This time, the insults do not seem to trigger any old traumas. He knows what he is. But he also knows that he loves Adia, and that Adia loves him. Wants him. If he thought for a second that he was hurting her by staying in her life, he'd leave it without a moment's thought. He makes her happy. Against all odds, he makes her happy, and that's all he wants, now and forever.

He knows Reynard won't believe him. And, he thinks to himself vindictively, perhaps Reynard can't believe him. He's a spirit, not a man. How many lifetimes has he already lived? How many sweet, innocent women has he already comforted?

"Well, then," he says, leaning forward slightly, not breaking eye contact. "Why don't you tell Adia that, and see how far it gets you?"

He sets down his empty coffee mug, then folds his hands in front of him. "Anything else you'd like to add to your shovel talk? Or are we done?"