Demon’s Instinct
Demon’s Instinct
EVREN
Iyelp as hot liquid splashes across my chest and stomach, the coffee cup slipping from my hand and shattering against the tile.
“Son of a bitch!”
I jump back, peeling the scalding fabric away from my skin while doing an awkward dance around the spreading puddle and broken ceramic. That makes two cups of coffee I’ve spilled this morning. A personal record.
Fantastic.
I storm down the hallway toward my bedroom, agitation simmering hot beneath my skin.
“Get it together, Evren,” I mutter as I yank off my ruined shirt and toss it toward the hamper. I grab a dark gray polo, pull on fresh jeans, and give myself a once-over before stopping at the bathroom. A quick spray of the cologne Kallie always nuzzles into, and I’m back in the kitchen.
I start to reach for another cup of coffee… then stop.
Better not tempt fate. The third time might actually take me out.
A glance at the clock tells me I’ve got time, so I grab my keys and head out. Down the elevator, into the garage, and behind the wheel.
Today I’m meeting Kallie’s sister, Mellodie.
When Kallie first mentioned lunch with Mel, I was excited—hopeful even. Meeting her family is a real step, especially for someone like Kallie, who doesn’t let just anyone into her inner circle.
It felt like confirmation, proof that we’re real. That we’re serious.
But after the last few days… I’m not so sure anymore.
When she came over for dinner last week, I asked her to stay the night. She did. But she hesitated first. Only for a second, just long enough that most people wouldn’t notice.
But with a demon’s instinct and a heart that beats only for her?
I noticed.
And since then, she’s seemed…distant.
“Too fast, too soon,” I mumble, drumming my fingers anxiously against the steering wheel.
“You knew her history. You knew what her bastard of an ex put her through for two damn years, because she told you. But you pushed, you rushed her anyway. She doesn’t have the same instincts you do. She doesn’t know-”
The thought hits me like a sucker punch in the ribs.
Mine.
I felt it before, on the cruise. It was there in every kiss, every touch, every moment with her. But now? Now that primal, ancient part of me locks onto the truth with crystal clarity.
This feeling isn’t just possession. Kallie isn’t just mine.
She’s my mate.
A blaring series of car horns jolts me back into my body. Shaken to my core, I wave a distracted apology in the rearview mirror and force myself to focus on the drive to the restaurant.
She’s my mate. She’s my mate, and I love her. Gods, I love her.
By the time I pull into a parking spot, my nerves are more shot than they were when I spilled the second cup of coffee this morning. Kallie’s car is parked a few spots down, and the sight makes my pulse race faster.
I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths before an incredulous laugh escapes me.
Who would’ve thought?
A seven-foot, horned demon built like a small tank is having an anxiety attack about meeting his girlfriend, who he is madly in love with, and, oh, by the way, literally just realized is his fated mate, and her sister for lunch.
Wiping my hands on my jeans, I finally exit the car and head into the restaurant. My eyes find Kallie on instinct, sitting at a corner table with a woman who could be her twin, with the exception of the hair.
Kallie is vibrant copper, sunshine, and fire. The woman beside her is auburn waves and clear confidence.
Kallie looks up mid-conversation and gifts me with a stunning smile, waving me over. But it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. That same anxious, creeping worry stirs in my gut.
“Hey, Doll,” I say when I reach her. She stands on her tiptoes as I lean down to kiss her. Kallie kisses me back… but it’s restrained. Careful.
Maybe it’s because Mel is here.
Maybe I’m overthinking things.
Maybe it’s all in my head.
I force myself to shove the feeling down. This isn’t about me; this is about Kallie.
“Hey, Honey.” She says softly. Then she turns to her sister, who is watching us with a kind of scrutinizing focus that screams she would happily commit murder to protect her sister and have zero regrets about it.
“This is my sister, Mellodie. Mellodie,” she says, turning to her sister, “This is Evren.”
“Mel, please. It’s so nice to finally meet you,” she says, standing and extending her hand. I take it, noting the strength of her shake. It’s sure and confident, sending the unspoken message: “Do not hurt my sister.”
“You as well,” I say as we break and sit. A waitress comes by to drop off menus and take our drink orders. Kallie fidgets slightly next to me. I lay a hand on her thigh and give her a gentle squeeze, trying to reassure her.
She glances up from her menu and gives me a small smile.
“Calm down, Kallie, this isn’t the Spanish Inquisition,” Mel says teasingly, making Kallie groan.
“Excuse me for being paranoid. You have a history.” Kallie arches an accusing eyebrow at her sister.
“One time,” Mel says with an accompanying eye roll.
“That you admit to.”
Mel snorts, “Where’s your proof?”
“Tommy Baker,” Kallie says flatly.
Mel throws her hands in the air. “Tommy Baker was a tool who was trying to win a bet with Brian Turner! That little shit would have coaxed you into blowing him to win twenty bucks. He deserved the nut check I gave him and then some.”
A low growl tears out of me before I can stop it.
Both sisters snap their eyes to me as I slowly pull air into my lungs, fighting the sudden urge to hunt down this Tommy Baker and make him cry blood.
“Apologies,” I say, voice dropping several octaves into something dark and dangerous.
Mel’s lips twitch, amusement sparkling in her eyes. “Oh, I like him, sis.”
I relax a fraction as Kallie laughs, shaking her head. The waitress returns, dropping off our drinks and taking our orders.
For the next hour, conversation flows shockingly well. Mel vets me with surgical precision—where I’m from, my parents, my business, my intentions. I can tell she’s weighing every word, every reaction.
And I get to see just how much she and Kallie adore each other. The teasing. The shared stories. The comfort.
It should be perfect. But something is off.
Kallie laughs. She touches me. She engages.
But she’s distracted.
Her phone gets checked. And checked again. And again. She jumps every time it vibrates. Her smile falters too quickly.
I try to tell myself it's nothing, it’s just business, but my instincts are screaming there’s something wrong.
Kallie excuses herself to go to the restroom, leaving Mel and me alone.
“You can relax, Evren. I meant it when I said I liked you earlier.” She says with slight amusement.
I rub the back of my neck and huff out a breath.
“Thanks. The feelings mutual, for the record.”
Mel studies me, then asks plainly, “Do you love her?”
There’s no heat or accusation in the question, more like affirming what she already can see for herself.
“I do, with all my heart and soul,” I reply without hesitation. “But I think I screwed up.” I blurt.
Mel shifts in her seat, attention sharpening. Before she has a chance to reply or I can second-guess myself, I barrel on.
“I’m going too fast. I spooked her. She’s pulling away.
She told me what her ex put her through.
Two years of hell. You don’t recover from that quickly.
I knew she was cautious. I should’ve been more patient.
But I moved faster than she was ready for, and now…
now I’m losing her.” My heart is racing, and the anxiety I thought I checked at the door is reaching new levels.
“Evren,” Mel says gently, “It’s not you. I’ve never, ever seen my sister so happy. That’s all thanks to you.”
I shake my head as the panic continues to rise despite Mel’s reassurance. “Then what is it? If it isn’t me, if I didn’t do something wrong, then why is she pulling back? What would make her this distant?” My voice is desperate and pleading as I look to Mel.
She shifts in her seat again, looking uncomfortable, maybe even guilty. “She thinks she’s protecting you,” she finally says, choosing her words carefully.
Shock slams into me. “Protecting me from what?”
Mel hesitates. She looks like she wants to say more, but holds back.
Her eyes soften into a silent plea—
Give her time. Don’t give up.
“Hey, my sweet boy! How was lunch? How did it go with Kallie’s sister?” I can practically see my mother vibrating with energy on the video chat. She knew that I was meeting Kallie’s sister for lunch today, and I promised I would call her when I got home.
Now I wish my mood matched her excitement.
My mom is once again seated on the balcony, the sounds of the sea echoing behind her. My father sits to her left, barely in the frame that my mother is hogging in her excitement.
“Hi, Mom, Dad.”
“Hey, Son.” Dad says, taking a sip of his evening tea.
Mom shushes my father with a flick of her hand.
“Don’t keep us waiting, sweetheart. Tell us everything.” Her smile is bright and expectant.
I exhale slowly. “It was good.”
Her face falls a fraction, and my Dad sets his cup down and leans in, fully alert.
“Oh, honey, what happened?” She asks gently.
“It was good, Mom. Truly. Mel and I got on great. She even told me that she’s never seen Kallie so happy.” I say, rubbing a hand along my jaw.
“So what’s got you looking so down?” My Dad asks.
I rub my neck and suck in a shaky breath.
“Something’s wrong,” I admit. “Don’t ask me what, but I can feel it.” I rub my chest over my heart where a steady ache pulses. “She’s been distant. Pulling away. But I can’t figure out why.” I say, nearly choking on my words. The thought of losing Kallie is too much to think of.
“Have you talked to her about it?” Mom asks
I shake my head, throat tight.
“Son,” my Dad starts with that voice of assurance, “If there’s one thing in all my years that I have learned, it’s that silence grows seeds of doubt.”
Mom gives a little snort. Dad shoots her a look full of mischief and adoration.
“Took him long enough to learn it,” Mom mumbles as she runs her fingertips down his cheek tenderly before turning back to me.
Dad gives her a pointed side-eye, but snags her hand and kisses it.
“Do you love her?” My mom asks, making that the second time someone has asked me that today.
“With every fiber of my being,” I say once again without hesitation. “She’s my mate.”
Mom’s face lights up like a tree at Christmas. “Then go tell her. Tell her she’s your mate. Tell her that you love her.”
That’s all the push I need.
“Thanks, Mom, Dad. I love you guys.”
“We love you too,” they echo.
I end the call, grab my keys, and bolt. The drive to Kallie’s is a blur of red lights, honked horns, and a few broken traffic laws. I arrive, and the car is barely in park before I’m ripping the keys out and practically sprinting to Kallie’s door.
I knock hard and urgently. Like my next heartbeat depends on it.
Because it does.
Kallie opens the door with a startled surprise. “Evren? What are you doing here?”
“Hey, Doll. Can I come in? I need to talk to you.”
Kallie steps aside, and I duck my head to get through the door. Once inside, I have to remain hunched over. Kallie’s house was not meant for someone of my stature. It makes me feel small, but the tightening of worry in my chest makes me feel like I’m shrinking.
Door closed, she turns to face me, concern etched on her beautiful features.
“Is everything okay?” She asks.
“Kallie,” I say in a shaky breath, “I love you. You’re my mate, and I love you.”
Kallie’s eyes widen, glistening with unshed tears. “You… love me?”
“With all my heart and soul,” I say, stepping into her space and taking her hands.
Tears spill down her cheeks. “I love you too, Evren.” She whispers.
I lean down and capture her lips, but her passion is reserved.
I pull back and cup her face, brushing her tears away with my thumbs.
“What’s wrong, Kallie? You’re pulling away from me. Talk to me.”
Kallie's bottom lip trembles as she steps back from me, and worry and fear cut through me like a rip-stream.
I follow her into the small kitchen, where she picks up an envelope and hands it to me.
“Open it,” she whispers.
I do as she says, pulling out a stack of documents. As I begin to read, my stomach plummets.
Legal papers. Filed by her bastard ex-husband.
Accusations of withheld income. Petitioning to reopen the settlement. The threat of a lien on Bloomhaus.
By the time I’ve read through all the legal bullshit, the fire in my blood is boiling.
“When were you served?” I growl.
“A few weeks ago,” she sniffs, not meeting my gaze.
Weeks.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I ask, placing the documents back into the envelope as carefully as I can, though every instinct in me begs to incinerate them.
“I didn’t want you to be dragged into my mess.”
Mels words echo in my mind, “She’s trying to protect you.”
“Kallie—,” I start, but she cuts me off sharply.
“No.”
“No, what?”
She crosses her arms across her chest defensively, and my instincts go on high alert, screaming: danger, tread lightly.
“No to whatever you were going to say,” She states in a tone that brokers no argument.
“Doll,” I begin softly.
“No, Evren. I know you want to help, but this is my mess. I have to be the one to deal with it.” She says firmly.
I shake my head and take a step toward her, reaching out to take her hand.
She takes a step back.
A crack forms in my heart.
“I…I” she sputters, as fresh tears fall, “I think you should go.”
“Kallie,” I beg as my own voice breaks. My chest cracks open as Kallie tears my heart out.
She turns her back to me, shoulders silently shaking.
The silence stretches, sharp and suffocating, as I stand frozen until I force myself to move. To walk away from her and leave.
Her door closes behind me with a soft click that echoes in my ears at deafening volume. I walk to my car, leaving my heart on the floor of her kitchen.