Chapter 42: Bonus Chapter 3 — Move-in day

Nevaeh:

“Ugh, I’m so glad we’re done moving everything in,” Mikhail puffs out a breath as he slumps on the bed beside me.

I look around our small apartment and all of the boxes that need to be unpacked and quirk an amused brow. “It’s not like you weren’t strong enough to carry the boxes in. But I’m too tired to finish unpacking. I’ll do it tomorrow.”

After my father sold the house, Azazel offered us the use of one of his apartment lofts, which we readily accepted. At first, I was hesitant about moving in with Mikhail because I felt that we were moving too swiftly, but I quickly realized that we’re soulmates. We’re meant to be together, and I love him beyond reason. I know there will be moments where we’ll drive each other crazy, but I also know that I can never imagine being with anyone else. So far, I haven’t been disappointed.

Leaning close, I caress my hand down his naked chest and abs. Mikhail places his hand over mine with a sexy smolder. Without another word, he pulls me into his arms and sits me astride his hips. “You know, princess, now that we live together, you can take advantage of me whenever you want.”

I stifle a groan at his husky words. My mate is so beautiful that sometimes I wonder what I did to get someone so perfect. Of course, when I tell him that, he brushes me off and says that he’s the lucky one.

My eyes gleam with mischief as I place my hands over his chest and grind my panty covered folds against his hard abs. The band t-shirt that I’m wearing to bed rides up my thighs, and my loose breasts jiggle slightly, which makes him quickly take notice. At my movement, Mikhail groans with pleasure. His large hands grip my hips tightly as he adjusts my center across his groin shaft.

I move my face close to his, letting my hair cascade around us as I place butterfly kisses across his face. “Mmm, I’m looking forward to taking advantage of you. Maybe I’ll start now.”

Mikhail’s smile widens as he wraps his arms around my waist and deepens the kiss.

Somehow I end up on my back again. Mikhail settles between my legs and grins against my center with a soft groan.

His hands are wandering up my thigh when the sound of a knock interrupts us. Mikhail scowls at the door. “Who the hell is knocking on our door at this time?”

I shrug my shoulders as the knocking becomes persistent. “I don’t know, but you better open it before they break down the door.”

His dark eyes harden as he pushes away from my body and approaches the door. To my amusement, he stops in front of the door and takes a couple of deep breaths. He looks back when he hears me chuckle and shakes his head.

“What’s wrong? Why aren’t you answering the door?” I ask with feigned innocence as I slip on some shorts.

Mikhail rolls his eyes and gestures down at his fly. “I can’t open the door when I have a boner.”

The knock sounds again. This time a voice reaches me. “Open the bloody door, Mikhail!” Azazel’s muffled voice echoes across the room.

Mikhail releases an irritated sigh. “Hold your horses, cockblock!” He calls out.

I laugh at his annoyed tone as he opens the door and faces Azazel. My eyes are instantly glued to the sinewy movements of Mikhail’s muscled back. I love how his muscles contort and strain against his skin, and I especially like the dimples on the V of his lower back. I’ve spent many an hour kissing and caressing those.

“What the fuck do you want, Azazel?” Mikhail grumpily growls.

Azazel snickers. “Sorry to interrupt your snogging, mate, but Mathias asked me to find you—council business.”

Mikhail huffs with annoyance. “Fuck! Okay, fine. Give me a minute.”

Azazel walks past him and slumps down next to me on the bed while he waits. “I see that you’re all moved in, luv.”

I grab a nearby pillow and place it on my lap as I observe Mikhail slip on a t-shirt and his all-stars.

“Since we didn’t really have a lot to take from my home, and you provided the furniture, it was easier.”

Mikhail scoffs. “You didn’t have a lot? How about all those boxes with shoes and clothes.”

I roll my eyes in response. “Oh, quit being such a baby; it wasn’t that bad.”

Azazel chuckles. “Yeah, you git, let the lady have her shoes.”

Mikhail throws a pillow at him as he leans down and kisses me gently. “You should get some sleep, princess. I’ll text you if I’m going to be late.”

Kissing him back, I tighten my arms around his neck for a moment before I release him. “Be careful.”

He nods his head but doesn’t reply.

Before he leaves, Azazel kisses my temple and slams the pillow in front of my face playfully. “Get your beauty sleep, luv. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

I nod my head. On top of going to college and working at the bar, Mikhail also does work for the Council. Since Mathias is my dad, Mikhail feels that he owes him for making sure the Council accepted our relationship. Mathias said he’ll keep an eye on him, but I still worry. After everything that happened to us, I’m wary.

Seeing that I’m not going to get any sleep, I rise from the bed and continue unpacking. As I continue opening boxes, I stumble upon an old album. Tears gather in my eyes as I sort through each picture. My mother’s smiling face looks back at me. I still can’t believe that she’s gone.

It’s been a month since I buried my mother, and the ache is still there. We might not have had a good relationship toward the end because she was trying to spare me the pain of seeing her slowly die, but we eventually made up and made the best of our limited time together.

The most recent pictures are of us going shopping at the mall. Another one is of us sitting in my porch swing or picnicking in the park. She really took a shine to Mikhail too. She was happy that I found someone who loved me so much. I can see the progression of her illness with each photo. At this point, she had lost her hair from chemo, and she would wear a headscarf. But she never took our time for granted. I remember one day, Mikhail surprised us both and sent us on a spa day. Mom and I got our nails done. It was fun. The last days of her life were the most difficult. At a point, she had difficulty walking or even taking down food.

I also recall that it was the first time Mikhail and I argued. I close my eyes as the memory runs through my mind.

“I need you to heal my mom,” I asked Mikhail.

Mikhail’s brow furrowed with pity and confusion. “You know I can’t do that, princess. It’s just not possible.”

Tears rained down my face as hopelessness began to weigh down on my chest. “But she’s going to die, Khail. I…” A sob escapes my lips. “I just can’t lose her.” My voice comes out broken. In fact, that’s how I feel…broken.

Mikhail places his hands on my shoulders in comfort. “I know, Nev. I understand, but there’s nothing I—”

“Don’t! Don’t say that there’s nothing you can do. You’re an angel, for Christ's sake! You should be able to heal her!”

His throat bobs as he lets me fall apart in his arms. My sobs grow stronger, and my tears rain down. Clinging tightly to him, I slam my fist against his chest and let all of my despair take over. “It’s not fair! Why do I have to lose her, Khail?”

His hands slide caressingly down my back as he whispers soothing words. “I’m sorry, princess. I wish I could ease your pain, but I can’t. Neither angels nor demons can heal humans. It’s just not part of the natural order. Right now, all we can do is make sure she’s comfortable.”

Pushing away, I throw myself on my bed and cry. Mikhail tries to console me, but I’m not feeling reasonable. “Please, leave me alone.” I cry out angrily.

When he tries again, I slap his hand away. “Just go!”

His eyes dim, but he respects my wishes and walks away.

I cry myself to sleep that night and wake up in Mikhail’s arms. Turning softly, I look at my Hybrid boyfriend. His lashes rest perfectly across his sharp cheekbones, and his plump lips glisten.

I don’t know how long I sit and stare at him, but eventually, he blinks his eyes open. Once he sees me, he pulls me into his embrace and whispers. “You’re the love of my life, princess. If I could do anything for you, I would, but I can’t do this. I’m sorry.”

I wrap my arms tightly around his and kiss his lips gently. “I know, and I’m sorry for putting you on the spot about his. I know that you’d save her if you could.”

My eyes blink open as my memory fades. Just like in my dream, I’m back in bed, and Mikhail is lying behind me. Turning to face him, I caress his sharp jaw and kiss his lips. He groans with pleasure and tightens his hold around me. “Go to sleep, babe. It’s still early.” He grumbles grumpily.

Smiling, I tuck my head beneath his chin and go back to sleep in my lover’s arms.