Page 32 of Maneater

Oh. I seem to have two modes of communication. Secretive and complete openness. Interacting with Darien is somewhere in between. Every bit of new info is blowing his mind, and I can’t seem to grasp that I should slow my roll.

“That sounds a lot scarier than it is. It’s basically our cryptid government. A way for us to make sure things are going smoothly with all the various species. But it’s also social. For instance, we have the big summer solstice bash in Yellowstone coming up soon.” I grin. “It’s the only time I can see the guys in person and really socialize, so I always look forward to it.”

I suddenly realize that Darien’s eyes have bugged out and he has his hand over his mouth as if he might scream. I should really shut up, but at the same time, I ache to pour out my heart and soul to him. To have him understand me and maybe… My shoulders slump. He’s being very nice about everything so far, but the leap from begrudging acceptance to forever-after seems insurmountable.

He finally lowers his hand and clears his throat. “I have so many questions.”

“Of course.” I nod. “Whatever you want to know. Should I start by telling you about the different types of cryptids? The solstice party? Howler history?”

“Oh my God,” Darien mutters. “Brain overload.”

I wince. “Sorry. I’m terrible at this. I’ve literally never told another human being who I really am.”

“Seriously?” I’m startled when he reaches out and lays his hand on top of mine. “That’s so sad.”

He seems to catch himself and quickly yanks it away. I almost reach for him, but my judgment calls so far have been epically shitty, so I refrain.

“It is what it is.” I smile. “Thank you for not running away from me.” My gut clenches, but I have to ask. “Does that mean you won’t reveal who I am to everyone?”

Darien presses his lips together, then answers, “I promised, didn’t I? I wouldn’t do that. Especially now that I know the truth about you.” His fingers curl into fists where they rest on his knees. “You’d never be left alone, and how could I live with myself for ruining your life? I’ve dedicated myself to protecting the environment and all its creatures…” He arches his eyebrows. “Sorry, living beings. So just because I never knew cryptids were real doesn’t mean I’m going to change my beliefs.”

I let out a long sigh. Maybe things will be okay after all. “I sensed that about you. I guess that’s why I took a chance and confessed who I really am.”

His features have softened, and his body has lost all its tension. I’m finally feeling better about what I feared was a reckless decision.

“Thanks.” Darien smiles wide. “I appreciate your trust.” He glances away, and I assume he’s deciding which cryptid fact he wants me to reveal first. He turns back to me. “I’m curious about one thing, though. What did you mean by you were thinking with your heart, not your head?”

His cheeks flush, and the heat in mine suggests mine are turning red also. “I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

“But you did.” He arches his eyebrows.

I run my hand over the top of my head, then fuss with the band holding my hair back. Sometimes when I transform to my human self, the magic doesn’t put non-organic things back in place perfectly. The one incident with the missing pants was a tough one. I had to creep through the woods over several miles to get back to my cave and was almost spotted more than once. It wouldn’t do for the local innkeeper to be arrested for indecent exposure.

“Rex?”

“Right, umm…” I scratch my chin. Why is it so much harder for me to express my feelings to Darien than it was to tell him I’m a Howler? “Well, you might end up not wanting to have anything to do with me just for this, but…” Man, I’ve never been so nervous before. “I’m very attracted to you.”

My cheeks are so hot I’m about to combust.

Darien straightens, letting out a small gasp, and I prepare for him to bolt.

“For real?”

I wring my hands. “Yes. I realize how abrupt this must seem, but…” I shrug with a shaky laugh. “I can’t help it.”

“So…” Darien begins, “are you saying you’d be interested in going out?” He chuckles. “That was dumb. We’re definitely out right now.” He ducks his head and peers up at me. “But another time, like on a date?”

I can’t believe my ears. This is an actual possibility?

“If you want to, yeah.”

Darien grins. “I’d love to. But I should probably tell you something first. You’ve been honest with me, so I should be with you.”

I pretend my heart isn’t in danger of being crushed. He probably has someone back in California. Maybe they’re even planning on moving here at some point. If all he wants to do is hook up, I’ll be super bummed.

“Sure.” I try not to sound too melancholy. “What is it?”

“I’ve never gone out with a guy before. I’ve only ever had one serious relationship, and it was with a woman. But I’ve come to realize that I’m not straight. I’m not sure if I’m ready to put a label on who I am yet, but what I am sure of is that I’m attracted to you too.”