Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Cain
"Well?" the demoness raises a brow in silent demand, her arms crossing over her chest, lifting her breasts as she idly swirls the champagne in the glass. A seductive move unconsciously done due to her heritage.
Together we stand on the other side of the grand ballroom, within sight of the main doors while still being far enough away that none of the humans immediately notice us as they enter.
"Magnificent..." The single word doesn't do my mate justice but it's the only one that comes to mind.
Hair darker than the midnight sky frames an angelic face.
Her soft blue eyes taking everything in as she peers past the attendant approaching her.
Black silk clings to every curve of her body, bringing to mind of the silk sheets still laying rumpled on my bed.
"It might have taken some time, but when I saw her..." a light sheen covers Andre'ah's eyes for a brief moment, seeing something with her gift, before her eyes clear once more, "I just knew she was the one."
I can't agree more, my focus consumed by the vision of my dream angel, my little dove, come to life. Here, standing on the other side of the threshold, finally within reach, "Please, forgive any words of doubt I may have expressed over the years."
Andre'ah shrugs her shoulders, most likely having heard similar words from prior clients. "All is forgiven. Now go rescue your mate before her ex runs her off."
"Ex?" Even as I utter that single word my eyes catch on the human male storming through the gateway. The scowl on his face as rumpled as the obviously rented tuxedo drowning his frame as the light shines off the silver and black bracelet wrapped around his wrist.
"Maybe not yet but it's inevitable," her lips turn slightly in a smirk, taking a sip of her champagne before continuing, "Trust me. He just needs one more push. Then she'll be all yours."
Trust. A hard thing to give, especially in a world like ours, but loneliness is a better pill to swallow when you're looking at a sea of eternity by yourself.
No amount of jewels, of money, or power can fill the void developing over time.
The ache increasing from the realization that your soul craves something more.
Something that is as ephemeral as starlight in the night sky.
More precious than any treasure. Something that has been created just for you.
The other half of your soul, split from the moment of your own birth, that's still wandering through the void, until it's finally reborn.
For years my dove's soulsong has reached out to me, a soft whispered brush against my soul as time flowed by.
Her resonance finally reaching me when Andre'ah delivered that accursed statue to her.
And while, at first I didn't trust her process of tethering a piece of my soul to such an infernal relic, one can not argue with results.
"Of course." Sliding my hands into my coat's pockets, trying to put on an air of nonchalance, I take a few steps toward the main doors, only pausing as a thought comes to mind. Looking over my shoulder, I ask, "And your payment?"
"I'll collect it in a few days, after you've had time to solidify your bond," she smiles, a hint of fang showing. A minor sign that the veil between worlds has begun to thin.
Nodding, I continue for the main doors, focused on nothing but my little dove as she frowns at whatever the door attendant is saying.
"Please, tell him that there's been some mistake made," her voice is a soft whisper on a gentle summer's breeze, soothing my demonic nature while simultaneously igniting a fire in my blood, as she looks helplessly at the human male Andre'ah pointed out earlier, "That I'm here, with you-"
"Where is it?" he demands, raising his hand as he refuses to give her the curtesy to finish.
Several words are muttered back and forth between themselves, their voices so low I don't hear the exact words but it doesn't matter. All I hear is the roar in my blood. The flames of anger eclipsing all other feelings. And all I see is red. Make that a soon to be *DEAD* human male.
*No, vengeance is not what she needs right now.* Pausing, I take a few deep breaths, trying to rein in my anger before I approach my little dove. *Right now she needs comfort. To be guided into her new world, not be left vulnerable as she's thrown into it.*
Confusion enters her eyes, tears already starting to form as she watches the human male walk away, leaving her alone. Exposed. *Unacceptable.*
"May I be of service?" I ask as I approach, silently dismissing the attendant with a single look.
My mate--FUCK, that sounds so good, even if it is just in my head for now--looks at the floor, her hands fidgeting with her purse strap.
"I'm not sure..." Huffing out a deep breath, she wipes unshed tears away as she pushes back her shoulders, before directing her attention my way.
Time seems to stop as I find myself trapped in her gaze. Her eyes roaming over my body, holding me hostage.
I can't help but smirk as a tinge of red blooms across her cheeks, the only signal her body gives me that she likes what she sees. I wonder what else I can turn red...
"Please, allow me the pleasure of your company this evening." I hold out my hand in invitation, waiting for her to approach me, not wanting to scare her off.
Perfect white teeth bite her lower lip, her hands twisting her purse strap once more, as she takes the moment to think.
Nodding, she takes a step toward me, her delicate hand sliding into my own, "It would be my pleasure, kind sir."
Sir... The word slips easily from her lips, causing a growl to rumble deep in my chest. A feeling of possession and jealousy flashing red hot at the mere idea of her calling any other male 'sir.
' Never again. I shall be the only one she will ever call sir.
Along with a few other words that come to mind. ..
Guiding her hand into the crook of my arm, I lead her into the main room, glaring any anyone who tries to gain her attention. A silent warning to walk away. That she is claimed, even if she doesn't bare my mark yet. "May I have this dance, little one?"
Smiling, my mate turns, her body leaning into me as her hand slides into my own. Together we sway and turn. Our bodies drifting closer as we become lost to the world around us. Time passing without notice, as it should be, for there is no other in the world more important than her.
A glazed look comes over her eyes--along with those of the other humans--as the room shifts through the veil, transporting everyone to the Chthonian Realm.
All around, glamours fall from those wearing enchantments, while shifters transition into their more beastial forms. My own glamour fades, allowing my demonic appearance to come through.
Hands tightening around my mate, I wait, watching as the haze clears from her eyes.