Page 60 of April's Fool
Tears welled in my eyes over how distraught he sounded. “I am, my love. I could find you anywhere.”
“You could? Even like this?”
“Especially like this.” I stroked a finger down his nose and booped it, trying to lighten the mood. “Your soul is so bright right now. It called to me. Told me where you were.”
“Mori… I don’t want this.” His chin wobbled as he held back his own tears. I let mine roll free.
“I know. It’s not fair, but you were made for incredible things, and besides, this means great things for us.”
“How?”
Finally, those pretty light blue eyes opened to meet mine. I had to swallow my gasp because they were different. They had two new rings, one of dark blue,like sapphire, and another of gold. His magic was a tangible force in the room, almost suffocating.
“Well, now I get to keep you longer. I worried we couldn’t bond properly. The archives were going to get sick of me because I was going to spend all my free time looking for a way to share my lifespan with you.”
“Mori… fuck! That’s beyond romantic.”
“Now, we have a bit more time. You get to live longer, just as you are, with me.”
“That makes it worth it.” He nuzzled his face against my palm. “Knowing you’re still here for me helps me breathe. I was so scared, Mori.”
“I know, sweetheart. It’s going to be fine. We have each other, and our family. We can end this and be happy.”
“Do you really not care I’m a witch?” Damon’s eyes met mine. “Even after your contract, Cody’s mom, everything?”
“No. I don’t care what you are. Only who you are. Witches have hurt me, they also gave me Cody. I can’t regret him. Before you, he was the light of my life. You are the love in my soul.”
Damon wept. His tears glistened with magic, filling the air with it. “I love you so much. I thought—“
“Thought I’d run from you? Never. Unfortunately for you, I’ve bonded with you. You’re never getting away.”
He chuckled through tears, then paused. “Wait, what?”
“Sweetheart, look inside you. Can you feel it? Next to your magic, it’s me. I’m there, where I belong.”
For a long moment, he closed his eyes and searched internally, grasping at his magic, then sinking deeper. I didn’t know when we had started our bond. It wasn’t intentional, it just was.
“I see you. How can that be? We aren’t fated.”
“No, we aren’t. You are chosen, which can be a stronger bond for it.” I sighed. “This story has been itching to come out. There just wasn’t the right time, except I think you need it now.” I ripped the bandaid off. “My fated mate died a long time ago.”
“Oh god, Mori, I’m so sorry.”
“Honestly, it’s fine. We never bonded. Never wanted to.” It was the whole truth. My preference was for men, although I had been superficially attracted to the succubus.
“You see, she had mates and wasn’t looking to add to her group. They didn’t want me either, which, again, was fine. We wouldn’t have suited. If we had met earlier, then maybe. Or if she had lived, perhaps we could have worked something out. It just wasn’t meant to be. She is why my family and I put more stock into chosen heart mates. Like you are to me.”
“Even as a witch?”
“Even as a witch. Remember, I was ready for you to be part ogre.”
Damon laughed, the sound pushing away all of my fears. Finding out the truth was hard. No doubt about that. Damon was stronger than he thought.
“Why don’t you climb up here with me? I want to cuddle a bit.”
I’d almost forgotten I was sitting on the floor by Cody’s bed.
“You know as well as I do that if I get up there, it’ll end up in so much more than a cuddle.” I grinned at my lover, my mate.
