Page 56 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"Did you know he has magic marks on his arms?" Rose traces invisible patterns in the air. "They show he's really good at making things. But he says the most important thing he makes is promises."

My throat tightens as pieces click into place. The way he positions himself between us and doorways. How his golden eyes scan every room before letting Rose enter. The quiet efficiency with which he's woven protections into every aspect of our lives.

"He's not like the other demons, is he?" The words come out barely above a whisper.

"Nope!" Rose grins. "He's our demon. That's what Auntie Vashti says."

Our demon. The phrase echoes in my mind, shifting something fundamental in how I see him. Not just a reluctant protector bound by honor, but someone who's chosen to make our safety his priority.

The realization settles like a warm ember, melting years of distrust.

26

DEZOTH

Iburst through Vashti's front door, my boots tracking mud across her pristine floor. Blood drips from a gash above my eye, and my clothes bear the marks of battle. The metallic scent of demon blood clings to my skin.

Vashti stands at the bottom of her sweeping staircase, arms crossed. A knowing smile plays at her lips. "They're upstairs. Ada's resting, but Rose-"

"Cappy Dez!" Rose's voice rings out from above, pure joy cutting through the lingering darkness of the fight.

I take the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding harder than it did during the battle. My golden eyes lock onto the tiny figure at the top of the stairs. Rose's honey-blonde curls bounce as she launches herself into the air without hesitation.

My breath catches. Such trust. Such complete faith that I'll catch her.

I snatch her from the air, careful to angle my body so the blood on my clothes doesn't touch her dress. Her tiny arms wrap around my neck, and she presses her face into my shoulder. The violet eyes she inherited from her father shine with delight.

"You're all dirty." She pats my cheek with her small hand. "Did you fight the bad guy?"

I wonder then if Rose even knows who that man was. For her sake, I hope not. I don't want that truth to mar her.

"I sure did." I adjust her in my arms, settling her more securely against my chest. "He won't bother you or your mother again."

"Promise?"

"I swear it." The words come out rougher than intended. The memory of Varyk's threats against his own grandchild flashes through my mind.

Rose's fingers trace the ritual markings on my forearm. "You got an ouchie." She points to the cut above my eye.

"Nothing that won't heal." I press my forehead to hers, breathing in her innocent scent of flowers and sunshine. "Are you and your mother well?"

"Mama's sleeping. Auntie Vashti gave her special tea." Rose's face scrunches up. "She was crying, but I held her hand until she fell asleep."

My chest tightens. I hold Rose closer, silently vowing that Ada will never have cause to cry like that again.

With Rose nestled against my chest, I stride down the hallway. The floorboards creak beneath my boots, marking each step toward the guest room. My muscles tense with each foot forward, until-

Ada stands in the doorway, her braid loose and messy from sleep. Dark circles shadow her eyes, but she's alive. Safe. The vice around my lungs loosens.

"Look Mama, Cappy Dez got the bad guy!" Rose wiggles in my arms, pointing to the blood on my clothes.

Ada's warm brown eyes meet mine, haunted but steady. She wraps her arms around herself, shoulders straight despite her obvious exhaustion. "Are you certain he's-"

"Dead." I keep my voice low, mindful of the child in my arms. "He won't come near you again."

She nods once, her fingers brushing the scar on her collarbone - a reminder of her last escape. The gesture makes my blood boil anew.

"You're hurt." Ada steps closer, her practical earth-toned dress swishing against the floor. Her hand reaches toward the cut above my eye, then drops. Always cautious, even now.

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