CHAPTER 11
SHADE
“You’re pinning. It’s disturbing.” Marla says, her tone, bored and uninterested.
I sit behind her desk in her office at Demo Global, using her computer for research. After yesterday and how Remmie seemed to be holding back a breakdown, I decided to do what I said I would and look up spells and curses that related to what was happening to the bakery.
I had to ask Marla for help because I’m more of a pretty face than a tech genius. I can work a TV and a cell phone just fine but researching stuff isn’t my strong suit. So far, we found some herb burning techniques that might help, but nothing solid.
I don’t know what those old witches told Remmie about the spell or the dark aura around us, but this doesn’t seem like it will help her. Damn. I was really hoping I’d find something amazing and she’d reward me with a kiss.
I roll my eyes at Marla’s comment.
“Wow, Marla. Tell me how you really feel.” I respond.
But she is right. I am pinning for Remmie.
She fills my every thought. Everything about her intrigues me.
Her smile, her warmth, Her terrible taste in pop music.
Her unique scent of cherries and marshmallows stays buried in my nose even when we are apart.
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my lips.
“Ugh. That lovey-dovey look is on your face again. She must be your mate after all.” Marla says.
“What? Mates don’t really exist.” I laugh. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Mates are so rare for demons, I don’t even know how I would tell.
“So, say Remmie is my mate. How would I know?” I ask. Marla ponders my question for a moment.
“It’s just a feeling, I guess. A deep knowing that someone is yours.
You would do anything to make them happy.
Make them smile. Protect them. Satisfy them.
Demons live so long and are so isolated from other species that we found it easier to stay together rather than chase a dream.
I know I will never find a mate. I’ll probably give in to the breeding frenzy one of these days and create a spawn that way. ”
Everything she said feels right, expect that last part about the breeding and spawning, no thank you.
The reason we demons survive and why there is so many of us is because of the Breeding Frenzy.
It just one big demon orgy to procreate.
I have never, nor would I ever want to join in.
Not that I don’t love a good orgy or anything, but the thought of making life with a random demon never appealed to me.
“You never know. I’m still unsure of mates being real. But if I had to choose someone to spend the rest of this long existence with, it would be her.”
And after saying it, Remmie being my mate didn’t seem so far-fetched.
The door chimed as I walked into the bakery, the feeling of coming home flowing over me.
I’ve spent more time here than in any other place since I’ve been on the run.
How long has it been? I can’t remember when I was last this free.
I didn’t even get to make a deal with that witch before she imprisoned me, making me her puppet for so many years.
I shiver at the memories. When will she give up trying to find me?
Remmie comes out from the back kitchen holding a tray of beautifully frosted cupcakes and all my dreary thoughts flutter away. She smiles and I’m lost to it, just like every other time. The need to pull her to me and bury my nose in her curly pink hair is so damn strong. Yet I hold back.
Sure, I’ve been flirting and teasing her nonstop for days and she responds so lovely, but not knowing what she wants is maddening.
I would never force her and my magic doesn’t work on her, probably because of her pendant.
But what if it’s just because she’s meant to be mine?
I haven’t felt the familiar pull other deals usually have.
I don’t show up here every day because I’m being forced to. Remmie has never demanded anything from me, either. She just likes having me around at this point. We hang out, watch movies and make fun of each other’s music like I’ve seen people who date tend to do.
What I wouldn’t give to be able to touch her freely. Hold her soft body against mine. Kiss her plump lips and pleasure her every minute of every day. I've never wanted someone as badly as I want Remmie.
I want her every smile. Her every laugh.
And especially her every moan. Hopefully soon.
She didn’t see herself as perfect, which I guess, is one of the things I like the most about her.
She says she’s broken just like one of the rings her grandmother left her in her box of broaches.
If that’s the case, I desire to fix them both.
“Hello, Earth to Shade.” Remmie snaps her fingers in front of my face. Opps. I must have zoned out.
“Hi, Sweetness.” I smile, loving the blush that always comes to her cheeks when I call her that. “What did you say?” I ask.
“I said, you came in as I was about to leave for lunch. I haven’t had a single customer so I’m going out for a bite. I figure I won’t be missed for a while.”
The defeated tone of her voice upsets me.
This wonderful, talented woman is suffering.
Wanting to share her dreams through food and she’s being denied that joy.
I have to get my head on straight and help her figure out this spell.
I watch as she places her cupcake in the cold display, grabbing her bag and keys on her way to the front door where I still stand.
“I’m headed to Goliath park. Care to join me?” Remmie asks. My horns heat up.
“Like a date?” I ask, grinning like a cat.
“No. no. Just lunch.” Remmie replies, blushing.
Ugh, so cute. Her little nervous habit of tugging on her ear is so adorable. I want to bit them. Make her shudder. Hells, this woman just breaths and I’m yearning for her. I clear my throat, attempting to control my reactions.
“Lunch sounds wonderful, little witch.”
She giggles and I’m as hard as steal. Does a mate bond make my body burn from the smallest of things? Maybe. She holds her hand out, reaching for mine, and my chest tightens. I curl my fingers around hers, and she pulls me out the door.
I haven’t spent any time at Goliath park during the day.
The trees were covered with orange and gold leaves that floated around the Fall air.
The walk from the bakery took about five minutes, and the whole time, all I wanted to do was hold Remmie’s hand again.
Why am I acting like a shy little boy around her?
I am all male, dammit. Somehow, I can sense Marla laughing at me for thinking that.
Around lunch time, food trucks from the city file in a line in the parking lot of the park, ready to sell their wares.
It’s a busy Saturday today. Everyone is excited for this.
I guess it only happens a few times a month.
Humans and monsters line up to buy snacks and treats, ready to enjoy the last rays of sunshine and cooling fall weather.
Remmie settles on a truck called Katman’s Kabobs run by an actual cat man.
His facial features look just like a panther, and he’s covered in dark, almost black fur.
He’s muscular and tall, stuffed in the small food truck but moves with the grace and stealth of a true predator.
He’s handsome and from the looks the others around us are giving him, they know it too.
We make it to the front of the line and the cat man smiles when he sees Remmie.
“Ah, Remelda. Your usual today?” He asks, his strong accent mixed with a purr. I’m normally not a jealous demon, and honestly, I’m confused on if I’m upset that he knows Remmie by name or that he isn’t talking to me with that voice. Sometimes, being attracted to almost everyone has its drawbacks.
“Hello, Hector. Yes please. And whatever my friend would like.” Friend.
Bah. A terrible word. I want to be more than just her friend.
The cat man, Hector, must read my thoughts on my face because he smiles down at me like a dad who knows his son has a crush.
I know I’m blushing bronze and order something simple off the menu, giving my name for the order.
“Coming right up, Shade.” He responds and I stand next to Remmie while we wait.
“Order up. You be careful out there, Remelda. Others have seen shapes in the darkness. The night isn’t safe, understand.” Hector warns. Remmie takes the food with a polite smile, but her eyes show she’s bothered by his words.
Food in hand, we find a spot to sit, making ourselves comfy and start to dig in.
“Mm. This is so freaking good.” I moan.
“Right. Me and gran loved these. She had the biggest crush on Hector. So, she made any excuse to come get some.” She chuckles, lost in a memory. It is a genuine and pure reaction.
Another side of Remmie I enjoy seeing.
“Tell me more about your grandmother.” I ask.
A warm smile crosses her lips.
“She was everything. My mother, too. It was always just me and those two. We were the Pierce three. I never knew my dad but it didn’t matter.
I wanted for very little. And every silly fantasy I had, they would do their best to support.
As I got older, I started to notice the tension between the two of them. I guess it was over the witch thing.”
Remmie pauses to take a bite of her food. We sit in silence for a while, just enjoying our meal. A few moments pass before Remmie sets her container down and continues talking.
“From what the coven said, my mom didn’t want me to learn witchcraft.
Then my mom passed away when I was in high school.
My gran was still sweet and supportive but there was a hole.
I had my best friend Sharina too, but things were never quite the same.
Then my Gran passed away six months ago.
I guess I’ve been holding onto the bakery so hard because it’s the last thing I did with her before she passed.
” She sighs, finishing her last bit of her food.
It's easy to see why Remmie is the way she is with all the loss she’s suffered. Then, going through the decline of her bakery as well. Just blow after blow.
“Thank you for sharing that with me.” I say, sincerely.
“Thank you for asking. I didn’t realize how much I needed to talk about it, and It’s very easy to talk to you.” She smiles.
“Good. I’m glad I can be here for you, Sweetness.”
An emotion flashes across her face but it’s gone in an instant. My sweet baker isn’t used to having help.
We finish up our meal with more light conversation, making our way back to the bakery once we’re done.
All seemed quiet in the fading afternoon light and I almost didn’t notice the feeling of being watched.
I look around, sensing a darkness hanging in the air around the bakery.
Nothing like the first time I arrived here weeks ago.
This felt evil and uncomfortable. The base of my horns begins to burn with worry.
I stop Remmie as she goes to unlock the door.
“Hey, Sweetness. Do you really have to stay any longer today? How about we call it an early evening. I want to come by tomorrow and look for more information about spells.” I hope she doesn’t see the anxiousness in my eyes.
If there is someone or something around, it feels like its escalating.
I wouldn’t want to leave Remmie here after dark. Call it demon intuition.
“Mm. I guess not. No customers, remember. Let me just grab a few things and I’ll head out.” She answers.
“I’ll wait for you.” I add.
Remmie nods and walks inside. I survey my surroundings, careful not to look too obvious. The wind blows through my horns and I shiver at the dark feeling it brings. I’m grateful when Remmie steps back out of the bakery, keys in hand.
“Ready to go?” Remmie asks after locking the door.
“Sweetness, I’d follow you anywhere.”
I really hope that what I’m feeling isn’t what I think it is. I don’t know how long I can keep running.