Page 63 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"Every chaotic moment." Karn grins as Luna joins her sister in climbing him like a tree. "Wouldn't trade it for all the peace and quiet in Aerasak."

I wrap my arms around my mate, the one I never saw coming. "Are you ready?"

He looks down at me with so much love that I can hardly breathe. "For you? Always."

"We'll take good care of Rose," Karn promises, and Dezoth pulls me from the reception area.

The garden's magical glow fades behind us as we make our way toward our home. My feet ache from dancing, but my heart feels lighter than it has in years. Rose's delighted giggles echo in my memory as she left with Mira and the twins, already planning their sleepover adventures.

I pause at our bedroom door, my hand hesitating on the handle. Dezoth's warm presence steadies me, his tall frame blocking out the hallway light.

"Close your eyes," he murmurs, his deep voice gentler than usual.

I comply, letting him guide me forward. The sweet scent of aracin blossoms fills my nose, mixed with something warmer - demon night blooms. When I open my eyes, my breath catches.

Hundreds of candles float in the air, casting a soft golden glow across the room. Flowers cover every surface in shades of deep red and midnight blue, their petals scattered across the floor in intricate patterns.

"You did all this?" I turn to find Dezoth watching me intently, his golden eyes reflecting the candlelight.

"Vashti helped with the arrangements." His fingers brush my shoulder, trailing down to the laces of my wedding gown. "Though I insisted on placing them myself."

I lean back against his chest as he works at the complicated fastenings. "The fearsome Captain of the Guard, arranging flowers?"

"I excel at many things." His lips curve against my neck. The first layers of silk fall away, and his hands still. "Are you certain about this? About us?"

I turn to face him, reaching up to trace the sharp line of his jaw. Six months ago, I would have run from any demon's touch. Now, the gentle way he cradles my face makes me wonder how I ever feared him.

"Rose trusts you completely," I whisper. "And so do I."

His usual stern expression melts into something softer, more vulnerable. "I will spend every day earning that trust."

The candlelight dances across his obsidian hair as he bends to kiss me, his touch as reverent as his words.

30

DEZOTH

Istand in my doorway, watching three small hurricanes of glitter and sparks tear through my usually pristine home. Rose's honey-blonde curls trail behind her as she darts past, her violet eyes bright with joy. Luna and Nova chase after her, their copper-red hair a matching blur.

"Higher!" Rose squeals as rainbow sparkles dance above their heads.

Luna waves her hands, sending the lights spiraling toward the ceiling. Nova, not to be outdone, transforms the sparkles into tiny butterflies that flutter around the room.

"Careful with the furniture," I call out, though I can't hide my smile. The girls skid to a stop, three pairs of violet eyes turning to me with identical innocent expressions.

"Sorry, Cappy Dez." Rose bounces over, wrapping her arms around my leg. "We're practicing our magic. Look what I can do!" She scrunches her face in concentration, and a shower of silver stars rains down around us.

Karn chuckles from his spot at my dining table. "At least they're not setting anything on fire this time."

"Yet," Mira adds, her green eyes dancing with amusement as she sets down another plate of food. Her movements are graceful, practiced, but there's an ease to them now that wasn't there months ago.

"The night is still young." I lift Rose onto my shoulders, earning a delighted giggle. "Though I suspect these three troublemakers would rather play than eat."

"Food!" The twins chorus, abandoning their magical display to scramble into their seats. Their father's influence shows in their appetite, if nothing else.

"Remember what we practiced?" Mira asks softly, and both girls straighten their backs, folding their hands neatly.

Rose wiggles on my shoulders. "Can I sit next to Luna and Nova? Please?"

---