"R-right," Miguel said. "Sorry. Didn't mean to be a party pooper."
"No parties were pooped. Now let's grab a spot at the table before they start without us."
With Miguel's mood uplifted and the joyful atmosphere of the rehearsal, my spirits were high. Being around Miguel's family felt natural, and it warmed my heart how earnestly and quickly they accepted me into their lives as if I'd been there forever. It was the same with Sally. All around, the rehearsal had good vibes.
Nowthiswas why I loved humans.
Speaking of which, the demonic cat was still in the bag. I couldn't take it anymore. The truth was dying to come out of me. As much as I was enjoying dinner, I needed to steal a moment away with Miguel if this 'faking' garbage was ever going to end.
"So, kids," Miguel's mother said with a grin, deep into her second drink. "When are we expecting grandchildren?"
Miguel choked on his bread.
"We can't wait forever, you know," Mother went on, ignoring the focaccia threatening to suffocate Miguel.
"Honey, don't rush them," their Father said with a chuckle.
"I don't care, I'm rushing! I want to see babies!"
"Don't worry, we're thinking about it," Maria said in the tired tone of somebody who'd been through this conversation before. "But not until after the wedding."
Not satisfied, Miguel's mother turned to us. "Good. And what about you two?"
That was actually a good question. WhatdidMiguel think about children?
"Um," Miguel squeaked. "It's a little soon. Right, Daemen?"
"Really? I don't think so."
His eyes went wide. "What? You... want kids?"
"Absolutely." I shrugged. "Hell, why wait?"
This statement excited his mother so much she nearly blasted off into orbit. She was vibrating with excitement in her chair.
But Miguel was focused only on me, like he'd forgotten anyone else was there. His eyes were watery with emotion. "You mean it?"
"Yes," I said seriously. I hoped he knew I wasn't just playing along. The idea of starting a family with my fated mate and watching little ones get into mischief toyed with my heartstrings.
Plus he'd look smoking hot when he was pregnant.
I dug my nails into my knees. I couldn't take it anymore. Ihadto tell Miguel the truth. Being apart from him—emotionally, physically, sexually—was torture at this point.
I politely cleared my throat and stood up. "I'm sorry, would you excuse me? Miguel, could you come with me, please? Need to discuss a work situation," I added, making up some excuse I hoped was plausible.
"Sure," he said slowly, following me.
My heart was racing, and my heartneverraced. I was a cool, calm, collected demon—and the only thing to make my heart soar and jitter this way was a chubby, anxious human.
But that human was my fated mate. And it was damn well time that he knew it.
8
Miguel
Butterflies swarmed in my chest,pounding against my heart and ribs. Since Daemen made that comment about kids, I couldn't think straight. My brain was a big stupid blob of gushy ideas about the future—the future we couldn't have because he wasn't myrealboyfriend.
So why did Daemen's words sound so genuine?
