Harlee POV
I tapped the counter restlessly. We'd had no more customers in over an hour and there was only half an hour to go. Zeev was a quiet presence in my mind, keeping contact, but not being distracting about it. Like sitting pleasantly in a room with someone reading a book. You know they're there, but neither of you are saying anything, you're just comfortable being around them. But Zeev's link to me was not providing me enough comfort. I had been avoiding Ash again all afternoon and I couldn't wait to be gone.
'How early should I arrive.' Zeev's voice whispered through my head.
'If I had my choice, I'd have you come get me now.' I heaved a sigh. 'But better just shave like five or so minutes off. I just started back to work, no use making the boss-man angry.' I could feel Zeev's chuckle
'Alright then. See you in about twenty-five minutes, Mistress.' Zeev replied with a Demonic smirk in my mind. I rolled my eyes.
"Time moving too slowly for you?" Ash murmured beside me. I flinched. Damn, I needed to keep a better eye out. I kept letting Ash sneak up on me. Ash was leaning on the counter beside me, very close.
"There's this new thing. It's called personal space." I retorted, then stepped back as Ash's fragrance hit me again. I held my breath.
"Hey, I said I'd stop being so handsy. I never said anything about trying to seduce you." Ash leaned forward to look up at me from under those long lashes of theirs. I noticed there was light glitter on Ash's upper eyelids today. I opened my mouth to say something back, and was swamped by Ash's scent. Shit! I forgot and breathed in deeply. The scent went directly in my nose and mouth, straight to the depth of my lungs. I could feel it saturating my oxygen supply and seeping into my blood. I shut my mouth and breathed in again to take in more of the aroma. The scent went to my brain in a rush. I felt muddle headed. What was I going to say again? Ash licked their lush lips. What color were they painted? Or was that natural? I wondered, they seemed almost too pretty to be really that color, just like those green eyes. I wonder what those lips would taste like? I found myself leaning forward. Ash's eyes widened briefly, but then I felt their long supple fingers wrapping around the back of my neck, guiding me in. Wait, this wasn't right. There was something seriously wrong here.
The first brush of Ash's lips was shocking. They were slightly cool, and unexpectedly soft. The pumpkin taste was unmistakable, but there was a sweet smokey aftertaste, like burnt marshmallows. I licked my lower lip, then dove in for more. Something in the back of my head was telling me there was something very, very wrong with this as my fingers tangled in Ash's soft hair. Ash's hand cupped my face, brushing the Mark on my jaw.
'Zeev!' My eyes flew wide and I jolted as the electricity arched from me, shocking Ash and I immediately. I felt Zeev answer the call.
"Harlee!" He growled from behind me as Ash shook their hand, backing off swiftly.
"Woah, where did you come from?" Ash asked, looking around as if expecting to see something to explain Zeev's sudden appearance.
"Are you ok?" Zeev had pulled me against his chest. My heart was hammering away, and although my back was too him, I was clutching his arms in desperation.
"Yeah, uh, I think I just wanna go now." I said. Ash was eyeing Zeev with their hands in the air.
"You really sure? Doesn't seem your boyfriend is satisfying you if you're stealing kisses from me." Ash taunted. Zeev growled.
"Let's go." I pushed Zeev backwards. "Before I have to throw another punch." Zeev smirked and gripped me tighter.
"Yes, my lady." He replied and took my hand, leading me out of the store.
Zeev POV
Harlee came from the bedroom after her shower in a fresh set of clothes, still gritting her teeth, drying her hair angrily with a towel like she still felt dirty. I trapped her hands and took over the task for her, being gentle since she couldn't.
"You know, I'm well aware that humans find Demons attractive, and me taking half your soul and Binding you to me greatly biases your feelings towards me." I said gently. Harlee pushed the towel away from her head.
"What are you trying to say?" She asked stubbornly.
"I'm saying I altered the path your life was on the day I first meddled in it, and I've only taken it further off course since then." I raised her chin. "Did you never think-you might have been meant to meet a nice human, get married, start a life of your own, maybe even a family? Grow old and die in peace?" I kissed her forehead softly. Harlee's eyes got teary.
"No." The reply was just as stubborn.
"Harlee-there may be a reason you're attracted to that human.." I offered.
"No!" She growled.
"Harlee.." I said softly. "I'm just saying-my life's purpose is to protect you from harm. If that means I need to step aside for a few decades so that you can experience what's left of your human life properly, I'll do whatever you need me to." I felt my heart shatter as I said the words, but the Bond prevented me from doing anything less than this. She was my Mistress, and I was whatever she needed me to be-even if that meant I just became her servant, follower, friend. Harlee grabbed my face.
"NO!" The snarl ripped out of her tiny frame. "I am in LOVE with you Zeev. It took me FAR too long to realize that to just let it all go because some random human smells delicious. I want to start a life with YOU Zeev. A family with YOU. You altered my life-now take responsibility for it." She leaned up on her tiptoes, pulling my head down so that our lips could meet. I thought my heart would burst. I scooped her up and carried her towards the bedroom.
"Are we still doing this kid thing then?" I murmured against her lips.
"Yes. And that's an order," She invoked my True Name. I groaned as the shock-wave rippled through me.
"Yes Mistress." I purred, letting my lips find their way down her neck. She swatted me, but I could hear her breathing quicken.
Harlee POV
The days passed quickly and then my period started in the middle of work. I came out of the bathroom slamming doors.
"What's the matter Harlee? You look upset." Kayla asked with concern.
"Woman troubles." I grumbled.
"Oh, do you need some tampons or anything? I have extra!" Kayla offered quickly.
"No-it's not that.. it's just.." I glared at Josh, who was leaning on the counter. As if sensing my glare he turned.
"What?" He asked suspiciously.
"I'll talk to you later Kayla." I griped. Josh looked between the two of us as if putting puzzle pieces together.
"Oh-is it about the Rosemary's baby thing?" Josh asked.
"Hey!" I shouted.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kayla questioned with interest. Josh leaned back on the counter on his elbows.
"Oh, Zeev and Kayla were trying to have a baby. I guess it failed." Josh shrugged. I spluttered.
"How?! Why?!" I began.
"What really?! Oh my gosh! You guys will have such cute kids! Wait, does that mean they'll be half Demon? How does that work?" Kayla gushed at the same time. Josh waited until the noise stopped.
"I mean you did basically announce it to me when Zeev asked me for my help." Josh shrugged. "I was against it at first-but since then Zeev and I have worked together a few times. He's kinda teaching me now, and I guess I'm not as against it anymore. He's kinda a cool guy. I mean, he even helped me boost up my power a few times, which was cool. Plus, with this puppy-" Josh lifted up his shirt to reveal the gold feather. "I've not had to worry about Dad's Demon trying to take my soul. Win/win." I gaped at him.
"You guys have been working together?" I asked incredulously. Had I been so distracted lately I'd let that slip through the cracks?