Page 42 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"One hundred and twenty!" I call back, only to get a grumble. Ada giggles but pushes out of the bed, going in search of her dress from last night and I marvel at her. At the lightness in my heart.

Who knew that taking Karn's advice would bring me such joy?

Once we're dressed, I lead Rose and Ada down to the kitchen, watching as Ada immediately moves to help prepare breakfast despite my protests. Her practical nature won't let her sit idle while I work.

"The purple berries are in the top cabinet," I murmur, reaching around her to grab them. My chest brushes her back, and she stills. The scent of herbs clings to her hair - and now my scent, too. that stirs something in me, and I want to pull her into me.

"I can reach them myself." But she leans back slightly, her warmth seeping into me.

"I know." My fingers trail down her arm as I set the berries on the counter. "Let me help anyway."

Rose climbs onto a chair at the wooden table, kicking her feet. "Can I have sparkles with breakfast?"

"After you eat properly." Ada moves to get plates, and I catch her hand, running my thumb across her knuckles before letting go. Each touch feels like staking a claim, marking her as mine in the most subtle ways.

"But Cappy Dez makes the best sparkles." Rose props her chin on her hands. "They're purple like my eyes."

I gather ingredients while continuously finding reasons to be in Ada's space. My hand at the small of her back as I pass. Our fingers brushing as we pass dishes. When she reaches for the kettle, I trap her against the counter for a moment, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"You're distracting me," Ada whispers, but her lips curve up.

"Good." I tuck a loose strand of honey-blonde hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger on her neck.

"More berries please!" Rose holds up her empty bowl, purple juice staining her chin.

Ada starts to move, but I keep her in place with a hand on her hip. "I've got it, little flower."

Each casual touch feels like piecing together something precious - this small family that's somehow become mine. I cherish it, every little touch and smile.

We're halfway through breakfast when a sharp knock at the door interrupts our peaceful morning. Rose freezes mid-bite, violet eyes going wide. Ada's spine stiffens, but I squeeze her shoulder as I pass.

"Stay here. Both of you."

I stride to the door, tracking the familiar magical signature before I even open it. Rolfo stands on my doorstep, his silver eyes tight with urgency. His usual easy demeanor is nowhere to be seen.

"Captain." He gives a short nod. "We need to talk. Now."

I step outside, pulling the door shut behind me. "What happened?"

"We caught one." Rolfo's voice drops low. "Trying to snatch a half-demon child from the merchant district. Parents fought back hard enough to draw attention."

My nails dig into my palms. "The child?"

"Safe. But that's not the important part." Rolfo glances at my house. "We have the kidnapper in custody. Alive."

"Finally." A growl rumbles in my chest. After months of near-misses and cold trails, we have something concrete. "Where?"

"Cells beneath the guard tower. Hasn't said a word yet, but..." A predatory smile crosses Rolfo's face. "That's why I came to you first."

I cast a look back at my house, where Rose and Ada wait. Where another half-demon child sits unaware of how close this hits to home. "Give me an hour to arrange things here."

"I'll get everything ready for you."

"Good." I clasp his shoulder. "Have them bring in the parents too. If this connects to the other cases-"

"Already done." He matches my grip. "We'll find who's behind this, Dez. For all of them."

I nod sharply. For Rose. For every child targeted for their mixed blood. For Ada, who shouldn't have to live in fear.

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