Page 7 of Demon Daddy's Baby Girl

Ada's eyes soften slightly, her mouth curving in what might be a smile. "Rolfo has his reasons. He's not like the others you've known."

"I've never known a demon who didn't want something." The bitterness in my voice surprises even me.

"I understand that well enough." Ada begins unpacking her basket—clean cloths, small bottles of various liquids, a knife so sharp it gleams in the dim light. "Do you have a name?"

Rolfo returns, arms full of linens and a steaming basin of water. He sets everything down within Ada's reach, his movements careful, as if afraid his strength might break something. Our eyes meet briefly as he straightens and I'm struck by the raw sincerity in his gaze.

"Aurelie," I answer, but my eyes are on him. "My name is Aurelie."

"If you need anything else..." he says to Ada, his deep voice trailing off uncertainly.

"We'll manage," Ada assures him. "But stay close."

He nods, retreating to the doorway but not leaving completely. Something about his vigilance makes me feel unexpectedly secure, like he's standing guard rather than blocking my escape.

"Ada," I gasp as another wave of pain builds, "I can't do this. I'm not strong enough."

Her warm hands cup my face, forcing me to focus on her. "You already are doing it. You escaped. You survived. This child has survived because of you." Her eyes, brown and steadfast, hold mine. "And now you're not alone."

Something inside me shifts at her words. Not the baby—something deeper, in a part of me I thought had withered and died under Kaelith's ownership. I'm not sure what this feeling is, only that it feels real—more real than anything has in a very long time.

"I'm scared," I admit, the words barely audible.

Ada nods, not dismissing my fear but acknowledging it. "Fear kept you alive. Now let hope carry you the rest of the way."

4

ROLFO

Ipace the hallway like a caged kilmar, each step calculated yet tense. Seven paces one direction, turn, seven paces back. The floorboards protest under my boots, but I barely register the sound over the groans coming from the bedroom.

Every pained sound from Aurelie tears through me like a blade between the ribs. It shouldn't. I barely know her—this broken woman I found huddled in an alley just hours ago. Yet here she is, fighting for her life in my spare bedroom while I wear tracks in my floor.

I nod, my jaw clenched so tight my teeth might crack. Through the open doorway, I glimpse Aurelie as Ada helps her onto her side, arranging pillows to support her swollen belly.

"Just breathe through it," Ada murmurs, her voice a gentle stream against Aurelie's ragged gasps. "That's it. Focus on my voice."

Aurelie's skin is moon-pale against the dark bedsheets, but her hazel eyes are focused, determined. A fighter, even at the brink.

My fists clench at my sides, nails digging half-moons into my palms. The restless energy builds under my skin until I could tear this house apart with my bare hands. I need todosomething, not stand here listening to her pain while memories of Mara's final moments superimpose themselves over Aurelie's struggle.

A sharp knock at the door cuts through my thoughts.

I cross the room in four long strides and yank it open, already knowing who stands on the other side. Dezoth doesn't wait for an invitation, pushing past me with practiced authority, his golden eyes scanning every corner of my home.

"You've picked up another one," he mutters, nostrils flaring slightly as he catches Aurelie's scent. His obsidian hair is pulled back with that ridiculous silver cord he always wears, not a strand out of place despite the long day I know he's had. His lips twitch. "Not that I can blame you."

"She was pregnant. Bleeding. What was I supposed to do?" The words come out clipped, defensive.

Dezoth raises a brow. "I'm assuming she's escaped?"

"I think so. The mark on her arm is clear enough."

He nods, rubbing at his jaw. "Then it's a good thing you found her."

Possessiveness claws at my chest. "He won't get her."

"Then we'll protect her." Dezoth studies me for a moment, something shifting behind those predatory eyes. "I'll circle the perimeter. Can't be too careful." He moves toward the door, all efficient purpose. "Get your weapons ready. I'll check for signs they've tracked her here."

---