CHAPTER 16
SHADE
Now that I was sure Remmie was my mate, I was finding it hard to pick the right time to tell her.
Do I just say Hey Sweetness, You’re my mate! Let’s get married. I don’t think she will go for that.
Sure, I could have said it while I fed between her soft pillowy thighs.
Or when I was so deep within her slick heat, we felt like a single being.
Or it could have been one of the few times I begged her to lock the bakery door so I could bend her over the countertop and fuck her until she couldn't stand properly.
Yeah, any of those times would have worked.
And though I feel the mate bond burrowing itself deeper in my chest, just screaming it out didn't quite feel right to me.
I've been so wrapped up in Remmie that I forgot what I was supposed to be helping her with. Being around her fogged my braid and made me forget about everything else but her. We’ve hung out at either of our places the last few nights.
I love being in her space because it’s hers.
It’s lived in, cozy, and smells like both of us now.
I feel like I can hide away from all of my worries here. But I know it’s just a dream.
I’ve been paranoid this last week. Looking into the shadows more frequently.
The feeling of being watched making my horns ache.
The squeezing I get in my chest just before I get the urge to run from yet another town is starting to set in.
But how could I even think about going now that I’ve found my mate?
Something so rare for demons that most of us believe it’s a myth.
And what about Remmie? I shouldn’t expect her to go with me. Her life is here. I would never ask her to give it up.
I want to stay here with her. Wake up next to her every morning. Work alongside her every day. Be her reason to always smile. I am not going to let fear drive me away from the only true miracle I’ll ever be granted.
We sit in her living room, a box of her grandmother’s things long forgotten. I know. I wanted to look for more clues, but the more time goes by the more I realize I don’t care about finding anything. I just want to be with my little baker.
Remmie stuffs another handful of popcorn in her mouth, trying to tell me facts about the movie, The Princess Bride. Her hair is a mess atop her head and she’s wearing her favorite fuzzy slippers that look like baby ducks. And she’s the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.
“Can I just watch this movie every day?” She asks.
“As you wish.” I respond. Her eyes grow huge and she smiles brightly up at me. I’m lost forever.
“You quoted the movie. It’s my favorite line.”
I don’t say I watched her throughout the movie mouthing those words every time the main character spoke them.
“I’m happy to learn it’s your favorite. I want to know everything about you.”
Remmie melts and I know I pleased her just a little.
“I already talked about myself. I want to know more about you.”
Remmie cuddles up to my side, her fingers linking with mine.
"How was it for you before the veil fell?" She asks.
I shouldn’t be surprised she’d want to know more about me. I haven’t said much about myself. But maybe it’s time I told her. Hells, I should tell someone. As far as friends go, I only have Marla and she already knows everything that’s ever happened to me.
My sweet little baker actually likes me.
I mean, I am likable. But the other demons just tolerated me.
No one really took me seriously or cared until I was captured.
Then they realized they weren’t invincible.
Still, the only one who truly had my back was Marla.
And now Remmie. She opened up to me. I can do the same.
I want to be with her forever, after all.
"Well, at the beginning of my existence, my life was fine. Very routine. We were taught what our roles were to be and as we aged, that becomes our only focus. I was always different, though. Always wanted to explore outside of my perfectly curated box. Always a problem, an annoyance to the others. Some would say lazy, but I think that’s a bit of a stretch. "
Remmie giggles and the sound fills my heart to bursting. I've never been around anyone who truly wanted to know anything about me. The fact that Remmie cares enough to even ask is- Mate. Mate. Mate!
The word repeats itself in my mind in a loop. I take a few deep breaths and continue the story.
"I was exhausted with the contracts and the selfishness of the ones who wanted to make those deals. Marla tried to snap me out of it but I rebelled. She finally gave in and told me to do one final contract, then I'd be free to figure out my own way. I think that's why she took me in. That last contract was with a vile witch who kept me captive for years, siphoning my power for her use. This scar is her handywork. It was a horrible experience. It’s why I don’t stay in one place for long. It’s why I don’t have the best trust of witches.
But you and those old crones are alright.
" I smile, hiding my insecurities with humor. Remmie’s eyes hold no pity over what I said.
Just determination and maybe, hopefully, love for me.
"Shade. I’m sorry about what you went through. And if I ever see that witch, I’ll punch her face in."
She makes the most adorable punching motions and I can't help myself. She squeals as I pull her onto my lap, placing kisses all over her face and neck. The words balloon up my throat and out of my month before I can even think to stop them.
"You're my mate, Remmie. My whole heart belongs to you."