Page 9 of April's Fool
Gaining my manners, after another prompting from my rather amused guard, I escorted my son and his mate into the room so we could get to know each other.
It was easy to see that Cody had some trauma from his parents’ treatment and would take some time to warm to me. I could tell that my open affection and delight in meeting him went a long way to easing his worries over his reception into demon life. Mama and father accepted Cody was only half demon and would have both witch and demon abilities
We demonkin weren’t purists. All demonkin, half-breed or not, were welcome. In fact, I knew that some of the queens were infatuated with seeing how demon genealogy presented itself in other species. There was a precedent for a so-called halfling being made royalty. Of course, they would never rule, butthey were bestowed with the title and privileges that accompanied it. There had never been a witch-demon hybrid, as far as I could recall, making Cody more special.
Seeing my son this close, it was clear to see which of my features he took on, aside from the demon ones. It appeased my hurt pride that his human features were much like my human guise. We had the same color hair, the same mouth. Our builds were different, though I wondered how much of that was from neglect as a child in Cody’s case.
Just getting to know him was a treat, and it was clear he wanted to do this again. It was a shame that the visit was ending. I clearly didn’t hide my disappointment well when Cody mentioned dinner plans with his best friend.
He tentatively offered. “Unless… did you maybe want to come meet my best friend? Toth will be meeting him for the first time as well.”
His smile when I accepted warmed my heart. Cody checked with his friend and when Toth, as he preferred to be called, received a call from his master, I pretended not to know that he was under a contract. The fact that I had gone to such lengths to learn about my son and his mate embarrassed me. I didn’t want to come across badly to them. It was perhaps a tad invasive to go to such lengths.
My eyes filled when I found out that Cody had lost his employment because of my binding breaking. It had been the only measure I could provide to ensure his safety. There was always a chance that a demonkin could find out who he was to me and use magic against him. I just hadn’t known how far his parents had gone, binding his witch side too, leaving him so vulnerable.
To make Toth feel better about his circumstances, and to let Cody know about his past, I explained about my own contract and the time around Cody’s conception. I wanted him to understand how badly wanted he had been.
Toth looked so forlorn that I wanted to make things better for them both, deciding then and there to go to the court and petition for Cody and Toth to be accepted as princes. It was only Gregoris’ reminder about our dinner plans that quashed my excitement.
Tomorrow. I’d make that happen as soon as I met this mysterious best friend. The hitman that had been sent to kill my son.
A Chance Meeting
Damon
As confident as Icame across, okay, arrogant, I was nervous to meet Cody’s new mate and his father. It seemed impossible that Cody would find the other side of himself as well as a life partner and the parent that he hadn’t known about all in the space of a day, but he’d done just that. He had unlocked his demon side and then bonded to Quill, or Toth. It was all going to take a while to get used to.
I needed to get my friend alone and get all the juicy gossip about what it was like to be mated to a demon. Was the demon versatile in bed? Cody, like me, preferred to top, so I couldn’t imagine him being happy with a partner long term that didn’t appreciate that side of him.
“Are you sure you don’t want me there as backup?” Parker’s concern shone through his usually calm demeanor.
“I’m sure. It’s just Cody and his family.”
“With everything that’s happening, I just have a bad feeling. Thatmessage—“
“Don’t worry about it.” I had to cut that train of thought off. “My guess is that it’s just a newbie hacker trying to freak us out.” I dismissed the feeling in my gut.
“Still, I don’t like it. I’ll stay close by in case you need me.”
“Parks... I’ll be fine. Go home and try to figure out this mess. Get me all you have on Austin. We need a plan to deal with him.”
“Okay. I’ve got it.” He hugged me close and let me leave the car. “Check in,” he yelled before pulling away from the curb.
Out of habit, I scoped out the restaurant that Cody had named as our meeting place. I checked the entrance and exits, looking for weaknesses in the security I could exploit if necessary.
Once I was happy, I leaned against the building, waiting and trying to blend in with the crowd. I people watched, making up stories about those that passed me. Ever since I was a kid, I’d made up tales to keep me entertained. I didn’t trust easily and people were always wary around me, so I’d never had many friends. Parker sticking around as long as he had was a bit of a mystery to me.
Soon, I noticed a group approaching. There, sandwiched between his mate and who I assumed was his father, was my friend. Cody was practically glowingwith happiness, and he was wearing one of the suits I’d had made for him!
“Hey, sweetness. Who are all these handsome men?” I called out. When he got close, I pulled him into a tight embrace, grateful that he was there and safe where I could see him. “I missed you, cutie. All okay?”
Cody assured me he was fine. I could hear his joy as he introduced me to his mate, Toth, aka Quill. Seeing his human guise slip for that of a demon had been terrifying for a second, until I’d seen them look at each other. I knew Cody was safe with Toth.
I also hugged Toth, making sure he knew how precious our Cody was.
The remaining pair were stunning to look at. The one called Mori looked like his son. Cody and Mori had the same brown hair, though Mori had strands of gold and bronze through his. They both had chocolate brown eyes.
I shook hands with Mori, a strange buzzing feeling going through my body at the contact. The demon fixed his gaze on me, questioning something I couldn’t answer. I briefly lost focus on what was said.
