We were a chasseur, initiate, Lyon prince, and blood witch walking into Chateu Le Blanc blind.

You stole from my son?” Reid held out a calming hand. “Easy. She didn’t steal anything from—” “He’s my husband.

You’re also sanctimonious and stubborn and short-tempered.” His eyes flicked open, and he frowned. I kissed his lips again. Gentle and slow. “Not to mention brooding, with a shit sense of humor.” When he opened his mouth to argue, I spoke over him. “But despite all that, you aren’t alone, Reid. You’ll never be alone.

Allow me to fill in the gaps for you.” I kissed his nose. “You are a huntsman.” Though he recoiled slightly, I didn’t let him escape, kissing his cheek. “You are a son.” I kissed his other cheek. “You are a brother.” His forehead. “You are a husband.” His eyelids and his chin. “You are brave and strong and good.” And, finally, his lips. “But most important, you are loved.

Helpless to do anything but cling to Lou. My friend. My shelter. My home.

A snake,” I replied, breath hitching. “I suppose . . . I’m a snake. A liar. A deceiver. Cursed to crawl on my belly and eat dust all the days of my life.

That wasn’t living. That was surviving. Besides, without . . . all of this”—she gestured around us—“who am I?” The urge to seize her had been overwhelming. Instead, I’d leaned low—until we were eye to eye and nose to nose—and said fiercely, “You are everything.

What are you?” He chuckled, his eyes cutting to mine. “I simply . . . am.” “That’s not an answer.” “Of course it is. Why must I bind myself to fit your expectations?

Where you go, I go, remember? You’re all I have now. I can’t lose you too.” I crept into his lap. “What am I, Reid? Say it again.” “You’re a witch.” “And what are you?” He didn’t hesitate, and my heart swelled. “I am too.

I don’t even know if you’re real,” I whispered, laughing and crying and feeling infinitely foolish. My hands trembled. “I’m probably talking to myself right now like a madwoman. And maybe I am mad. But—but if you are real, if you are listening, please, please . . .” I dropped my head and closed my eyes. “Don’t abandon me.