I let a hand fall back above my head as I thought about how amazing life had become. Sure, there was a supernatural war going on, but I’d nearly forgotten about it here in Ilamanthe. We were doing all we could to stop the Warden, looking for the vampire key and practicing our demigod powers, but in the meantime, there was always something new to explore in the city or the palace. We got to spend a lot of time together with our friends, without having to watch our backs, and the Elves took care of us here.
This place was awesome. I’d never been happier in my life. I didn’t ever want to leave.
Charlie stirred. He squeezed me sleepily. “Hey, you.”
“Heyyou.” I smiled as I trailed my fingers through his hair. “You slept well.”
It was really nice, watching Charlie rest. He never had the best sleep— he was always tossing and turning, talking in his sleep to some kind of nightmare. I’d observed him during long nights at the Institute when my bipolar kept me awake, and it was really hard for him to rest. But since we’d gotten to Ilamanthe, his dreams were always undisturbed. It was the best thing watching him be at peace, sometimes evensmilein his sleep. He’d really changed for the better since we’d gotten here.
“I’m hungry, and I want breakfast.” Charlie lifted the blanket over his head and ducked under it. His fingers caressed my skin as he pushed up my nightgown, and I felt his lips press against my clit before his tongue dove inside of me.
“Charlie…”
“I was dreaming about you last night. They were good dreams.”
I let out a giggle that turned into a moan as his tongue licked me up and down. “You said you wanted breakfast.”
“Why should I get out of bed when I can just eat you?”
I wasn’t going to object. Charlie pushed my legs open wider, and I sank into the pillows as his mouth kissed my thighs.Good morning to me!
Oberi landed on the open balcony, back from her morning flight. The phoenix turned a beady eye on us as my fists bunched in the blankets.
Wrap it up, you two.Oberi ruffled her feathers.I appreciate you’re enjoying the moment, but there’s a big day ahead… just like every day here, I suppose.
“Tell them we’re busy.” Charlie licked me again, and my back arched off the bed.
I would, but your grandfather is expecting you both. You wouldn’t want to be late, now would you?Oberi asked.
This made Charlie pause. He kissed the inside of my thigh. “We’ll have to pick this up later.”
I wasn’t disappointed. Charlie liked to edge me, and making me wait all day would give me a bigger thrill later.
Charlie helped me into that awkward wheelchair I’d been given after I’d broken my other one, and he rolled me into the living area. The servants had already dropped off a fresh pot of coffee with a rack of newly baked blueberry muffins. I heard Sprigs sing a song from his potted lemon tree in the corner of the room and decided he needed more plants to hide in. We’d have to ask the servants to pick some up.
I wheeled up to the serving cart, poured a cup of coffee, then dropped in two sugars and a spoonful of cream before handing it to Charlie with a bowed head.
“Thank you, my love.” He took a sip. “I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” I asked cheerfully as I made my own coffee, then took a bite out of a muffin. “What is it?”
“Once we’re dressed, I’ll show you.”
I practically choked down my muffin. I loved presents, and I wanted to see what Charlie had gotten me. I was so spoiled.
After we’d gotten ready for the day, Charlie took me back to the living room. I squealed when I saw Kallie was standing by a brand new wheelchair, though it wasn’t like any I’d ever seen. It was really fancy, with a bucket seat and padded leg rests.
“It’spink!” I screeched.
“Of course. I wanted it to be your favorite color. I knew you were uncomfortable in that chair.” Charlie put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “It has all the latest advancements. It’s a hybrid manual and motorized wheelchair, so if you get tired of pushing yourself around, you can use the remote to go forward, backward, or turn.”
“It also tilts and reclines,” Kallie said, pressing a button. I watched as the seat of the chair moved forward, then tilted backward. “And guess what? The wheels light up.”
A hot-pink light emitted from the spokes of the wheels, and I went giddy. “I can’t believe it glows!”
Charlie stroked my hair. “Only the best for my pidge.”
I yanked on his arms and he stumbled forward. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Oh, Charlie! It’s perfect!” I kissed him on the cheek.
