“What’s so difficult to believe?” he asked. “After all, you are part demon. Immortality is much more compatible with demons than with humans. Your gifts are now sharpened, as are your senses.”
“Fascinating. I want to test it further.” Turning away, she said in an enthusiastic tone, “See that pile of rubble there in the corner? All that stone… It’s a heavier mass than anything I’ve ever tried to lift with my mind.”
His gaze alternated from her to the enormous heap and back. He didn’t say a word as she focused. Determination exuded from her, and suddenly, the mound vibrated and began to rise.
“Extraordinary,” he mumbled. But a stone slipped. “Wait. You dropped one.”
She released the pile and it crashed to the hard floor. “I never claimed to be perfect.”
He grinned down at her. “I think you are.”
Facing him, hope shining in her eyes, she asked, “Does this mean we’ll be getting married after all?”
Without a second thought, he scooped her up into his arms and said, “You didn’t think we’d spend an eternity living in sin, did you?”
Her arms encircled his neck. “But what about the living arrangements?”
“I did mention compromising earlier, didn’t I?”
She snuggled close to him. In her provocative tone, she asked, “So, if we were to spend three nights a week at the castle, and three nights at the cottage, and I used the seventh night to relieve Tanner on evening patrol… That would be a compromise, yes?”
He groaned. “You’re not still hell-bent on slayer duties, are you?”
“Of course. As well as ambassador duties. Friendship duties. Wifely duties…” She grinned at him. “Any complaints?”
If he had even one, would he ever win against her? Doubtful. “Suit yourself. But I should get top priority, don’t you think?”
“We’ll see how that pans out for you.”
He shook his head. “You are such a pain in the ass.”
In an indignant voice he knew was feigned, she insisted, “No one has ever said that to me before.”
“Right.”
He carried her down the stairs and then they mounted Thunder. Back at Jade’s cottage, she disappeared into the bedroom but returned a few seconds later.
Between her fingers, she held the ring he’d given her. “Will you propose again? I want to say yes this time. Officially.”
Taking the ring from her, he studied it a moment then glanced back at her. “I once told you I felt less powerful when it comes to you because I can’t give you everything you might want. I said that because, at the time, you were mortal and I didn’t know you were a demi-demon. I didn’t know enough about you, in general, to understand your needs. That’s changed. And continues to change.”
He swept a hand through her hair, plucking a few leaves she’d obviously collected while searching for the necklace. “I will give you anything your heart desires.”
Her grin was a slow, sassy one. “As long as it doesn’t threaten my safety.”
“That goes without saying.”
She laughed softly. “I hear you loud and clear. I will be careful. Even as an immortal, I know I still have weaknesses. Just, please keep in mind, I can’t make full guarantees. I’ll only upset you in the long run if you expect that of me.”
“Fair enough.” He could certainly breathe a sigh of relief now that she was immortal. But he’d be a fool to think she’d obey his every command. He realized that was one of the things that would keep the spark between them. “Call me sadistic, but for some reason, I’m willing to put up with your insolence.”
“I’m not insolent, I’m stubborn. There is a difference.” She kissed him, passionately and hungrily. As though she’d missed him as much as he’d missed her. When she finally pulled away, she was breathless. But she said, “Now ask me.”
He knelt on one knee, honoring a human tradition for her. Taking her left hand in his, he gazed up at her and said, “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Nothing I wouldn’t give you. I love you, Jade Deville. Will you be my wife?”
Her smile was a radiant one. Unfortunately, it quickly faded. Darien scowled.
“You know,” she said, “it just occurred to me that I don’t know your last name. Do demons have last names?”