8. Sparkle
SPARKLE
As usual, the guys and I meet up at Wick’s.
Ferris whined the entire walk to his school and I’m so ready for some adult time.
Not that I don’t love my little brother, I do.
I really really do. He’s a sweet kid and I adore him, but I wish I didn’t have to walk him to and from school.
If someone doesn’t, he gets distracted and doesn’t show up to class on time.
Then mama gets a phone call and Ferris gets in trouble and we don’t want that.
Beau grabs my arm and hooks his with mine just as we meet at the door. “I may have done a thing.”
I cock a brow and turn to him. “A thing? Good or bad?”
“Dunno yet. Hopefully, good.” He gives me the biggest grin before swinging the door open. What has he done?
I turn back to Lark and Gabe. “Do you know anything?”
“Not a clue,” Lark says while Gabe shakes his head.
As soon as I walk through the threshold, the demon’s there.
It’s like he’s been waiting for me. A smile lifts his lips and his already handsome face transforms into something even more beautiful.
I huff out a frustrated breath and shuffle to my spot in line.
Beau winks as the demon and I shoot my best friend a look.
“What was that about?” I whisper hiss.
Beau shrugs. “Nothing.” Of course, it comes out sweet and innocent.
Lucien pulls something from his pocket and brings it to his lips. A single note plays out and my attention snaps fully onto him. What. Is. Happening?
He places a hand to his heart. “Morning comes and there you are, brighter than the morning star. Sweet as sugar, bright as spring. When you smile at me my heart sings.” He takes a few steps towards me and takes my hand.
No. Absolutely not! But I’m mesmerized and let him keep my hand in his. His voice is beautiful. Why does it have to be beautiful?
He rubs the back of my hand with his thumb and my heart pounds. My damn tail sways. Why is Lucien looking at me like that? “Your little bell goes jingle jingle, making my demon heart tingle. When you smile or when you purr, nothing else on earth can stir.”
Oh, this is so cheesy. Do I like cheesy?
“Pretty kitten, so soft and sweet, you’re the reason my heart beats. I know I started out all wrong, so I wrote you this ridiculous song.”
I snort. “It’s very ridiculous. Go on.” I want to know how it ends.
He grins and continues. “I don’t care about your ears, I’ll adore them through the years. If your tail won’t leave your side, mine will gladly walk beside.”
Maybe it’s not so ridiculous. He’s hitting way too close to my soft squishy spots. How does he know? Maybe it’s kinda sweet? Adorable? Every eye is on us, but all I see is Lucien.
“We’ll pick flowers in the sun, bake sweet treats, and have some fun. If you need time alone, I will wait until you’re home.”
I snort and wave with my free hand for him to continue.
“He’s got seven entire parts to this monstrosity,” Lars says, and I glare at him.
“And he can sing all of them,” I say.
“Tell me all your hopes and fears. I’ll remember them for years.
I’ll rub your head and scratch your back, brush your fur so it won’t mat.
Sparkle, darling, hear my plea. Will you maybe...
date with me? If the answer is still no, I’ll buy my pastries.
Then I’ll go.” The final note lasts as he bows to me.
He places a soft kiss on my knuckles before straightening to his full height again.
My friends clap, as do the customers that came in after us.
I open my mouth to thank him, but my phone rings as the worst time. It’s mama’s ringtone and I answer immediately, pulling my hand from Lucien’s so I can take the call outside.
“Sparkle, dear. Can you run down to the grocery and grab two dozen eggs? I also need everything to make dinner tonight. I have a surprise for everyone. I’m making my famous cheesy chicken casserole.
I want to have enough chicken to make chicken noodle soup, too.
Oh, and we’ll need an amazing dessert. What about silk pie? ”
My shoulders drop and I look back inside Wick’s, to the group, then Lucien. “Yes, mama, but—”
“I need everything right away. I’m almost done with this cloak, then I’ll need you to deliver it over to the Hawthorn coven house so I can focus on dinner.”
I turn from the door. I don’t want anyone seeing me lose my spark for the day. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll get right on it.”
“Is everything okay?” It’s as if all my friends ask at the same time. I hadn’t heard them come outside.
I just sigh and nod. The fake smile doesn’t fool anyone anymore, I’m sure, but I still plaster it on my face.
“Apparently mama has a big surprise for us tonight. She wants to make something special, so I have to go grab everything. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.
” Even if for the shortest of time, because I have a feeling we’ll get interrupted again. We usually do.
I turn on my heel and walk without turning back. If I turn back, I’ll get jealous. Jealous that they can all do whatever they want when they want. I tune out their conversation now that I’m not a part of it.
But there’s a faint jingle behind me.
“Wait,” Lucien says.
I stop and take another breath, willing myself not to get upset about anything.
“I’d like to go with you,” he says. “If you’re agreeable to it.”
“What about Lars and Ryan?”
“Already put in their orders and will be content to stay at Wick’s until I get back. Plus, Wick and Talon said one of them can teleport them home when they want.”
“That’s nice of them.” My tail trembles the closer he gets. He tips my chin up with his tail. It’s hard not to look into his eyes. “Why did you want me in the club? Why did you write a song?” Though I have my suspicions about that question.
“I have an informant.” Lucien winks. He cups my cheek and runs his thumb over my jaw.
“Why me?” I whisper, ducking my head. My ear twitches when he moves his hand from my face.
He takes a step back and I will myself to stay where I am. He’s magnetic and warm. There’s a sadness in his eyes. “We share a loneliness.” His words are so soft I strain to hear him, even with my superior hearing. “It’s not the same, I’m sure. But I see a kindred spirit.”
“It’s that obvious?”
“To someone that knows where to look.”
“I’m surrounded by friends and family. I shouldn’t be lonely.” My tail droops. “But I am.”
“I run a business, have amazing friends. But no one gets it. Sometimes when you have everything you think you want, there’s still something missing.
” He rubs his chest and looks away. “So... That’s about as vulnerable as I can tolerate for the day.
How about we go shopping?” He hands me a pastry bag.
“Beau says that’s your favorite and you can’t go shopping on an empty stomach. ”
A watery laugh escapes me.
“Lark said, you also enjoy these.” Lucien hands me another bag.
“Gabe said you needed something to round out all the sweetness and picked this out.” Another bag.
“Wren said you needed something to drink.” Before I can complete a blink, he’s gone and back with an iced coffee].
“Talon and Wick said you deserve to test their new muffins before Beau. That bat shifter made the saddest face.” He hands me another bag.
I’m loaded down with my favorite drink and pastry bags. Lucien frowns before snorting a laugh. He takes the bags from me. The ice jiggles in my cup, and I take a deep drink. It’s like I take in the first full breath in forever.
Lucien rummages around in the bags and pulls out a sugar dusted donut. My favorite.
“Eat.” He takes the drink from me as he hands me the donut.
“Bossy.” But I take a bite of my breakfast and sigh. “Thank you.”
He feeds me treats on our walk to Hex Grocer. He’s surprisingly quiet, not forcing me to answer questions or anything. Just letting me be.
“So, what did you think of the song?”
I almost choke on the last bite of my strawberry cream muffin. His tail only pats me on the back a few times while I catch my breath. “I’m guessing Beau gave you my ridiculous guide to my heart.” I make air quotes around guide to my heart.
“He sure did.” The grin on Lucien’s face makes it hard not to smile myself.
“I wrote that list when I was sixteen. I was sad and angry that I had to babysit my sisters. Mama was pregnant with Ferris. I just wanted someone to love me.” I hold up a hand when Lucien opens his mouth.
“I know that I’m loved, and I love my friends and family.
But I want to give my heart to someone and take care of theirs in kind. ” My cheeks heat and I turn away.
“Why haven’t you?”
It’s such a simple question. My ear twitches, reminding me I’m different from most of the shifters in Hex. The movement catches Lucien’s eye, and he smiles.
“I like your ears. And your tail. You’re pretty to look at, but it’s your soul that’s beautiful.”
I snort and push him away slightly. “This is our third interaction. You can’t possibly know that.” Can he?
“I’m a demon, darlin’. We can all see souls. And yours is lovely.” His tail wraps around my waist and pulls me closer. “But let me prove to you how good we can be together.”