looking into his eyes at every chance she got, whenever he was the one speaking; they were mesmerizing. Eventually, Sophie couldn’t hold out, and she went to bed, as well.

Hunter and Layla remained in the living area chatting even after Sophie disappeared upstairs, though Layla’s eyes were starting to itch with tiredness.

The conversation fell into silence finally, but it was comfortable.

“What would your friends do if they saw us?” she asked eventually.

Hunter snorted. “Probably worse than your high priestess would. Layla, relationships between demons and witches just aren’t done. I just…” Hunter broke off, turning his face to the window. “I don’t know. There’s something about you, Layla—something special. I should probably try to stay away, but I gave up on that the minute I saw you.”

Layla caught her breath, hearing him stumble over the explanation; it was the first time he’d seemed unsure of his words, and she couldn’t believe he felt like she did; she hadn’t really allowed herself to think he might, despite all appearances. It had seemed like too much to hope for.

“I’m glad,” she answered honestly after she found her voice again.

“Me, too.”

“Will you take me out?” Layla blurted.

“Out?” Hunter echoed, looking back to her.

“I…” She hesitated then, wondering if she was thinking clearly, she was so tired. “I want to go see my mom. Could you take me? My car’s at a mechanic,” she offered apologetically.

Hunter got up at once. “Of course. Let me just go tell Cord where we’re going.”

“He won’t tell Sophie, will he?” Layla asked. She couldn’t have said why she wanted the trip kept secret—it wasn’t as if this were a date, or as if the other witches would keep her from seeing her mother, she didn’t think, but still…

Hunter read her worry, but shrugged it off. “Not if I ask him not to. He just needs to know that he’s responsible for the house while I’m gone. Why don’t you want Sophie to know?”

Layla didn’t meet his eye. “Things with my mom will probably go badly. I don’t want to be asked questions and have to go over the whole disaster for Sophie, then for the rest of the coven, because I don’t think she keeps secrets from them.”

“What makes you think I won’t ask questions?”

Layla glanced up shyly, batting her eyelashes with exaggerated flirtation. “I have ways to distract you that won’t work on Sophie.” She’d meant it as a joke, sort of, but her eyes were drawn immediately to his slightly parted lips.

Understanding dawned. “Then I’ll make sure you need to use them. I’m very curious, you know.”

Layla grinned and got up.

Having spoken to Cord, Hunter led her to his car; in a matter of minutes, they were on her familiar route home. Well, it had once been her home, anyway. Now it was just the place where her mother lived.

They were quiet on the drive. Layla’s head was full of worries, which effectively distracted her from being in such a small, enclosed space with Hunter. She knew her mom would probably be asleep at this time, but she had to try. It was only when they arrived that Layla started to have doubts. What was the point, anyway?

“Wait here?” she asked, assuming Hunter wouldn’t have a problem with it.

“I should come with you,” he answered instead. “I’m supposed to protect you.”

“You can see the door from here! There won’t be anyone hiding in the house. I’ll be fine,” Layla promised, nearly speechless at the thought of how embarrassed she’d be to show Hunter inside or to let him see how worthless her mother considered her. What if he saw what her own mother thought of her and realized he’d been all wrong to think her special?

Hunter reluctantly agreed, and Layla headed to the front door. She let herself in quietly and looked around. She saw her mom’s form on the couch, probably passed out from the day’s drinking. Layla crept closer, thinking of pulling up a blanket, at least.

“What are you doing here?” Her mom’s voice was slurred, but not so much to indicate she was completely hammered.

Layla didn’t waste time with pleasantries; if her mom was awake, that was a sign that it was time for them to talk this out, however briefly. “Why didn’t you tell me? About magic and witches? How could you let me turn eighteen and not let me know?”

Her mother stood up, brandishing a half-full brandy bottle in one hand. “What nonsense are you on about now, Layla?” she demanded. “If you’re here begging me to take you back, trying to convince me you’re crazy won’t do it. Stupid.”

Layla lifted her head. “Actually, I already have a place to stay and a new job lined up.”

The part about the job wasn’t strictly accurate, but Layla figured she’d get her magic working soon enough, and it sounded like selling spells was all the job she’d need.

Her mom snorted. “A likely story. Now, get out!”

Layla hesitated. She didn’t want to leave things like this. That was why she’d wanted to come in the first place. “Mom, can’t you just be happy for me?” She tried again.

There was no response other than the sloshing of the brandy bottle as her mother took a drink.

“Fine.” Layla stood, fighting back tears, reluctant to turn her back even now. She knew this would have gone better if her mom had been sober, but she was only sober for a couple of hours a day at most, so catching her in one of those moments would have been next to impossible.

Realizing there wasn’t anything more to be said, she stumbled backward and out the door. Hunter was at her side in an instant. “Are you injured?”

“No,” she mumbled, trying to keep her tears inside. God, why did I bring him? I don’t want him to see me like this.

Tears were coming whether she wanted them to or not, though, so she braced herself for the questions she was sure would come as her eyes welled up.

“Back to the house?” he asked quietly.

“Yes.” Layla sniffed, swallowing down hurt. But Hunter didn’t utter another word as they headed to the car, and Layla was profoundly grateful. She turned her face away and stared unseeingly out of the window.

The drive seemed much longer this time. Layla was careful to be quiet as they entered; the last thing she wanted was anyone waking up.

“Good night,” she said in Hunter’s direction, not looking at him. “Thank you.”

“Any time, Layla. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As flirtatious and wonderful as the night had begun, she realized now that it had been a mistake to go see her mother at all, let alone with Hunter; she couldn’t imagine what he thought of her now, seeing the weakness she’d just shown. Layla fled into her room and threw herself down on her bed. This wasn’t the first night she’d cried herself to sleep over her mother, but hopefully it would be the last.

Layla resolved to make it so, even as she gave in to her tears. That relationship had brought her nothing but pain for as long as she could remember. Maybe, someday, her mom would clean up her act and want to have a proper relationship with her daughter. But until then, Layla wasn’t going to put herself through this over and over again. She had her coven and Hunter and his demon friends. She’d learn magic and go to college. Maybe there was even a way to find her father. Given the fact that he’d never contacted her, she couldn’t count on him being any better toward her than her mom was, but still.

Layla sniffled as the last of her tears dried up and tried to think of good things. For the first time in her life, there seemed to be quite a few of them.

The wind was howling outside, and the sound was oddly soothing. Layla pulled the thick covers up to her chin, stretching out on the huge bed.

When she closed her eyes, she once again saw Hunter’s dark gaze boring into her. Tomorrow, she’d see a lot more of him. If he was staying with them, they’d even get to spend real time together. She’d see to it.

Thinking of his eyes, of his magnetic presence, she finally managed to drift off to sleep.