Page 14 of Darcy By Day, Demon By Night

“Demons only knot with our mate,” I explained, bracing myself for her anger. “Now that it’s happened, we’ll be addicted to each other. It’s a demon thing. Once we’ve found our mate and knot, we create a dependency. We can spend time apart, but we’ll always have the urge after some time to search the other out.”

“You’re telling me that we’ll be together forever because you knotted me?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

She tilted her head. “What do female demons who pick another female do?”

I laughed. “I just told you we’re fated mates, and that's what you want to ask me?” She grinned and nodded. “Female demons have a knot too, but that’s all I’m going to say about it.”

Her eyes widened. “You can’t leave it there.”

“I can and I will,” I said. “I don’t want you leaving me for someone else. Female demons are the most beautiful creatures in any realm, except for you.”

She blushed a little and wrapped her arms around my neck. “So this is real? You, this place, and us?”

“It’s all real,” I whispered, pulling her into my lap.

She smiled and snuggled me. “And we’re fated mates. You think I’m beautiful and will love me always.”

“I don’t think you’re beautiful,” I objected with a little frown. “I know you’re beautiful. Unequivocally. Anyone who thinks differently is simply blind to what beauty is.”

She blinked rapidly. “I love you too.”

“Thank all the magic that fated mates exist,” I murmured. “Otherwise I’d never have a chance with someone like you.”

I pressed my lips to hers. This time the kiss wasn’t passionate, it was more about comfort and companionship. I loved all our different types of kisses.

It was hard to believe, but I was going to have a lifetime to explore all types of kisses with Eden.

Yuri’s voice sounded through the library's door. “Vanth? Eden’s friends are worried about her. You should probably bring her back out.”

I ended the kiss to respond to Yuri. “We’ll be out in a few minutes.”

“Okay, but if you take too long, I won’t be responsible for what Nan does,” Yuri said, with a clear warning in his voice. “She’s now the love of my life, so you're not allowed to do anything to her.”

That made Eden chuckle. “I’m happy for them, but we need to hurry. Nan won’t give up until she sees me.”

Grabbing under her arms, I lifted her up so she could stand, then I got to my feet. “I’ll help you with your costume.”

She chuckled, looking around. “We’re going to need to find it first.”

That’s when I saw a little scaly tale disappear under the desk along with a bit of shimmering material.

“The mandrake has it,” I said, letting out a frustrated breath. “She loves sparkly things. We’re probably never getting it back. I’m so sorry.”

Instead of getting upset, she looked intrigued. “Mandrake?”

“It’s a small species of dragon,” I explained. “They’re about the size of a little cat. There are several that nest in my castle. They’re always stealing shiny things, but usually it’s my silver pens or the odd gem. I didn’t think they’d go after your costume.”

She laughed. “I want to meet one of them eventually, but for now we’re going to need to figure something out. I can’t go out there naked.”

I held out a hand. “Think of an outfit. Concentrate on every detail, and I can create it for you.”

She placed her hand in mine. “Even my mermaid costume?"

“Yes, but it won’t be exactly the same. It should be close enough that no one notices.”

“You saw it. Can’t you recreate it from memory?”