He didn’t have to say a thing for Matthias to suspect it. And Matthias never asked. It’s not that he doesn’t enjoy complication. When he toyed with others, it was always complicated. But things with Sam were always straightforward. Out of respect, he didn’t try to manipulate Sam for anything. It wasn’t necessary.

Could he admit that Sam was more than just a meal? He was someone Matthias viewed, at the very least, as a friend. Not only did he make Matthias’ existence easier, he made it comfortable. He was like a beacon that always led the demon home no matter what he got up to. Sam was home.

But Matthias wasn’t capable of loving someone (or so he thought). It’s not in his nature to have those kinds of warm, soft feelings for others. Keeping his gaze fixed directly ahead, Matthias exhaled slowly. He couldn’t give Sam what he wanted but…

“We can be lovers, if you want.”