Chapter 13 - Blair
The rational part of my brain said it was too early to move in together. Our relationship was quite new, and it felt like we had oodles to learn about each other, but then again, this wasn’t a normal human relationship. I was in a relationship with a demon. I was fated mates with a demon. How long he had known me, meant nothing to his instincts. I remember when I read my fated mates romance books, how the paranormal being was always obsessed with their mate from the moment they met. Was it the same for him as well? How difficult was it for him to stay away from me? Was it hurting him?
I adored Thea and Gus and they were such lovely people, but I had to admit that it would be nice to have a more permanent place to live and sleep. And maybe have more privacy. Ever since Asmodeus entered my life, I have been insatiable, but never felt comfortable doing anything in their home; it felt wrong. It was only meant to be temporary anyway, until I found something better. Who knew that something better would be a six-foot-eight-inch, bulkydemon?
I intended to get an apartment within the next month or two. Hoping I would have a place of my own, but the plans had changed. There were quite a few conversations Asmodeus and I needed to have had before we moved in together, but there was no time. He was right; if I moved in with him he would be able to protect me better. And who could say no to their demon boyfriend going all possessive protector mode? That was romance book material, and instead, I somehow got to experience the real deal. Once we move my stuff, then I will bring up the nitty-gritty.
We had agreed to move my belongings on the weekend when I had days off from the bakery. That gave me a whole week to get myself in order and ready to move. Asmodeus wanted me to move on the day that I showed him my scratches, but I talked him off the ledge. Moving my belongings was going to be an absolute breeze since most of it was still packed away in my car and in the small trailer I had parked at Thea’s house.
This week had gone by fast, but it didn’t stop the weird occurrences from happening; instead, they ramped up even more.
I found myself covered in scratches and bruises again, but this time they were deeper and had drawn some blood. I even made sure to lock the bedroom door and window, but it didn’t stop whatever was harming me from getting into the bedroom.
Thea hugged me and held me close, making sure I was okay when I showed her. She was just as concerned as Asmodeus was. “I think you moving in with him is a good idea, Blair. I would love for you to stay here with us, but he will be ableto protect you more,” she nods her head as she rubs my back. Suddenly the pain faded, and there was no more burning sensation. Huh, that’s weird, I wonder how that happened, but I appreciate the pain no longer being there. That train of thought left the terminal when I suddenly remembered she said something and that I should reply to her.
“Thanks. You have definitely become a mother figure to me, Thea, and I’m going to miss your home-cooked meals” I start tearing up, appreciating how close we have become.
“Don’t worry sweetie, I will still see you at the bakery, and you can come over for dinner any time you want. Our door is open for you. I’m happy to be a part of your life as well. I know it’s been rough for you the past four years without your mom. I couldn’t imagine, especially in your twenties. I’ve grown to think of you as a daughter, which means I’m always here for you,” she gives me a small smile. “Does Asmodeus know about these new attacks?” her eyebrow raised, concern in her eyes.
I shake my head. “No, but I probably should let him know. I know he’s already very worried about me, I didn’t want to worry him more,” I fiddled with the hem of my shirt at my admission. It was wrong of me to do this to him, and the guilt ate at me. “I’ll tell him right now.”
She nods her head in approval. “Good. He needs to know. As your mate, communication is important and not telling him something will hurt him. Be open and honest, even if it’s hard.”
“Thanks,” I whisper, pulling out my phone to text him.
Me: Hey good morning. Please don't be upset but it happened again, so I'm okay. Just wanted you to know.
Az: I know we said we would wait to move you until the weekend, but I'm coming over now to pick you and your belongings up. It's a day early but I want you with me now. I don't want you to get hurt anymore.
Me: Yea that's probably best. It's getting worse. I'm scared.
Az: I'll be there in twenty minutes. Everything is going to be okay. I got you.
Twenty minutes later, and he is here like he promised. He comes straight over and wraps his arms around me, holding me tight against him. My body begins to shake, large sobs breaking free from my chest. “Shh, it’s okay. I’m here now. I have you, little one,” he coos, rubbing large, slow circles on my back. He places a kiss atop my head as I continue to cry into his chest. I didn’t realize how much this was impacting me until he was here for me.
He hooks up my trailer to his truck within five minutes. He comes over to me and starts rubbing my back. “Is this everything, Blair? Do we need to get anything else?”
“No, that’s all of it. I have the rest in my car, and the suitcase I had in the bedroom is already on the passenger seat,” pointing back towards my car.
He nods his head. “Sounds good, we will head out then. Just go ahead and follow me to my house okay?” he kisses my temple before walking to his truck and getting inside. This was actually happening, I let out a breath. I waved goodbye to Thea and Gus, getting in my car, ready to start a new chapter.
* **
I was speechless at how large and beautiful his house was. It was a two-story craftsman-style home with cabin-type elements. On the outside, it had wood siding with natural stone veneer accents. It had a three-car garage and a circular driveway. His house was huge, like the man himself. I felt like a fish out of water with how grand it was.
From what I can remember, I have never once lived or stayed in lodging this spectacular. It was always weathered, old, and small. The apartment Heath and I had lived in was only two bedrooms and barely 1,000 square feet, built in the eighties. Even though it was small, it was still cozy, but it paled in comparison.
I step out of my car, closing the door behind me. I walk over to Asmodeus, still gawking at where I would be living now. “You think you got a big enough house for just you?” I tease him, raising my eyebrow.
His cheeks turn a dark shade of violet. “Guess I wanted to plan for the future,” he shrugged. “Hoping and dreaming one day of a mate and family.” Now it was my turn to blush. He built this home for his future mate. For his future family. Basically for me, even without knowing me or knowing that I existed.
“It’s absolutely breathtaking and amazing Asmodeus. You did a fantastic job. Will you show me around?” Awe and fondness for my demon wash over me. His cheeks darkened, and his chest puffed up with pride from my praise.
He takes my hand, his large hand engulfing mine, warmth radiating from it. He gives me a small smile. “Let’s go then,” as he pulls me towards the entrance, opening the front doorfor me.
We walk into the foyer and in front of me is a living room with vaulted ceilings that are at least sixteen feet tall, in the middle of the wall is a fireplace with stone veneer up to the ceiling and ten foot windows placed on each side, allowing you to see into the backyard and forest.
“To the left is a den, and down the hall is an extra bathroom and bedroom. To the right we have the stairs that go to the second floor, which has four more bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a loft. The loft is open to the living room space below, getting a clear view of the fireplace and backyard through the windows. There is a deck attached to the master bedroom that leads outside. Past the stairs on your right is the kitchen, dining, and mudroom, which also acts as the laundry room, pantry, and an entertainment room. Between the living room and the breakfast nook, there was an outside patio and an Arizona room to enjoy the outdoors while protecting from the bugs.” I was speechless.
