After the rehearsal dinner, Demi and Charles sat beside each other on the ButterNut Bakery balcony overlooking purgatory, with the dying light of the day shining a golden glow against both their faces. The days in purgatory now were always long and the nights short, just the way Demi liked it, as if summer lasted all year long. She knew she had Chloe to thank for that.
Looking over at Charles, with his normally perfectly combed hair pushed back out of his face and the gentle shine of sweat across his brow, Demi bit her lip. He’d never looked better to her.
The mood was light and heavy at the same time. They lingered in a comfortable silence, each knowing that the love they’d just witnessed between Lucifer and Chloe was too similar to their own to ignore.
Eve was right.
He is my mate.
I mean, I knew that, but now...
I really know it… in my heart.
No more doubts.
Charles reached for her hand and smiled at her.
“Thank you”
“For what?” she asked with a small giggle, even though she had a pretty good idea what he was talking about.
“For bringing me here. For letting me see this place. For trusting me, and... for forgiving me. They say ignorance is bliss, and, for a while, there was a part of me that wanted to keep living in ignorance. I wished I’d never learned about all this and... you know, the true nature of the world. Now I know that knowledge is freedom. I couldn’t go back to life before I knew you, even if I tried, so it’s a good thing I don’t want to. Love you, Demi,” he said in a low rumble, pressing his lips against the back of her hand.
“Love you, too. And I’m glad to hear you don’t wish that you’d never met me, because I have news for you.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that? I’m ready for anything. Mermaids are real, aren’t they?”
Demi laughed reassuringly, but let a serious look fall over her eyes. “I don’t know if this is going to scare you or comfort you. Has Mrs. Murphy ever told you anything about soulmates?”
He cocked his head to one side and considered his answer. “She’s certainly a believer in that kind of thing, if that’s what you mean.”
“Well, she’s a believer for good reason. Each of us here has one mate they are meant to be with, and the thing is... well, I don’t think we were led to each other by accident. In fact, I know we weren’t. Fate brought us together for a reason, and I know, now, that the reason was we are meant to be together. Charles, you are my fated mate, and I am yours. That doesn’t mean that life will be rainbows and butterflies from now on out, but the point is that you are everything I’ve been searching for.”
Flecks of gold shone in his eyes as he listened, and Demi dared to hope that his unflinching gaze meant he wasn’t scared at the prospect of their destiny together.
“Demi, why do you think I came back in the first place? I know we’re meant to be together. I was practically raised by one of the Fates, after all. I believe in destiny more than most.”
The strains of someone playing a melancholy but romantic song on the violin washed over them, and both Demi and Charles smiled at the tune. The candles dotting the edge of the balcony were now the only light left, apart from the tiny town lights blinking out of house windows for what seemed like miles.
“May I have this dance?” he asked, standing and holding out his hand to her.
Demi blushed, but knew that Charles would only be able to see the grateful shine of her eyes in the darkness. She stood as well, and felt a floating sensation in her core as his arm slid around her waist.
This is love, and this is safety.
Is there a higher pinnacle of romance?
Does that even exist?
She was about to find out.
As they swayed together in the heat of the night, Charles pulled away for a moment and Demi lifted her head from where it had been resting on his chest. He stared into her eyes for what felt like a lifetime before gently parting her lips with his thumb, and pressing his lips to hers.
It was a kiss to end all kisses, one that made Demi forget about every other kiss that had come before. His lips pressed up against hers, both scorching and cool all at once as their tongues met with pliant generosity.
From head to toe, Demi was overcome with a spreading warmth that almost made her dizzy. The kiss deepened, and Charles breathed in, quite literally taking her breath away before giving it back as his strong arms held her supple body melting into his.
Finally, he set her back down on her heels, and they rested their foreheads against one another’s, both breathing heavily.
“I’m yours, Demi. Every part of my body and soul is yours,” he grunted before going in for another hungry kiss.
“If you keep saying such romantic things, I’m going to cry,” Demi admitted the next time her lips were free for talking, and it was true. Something in her throat felt like she wanted to bawl her eyes out from happiness and sweet release. She’d finally found everything that she was looking for, and she felt full, complete. That the object of her desire was a human was odd, yes, but she couldn’t help it. Something about the fragility of his life made her love him all the more.
For a time, it had seemed like the lack of Charles was going to hurt more than the careful separation from Zeus had ever stung, and that had been hard enough to recover from, to say the least. Having Charles back was such a relief, as if she’d avoided her own close call with death.
In that moment, nothing else mattered.
Charles picked her up, sweeping her off her feet, but Demi twisted them the rest of the way toward the bed with her mind, desperate for their bodies to crash into each other.
When they landed, Charles was on top of her, her legs already wrapped around his waist. To his credit, there wasn’t any surprise in his bedroom eyes, only desire.
He’s getting used to this whole teleporting thing.
That’s good.
Slowly, he tugged at the ties on her wrap dress, then, pulled the sides open, leaving her completely naked on the bed like an unwrapped present. He just looked down at her with total, ravenous devotion and adoration.
Demi practically panted with anticipation, yearning for him to dive in and take her in his arms again. Instead, he lowered himself deliberately down until his lips met her bare shoulders, tracing the line of her collarbone up to her neck. Shivering with the moving heat, Demi felt the wave of arousal reach inside her, between her legs, leaving her slick with needy desire.
“Charles,” she moaned as his teeth teased her exposed nipples. “Please.”
I don’t even know what I’m begging for.
Ah, but apparently he does...
Charles sat back on his heels, pulling his shirt over his head then straightening his back, revealing his sinewy muscles, shining with a thin layer of sweat.
Entranced, Demi ran a finger down over the newly exposed skin, luxuriating in the ripples beneath her fingers. Her hand continued down to his belt, and she felt the rock hard evidence of his desire under his dress pants, struggling to free itself. He grunted lightly, his chest rumbling as she pressed her hand against his bulge.
Unexpectedly, he pushed her hand away, pinning her wrist above her head. With his free hand, he pushed her knees apart, tracing the inside of her thigh until his prying fingers were finally exploring her aching, wet slit, curling up inwardly, sending her heart racing.
Demi gasped sharply, grabbing at the sheets above her head while Charles’ tongue took over, working with restraint despite the fact that she was pushing herself closer to him, greedy for more pressure. Every time she was on the edge of climax, he gave her what she needed, digging his fingers into the skin of her ass and pulling her thighs around his shoulders.
With a shuddering moan, Demi shut her eyes and curled her toes, riding out her orgasm into Charles’ open, generous mouth. As the spasms rocked her body, making her weak with the exertion.
While she recovered, Charles returned to her side, pushing the hair from her cheek and tugging at her ear lobe. It wasn’t long before the familiar hungry ache returned in her core, and she knew she needed more.
Demi reached down to undo his belt only to find that Charles had taken his own pants off. He let out a rumbling growl and his cock jerked in her hand when she wrapped her palm around his length. She urged him closer until the tip of his manhood rested against her needy opening. He moved no closer, his digits simply trailing over her skin with slow luxurious movements.
His patience is infuriating.
Unable to wait for relief any longer, Demi threw herself on top of Charles, making him chuckle in what was somehow condescending and sexy all at once.
“Just couldn’t wait, could you?” he teased, chuckling, low, husky rumble sending a hot burst of heat through her pussy before settling in her throbbing clit.
In response, she nudged her thumb into his mouth, which he met with his eager tongue. Now that he was distracted, she lowered herself onto his velvet over steel shaft and they both gasped with satisfaction, clutching at one another as his cock pushed through her heat with no resistance. Charles clung to her hips, holding her down on him as she rode him, unable to control the clenching and throbbing inside her.
He is mine, and I am his.
My mate.
The air was thick with a sexy haze as Demi ground their bodies together, rocking into him and taking her own pleasure as his cock swelled and throbbed within her center. She felt no remorse at fulfilling her greedy need while he panted and groaned beneath her. She rolled her hips harder and faster and as her clit brushed against his body, bursts of pleasure slamming into her over and over.
His hand trembled as he trailed it down her body, over her each curve, to press against her mound. His fingers played with her clit and she cried out again as another orgasm built, throwing her head back when the intensity sent her spiraling over the edge and heat rushed from her body to coat his cock.
He soon took control, bucking up from beneath her to thrust strongly into her aching pussy, holding her in place, his fingers digging into her hips so his powerful body could drive into hers, meeting her rocking movements with thrusts that were so strong she could barely stay seated.
He thrust roughly into her core, and she moved her body against each stroke, her body still hungry for more of him. She screamed, her body tightening over his cock, sending her rushing into an orgasm so intense she felt fairly sure she would black out from the pleasure.
Charles sat up, his shaking hands pulling at her hair. He gripped the back of her neck as he pulled her close, and his five o’clock shadow rubbed roughly against her cheek as their mouths found each other at last. They kissed roughly, tongues sliding together in between rhythmic pants.
“I’m going to come,” he grunted into her ear, his chest rumbling as he snapped his hips rhythmically, thrusting deeper and deeper within her channel.
Wrapped up in his strong arms, she felt him start to pulse. He pushed himself impossibly deep inside of her, impaling Demi deliciously as she sucked on his swollen bottom lip. Uncontrolled groans escaped his mouth as he exploded, pulsing into her inviting center, filling her to the extreme as she cried out once more, another release following his.
Releasing one another, they let their bodies collapse against the mattress while they recovered, tracing the lines of sweat and giving in to the occasional left over shudder of pleasure.
Demi kissed Charles’ shoulder, feeling the heat coming off of him.
“Love you,” he whispered, half awake, half in heaven.
Demi smiled.
He really does.
They slept so deeply that night that by the time they woke up the next morning, the sun was already high in the sky. Demi woke with a start, but was instantly calmed by the sight of Charles beside her.
No disappearing in the middle of the night.
That’s a good sign.
Charles’ eyelids fluttered open just as Demi was staring at him, and he smiled at her, sleepily pulling her in for a hug.
“Good morning, beautiful. Is it morning? I swear, time moves differently here.”
“It technically is still morning, but I need to get moving. I have a cake to ice and a wedding to get ready for. I’m surprised Hera didn’t wake us up earlier.”
Downstairs, Hera was bustling about packing everything that had been baked the night before. Her hair and makeup was done beautifully, swept up in a style that looked as if it was held up by fairies, but she had yet to get dressed. Instead, her matching silk pajama set patterned with unicorns flowed around her as she carefully but quickly placed hors d'oeuvres in traveling containers.
“Oh, there you are. Charles still here?” she whispered worriedly.
Demi smiled reassuringly.
“Yes, still here. It seems we didn’t scare him off this time. Thanks for getting things started here. Looks like I really just have to ice the cake.”
“And get dressed. Well, we both have to do that. Oh, speak of the devil. Good morning, Charles,” Hera said, turning on her signature charm.
“Morning,” he responded, immediately starting to make coffee for everyone.
“A man who knows his way around a kitchen! I need one of those,” Hera laughed.
“I don’t know if finding the coffee filters means I’m any good at cooking, but thank you. And who knows, maybe there’ll be someone at the wedding who can put together a sandwich for you.”
The sisters laughed in unison at Charles’ comment, sounding almost like just one person.
In the silence that followed, Demi got to thinking about Hera and her singledom. Eve and Aphrodite had been asking, and truth be told, she had no idea where her sister’s head was at in terms of suitors. That was one of the first times in recent memory that she’d mentioned anything about finding a man. Both of them had been happily single for quite some time, and Demi wondered if what she’d found with Charles had possibly made Hera start considering her own romantic future.
“That’s a good point, Charles. This wedding might be a good place to meet someone,” Demi urged lightly, dipping her toe into the precarious conversation. It was always hard to tell whether or not Hera was in the mood to talk about her personal life.
“Sure,” Hera sighed sarcastically. “The singles table at a purgatory is a great place to pick up a mate. Heaven knows Achilles will be drooling all over me, that’s for sure.”
“Oh, he drools over everything that moves. Who knows, though, there might be some people from topside that you haven’t met before. Maybe Chloe has some hot cousins or something,” Demi suggested. She winked at Charles over her shoulder, who was listening into the conversation with an intrigued smile.
“Doubtful. I don’t know. I think I might just be cursed in the love department. I can’t believe Lucifer, of all people, is getting married before me,” Hera groaned, taking a sip of the coffee Charles had handed her.
“Well, maybe you’re right about one thing. Maybe you should stop looking for love in purgatory and... broaden your search somewhat. What’s the one thing Lucifer and Demi both have in common?” Charles asked, giving his two cents.
Hera shrugged. “They both have a morbid sense of humor sometimes.”
“We’ve both found love outside of purgatory,” Demi added, filling in the blanks in Charles’ riddle.
The skeptical smile on Hera’s face fell, replaced by a knowing squint.
“Huh. I guess you’re right about that. Good thought, but I’m not about to go wandering around topside trying to find a boyfriend. I wouldn’t know where to start.”
“Eve and Aphrodite. That’s where you start,” Demi advised.
Hera made a face and turned away, busying herself with more prep.
What was that about?
“Not a fan of the ladies?” Charles asked. Demi was grateful that he was prying so she didn’t have to.
“No, it’s not that... Although Eve can be a lot sometimes. Did she really think the middle of a rehearsal dinner was the best time to make a sales pitch? I just don’t know how I feel about speed dating. I mean, how can talking to someone for five minutes really tell you anything about them? And you know my bad luck with that kind of thing, Demi. Sometimes, I’m not the best judge of character,” Hera admitted.
“That’s the best part, though! Everyone who shows up to the DeLux Cafe has been vetted by Aphrodite and Eve, so you don’t have to worry about that kind of thing. There won’t be any creeps or weirdos. Everyone there has a job. It’s just your job to follow up on any good first impressions. Besides, I have a feeling those two have more on their side than just good instincts. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the Fates are slipping them information about couples that are meant to be,” Demi speculated.
“No! Do you really think so?” Hera asked in disbelief. Charles backed away slightly, clearly feeling that the conversation was moving out of his depth.
“Well, their success rate is pretty remarkable. Suspiciously remarkable if you ask me... ”
Hera’s eyes narrowed knowingly and she nodded. “That is something to think about. Oh shit, look at the time. We gotta go! Ice that cake already, would ya?”
“Already done.” Demi stepped aside to reveal the layered, delicately decorated cake, with what looked like real blue orchids growing out of it and topped with extraordinary lifelike miniature replicas of Lucifer and Chloe.
“You are so good at what you do, it’s a little terrifying,” Charles said in disbelief.
With the cake done, Hera, Charles, and Demi set about getting themselves ready, and soon enough they were dressed to the nines. The theme of the wedding was fairytale, and as such the material of Demi’s dress was an iridescent color, and she wore her hair in a long, intricate braid with ivy woven in, reminiscent of Rapunzel’s legendary locks. Charles looked incredibly handsome in a full suit, finished off with a tie that matched Demi’s dress.
The ceremony was beautiful, with a flock of black doves fluttering out just as the happy couple kissed, stunningly scored by the peels of bells. As moving as the whole event was, however, Charles and Demi only had eyes for each other.
Is he thinking what I’m thinking?
That maybe we’re not so far away from something like this ourselves?
No, Demi, be realistic.
It’s way too soon to start thinking about a wedding.
It’s only been a few weeks, and Charles has only just gotten used to the idea of purgatory.
Nothing wrong with going slow and steady.
The ceremony ended, and Chloe, in her elegant cream dress hemmed with black lace, custom made by Arachne of Metamorphosis, of course, looked like a Victorian queen next to her devilish escort. Fire leapt from the ends of the pews as the happy couple proceeded down the aisle to uproarious cheers from the congregation.
Charles flinched a little.
“What do you say we have a little less fire and brimstone at our wedding, huh?” he whispered into her ear as they clapped.
Demi smiled to herself and tears started forming in her eyes.
“You’ve got it. Candles only,” she whispered back as he kissed her, her toes just barely skimming the ground as he lifted her.
Thank you for reading Demi!
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