Page 33 of Little Bite of Bliss

His smile lit up my entire world.

I didn't hesitate. I sank my fangs into his throat and his blood filled my mouth, the taste sweeter than nectar.

Finally.

I felt our bond awaken the moment he pressed his mouth against my shoulder and bit down. I gasped as pleasure rushed through me, a euphoric wave dragging me into the welcoming arms of fate, of knowing I was his and he was mine.

It was the perfect bite of bliss. Heavenly. Beautiful.

Archer drew back and licked his lips, the two of us grinning at each other.

“Hi, little mate,” I teased.

“Hello, gorgeous mate.”

We laughed as he pushed me back in the sand, my wings spreading out beneath us. He straddled me as he kissed up my throat, sucking the quickly healing mating mark he’d just left.

I groaned. “We’re not even going to make it back to the house this time, are we?”

“No, Mistress.” His voice was husky as he rolled his hips. “We’re staying right here and I’m going to make you come until the moon is high and you can’t remember your name.”

I smirked. “Such a bold promise.”

My mate chucked. “I always keep my promises.”

11 / TWO MONTHS LATER

Archer

It had been too long since I’d set foot in Creature Cafe, and it felt nice to visit. This was the other location in the city, but I smiled as I stepped inside, the familiarity wrapping me in a blanket of warmth.

Since being mated to Leni, I pretty much spent all my time on our island. We were visiting my family this weekend, and of course wanted to stop by one of the Creature Cafes. Leni was shopping at a little witchy place down the street and then would be joining me.

I’d heard rumors about Layla and Death and the rumblings happening in the monster world. People had been whispering about the new Grim Reaper and how she was already causing issues simply by existing.

I wasn’t scared of Layla, of course. More scared for her.

She was behind the counter working with Luca, and the energy felt chaotic and temperamental. I frowned as they helped two customers, but then Luca spotted me.

“Archer,” he said in surprise. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

“I’m in town visiting,” I said as I leaned my hip against the counter.

Layla had yet to look up at me. Her eyes were dark and it was impossible to miss the circles below them. Luca glanced over at her, his expression tightening.

Oof. Maybe things were worse than I’d thought.

“Are you both okay?” I asked. “Do you want to go chat in the back?”

“Yes, actually,” Luca said. He glanced at the door behind me, but then shrugged. “People can wait if they come in. Come on. Layla,” he called. “Break time.”

He put up a little fifteen-minute break sign, and I slipped behind the counter, following him to the back. Layla finished what she was working on then followed after us.

The cooler really was the unofficial meeting spot at Creature Cafe. The three of us stepped inside and I crossed my arms, facing them.

“Okay,” I said. “I feel like I should have checked in on you both sooner, I’m sorry.”

Layla ran her fingers through her thick red hair. “I meant to text you before, but I’ve been putting my head down and just working. Besides, you’ve been busy.”