Chapter 41 - Blair
We were coming up on Felicity’s first birthday, and we were excited.
It felt like this past year had flown by too quickly.
One of the downsides of your children being supernatural is that they grew a little bit faster than human babies and children did.
I got less time with her as a baby and it broke my heart just a bit.
She was already walking around the house, we had to put gates up for the stairs or else she would try and go up and down them.
She was starting to talk, and of course her first word was “dada”.
She loved playing games with us, such as pat-a-cake.
She also was eating more solid food now and could somewhat use a spoon.
We were going to have a birthday party for Felicity during the weekend of her birthday.
It was going to be a small get together with Thea, Gus, and Heath.
I had sent out invites through text to the three of them.
All of them had confirmed that they would be there to help us celebrate her first birthday.
What do you even plan for a one year old?
* * *
July 2nd
Everyone showed up around eleven in the morning to our house.
We had simple decorations up for Felicity and had a small bouncy house for her to play in.
When Heath arrived, I realized it was his first time seeing Felicity, as well as Asmodeus’ demon form.
He was absolutely shocked and had pulled me over to the side while Asmodeus had gone to change Felicity.
“I don’t want to be rude here but what’s wrong with their skin?” He asks curiously.
I chuckled at his question, it wasn’t rude at all. I forget people except our small circle knew what Asmodeus and Felicity truly were. “Oh you’re completely okay, he usually hides his true form from the world, but since we were at home, he wanted to be comfortable.” I explained to him.
His lips purse. “His true form? What do you mean? What is he?”
“He’s a demon, Heath. Felicity is half demon.” I explain gently.
He nods his head slowly. “I see. Does that mean that other supernatural and paranormal beings exist?”
I nod my head. “They do. I just found out not too long ago that I’m Clairvoyant, and Thea is a healer. Besides others I’m sure there are, I just haven’t met any. Why do you ask?” My curiosity is getting the better of me.
He blows out a breath. “well, umm, you see–” he nervously laughs. “You know that cat I said I had rescued?”
“Yeah, I remember. What about your cat?”
He lowers his voice where only I can hear. “It’s apparently not just a cat. He can turn into a human,” he whispers. I did not see that coming.
“Oh, I see. I’m sure that would be very surprising.” My eyes are wide in shock from what he admitted to me.
He nods his head vigorously. “It was. One moment I was sleeping with my cat, and the next I had a cute man lying naked on top of me,” his cheeks flushed from his admission.
“And do you like this man? Or just the cat version of him?” I ask hesitantly. I never asked or assumed about Heath’s sexual preference; it didn’t really matter to me when we were together.
His cheeks redden down to his neck, and he clears his throat. “Both,” he acknowledges. This must be hard for him to admit. I mean it’s not like you can tell anyone that you have a shapeshifter in your house.
I rub his arm gently, understanding some of the turmoil he must feel. “Is this attraction new? Did you know you liked guys before?” I ask.
His cheeks blush as he runs his hand through his hair nervously. “Yeah, the attraction is new,” he blows a large breath out. “The uhh, liking guys things is new too. I’ve never been attracted to a man before,” his voice was quiet and tense.
“I know paranormal beings seem to come off a bit strong, don’t they?”
He nods his head. “Yeah, it’s–” I could see him trying to think of the word.
“I don’t want to say scary, but it’s a lot and overwhelming.
” I nod my head in understanding. That fated mates’ business is definitely something else.
I could imagine this is very difficult for Heath with how reserved he is.
I’ve realized after being with Asmodeus that that was one of the issues I didn’t know was between Heath and me.
He wasn’t very affectionate with me, or really in general with anyone, and I need that constant reassurance and touch.
It’s no fault of his own. We weren’t compatible obviously in a romantic way.
I hope this new man helps him come out of his shell a little.
I give him a warm smile. “I completely understand. Asmodeus was kind of the same way. From the moment he saw me, he knew that I was his. He spent every moment trying to control his desire and impulses for me to make sure he didn’t scare me off.
” I chuckle to myself, remembering the first few weeks together.
“I haven’t been able to talk to anyone about this. Honestly, I’m glad I have you.”
“Of course! If you need anything or want to talk about anything, text or call me. I’m still new to the whole having a demon for a fated mate thing. It’s barely been two years, but I’m here for you and I’ll do my best.”
“Thanks. Now let’s go back to the party. Also, I want to say that Felicity is adorable. She looks a lot like you,” I hear the pride in his voice.
“Thanks,” I bump his shoulder as we go back to the living room with the others. Asmodeus looks at me quizzically, and I give him a small smile and mouth the word later to him.
Soon we sing Happy birthday, and she gets a slice of chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. The frosting and cake go all over the place, including the floor, her high chair, her hands, and her mouth. I snap a ton of pictures of the munchkin and how adorable she is.
From the corner of my eye, I see Asmodeus with tears in his eyes, looking down at his daughter like she is the most precious thing in the world.
I know this means a lot to him. I know for a while he felt lost and alone in the world.
I’m thankful I could share this special moment with my mate and our friends.
After cake, we take her into the living room to open her presents.
She doesn’t have the motor coordination yet to open the wrapping, so we help her get it started while she sits on the floor in front of one of us.
The other takes pictures. Most of the presents include toys and new clothing for her, which are always useful gifts with how fast she grows.
After presents, everyone starts to disperse and leave for the day.
When Heath leaves, I give him a hug. “It was nice seeing you again. Hopefully you can bring your new man next time. I would love to meet him.”
“I think he would like that. Good seeing you as well.” He hugs me back and walks away to his rental car. I close the door and lock it behind me, leaving Asmodeus in the foyer with a sleeping Felicity in his arms.
I walk over to them and run my hand on her head and through her curly hair. I look up at Asmodeus with a small smile on my face. “Guess we tuckered her out. A nap sounds good right now. Want to come join?” I ask him, knowing he would follow me anywhere.
He nods his head in agreement, holding my hand as we walk toward the bedroom. “What was that about earlier?” He asks, I knew he would bring it up.
I have a smile on my face. “You won’t believe it, but Heath has found himself a cat shifter.” His eyebrow goes up at my statement.
“Huh–” is all he says. I roll my eyes. I’m sure he wants to say more.
We finally make it up the stairs and make sure the light is off when we remove Felicity’s shoes and take off our own pants.
We pull down the blankets and lay Felicity down first, while I get behind her, and Asmodeus pulls up the rear as my big spoon. We snuggle close as a family.
“I bet you it’s his fated mate,” he whispers in my ear.
“I bet you’re right. It will be interesting to see where this leads.”
“Indeed. I love you, mate. Rest now,” he kisses my head and pulls the blankets over us.
“I love you too,” I hear myself murmur before my eyes close and I fall asleep, wrapped around the people I love most.