Page 59 of The Incubus's Angel
I take a step back to appreciate the coordination of it all. The variety of food options, the selection of blooms, and the strings of lights crisscrossing from here down almost the entirety of the beach.
This must’ve taken some serious planning and preparation. Turning toward Maisie, I brush a curl behind her ear and stare at her with awe. “You’re incredible. You know that?”
She wraps her arms around my waist, letting her fingers wander under the fabric. “It really came together well, didn’t it?”
“I’m so proud of you,” I say reverently.
“I’m proud of you too. Thank you for being here with me.” Her voice turns husky and drops to just above a whisper.
Cupping her face, I smile softly. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”
“Me too.”
For the first time in my life, I’m uncaring of everyone outside of my bubble as I lower my face down toward Maisie’s. She pushes onto her toes and meets me halfway to deliver a meaningful yet chaste kiss before she lowers back down again.
We stay frozen for a couple of seconds, staring into each other’s eyes as the weight of our feelings settles around us in a warm embrace.
Behind us, the party continues, creatures mingling around the tables while snacking on the smorgasbord of food on offer. Music plays and chatter fills the air, but to me, there’s no one else but my angel.
A throat clears delicately behind me and I take my time to tear my gaze away from Maisie and redirect it to the newcomer.
“Doc Calla,” I greet a little stunned, trying to keep my blush at bay. “Happy birthday.”
Maisie leans down and wraps the goblin in a gentle hug. “Happy birthday, Doc. I hope you like the cake.”
Doc Calla gives us a knowing look and her mouth lifts in a delicate smile. “It certainly is stunning. Now, I don’t know if you’re aware but every eye has been following you since the moment you stepped foot onto Kraken Cove. I’ve already had a couple of queries about the cake from my Cape Easton friends and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind meeting them.” Shifting her large hazel eyes to me, Doc Calla asks, “Is it okay if I steal Maisie for a little bit to chat with my friends?”
Maisie frowns, her refusal written on her face despite the amazing opportunity it is. I won’t hold her back.
Nodding enthusiastically at Doc Calla, I say, “Sure. Great idea. I was planning on sticking around here to take a couple of pictures of the cake between all these decorations. This deserves to be documented.”
I squeeze Maisie’s hand once and press a quick kiss to her temple as she mouths a heartfelt, “Thank you.” Then she’s off with Doc Calla, talking animatedly while I swing my backpack to my front to take out my camera.
As I’m snapping away, trying to get the perfect images, Beck appears at my side.
“I didn’t know you were into photography,” he states in very typical Beck fashion.
“I didn’t know you were into baking bread,” I volley back with a grin.
Narrowing his eyes, Beck looks contemplative. “Fair. I guess there are many things we don’t know about each other.”
He’s right. I’ve not really shared my personal interests or struggles with anyone except Maisie, but I’m ready to changethat. I’m tired of living on the edge of society, tired of missing out on life.
Maisie has been my biggest catalyst for change, but life is only starting to get interesting now. I want to have more bonfires on the beach, I want to spend more time outside my house, I want to invest in friendships.
And I want to try karaoke. Maybe not right away, but one day.
Beck leans down to inspect the cake and I almost thrust my arm out to stop him from getting too close to it. I do monitor his distance, though. I don’t want anyone fucking this up for her.
Thankfully, Beck straightens to his full height again before I have to get too nervous.
Shoving his hands into his pockets, he asks, “Did I see you earlier with Maisie?”
I lower my camera and give him my full attention. “Yes.”
“Are you together now? Officially?”
“Yes.” I’m not going to deny our status for a second. There may not be a wedding or a claiming ceremony yet, but Maisie’s mine and I want the whole world to know.
