Silk Skin and Smoke (Age Gap)

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Augustus' POV

Her heart can't seem to figure out what it wants. But I'm patient. I hold her at night and pretend I don't feel her hot tears touch my skin. And during the day I respect her distance, I don't force her eye contact or even speak unless she's asked for my attention. I can't tell if her sorrow revolves around Gruts death, or her feelings for me.

"Where are you taking her?" Emil asked. I turned from the window, peeling my gaze from her smooth skin laid into the green grass.

"Dinner in town. I think she needs out of the house for a bit." I told him. Emil smirked, peering past me to see her sitting up, realizing the time. She was apprehensive about my ask but seemed excited to get out of the house.

"Have you thought about a gift for her birthday?" He asked as she gathered her things.

"No, I'll think of something though." I assured him.

"It better be miraculous, it's the only birthday in this house where someone has actually grown a year older." Flora swayed into the room, still licking her visitor from her lips.

I let my gaze wander toward Tallulah as she came inside. Her eyes widened a bit when she saw our stare on her.

"Did someone die?" She deadpanned, walking toward the fridge for a glass of water.

"Yes, all of us. But that was years ago. We're over it." Emil responded with a wink. The comment earned a chuckle out of her.

"I'll write you each a eulogy for your birthday cards this year." She joked. My demon smiled at the fact that she's thought that far ahead. That she intends on being around us willingly.

"Speaking of birthdays..." Emil started. Tallulah rolled her eyes. She's been against a celebration since it's been brought up. I understood the dislike, I myself didn't enjoy my own birthday. But it felt foolish not to celebrate hers. Since it'd be her last one while she was alive.

"We need ideas for gifts. There has to be something you want." He pestered her. She chugged her water and glanced to me briefly.

"Or someone." Flora spoke under her breath. Tallulah's cheeks went pink for a brief moment, Jake stepped in taking the attention off her.

"I already have my gift." He threw that knowledge in our faces before giving Tallulah a smirk. I've denied any and all alone time between them, even have my family inserting themselves into their conversations when I'm not around to do so.

"Tell me. I need ideas." Flora bounced slightly. Jake didn't lose his smile when he nodded toward my sister. He was getting used the undead, dare I say he no longer hated them.

"Don't tell her. She's terrible with secrets." Emil warned him.

Emil and Flora turned to bickering before I caught Jakes stare. I nodded my head toward the dining hall before making my way out. Tallulah eyed us as we made our exit. I waited a while to ensure she didn't follow us.

"I'm telling her tonight." I told him, sliding my
hands in my pant pockets before looking him over. He nodded.

"Which part?" He asked, scanning the table for something to eat. He was always eating.

"The possible alliance. I think Althea's alliance depends on where Tallulah stands." I told him. He narrowed his eyes and popped a piece of fruit in his mouth.

"Alpha Vidar won't make a decision solely based on the opinion of a friend." He tried correcting.

"Maybe so. But if Tallulah were against the idea I'm sure that opinion would have Alpha Vidar second guessing an alliance." I informed him. He remained quiet while he chewed. He knew I was correct.