Page 39 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

I watch as Ada catches Rose trying to add real sparkles to the tea. Instead of scolding, she gets Nova to show her how to make the sparkles dance above the cups instead, her warm brown eyes bright with affection.

"Just don't wait too long," Karn pushes off the counter. "Some things are worth the risk."

His words stay with me as we head to the living room to watch the kids play. It's only when they start to yawn, the threeof them obviously drooping that Karn scoops up the twins and they tell us goodnight.

Ada picks Rose up after they're gone, and she's already mostly asleep as she carries her down the hall. I follow after her, feeling far too attached to this beautiful woman and her sweet daughter.

I linger in the doorway, watching as Ada kneels beside Rose's bed. Her fingers move with practiced grace, tucking the blanket around Rose's small form while humming a soft melody. Rose's violet eyes fight to stay open, her honey-blonde curls spread across the pillow like a halo.

"Mama, can you tell me about the sparkles again?" Rose's voice comes out sleepy, her tiny hand reaching for Ada's braid.

"Tomorrow, sweet girl." Ada smooths Rose's hair back, her touch gentle. "It's late, and good little girls need their rest."

"But I'm not tired." Rose's protest ends in a yawn. "Can Cappy Dez teach me more magic tomorrow?"

Ada grins over her shoulder at me, and my chest constricts. "We'll see. First, sleep."

"He makes the best sparkles." Rose's eyes drift closed.

She smiles at her daughter as she brushes a hand over her forehead. "Yes, he does."

"Goodnight, Cappy Dez," Rose mumbles.

"Goodnight, little flower."

Ada kisses Rose's forehead. "Goodnight, sweet girl."

I start to turn, not sure if Ada will sleep now, too, but she rises gracefully, pressing a final kiss to Rose's forehead before moving toward the door. To me.

"She's getting stronger with her magic," I keep my voice low as Ada approaches. "She has remarkable control for her age."

"Like her father." Ada's words carry no bitterness, just a quiet acceptance. That seems to be getting easier for her. She pauses beside me, close enough that I catch the scent of herbs from hergarden. "Thank you, for teaching her. I... I know so little about demon magic."

The admission clearly costs her, but there's trust in it - fragile and new. Karn's words echo in my mind as I watch her fidget with the end of her braid, a habit I've noticed emerges when she's uncertain.

"It's my honor," I tell her softly, meaning every word. The sight of them together, mother and daughter, has awakened something fierce and protective in me. Something I thought died with Raina and our unborn child.

I need to start taking chances. Stop fearing everything when it comes to her. So, I hold my hand out to her. "Tea?"

Her smile is soft and sweet and it steals my breath. "I'd love to."

17

ADA

Ican't sleep, despite the tea I had with Dezoth. The memory of tonight's dinner plays in my mind - Rose's laughter, the warmth of belonging, the way Dezoth's eyes softened when my daughter climbed into his lap. My feet carry me down the stairs and through the kitchen to the garden door.

The night air wraps around me as I step outside. Moonlight bathes the roses in silver, their shapes dark against the trellis. These bushes speak of love - Raina's love, carefully tended and then abandoned. My fingers brush the velvet petals of a bloom I coaxed back to life.

"You should be sleeping." Dezoth's deep voice breaks the silence.

I turn to find his towering frame silhouetted against the stars, blocking the moonlight. The golden glow of his eyes pierces the darkness.

"I couldn't." My voice comes out barely above a whisper. "Too many thoughts."

He moves closer, each step deliberate. "About?"

"How right this feels. Being here. With you." The words slip out before I can stop them.

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