The first six years I was on Earth, I traveled all over the world. I went to Europe, Asia, and South America. I wanted to experience what the human world had to offer, and it was breathtaking. At the end of it all, I decided to find a place in the US to settle down since it seemed I was here indefinitely for the foreseeable future. It was unfortunate, since demons were immortal and there was only one way we could be killed. But that was vaulted demon secrets that only a select few top-ranking demons were allowed to know, and could not tell a single soul. I wouldn’t risk my soul being locked in purgatory either if I were them. I had no importance in the demon realm; instead, I was a fertility demon. Almost like an incubus but not exactly. Those guys got a bad rap.
When I touched Blair’s hand earlier, I could feel her body’s response to me. The scent of her pheromones exploded around her; lily of the valley flowers invigorated my nervous system, shocks running through my body. It was barely there, but I could sense her body reacting to me, wanting me, needing me. Somehow, I had put her at ease, making it extremely difficult to let go of her hand. I was able to comfort and provide for her, pride swelling in my chest.
It was cute how she kept glancing over here at me, thinking I wouldn’t notice her checking me out. Her beautiful violeteyes kept finding mine, curiosity filling her gaze. She was most definitely affected by me. I could sense it when I saw her body tremble from our brief touch. I would have to play this out strategically if I wanted to get to know her and get closer to her.
Just thinking about her scent alone was driving me wild and making my cock hard. Not to mention how she looked when she walked away from me. I got the perfect view of her thick thighs and big, juicy ass filling out her tight jeans. The way her hips swayed when she walked begged to be grabbed. I wasn’t planning on staying longer in the café, since I had a job to do, but I couldn’t stand up with a giant erection in my pants when the café was crowded now.
I took a minute to collect myself, thinking about purgatory did the trick on deflating my hard-on. I took one last look at her before I decided to go and say goodbye before I left. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if somehow I crossed her mind later on tonight after she goes home. I hoped her mind and dreams were filled with thoughts of me; I know mine would be. I walked over to the cash register where she was helping another customer.
With a smile she asks me, “was everything okay? Do you need another coffee?”
“No thank you, I had my fill for the morning. Just wanted to thank you for your excellent service, and to let you know that I will see you tomorrow morning,” I smoothly said, giving her a small smile, her cheeks turning pink.I wonder what the rest of her looks like flushed pink in that delicious color.I groan internally, I just met her and I am already becoming obsessed.
In a sweet voice she whispers, “I’d like that.” Her cheeks turned a darker pink and the scent of her arousal drifted tomy nose. I was going to be here every day to make sure I learned everything I could about this fascinating woman in front of me.
“Great, it’s a date then,” I say, winking at her as I head out of the bakery.
As soon as I leave the bakery, my senses go on high alert. The air around me felt off, almost like eyes were on me. Was someone here? Not someone, no, something. I narrow my eyes, looking around at my surroundings. I haven’t felt this much displeasure in a while. I think the last time was in the demon realm. Possession and protection swirl in my veins, making my thoughts go to unhinged places, demanding we keep Blair safe. I literally just met the woman! How could my instincts be demanding this much from me already?
I march back into the bakery, stepping behind the counter, and throw her over my shoulder, taking her back home with me. Never letting her leave my sight or side, ensuring I’m always with her.
The next time I was able to talk to her, I was definitely going to ask her for her number. I don’t think I could take this much longer. I needed to stay-level headed and not turn into a demonic caveman.
6
Chapter 6 - Blair
The rest of my shift is a blur; the lunch crowd almost cleared us out of the pastries that were made this morning. The clock finally hit 12:30, which meant it was my time to leave. There was another part-time associate who came in at eleven, closing down the shop with Thea’s husband, Gus. I went into the back of the bakery to put my apron away and grabbed my purse from the office that they provided for our personal belongings. Thea was the sweetest and said if I wanted to bring a baked good home with me I could, on the house. I grabbed a carrot cake cupcake and bagged it to take it back with me.
It was a lovely day as I stepped out of the bakery, a slight chill to the air, the leaves on the trees about to change color. Since I already finished working and had no other plans, a walk along the river sounded like the perfect way to spend my afternoon. It was about a fifteen-minute walk to get to the park along the river.
As I walked, I was stuck in my head, ruminating about my encounter this morning with that customer. I can’t believeI really called him out like that. Maybe he was cosplaying? Or even worse, what if he had some disease that discolored his skin? I groan, I was the worst because that was the more likely scenario. Him being sick made more sense than him cosplaying on a weekday morning. I totally just balked at his skin disease like a heartless heathen.Shame on me,I knew better than that.
Having anxiety and ADHD myself, you would think I would be more thoughtful toward those with other disabilities and diseases. I tried my best to be thoughtful and understand others’ pain and difficulties, but the lack of a mouth filter was where I fell short and had gotten me in trouble my whole life. Heath was always good about understanding that and being kind.
Would it be appropriate to apologize for my behavior? Is this something that I should even bring up, or should I sweep it under the rug like it never happened? I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings. I mean, he didn’t seem upset; he seemed more surprised and amused than anything. Which was kind of a weird response, but what other people were thinking and feeling wasn’t exactly my strong suit.
I wasn’t sure what to do, but I’m sure I would embarrass myself in front of the handsome stranger I seem to have taken an interest in. As I was lost in thought, I made my way into the park, the river calm and shimmering in the sunlight. I couldn’t wait for summer when it would be warm and everything would be in bloom. I found a bench to sit at and enjoy the view. I’m here for about thirty minutes enjoying the sunshine, when suddenly my stomach grumbles and a twist of pain goes through me.
That was my cue to get something to eat for lunch, and thesweets I had stuffed in my bag wouldn’t suffice. I had a hard time remembering to eat when I was busy or lost in thought. Even when I took my medicine, I still forgot to feed myself. I think breakfast was the last thing I ate, and that was before I left the house for work this morning, which was practically seven hours ago. There was a food truck at the park selling lobster rolls, which sounded delicious.
I walk over to the food truck and order a lobster roll. I take it back to the bench with me to sit and eat while I watch the world around me move. I finished eating, stuffed to the brim, ready for a nap now. I got up and started walking back to the house, taking a different route that took me through a quieter residential neighborhood.
As I walk back to Thea’s, the hairs on the back of my neck suddenly stand up, goosebumps coating my arms, and an awareness of eyes washes over me. I freeze, looking at my surroundings, but find nothing out of the ordinary; yet I feel a presence close, almost stalking me. I quicken my pace, going faster with each step I take. Thea’s house is right around the corner, and then I will be safe.
I bust into the house and close the door as soon as I get inside. I lock the door behind me, taking a deep breath. I look out the glass window, unable to see anything out of the ordinary except small streams of black smoke across the street. Or at least I think so? Maybe it’s the light and my eyes playing tricks on me. I go up to the room I’m renting and get under my weighted blanket, wanting some comfort.
For the rest of the day, I stayed inside the house, keeping myself occupied. I helped Thea make dinner for us, which was a homemade chicken pot pie. This woman had magical cooking skills, and I wanted to learn everything I could fromher. I never fully recovered from this afternoon; the feeling of being watched never went away, making me paranoid until I fell asleep.
* * *
I woke up to a loudbang, startling me awake. I rushed over to the window where the sound came from, and ripped open the curtains, the moon shining in the sky, light shimmering into the room. I looked out the window, finding a dead bird along the windowsill, blood splattered against the glass pane. A scream caught in my throat, not wanting to wake up the owners. I whimper, my heart hurting for the creature. I could see black smoke coming off the body.What the hell?
Suddenly, a depraved howl slams through me, shaking me to my core. Ice filling my veins from the way it reverberated through the air and the vibes coming from it; Need, chaos, anticipation, and unrelenting possession. Something in my brain went off, sirens screaming, this wasn’t right. I stepped back away from the window, closing the curtains, wanting to protect myself from whatever was outside waiting for me, hunting me.
I was scared, wishing I had someone to hold and comfort me in this moment. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep anymore after that, deciding to go downstairs and make myself a hot tea and maybe find a snack to eat instead. I grab my phone, heading down the stairs. When I get into the kitchen, I look at the time; it’s two in the morning. Well, guess it was going to be an early start to my day.
One of the items I brought with me was a tea kettle that my parents had bought me for Christmas. I set it on the stove,boiling some water. I grabbed my infuser, putting some loose-leaf chamomile calming tea inside. As I wait for the water to boil, my thoughts come back to the customer yesterday. Asmodeus, what an interesting name. He gave off dependable daddy vibes. I bet the big, burly man gave nice hugs. I could really use one right now. With how much change has been happening in a short amount of time, it’s been difficult not to fall into the never-ending pit of dysregulation.
