The Witch's Devil

Chapter 17, Have A Crush

Ember's POV~

To start off our morning, Alastor and I made it to the shop without much trouble. Aside from the usual bystanders gawking as we walked by. Laughing loudly, we theorized what could be going through their brains. Clutching those imaginary pearls tightly around their necks. With our coffees in hand, the air seemed lighter than usual. The energy of the earth was— electrifying. I could feel this was going to be a good day.

Morning shift was uneventful as we focused on our work. We teased, joked, and played with each other. Alastor pounced out of sharp corners, giving me a small fright. Cursing him under my breath, much to his mischievous delight. I couldn't stop the grin growing on my lips. Each time he stalked about with a feline grace to him. Making the time pass by in the blink of an eye.

Damien finally walked through the door, at about two o'clock to start his shift. Seeming far more distracted than usual, his brown eyes glimmering in admiration. Love. A concerning amount more, even being noticed by Alastor. Which prompted a glint of curiosity to bubble up in my gut.

Who could he have met over the night?

Knowing well enough he wouldn't talk fully openly with our little prowling devil. I send Alastor into the back to double check on our stock of Egyptian Paganism. A distraction for him, hoping it would give me plenty of time to get to the bottom of this. My elderly sister vibes demanded I question my adopted little brother.

Walking up to our resident wolf once the coast was cleared. Who stood behind the front counter mindlessly, cleaning a single spot. He is definitely lovestruck, a mate connection? Damien didn't even register that I sat in front of him now. Right across the counter from him. A small grin across his face. Adorable.

"Good afternoon Damien!" I greeted him, tapping the counter gently.

Damien flinched, taking a step back. Catching his full attention. "Jesus fucking Christ. Em." He held his chest as though to calm himself. "You're trying to kill me."

I laugh, "Maybe?" Shrugging my shoulders emphasizing my snark.

"Not you too." Damien rolled his eyes, resting his elbows on the countertop. Placing his face in his hands. "First that damn demon, now you. What infectious smartass disease is this?!" He exclaimed sarcastically.

Tilting my head trying to get a read. Ignoring the mild frustration in his voice. "What's going on today, Damien?" I asked politely, more as a sister and friend, than that of a boss. "You aren't usually this zoned out at work. I mean, you were just wiping this single spot on the counter." Chuckling softly under my breath. Clarifying my reason for the noisiness. Damien looks around puffing out his chest. "I sent him in the back on an errand. It should take him some time."

"Oh. Well, thanks for that." Damien murmured, rubbing the nape of his neck.

Rolling my eyes in minor frustration. Leaning forward onto the counter. "Now. Go on, please, otherwise I'll be worried about my family." I flash a smile to reassure him.

"I can't get out of this, can I?" He asked. Standing straight, squaring his shoulders.

"Nah, sorry bud." Shaking my head, leaning forward, resting my chin in my palms. 

A low growling groan escapes him. Pulling on his face in aggravation. Gears working in his mind. Finally, he begrudgingly leans onto the counter to close the space between us.

"I..." He began only to nervously stop.

"Yes?" A brow rose in intrigue.

Taking a deep breath to calm those wired nerves. Damien met my gaze.  "I. I think I found my mate." Answering with a whisper. Seriousness I've never seen from him.