If you notice any spelling mistakes, no you didn't.

Enjoy!

Dim lighting kept faces in shadows, but their eyes gleamed unnaturally when Rose glanced their way. She stood in one of the few bars owned by a demon on the human side of the river—a safe ground of sorts. Magic had been woven into the air to prevent violence; charms were displayed on the walls in warning for anyone who tried to start a fight. The last guy to tempt the magic was teleported twenty feet above the Hudson and wasn't heard from again.

It was the safest place Rose knew to meet with Mason. He already sat at the bar, waiting for her with a shot of tequila ready. Rose reached for the glass, stilling when Mason's fingers encircled her wrist.

"Where were you?" he demanded; gold eyes flashing and the smell of alcohol on his breath.

She shook him off. "With your mother." Rose shot back the drink, then signalled the bartender for another. "Knowing my every movement wasn't part of the deal."

"It is when demons are found dead on this side of the river. Zmey's worried. He wants you–"

"Tell Abe to shove it," Rose hissed.

Mason sighed, pressing his hands to the bar top. "Why do you always have to act like we're the enemy? I'm protecting you."

"I never asked for your protection."

He smirked. "You used to."

His words stirred memories of nights spent together and when Rose begged him to stay with her. Her expression turned down in disgust. "I know better now." Another shot was placed before her, and she swallowed it quickly. "If that's all you have to say–"

"Why are you still so hung up about that human?" Mason questioned, "It's been weeks and you're still pissed at me for stopping you from making a mistake."

Rose kept her face blank. "Why are you still so annoyed that I liked a human so much?"

"Because we're meant to be, Rose. You would know that if you'd let me mark you."

Irritation flared, and Rose backed away from Mason with a growl. "That's never happening." She spun on her heel and stalked out of the bar. Anger burned as she walked to her apartment, located too close to the river for her liking; when she stared out the window overlooking the bridge, she felt the eerie feeling of someone looking back at her. The hairs on her neck stood until she closed the curtains and turned away from the windows.

Paranoia made Rose search her bedroom before she emptied her bag on the bed, sorting through the items until she pulled out the small charm—a braided rope with a seeing eye connected to the bottom by a purple thread. She gripped it as she scrolled her phone contacts, and dialed Lissa's.

It rang four times before her friend answered, "Rose? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Rose pressed her lips together, then added, "Yet. I think I need a new charm."

"Do you think he knows?"

"I don't know, but I don't want to take a chance. Are you free tomorrow?"

Dimitri flinched in his chair as the pen he had been balancing on his fingers tumbled off the desk and fell to the floor at his feet. He shot a look at Ivan, who stood before him with hands on his hips. Between them lay a small black case.

"Are you going to tell me why you need this?" Ivan questioned.

Dimitri reached for his pen. "What is this?"

Ivan sighed and glanced around the room as if he expected someone to be watching. He unclasped the case and spun it to show Dimitri. "This."

A revolver sat nestled in the case, a plush lining kept it in place with a cut-out for a box of bullets. Dimitri's hand hovered over it, uncertainty held him back before determination pushed him forward. He gingerly pulled out the gun. He had never been interested in owning a weapon before, never thought he would need one. "Is it loaded?" Dimitri asked, his attention shifted to the bullets. Blessed. They could kill a demon.

Ivan took the gun and showed Dimitri how to release the chamber. "It can hold six rounds. As long as you shoot them in the chest or head, you won't need more than one to take a low-level demon down."

"Have you shot a demon before?"

"Yes."

"Have you killed one?"

Ivan paused, eyes meeting Dimitri's. He looked guilty. "I have." Ivan didn't elaborate and Dimitri didn't press for more.

Dimitri took the gun back, feeling the weight of it in his hand. It was a last resort, something to use if desperate and only until he was stronger. If Mason came close, Dimitri wanted to be the one to protect Rose, rather than cower behind her.

"You never told me why you need this," Ivan recalled with a concerned expression. "Is everything okay?"

"It will be—" Dimitri shook his head. "It is. Everything is fine. It's just in case."

His friend didn't believe him, but let it slide. "If Olena asks who gave you the gun, it wasn't me." Ivan pursed his lips and added, "Don't tell Rose it was me either."

Dimitri chuckled, "My lips are sealed."

The wind chilled the city street, blowing the remaining leaves off the few trees planted between the towering buildings. Dimitri's duster billowed around his legs, his head ducked to protect his eyes and hide his face.

Neon lights formed the shape of a coffee cup, with BOOKS lit under it in blue. The bookshop was the only store on the street with its lights still on; it was past eight o'clock, most people had returned home for the night. Only the owner stood in the store, aged eyes meeting Dimitri's over wire-rimmed glasses; the man studied Dimitri for a moment before turning his attention back to the book in his hands.

Dimitri navigated through the store, clutching his gym bag to his side as he maneuvered around the overflowing bookshelves. Although the store appeared small on the outside, the stacks extended deep into the back, with stairs going up and down. He passed by the stairs and stepped through a door marked For Employees Only. In a dimly lit hallway, Dimitri opened the heavy door leading to the basement. As he descended, the sounds of the wind and the occasional passing car faded away, along with the warm atmosphere of the bookshop.

A final door at the bottom of the stairs opened into a cramped room with a musty smell. Two yellow bulbs dangled from the ceiling, providing the sole light in the windowless space. Large blue training mats covered the concrete floor, while exercise equipment and weights were stacked against the wall. Although the items were not brand new, they were also not overly worn; they were sufficient for his purposes.

Rose sat in the centre of the room, headphones on and eyes shut. Her loose hair flowed down her back and shoulders. Dimitri watched her, a smile on his lips as her foot bounced in time with her music. She looked relaxed, dressed in a crop top and form-fitting pants. He could almost pretend they weren't there to train how to fight a demon.

He dropped his gym bag by the door, crossed to the mats, and dropped to his knees next to Rose. When his hand pressed to her bare stomach, she smiled. Dimitri drew Rose into his arms and kissed her lips.

"Took you long enough," Rose murmured against his lips.

Dimitri hummed, kissing her again before replying, "I had to take care of some things. I'm sorry I made you wait."

Her eyes opened, and a hint of red shone around her pupils as her hands warmed his cheeks. She was taking energy from him, just enough to quell her hunger. "Ready to get your ass kicked?"

The hit to his stomach caught him off guard, her movement noticed a second too late to block. The knife in his hand was knocked away; the fight was over as soon as the weapon hit the floor. Rose's foot collided with his chest and Dimitri fell to the mat, landing with a grunt more in anger than pain.

He'd lost again.

"You're meant to be trying to kill me," Rose mocked from above him, hip jutted out and a stern look in her eyes. "Mason will be able to kill you in seconds."

The remark felt like a slap, and Dimitri's expression darkened with irritation. He couldn't argue the truth in her words—she was right. Rose was only a half-demon, yet managed to take him down each time; against Mason, Dimitri would be useless.

Rose's expression softened, coming to his side and offering a hand to help him up. "Don't let it get to you. Demons are just naturally stronger."

Dimitri ignored her hand and eased back to his feet. He rolled his shoulders as he stalked across the room, trying to work the tension out of his body in the limited space of the basement. Rose chose the building because she knew the owners, with multiple entrances, it was easier to enter and leave without being seen together. It was all a secret. They never messaged about meeting, instead, they had an agreed-upon time to meet three times a week so she could train him how to fight. Mason's threat kept Rose from risking them being seen together.

Despite confessing their love, Dimitri was kept at arm's length and hidden away. He felt like a mistress.

The thought made him snort; mistress wasn't right. Two weeks passed since he found Rose at the club, and they hadn't been intimate since. They kissed, Rose happy to tangle her fingers in his hair and press her body against his as they made out passionately, but never more. And they wouldn't be more until Dimitri could protect himself.

His fists clenched, and he swung at the punching bag in anger. "I am a demon," he retorted.

"You're half."

"So are you," he retorted, glancing back at Rose. Dimitri had deceived himself into thinking that if he could just have Rose back, everything would revert to how it once was. He hated how mistaken he had been.

Rose crossed her arms, her eyes shifted about the room rather than look at him. "You aren't like me," she replied. "You don't have any powers."

Powers. Dimitri gritted his teeth.

"I should head off."

He turned, eyes locked with Rose's. "You're meeting someone, aren't you?"

"Dimitri," Rose pleaded, "don't start this again. Please."

"I just don't understand," he argued, fists curled at his side. "You tell me you love me, but then you still go to someone else."

A sigh slipped from her lips before Rose met Dimitri's gaze. He could see the strain in her eyes, both from the topic and because he knew she was holding herself back. It was easier for Dimitri to notice the signs when Rose needed to feed, the tightness formed in her shoulders, and how her eyes filled with hunger.

"I do love you," Rose declared, stepping forward only to move back. Her control hung by a thread. "I'm trying to protect you."

"The more you say that, the more it sounds like an excuse."

The tension in the room increased, thick enough it could be cut with a knife. Anger and frustration fuelled one another until Rose and Dimitri simply glared at each other across the room.

Rose was the first to give in.

She crossed the room, hands reaching for Dimitri. Desperate fingers curled around the back of his neck and the front of his tank top, yanking him down until his lips met hers. It was a bruising kiss; Rose took everything she needed—craved. It wasn't just to feed the demon side, but also for her to take her fill of the man she loved.

Dimitri was all too eager to give, gladly taking pleasure in the feeling of her body slotted against his. His hands found purchase on her hips, fingertips digging in and pulling her closer. Both were covered in sweat, yet with his nose pressed to her skin, Dimitri could catch the alluring scent of Rose, like a mixture of spice and flowers—a promise of pleasure, but with the warning of being burnt. They battled for control in the kiss, which was easily given to Dimitri when his tongue slipped past her lips and tangled with hers. With a sound almost like a growl, Dimitri lifted Rose's feet from the ground, sliding her body up until her legs hooked around his waist.

He took a step back, blindly searching for the wall, throwing a hand out to locate it quickly. Dimitri didn't want to stop the kiss for anything. Rose sighed when her back hit the cool concrete, moaning into his mouth. The need between them had hit a breaking point, and boiled over. Fabric ripped, the halves of Dimitri's shirt pushed aside for Rose to caress his chest.

"I love you, Roza," Dimitri promised, barely pulling back enough from her lips to say the words. Each time he could declare his feelings to her, his heart sped up, knowing he had her love in return.

Rose moaned again, hands moving feverishly across his skin. "I love you too. Fuck. Dimitri." Her fingers fisted his hair, tugging back until their eyes met. "Dimitri, I–"

Her phone rang, the shrill tone echoing in the otherwise silent room. As quickly as their passion had taken over, it left. Rose cursed and untangled herself from Dimitri. His palms pressed to the spot she had been against, cursing under his breath. Dimitri wanted to be angry, but he recognised the caller's ringtone—Mason.

Rose spoke in hushed tones on the phone, her voice only rose in anger, but she cut herself off before finishing her insult. She hung up and threw her phone back on her jacket on the ground with a grumbled asshole. "I have to go," she sighed, fingers tugging the loose strands of her hair back until it was gathered back into a tight bun.

"Of course, you do."

She twisted to stare at him, shoulders tensing, and an irritated sigh slipped past her lips. "You know–"

"I know," Dimitri retorted. He picked up a towel to wipe the sweat from his neck, avoiding Rose's eyes. Jealousy was a cruel creature with claws deep in Dimitri's heart. The voice of fear whispered Rose would disappear again, falling to the command of Mason, and there would be nothing Dimitri could do to prevent it.

He flinched in surprise when Rose's hand pressed his back as her lips ghosted over his shoulder, hesitating before kissing him. "It won't always be like this," she promised.

Dimitri turned, holding Rose close as he breathed. "I'll get stronger, and then you won't have to worry anymore." He was determined, one way or another, he'd figure out how to protect himself so they could be together.

Rose waited in her booth, obscured just enough she didn't stand out, but still able to see the entrance to the bar. Her visits to the bar had dwindled after meeting Dimitri but were growing in frequency again. At least, it wasn't to meet Mason again.

The heavy door opened and Rose spotted the blonde hair before she saw Lissa's face. She didn't have to wave Lissa over, green eyes locked on hers instantly. Lissa looked out of place in her pastel pants suit and the string of pearls; granted her attire didn't matter when the demons around her could sense she was human. Not one of them approached her, despite being human, her powers filled the air like electricity ready to shock.

"You look nice," Rose commented with a one-over of Lissa's outfit again.

"I get better tips when I dress up," Lissa replied as she slipped into the booth opposite Rose; she gingerly placed her hands on the table after inspecting for anything that would stain.

Rose nodded. Just as she had a list of clients in the city, Lissa had one as well. Instead of a good time between the sheets, Lissa made money as a clairvoyant. It was mostly middle-aged women and people desperate for guidance, willing to pay a high price for Lissa's sight.

"Mason is lurking around, I assume?"

"Don't remind me," Rose groaned. A beer sat on the table, condensation beaded on the glass. The bar was an easy place to find someone to feed from, humans who knew of the demon world would often visit in hopes of exploring their darker fantasies. She needed to find someone to leave with; Rose had to feed and she needed Mason to see. He couldn't know about Dimitri.

Dimitri. Rose winced at the memory of his hurt expression—the dejection in his tone.

Rose picked up the glass of beer and drank half of it. "I have to see Abe."

"What?"

"Mason has the upper hand right now, and I need to change that. I need to tell Abe about Dimitri," Rose reasoned to Lissa and herself. Talking to Abe was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had had enough of fearing Mason. She didn't want to keep Dimitri a secret. She didn't want to spend the night with someone else.

She was meant to meet someone that night—a playboy she had fooled around with in the past, always up for another round with no strings attached. Though, even messaging him had been difficult and the thought of sleeping with him made Rose feel sick. Anyone other than Dimitri felt wrong, to the point she'd rather starve and become weak.

Sleeping with someone else felt like a betrayal to Dimitri—a feeling she wasn't used to dealing with. When Rose had sex, it was purely to survive or for fun. It all became complicated once she fell in love, but she couldn't find herself to regret developing feelings for Dimitri, not when he made her happier than she had ever been. It was the risk to Dimitri's life Rose regretted, the ever-present noose Mason held, ready to tighten the rope at any moment to end their relationship.

Lissa glanced over her shoulder, then leaned in, whispering, "Will you tell him everything?"

"I don't know. I just need to tell him enough so he knows Dimitri is off limits."

Again, she looked around before she spoke, "Have you considered…claiming him?"

Rose stilled, eyes fixed on her beer glass clenched tightly in her hand. "I can't do that to him."

"It might be the only way."

"No," Rose shook her head vehemently, "I'll make Abe listen to me. He'll call off Mason." Even as she said the words Rose felt doubt settle in her stomach. Making Abe do something was difficult—convincing him without owing something important was impossible. Dimitri's protection would come at a steep price, but at least he would be safe.

"Here." Lissa laid a charm on the table. "I'll make another one for Dimitri, just in case…" she trailed off, lips pressed together in a tight line.

"Thanks."

With a nod, Lissa stood and touched her fingertips to the back of Rose's hand. "If you need someone to go with you to see Zmey, let me know."

Rose nodded again, a grateful smile on her face. "Thanks, Liss."

She didn't leave when Lissa did. Instead, Rose remained at the booth, staring at the charm as her beer grew warm. The charm was a safety net that concealed her aura from other demons. It let her go to the bookstore without others sensing her—without Mason following her.

His suspicion grew, and his belief Rose kept her distance from Dimitri would fade. She grasped the charm, clenching her fist around it.

One way or another, their secret would be revealed. Then everything would change.

Rose watched Dimitri struggle to his feet, nervously wringing her hands when he winced. She knew she couldn't hold back, and it wouldn't help him improve if she did, but she dreaded hurting him.

Dimitri stood and rolled his shoulders, wiping the line of blood from his nose. He stepped back onto the mat and held up his fists. "Let's do it again."

She eyed him. "We can take a break."

Determination burned in his eyes. "Again."

By the time she had to leave, Dimitri had a sheen of sweat on his brow and hairline, and a grim expression as he focused on unwrapping his hands. Rose leaned against his side, breathing in his scent and letting it calm her. It amazed her how much just his presence eased her mind. Need itched under her skin, begging her to give in and take everything Dimitri had to offer, but she held herself back. Once she gave in, she wouldn't be able to stop again.

"You're getting better," she smiled as relief washed over her.

Dimitri scoffed. "I don't feel like I am."

She nudged his hip with hers. "You are," Rose replied firmly. "It's because I'm such a great teacher. Obviously."

"Of course, Roza."

Rose tilted her head to catch his eye; Dimitri offered a fond smile, placing his hand on her hip and tugging her closer. Their lips met, feeding the itch just enough to keep it at bay for another night. Rose sighed into the kiss as Dimitri's energy flowed into her—an intoxicating drug that left her light-headed and craving more. Reluctantly, she pulled back.

Dimitri's hands framed her face, staring into her blood-red eyes with longing. "Don't stop," he begged, then kissed her again.

It was a struggle to resist. The internal conflict between doing the right thing and pursuing her desires fought for control. Dimitri pinned her against the wall; his arms enclosed her as he leaned in.

"I'll do anything, Roza," he pleaded, mouthing along her jaw. "Just stay with me. Just a little longer."

Rose was rooted in place, her palms pressed to the concrete wall so she wouldn't dig her fingers into his arms. Heat washed over her until her skin felt tight and uncomfortable. Her body gravitated towards him subconsciously, eager to answer his plea even though she knew it would be dangerous. Giving in would be dangerous.

Suddenly, Dimitri dropped to his knees before her, and all thoughts of denying him slipped from her mind.

Dimitri held her eyes, brown meet red as he slipped his fingers under the waistband of her pants and tugged. "Tell me to stop."

"I…" Rose clenched her jaw, her knees almost buckled from the desire coursing through her. Then, she gave in. "Don't stop, Dimitri."

A relief went through them both, passion overpowered any doubt. Giving in had never felt so good. Rose's fingers threaded through Dimitri's hair when his mouth moved across her thigh, leaning into his hands when they grasped her ass. Despite how feverishly he kissed her, Dimitri took his time, tracing her skin with his lips. He mapped out each spot that caused her to moan, a smile on his lips when she melted against him.

Dimitri's mouth pressed to her clothed covered crotch; his hot breath made her shiver. Rose tightened her grip on his hair. "You're taking too long."

"I'm taking my time," he replied. Fingertips slipped under the lace of her underwear. "I've missed being able to touch you. You might think it foolish, but I miss you lying in my bed the most. Laid in my arms while we slept—it was perfect."

Rose had heard every line in the book, every compliment and seduction used to gain her attention. Nothing had ever come close to invoking the feeling Dimitri's words did. Rose sank to her knees and embraced Dimitri, holding tight with her face buried in his neck; Dimitri's arms wrapped around her as his body relaxed with satisfaction.

"I've missed you, Roza."

"I've missed you too."

Just holding him felt amazing, lighting each nerve in her body. She hadn't realised how weary she was until she held Dimitri, each second against him eased the exhaustion and stress until all that was left was desire.

Dimitri grunted in surprise when Rose pushed him back, landing on the mat with her kneeling over him. "You can touch me, Dimitri," Rose promised as she crawled up his body until their lips were inches apart. "I'm all yours."

He rolled them; Rose's back hit the mat as his lip claimed hers. The kiss was sweet, and his touch was tender as his hands moved over her. Dimitri's lips trailed from her mouth to her jaw and down her throat. Each kiss lingered—affection burned to skin.

Dimitri continued down her body, pausing only once he was settled between her thighs again, fingers tugging at her underwear until the lace was past her ankles and she was bare. He draped her legs over his shoulders before his face pressed between her thighs. Rose shuddered, gasping and twisting her fingers in his hair. He kept to his word and took his time, lapping and teasing her entrance with his tongue until she was begging.

Pleasure made Rose's eyes roll; her nails scratched at the plastic covering under her. Dimitri drew her closer, lifting her hips off the mat. Rose could see where his mouth pressed to her; a shiver went through her when Dimitri met her gaze, the look of hunger on his face as he continued to devour her. Energy coursed through her, making her body bow as it absorbed all Dimitri had to give. Desire weighed heavy, coiling heat gathered in her stomach; Rose became lost in the power—lusted for more.

Rose threw her head back and screamed when her orgasm hit, shaking as Dimitri's tongue thrust inside her. Her eyes squeezed shut, blinded by her pleasure. Her demon side feasted, greedily taking what it had craved for weeks.

It took a while for Rose to come back to herself; her fingers dragged over the mat, feeling the marks left by her nails. Her breath was ragged, and despite how much she took, Rose felt exhausted. A weight was on top of her—Dimitri's head rested on her stomach and his hands caressing her sides. He was as breathless as her.

Rose licked her lips, running shaky fingers through Dimitri's hair. "Oh, God."

A soft chuckle came from him. "You can call me Dimitri."

With a gentle kiss to her stomach, Dimitri eased himself up. He stumbled when he climbed to his feet, barely caught by Rose; she lowered him back to the mat and pushed his hair from his face with a frown. "I'm sorry," she whispered. Her fingers pressed under his jaw, feeling his pulse race. "Fuck. I took too much. I–"

"It's okay," Dimitri assured her, though his voice was weak. "I just got a bit dizzy. It's been a while." A grin spread over his face as he stared at Rose with love in his eyes. "Did you like it?"

Rose rolled her eyes and kissed Dimitri. "I loved it."

"We can do more…"

"Not tonight," she quickly denied him, helping him back onto his feet. "You need to go home and rest." Rose released his arm when she was sure he was steady, watching from the corner of her eye as she pulled her clothes back on.

Dimitri wore a strange look, his eyes on the ground and lips pressed together in a frown. Rose started to turn but halted when Dimitri's hand grasped her; his voice pleading, "Are you going to see someone tonight?"

Rose took his hand in hers, squeezing reassuringly, "No. I'm not seeing anyone else." The relief that flooded his expression didn't help ease the knots in her stomach. More so when she added reluctantly, "Tonight."

"Right," his tone was clipped. Dimitri's fingers released hers, and a shadow crossed his face as he turned away. Rose's fingers balled into a fist at her side.

Tentatively, she reached for him, cupping his cheek with her palm to make him look at her. "It won't be much longer."

Dimitri tilted his head at Rose and smiled despite himself. "You've said that before."

"I mean it this time. I'm going to talk to Abe tomorrow."

His eyes widened. "Why?" he asked, "You said it wasn't safe–"

"I know," she grimaced, "It isn't, but I need to get my father on my side, that way Mason won't have a hold on me anymore. It's going to be a fucking awkward conversation, but it's better than this."

"Don't risk yourself too much for me."

That made Rose laugh. "Dimitri, you are willing to risk your life for me, and I will do the same. I'm done being scared of Mason. I want to be with you." She tugged Dimitri down into a kiss, putting all her affection into it. "Only you."

The wind had picked up when Rose left the basement; her cheeks heated and her body buzzed from the last few kisses she gained from Dimitri before they parted. Snow drifted down from the sky and kept the streets empty, and the strong winter breeze brought a chill that left Rose shivering in her thin jacket. She stood on the corner of the street, periodically checking her phone, waiting for Dimitri's text to say he had made it to his car.

It was overprotective, but it made her feel better. The text helped her relax, and she would delete it instantly so Mason wouldn't find it if he decided to piss her off by going through her phone.

Her nails tapped nervously against the back of her phone, growing more agitated with each second that passed. They left at the same time, granted Dimitri's exit was further away, but he wouldn't have taken that long to reach his car. Agitation turned to concern just as she heard a gunshot ring through the night—then all she felt was panic.

Rose ran as fast as she could, catching herself when her shoes slipped on the iced footpath. Her knife was in hand when she rounded the corner, ready to fight anyone so much as looking at Dimitri. What she hadn't expected was Mason on top of Dimitri, grappling for a gun lying in the snow.

Blood dripped from a wound on Mason's shoulder, landing on the snow and Dimitri's face. She couldn't tell if Dimitri was injured, but fear still gripped her heart as she raced towards them, ready to tear Mason a new one. Yet, just as she was about to reach them, a wave of power hit her, like a shock to her system, and made her stumble. A growl sent chills down her spine and caused the hairs at the back of her neck to stand on end.

Rose watched with wide eyes as Mason was thrown back, landing a few feet away from Dimitri. Her elation was cut short when she stared at Dimitri. Gone were his kind eyes and gentle expression—they were dark and cold. His lips pulled back into a snarl that showed the tips of fangs. His fingers were curled and rigid, ready to attack, with elongated nails that had turned black, the colour seeping into the skin of his fingers until it faded out by his palm.

The aura was so familiar yet foreign at the same time. Her instincts screamed at her to tread carefully, to be wary of the new threat.

Demon.

Dimitri's demon side had taken over.

A big thank you to everyone wishing my luck and good wishes with having a baby!

I'm exhausted and have no free time, but the little gremlin is adorable and has the cutest smile. Makes it all worth it.