Miracle

Pt. 20

"Ahh, Jinx, my dear, what an exquisite pleasure to see you again. It truly has been far too long, hasn't it?" Valentine purred, a dazzling, almost sinful smile playing on his lips as he leisurely swirled and then sipped his tea. "The last time our paths crossed, I believe I was able to whisk you away to a breathtaking climax in precisely thirty seconds. A new personal record, wouldn't you say, darling?"
Jinx felt a deeper shade of purple bloom on her cheeks, a blush she actively fought to suppress.

Valentine was a form of incubus, capable of effortlessly controlling anyone he desired with his devastatingly beautiful looks. You could say he and Jinx were somewhat friends with benefits, though the "benefits" for him often involved more than just physical pleasure. He looked perfectly human, with porcelain-clear white skin starkly offset by his long, jet-black hair that cascaded to his shoulders, framing piercing green eyes that held a hint of ancient mischief. His lips, perfectly sculpted and eminently kissable, seemed perpetually ready for a suggestive remark.

Jinx had to admit, when she felt a particular loneliness, she would seek him out for a good time. He never got offended; sex was simply sex to him, yet it simultaneously fed his power. The more carnal pleasure he indulged in, or the more raw lust he ignited in others, the more potent his abilities became. She was certain she wasn't the only being who would eagerly open their legs for him; he could easily compel anyone he wanted. He could have her barking like a dog on all fours right now if he truly desired, and a part of her, however small, knew she'd be powerless to resist.

"Cut the pleasantries, Valentine. I'm not here for that today," she snapped, holding up a dismissive hand, trying to inject as much authority into her voice as possible. He merely chuckled, a low, resonant sound that vibrated through the air. He brought his hand to his bottom lip, playfully tracing it with a finger, his gaze never leaving hers. Jinx couldn't help but focus on the slow, deliberate movement. "Umm, forceful today? I like that very much, my little hellcat," he said smoothly, his voice a warm caress that seemed to glide over her skin, instantly raising goosebumps. It alone was enough to make her shiver, a reaction he undoubtedly noted and relished.

She closed her eyes tightly, taking a shaky, exasperated breath. He was enjoying every minute of this, drawing it out, toying with her. "No... no, I need your help... and not in a sexual way. I need you to help me compel someone."
He raised a perfectly arched brow at her, his grin widening, a hint of genuine curiosity mingling with his usual charm.

"Oh? Someone resistant to your own considerable charms? How intriguing. Who's the person, then, and more importantly, my dearest, what's in it for me?" of course, Valentine wouldn't just help her for free. Jinx shook her head, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. "I don't know who she is, but... but Alistair wants her. He's paying five thousand rubies for whoever can bring her safely back to Hell. If you help, I'll give you twenty percent."

Valentine rubbed his chin, considering her offer, his green eyes sparkling with calculation rather than lust for a moment. He rose from the ornate table with a graceful, unhurried movement, sliding his hands into the pockets of his impeccably tailored trousers. "You're going to have to do better than that, darling. You know me. I appreciate generosity. I know you're a giver, so give me a better offer," he challenged, his gaze lingering on her.

She pressed her lips tightly together, annoyance flaring. Why was he making this so damn hard? "Fine. Forty percent of the rubies." he grinned, a flash of pure, predatory satisfaction in his eyes, and held out a hand for her to shake. His fingers were long and elegant. "Now that sounds a little more... satisfying, darling. We have a deal." Reluctantly, she reached up, her hand feeling small and rough in his surprisingly soft, warm grip. His thumb briefly stroked her knuckles. "So, this is the plan..."

*****

After Jinx disappeared through the portal, Alex immediately helped Lily to her feet. She was still in shock, her eyes wide as she watched the nine-foot-tall Momo slowly shrink back to his original, fluffy orange size. Alex gently led her into the bathroom, then picked her up, sitting her carefully on the counter. He smoothed his thumb over the bloody cut on her cheek, the warmth of his touch spreading, and used his powers to heal it instantly, leaving no trace of the wound.
Once he was done, he gripped both sides of her cheeks, tilting her head to look into her eyes. "Look at me, Lily. Are you okay?"

Was she okay? Was she okay? Of fucking course she wasn't okay! Was that even a question? Her life was in danger again. Thank goodness she was wearing the necklace; it seemed to hurt the purple demoness enough for her to release her hold on Lily's arm. Her eyes flickered over to Momo, who was now sitting calmly in the bathroom doorway, watching them with an unnervingly intelligent gaze.

She thought Momo was just a normal cat when her mom gave him to her. Why would her mom give her a cat with magical abilities? Did she not know? She needed to have a conversation with her mom. She felt like her mother was hiding important information from her. Tears started to run down her cheeks, a mix of confusion, fear, and frustration overwhelming her.

Alex frowned, his thumbs quickly wiping them away. "Aw, baby, it's okay. I'm here." He scooped her up, walking back into her room, and gently placed her on the bed, pulling the blanket over her trembling body. He turned, about to walk out of the room.
"Wait," her voice, small and shaky, stopped him. He turned back, looking at her. She met his gaze shyly. "Can you please stay... I'm... I'm scared to be alone."
Her saying that broke his heart.

She was supposed to at least be able to feel safe in her own home, but now she was just scared to be here by herself. He nodded his head, a soft smile on his lips. "But I can't sleep with clothes on," he said, pulling his shirt over his head, revealing the lean, muscular planes of his chest, and then sliding his pants down his toned legs. She watched him, not really caring how obvious it was that she was checking him out.

He lifted the side of the blanket, climbing underneath. She cuddled against his chest, her hand instinctively rubbing over his defined abs. He gently rubbed his hand over her back, through her little blue nightgown, his presence a comforting anchor. He still didn't fully understand the long-term consequences of being around her for extended periods, but he just couldn't abandon her when she needed him the most.

Momo sat in the doorway of the bedroom, his eyes fixed on the house. He didn't plan on sleeping tonight. He planned on patrolling the house the rest of the night to protect his owner. He wasn't bought just for being a normal cat; he was bought to protect Lily, and that's exactly what he intended to do.

(Mia note: Yay Pt. 20🥳