Page 12 of Little Bite of Bliss

“Yeah,” I said. “A long time ago. Well, it feels like a long time ago since it was before I was alive. But not too long ago for any monster.”

Leni smiled. “Right. What are they like?”

“Happy,” I said. “They love each other. Sometimes I don’t get it. My relationship with one of my dads is a little strained, though, so perhaps I’m being judgemental.”

“I’m assuming he’s the monster one.”

“How’d you know?”

She shrugged. “I’m no stranger to complicated family dynamics. And I know how incubi can be. Possessive and passionate, yes. Patient? Absolutely not. Which can be very difficult if you’re a parent.” She wrinkled her nose. “I do not want offspring.”

“I don’t either,” I said. “I can’t even do pets. I mean, I’d love a dog or something eventually.”

“There are two cats on my island you can befriend.”

My eyes widened. “Really? I’d love that.”

She nodded. “The cat distribution system applies to rural areas too, apparently. I have tried multiple times to move them indoors, but they both prefer to roam. I keep them fed and watered and give them love.”

I grinned. “I’m impressed you’ve heard about the cat distribution system.”

She tipped her chin up proudly. “I know how to use the internet, thank you. I like the memes. They amuse me.”

I laughed and let my head rest in my hand, smiling at her. “Maybe tomorrow you can show me your island.”

“Of course.” She hesitated for a moment. “I didn’t ask, but will you need to go home this weekend? I really whisked you away, didn’t I?”

“You did, but I have no complaints. As for going home, no. My job is remote, and I may have taken off just in case . . . something good happened.”

I hadn’t really believed this would happen and yet, here I was—sitting at a small table with the one meant to be my mate. It didn’t feel real.

Leni’s eyes brightened as she sat up a little straighter. “Really?”

I nodded. “Really.”

“Amazing.” She relaxed, and my chest squeezed with that feeling again.

The one that made me realize how different lust could feel with your fated mate.

It wasn’t a guarantee, of course. Every person could make their own choice. Free will wasn’t eliminated by fate. If Leni and I decided we didn’t want this, we could walk away without any sort of cosmic consequences. But the idea of doing that felt wrong down to my bones. There was the distinct flicker of hope that this could be my future. That I’d finally found my mate.

Even with how complicated my relationship was with my father, Dante, I knew how much he loved my other dad. I’d grown up in a house full of monsterly love. I’d watched them grow together, communicate, be parents to me and my sister. They’d done a damn good job, and I knew I was loved despite everything.

I’d always wanted this.

For so long, I believed I’d never have it.

“I guess now I can understand him a little more,” I mumbled to myself.

“Who?” Leni asked.

I winced. “My father.”

“What happened to make your relationship so complicated?”

I hesitated. For so long, I carried a lot of shame with me for what happened years ago. But I’d also been so young, and looking back, it wasn’t nearly as terrible as it had been at the time.

Eventually, I’d need to share this with Leni. Might as well do it now.