Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’m that good, aye?”
    “Anyone ever tell you that you’re conceited?”
    He barked in laughter. “Kyran does all the time.”
    She wanted to ask who Kyran was, but she somehow knew he wouldn’t tell her. It was the first time Talin had let something of his life slip out, and she was going to accept the little that he offered without questioning it.
    “Now tell me why you’re really smiling,” he urged. Then he kissed the side of her head.
    “I’m happy. Truly, delightfully happy.”
    “You sound surprised.”
    It was on the tip of Neve’s tongue to tell him how she’d dreamed of having the kind of love Rhi and her Dragon King had. Not that Neve wanted the same ending as Rhi. But the story of Rhi and her Dragon King lover’s affair had been told to thousands of young girls.
    It was retold as a cautionary tale, but that’s not how Neve heard it. All she knew was that the kind of love she’d always hoped for existed. The kind of love where the person was the other half of another.
    The kind of love where nothing could tear two people apart.
    The kind of love that defied time.
    True love
.
    Her greatest fear was having the type of marriage her parents had. They were pleasant to each other, but there was no love—never had been. It was a marriage that gave both families advantages.
    Neve refused to be a pawn, but her father was getting tired of her not picking a husband and settling down. How much longer did she have on her own?
    Surprised that she was happy? Yes, that was true. Neve turned over to face Talin. “How long do I have with you?”
    “I’m not leaving anytime soon,” he said with a wink.
    Neve stared at him until she saw the realization cross his face. There had been a small kernel of hope buried deep that he would never leave. But she had her answer.
    “How did you know?” he asked, all traces of a smile gone.
    “You speak often and about many things, but never yourself. You keep everything completely private. You’re gone for long periods, and you’re secretive. Anyone who has a brain can put two and two together.”
    “Not just anyone,” he said softly. His pale silver eyes held hers. “Only someone who knows me as you know me.”
    “Why me?”
    His hand touched her cheek. “Because I had to have you.”
    “Will you ever tell me who you really are?”
    “That I can’t do. Ever.”
    She swallowed, hurt more deeply than she could handle. Neve took several steadying breaths until she had a handle on her emotions. “Why?”
    “It’s for your protection. And mine.”
    It was on the tip of Neve’s tongue to argue and tell him that she’d never disclose anything he told her, but it would be pointless.
    “I didn’t want to upset you,” he said.
    Neve lowered her eyes to his chest. “I think it’s better if I know the truth of things instead of hoping for something I’ll never have.” She returned her gaze to his. “You.”
    “Neve,” he whispered. He held her tenderly, firmly.
    Her heart constricted painfully. Until that moment, she hadn’t realized just how hard she’d fallen for Talin. She was in love with a man who could never be hers.
    Was this what Rhi felt like? Neve had idolized the Light Fae her entire life. Although Neve wanted a love like Rhi’s, what she’d gotten instead was comprehension of the pain of loss.
    “If I could remain, I would.”
    “Don’t,” Neve said and shoved away from him. She sat up, needing some distance. “Don’t you dare say things you don’t mean.”
    There was a brief pause before Talin put his hand on her back. “I’m speaking the truth.”
    Tears prickled her eyes, but she refused to cry. She was an Everwood. She would wait until she was alone in her chamber before she gave in to the need to cry.
    Neve climbed to her feet, summoning her clothes as she did. When she faced Talin, she was once more dressed without the threat of tears.
    “Neve?”
    Was that worry in his voice? Trepidation? Perhaps even a little fear? That made