Page 161 of Sweet Venom

“You’re an even redder flag than I thought, demon,” I muttered. “Does a rose really piss you off?”

Prince side-eyed me before stalking off, leaving me with just Allen, who sat quietly next to me, observing me with those cool, curious eyes. Azariel’s cat was definitely my favorite.

“What do you think, Allen? Should your dad read my first book?”

If Azariel were here and heard me calling his cat his child, he’d give me the same look Allen just did—like I was completely insane.

With a small sigh, I pulled my phone from my pocket and hesitated before dialing my dad’s number. I still kept in touch with my family, even if it was just short calls or texts.

It rang twice before his familiar voice came through.

“Little witch? Everything alright, kiddo?”

His tone was warm, as always, though I could hear the usual undercurrent of concern. Dad was the opposite of Mom. Mom worried, yes—but Dad? He was alwayswatching, alwaysready.

I felt a twinge of nerves. I hadn’t told him about what’s going on with Azariel. I should have. I wanted to. But I haven’t found the right time.

Mom knew. But I also knew she wouldn’t tell Dad without talking to me first.

“Hey, Dad.” A soft smile tugged at my lips at the sound of one of my favorite voices in the world. “I was just thinking about something, and I wanted to ask you. Do you remember the first book I ever wrote? The one on my old laptop? The one that’s been broken for years?”

There was a pause. I think I caught him off guard.

“What about it?” His voice sounded… off.

I took a deep breath. “I was wondering… if you still have it. The laptop, I mean. I know it’s been forever, but I was thinking maybe I’d like to get it fixed.”

I want the book inside.

The one I wrote for the man I love.

I wanted to tell him that. But the words wouldn’t come.

Dad is my hero—but admitting I’m in love withAzarielfeels like a betrayal. And I don’t even know why.

Dad sighed before answering. “Well… I think that computer is beyond repair, but I’ll look for it, baby.”

“I don’t care if it’s a little broken,” I said, smiling despite myself. “Just as long as I can get my files back.”

“The files… right.”

I frowned. Dad was definitely acting weird.

“Dad… are you okay?”

There was a pause. Then his voice dropped, quieter now. More serious.

“I love you, Poe. I never wanted to lose you.”

Lose me?

“What are you talking about, Dad? You could never lose me. Ever.”

He let out a bitter laugh.

“It doesn’t feel like that. It feels like I’m losing my kids.”

And just like that, it clicked.

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