“I know this is awkward, but I have to know.” I pursed my lips before continuing. “When you called me your mate last night, was that just a gargoyle thing? A term of affection, maybe?” Hugo froze. He slowly finished chewing, swallowed, put his fork down, and straightened in his chair. “No.” Wariness edged his tone. I bit my lower lip and then asked, “Something said in the heat of the moment?” I shrugged sheepishly. His lips quirked with chagrin. “That happened indeed, since I didn’t mean to overwhelm you.” He placed his hands on his lap. “But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t the truth.”
