Page 31 of Beyond Fate

Damon’s family was kind and caring, but Casimir still felt out of place around them. After being alone for so long, he wasn’t used to family dynamics and often found himself at odds with how to fit into their household.

The only pleasure Casimir had truly enjoyed during that week was getting to know his nephew. While Casimir’s brother, Galamir, possessed a rotten heart, his son was truly a treasure.

But Casimir was overwhelmed that his mate had gone downstairs specifically to cook and provide him with breakfast. To some, it may seem like a simple act, but Casimir was honored and deeply touched his mate had taken the time and effort to prepare him a meal.

“Are you okay?” Damon frowned. He gestured at Casimir’s face. “You look like your allergies are acting up. Your eyes are watery, and you have this weird look on your face.”

“You have a very dusty room.” Casimir cleared his throat.

Damon crossed his arms and scowled. “So, you’re gonna cover up an emotional moment by insulting me? I’ll have you know Elvine cleans this room very thoroughly.” He crossed the room and pulled Casimir into his arms. But instead of a warm embrace, it was more like his mate was holding him like a child while patting his back. “Tell Papa Damon what’s wrong.”

Casimir’s brows shot up. “Nékah, if you’re my méallân, I’m going to need some serious therapy.”

His mate’s shoulders began to shake before he threw his head back and laughed. Never in a million years would Casimir tire of hearing that sound. “It’s what my dad would say when we were juveniles and were upset.” Damon wiped at his eyes. “Except it was simply Papa.”

“I don’t believe I have to actually point this out, but I am neither a child nor related to you.”

“I was just trying to comfort you.” Damon shrugged with a lingering smile. “You’re the first person I’ve ever had to comfort, other than my brothers, and they would knock me out cold if I did that to them.”

With an arched brow, Casimir walked to the table. “I’m just going to forget you said it and hope I really don’t need therapy.” And not get upset that your brothers would harm you.

“Okay,” Damon said after he sat. “Take a bite and tell me what’s in the potatoes.”

“As I recall, pop quizzes are forbidden.” Casimir took a bite of the potatoes and groaned. He was still getting used to eating homecooked meals on a regular basis, but hands down, Damon’s cooking was the best food he’d eaten so far since being here.

“I’m awesome, right?” Damon wiggled his brows. “Do you know why they taste so good?”

Casimir smirked as he chewed then swallowed. “Because you’re awesome?”

His mate chuckled. “That, and the fact I added some special love to it.”

Slowly, Casimir looked down at his plate. “Are you saying, uh, that you added…” He glanced at his mate.

Damon stared incredulously at him. “Dude, the shit that goes through your mind. No. I meant my secret spices. What’s the word for gross in your language?”

“The closest thing I can think of is kíen, but—”

“You are downright kíen,” Damon growled.

Casimir palmed his face. “Please don’t ever say that again.”

He wasn’t sure why that word had popped into his head, but Kalen would kill him if the guy ever found out Casimir had taught it to his son.

“That you have a potty brain?” Damon chuckled.

Dropping his hand, he looked at his mate. “You didn’t let me finish. The closest word is kíen, but it means…” He palmed his face once more. “Just don’t ever say it again. Your dad really would take me out back and beat my ass.”

“Oh no, no, no.” Damon smirked devilishly at him. “You’re definitely going to tell me what it means now.”

“Food’s getting cold.” Casimir began to eat in earnest, hoping he choked on his food so he wouldn’t have to tell his mate what it meant. He knew he was in trouble when Damon stood and walked to him.

“Tell me what it means if you want these boxers to drop, buddy.” He crossed his arms. “You made me say it, so now you have to tell me what it means.”

Casimir narrowed his eyes. “You would use our lovemaking as a bargaining tool?”

Damon poked him in the chest. “Don’t you dare try to guilt-trip me, nékah. I want to know—” He yelped when Casimir jolted from his chair and grabbed him around the upper thighs, lifting him off his feet before dropping him onto the bed.

“Do you know how goddamn aroused you just made me by calling me your most cherished in Méityah language?” Casimir pinned Damon’s wrists on either side of his head before taking possession of his lips.

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