Page 40 of King's Obsession

“I know there’s a couch in this house. Let’s find it and sit awhile.” Going around the table, Dougal helped Asmodeus to his feet, noting another wince. “Settle, petal,” he said softly, rubbing over Asmodeus’s lump. “Give your daddy a chance to digest his meal.”

Asmodeus sighed. “They respond to you.” His eyes closed for a moment, and he leaned on Dougal’s shoulder. “Let’s find that couch. I find there’s something magical about this space and would love to hang onto our date night a while longer. That’s when a couple talk about things, isn’t it? Before they get to the sexy side of the evening.”

“Hon, the last time I dated, my people were living in caves, and the closest we got to talking was a grunt followed by a shoulder slap. If the slapped person didn’t fall over, it was considered a successful date.” Dougal led Asmodeus to a couch, that fortunately, wasn’t too low to the ground, helping his mate ease into a comfortable position and encouraging the demon king to put his feet up. When Asmodeus was as comfortable as he was going to get, Dougal wedged himself into the small space left, resting one arm over Asmodeus’s shoulder, and his free hand on his mate’s belly.

“It’s one of the reasons I’m worried about the baby,” Asmodeus confided, and Dougal realized he was talking about his upbringing. “You saw the mess with the diaper episode. I have no clue about even basic care elements for a baby.”

“A lot of it is commonsense, hon. They cry when they are hungry, have a wet bum, or are getting over tired. So, when the little one starts crying, you run through the checklist—are they fed, are they dry? If the answer to both is yes, then they probably have trapped wind, so pop them up on your shoulder and gently rub their back. I have had some experience with little ones, although it was a long time ago.”

Dougal chuckled at Asmodeus’s wide-eyed stare. “I came from a big family—there were six of us kids and then there were cousins, and as I got older, there were nieces and nephews. So back in the day, I was used to being around little ones. Everyone in our clan pitched in, changing diapers when needed, and feeding the mouths that were at our respective homes when it was mealtimes. The little ones all knew who their parents were, and yes, some of them were little scammers, turning up at one home for dinner, and then heading to have a second meal at their own, but it was all fun.”

“That sounds idyllic,” Asmodeus murmured. Dougal noticed his eyes were closed. “Why did you leave the clan if you were all so close?”

“It’s what male trolls do, my wonderful mate. The females in our clan would bring their mates home when they found them, but males were expected to step out, create their own territories, usually as far away from the home base as possible, so they could start their own clan.”

Leaning to one side, Asmodeus looked at him under furrowed brows. “You didn’t start a clan, you started a forest.”

“I didn’t start this forest. There were maybe a half a dozen seedlings that were here when I stumbled across this place. Gods, I was so weary by that point.” Dougal leaned into his mate, remembering that time. “I was, I suppose you could call me an overachiever. When my dad sent me off with a bundle of food in my fur pack and a trusty knife, he told me to wander until my heart found a home. I have no idea how long I traveled back then, but I think what I was looking for wasn’t a home as such, but for something or someone to need me.”

“And I suppose the trees here told you they needed you.” Asmodeus sniggered. “Did you talk to trees during your whole trip, or were these ones special?”

“I’ve communed with living things my whole life, it’s my gift.” Dougal was surprised Asmodeus didn’t know that, but then it was one of the many things they’d never discussed. “It was handy when I was roaming the wilderness alone because in a sense, I was never alone. But you’re right. When I got here, the trees encouraged me to stay and rest a while, and over time, they shared their vision. I realized I was meant to be here. Of course, I didn’t know about the secret demon portal at the time, but that was just the dew on the leaves, as far as I was concerned.”

“Dew on the leaves. I like that. It’s always so pretty.” Asmodeus’s eyes were closed again. “You won’t let me be like my father, will you? I was never allowed to make any friends. I was taught that people had to fear me or my reason for living was gone. I would be useless in my father’s eyes if he ever saw me fail to stand up for myself. Smite down others who dared to cross my opinion from such a young age, that’s what was expected from me.”

“You are not your father,” Dougal reminded him gently, even as he felt the pain of Asmodeus’s upbringing like a knife to his heart. “You know how to love. You show me that in a dozen different ways every day. Your realm has benefitted from your softer touches and your approachable attitude. In just a short time since you bonded with me, you’ve shown your demons balance—that you and I can kick ass when we need to, but that we don’t have to do it all the time. Think of what a wonderful example that will be to our little one.”

“And the trees?” Asmodeus was almost asleep. “Will our little one dance and sing, enchanting the trees and bushes?”

“You know they will, and our trees will clap and show their pleasure and love for our little one in this safe space.” Dougal shook his head. “You keep dozing, my mate. I’m going to pick you up and take you back to our own bed. There’s no bucket handy here, and you know you’re probably going to need one.”

“I do love you. You taught me that.” Asmodeus turned, snuggling his face into Dougal’s shoulder. “Did you enjoy your date?”

“It was absolutely the best date ever,” Dougal assured him quietly. “Thank you so much for turning my wistful thoughts into reality.”

He stroked over the baby bump, shaking his head. The baby was getting cramped and was ready to come out.

Wait until we get home,he warned the infant silently as he scooped his mate into his arms and stood up.Just wait until we get home.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Asmodeus

He wanted to protest as Dougal scooped him up and carried him effortlessly out of the house, except he was tired. The plan for a rose petal bath would need to happen another time, he didn’t feel in the mood for more than snuggling.

He gave a contented sigh as Dougal hugged him closer, taking his time moving through the forest. The sounds of the night creatures kept them company. Asmodeus' eyelids felt too heavy to open, so he didn’t try. The ache in his lower back didn’t let him drift off to sleep, and although he used his magic, it didn’t really help.

The baby appeared not to like it, or they absorbed it, maybe? Whichever it was, Asmodeus was feeling the discomfort grow.

“Nearly home,” Dougal murmured against his temple.

“Hmmm.” He nuzzled his nose into Dougal’s throat and inhaled, the scent always made him feel grounded. And it also worked for the baby, who stopped kicking his bladder.

He must have dosed off briefly because he was lying down on their fluffy mattress, naked when he came to from the constricting band of pain around his belly. It stole his breath, and he had to resist hyperventilating when something struck.

I’m having the baby!

The baby is coming… now.

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