“I never thought he was a demon,” Austin said, gazing at Kage. “Even as a kid.” “I know.” Affection tinged Hudson’s voice. “He was your monster.” “Yeah.” Austin stared steadily at Kage. “My monster.” The stiffness in Kage’s body left. He lifted his hand and ran a knuckle down Austin’s cheek. “And yet you never feared me.” “The real monster in my life back then was not you. It was never you.”
