Page 125 of Scorned

As my mind reeled with this new revelation, I started to list some of her bad qualities. Though low, I came up with a few.

“You know what, maybe I shouldn’t have her on a pedestal. She leaves hair ties everywhere. I found one in the refrigerator once. No clue how it got there. Oh, and water cups. She has at least one in every room. I’m starting to feel like I’m trapped in that movie where water is the aliens’ ultimate weakness. It’s like Lyric’s waiting for an invasion.”

Luka laughed, shaking his head. “Sage bites her fingernails and picks her cuticles when she’s nervous. The sound drives me nuts. But I love her anyway.” He slapped his hand on my shoulder. “Welcome to a real relationship, man.”

Just as the scents hit me, Lyric and Erik barged through the door.

“Hey, oh, you have the baby?” The sound of Lyric’s squeal echoed through the room, and I couldn’t help but share a smug glance with Luka, silently confirming my previous statement. “I gotta wash my hands so I can hold her.”

Erik plopped down in the chair, leaned forward and whispered, “You gotta start running with her. I can’t keep up. She’s like deer, galloping through the woods, never getting tired.”

Lyric came into the room, and Erik leaned back in the chair with a heavy sigh. She set a water cup on the table and held her hands out. “My turn.”

“Hold up, mama, I need to say something.”

Lyric eyed me, seemingly confused, and I let every thought I had burst out my mouth.

“I know you love your braids, but I literally found a hair tie in the fridge and one in my shoes. I also hate that you leave your water cups lying around waiting for the aliens.”

Her face turned confused, her eyebrows arching upwards.

“Regardless of that, I plan on being with you forever, unless you stay human, then I’ll be with you until you die.” I shook my head. “I can’t really tell you what I’ll do after that, because my heart hurts even thinking about it.”

I glanced back at baby Scarlet and she smiled in her sleep. The cuteness gave me just enough courage to say what I needed to without shying away. With a deep breath, I met Lyric’s eyes.

“All I’m saying is, I never want to spend a day without you. And if that means I might have to steal you a baby in the future, then I guess that’s what we’re doing. Because I love you more than anything, including hacking, and that’s actually crazy. So, yeah. I love you, mama.”

With her bottom lip caught between her teeth, tears filled Lyric’s eyes. “I hate the way you cut your toenails in bed. It’s disgusting. And don’t get me started on the way you talk to your computer like it’s a hot girl.” She shook her head. “Regardless of your ease with kidnapping, I plan on being with you forever because I love you.”

She leaned down, pushing her lips against mine for a brief moment.

“Also, there’s no reason to steal babies when so many need homes. If we decide we want one, we’ll figure it out.”

Her genuine and comforting smile spoke volumes. Although my words weren’t poetic, Lyric understood me as a person, confessing her love the same way I did, and he made me love her even more.

The door opened and April rushed in. “Thank you for giving me time to shower.” She made her way over and stopped next to me, peering down at the baby. “Was she good for you?”

“She was an angel.” I looked down at Scarlet and took her hand in mine, giving her a fist bump. “You can hang out with Uncle Winnie again later.” I carefully lifted her and she extended her body, arching her back as I held her out. “Time to go back to your mom.”

April sucked in a breath as she took her.

“Is she okay?” I asked, my brows narrowing, concerned I did something wrong. “I’m not good with babies, but I was gentle with her. I did change her diaper earlier. And if you think baby shit smells bad when you’re a human, try being a vampire.”

I stuck my tongue out, making a gagging sound.

“It’s just,” April’s voice trembled as she choked back tears, “no one has ever called me her mom before.”

“Oh.” My gaze darted across April’s face and I realized how huge of a life-changing event this was for her. “Well, I’m not in charge of anyone or anything, but you knew what blankets she liked, so I’m pretty sure you’re her mom.”

“I’m her mom,” April whispered, eyeing Scarlet. “It sounds so weird to say aloud.”

A smile tugged at my cheeks as April began to sway her hips. Lyric peered down at the baby, a radiant smile lighting up her face, and I knew no matter what challenges life presented, we’d make it together.

With a deep sigh, I glanced at my phone, noticing that it was Lyric and Erik’s turn to leave. I sent him a text, reminding him.

A minute later, he said, “Hey, Lyric, are you still going to ride with me?”

“Where are you guys going?” April asked curiously. “I need to go to the store to get diapers and a few other things. I’d really like to check out the baby aisle myself to make sure I’m not missing anything.”

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