Page 11 of Witch's Exile
"I just want one lifetime of peace," she sighed, resting her chin on my shoulder. "I want to raise our daughter with love and smiles as we teach her magic. I want to grow old and be able to die naturally, not get killed too young by some fearful human."
My anger melted away as her yearning for that life bled out of her aura and poured into mine. I brought her other hand forward and kissed that palm.
"I want that too, beautiful. It's the life we've been chasing all this time." I slowly turned to face her, the yellow lamp light making her golden eyes glow like a cat's. "But you know it gets harder before it gets easier."
"Yeah," she agreed, her eyelids drooping with exhaustion.
"Don't let go of that dream." I kissed both of her eyes as we laid back down in bed. "Keep it at the forefront of your mind and maybe it'll give you some peace as you sleep."
She clutched my arms, her eyes once again wide open and fearful.
"Promise you won't stop holding me after I fall asleep? The worst part of the dream is feeling completely alone."
"I won't move a muscle."
A relaxed smile finally spread across her lips as her eyelids closed softly and she snuggled into me. I pulled the covers up and tucked them around her. After flicking the light off I secured my arms tightly around her, letting her head rest on my bicep.
"Wake me up if I start freaking out?" she whispered groggily, sleep already taking over.
"I promise, beautiful."
Within minutes she was breathing deeply and-- I hoped-- sleeping peacefully. I barely got to admire her beautiful face in the moonlight before a flapping of feathers and clicking of claws drew my attention to the windowsill.
About time you showed up, coward. I spoke to Raum through my aura, not wanting to risk waking Deja.
He ignored my jab.How is she?
How do you think?I shot back.Better yet, why don't you show your damn face and ask her yourself?
She doesn't want to see me.
It's been a week, you fucking bird brain. She misses you. She's starting to think you don't want to see her.
I miss her so fucking much.The anguish came through loud and clear in his mental voice.But I fucked up, Sal. I don't want to be around if it's just going to hurt her.
Look, just talk it out, fuck it out, whatever you two do to make up. But I don't want to hear how much she wants you while she's in bed with me.
You're starting to sound like Ash, Raum scoffed.
Well, he's the only other company we got out here besides prey. So maybe I need you around too, motherfucker.
Raum gave a low, throaty chuckle.It has been a while since you and I shared her. Maybe that's what she needs to feel better.
I'm sure she wouldn't say no to that. Besides, I think we're willing to try anything at this point.
Raum said nothing, only tilted his feathered head back and forth while studying Deja's back with his beady black eyes.
Did Ash tell you his theory?he asked after a long silence.
I tightened my hold protectively around Deja. She sighed and nuzzled her face into my neck but didn't wake.
Yes,I answered tersely.He's meeting with Lucifer soon to confirm it.I raised my eyes from Deja's face to glare at Raum.You two better make up before he leaves. She needs at least two of us to feel safe.
I will in the morning.He hopped from the windowsill to the nightstand for a closer look at the sleeping woman in my arms.
Damn, I miss my morning sugar,he thought mournfully.
