Just Us

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King Vinícius carried his precious mate into his bedroom, a staff member gently caring his other love.

He tucked them both in his bed before placing himself onto the small, lumpy couch that was located on the step below the floor that held his babies. He never used the couch for anything, and he hardly slept in general anyway. He would have to replace it if he were to stay close every night without disturbing them.

He sighed, shutting his eyes and drifted into a light, uncomfortable sleep.

---

Pia sat up in bed, disoriented before she shook her head to clear away the muddle. It was still dark outside, but it felt like she had slept for days. The bed was so warm and fresh, and not a sheet on the ground like she was use to.

She frowned when she saw King Vinícius sleeping on a very tiny couch, way too small for his large body. She giggled softly, while also feeling bad. He promised to take care of them, and she had no doubt he would, but he needed to care for himself also.

She padded her tiny, bare feet across the cool wood floors, her eyes catching the small step down just before she fell. She felt bad to wake him, but he looked so uncomfortable. His arm hung loosely off the side of the couch, his fingers brushing the carpet. His legs were folded to keep them from falling of the edge of the couch.

Her hands shook, and she was unsure on how to wake him up, until she saw his soft hair. "King Vinícius," she called softly, running her fingers through the incredibly soft fluff on his head.

He moaned and stirred, stretching his arms and legs before opening his eyes. "What is it, baby?" he mumbled, waking up further with each passing second. "Are you okay?" he asked, coming to his senses and sitting up

She blushed, seeing his bare chest and messy hair, which she had caused. "I just- I couldn't stand the fact that I was sleeping in your bed while you got to sleep on this sofa."

He smiled sweetly, causing her to look down with overwhelming embarrassment. He pulled her down into his lap, wrapping his arms around her, emitting a shocked squeak from her lips.

"You're so sweet," he ran is nose along her neck, allowing her body to mold into his as she placed her head on his shoulder.

"Are we really mates?" she whispered, smiling when he shivered from the air blowing on his neck.

"Yes, we're really mates."

"And you're okay with this, with both of us?" she asked, referring to a sister.

"I wouldn't trade either of you for the world."

"The people-"

"It's different here, Pia. Human and demon mates are common everywhere but the place you lived."

"But they killed my family. My mother mated with a demon, and everything was great. My mom was so happy for the first time, and then she and Stephen had Adalie. But then they killed them both, claiming humans should never mate with monsters like demons." she cried softly, large tears falling down her cheeks at an uneven pace. "If we had lived somewhere else..."

"They wouldn't have lost their lives," he finished, shaking his head. "I'm sorry. The village you lived in is one of the last, it is why I was there in the first place."

She wiped away her tears in frustration, "I could've taken Ada away, where we would be safe and not have to run every day. I thought it was the same everywhere."

She placed her face back in his neck. The fact that she spilled all of this to him was more proof that they were mates.

The realization caused more tears and louder sobs that Vinícius tried to soothe, not wanting to wake up Adalie.

"I can't imagine what you've gone through, what you've had to sacrifice," he said, rubbing her back. "I am thankful for you and Adalie. I've been searching for so long..." he gave a tired sigh, and she peeked up at him.

"I'm glad you found us. I don't know how much more I could take," Pia admitted with a whisper. She was tired of running, of not having food or shelter. Tired of it all.

Vinícius nodded sadly, "It'll take time for your body and mind to heal, but you won't be doing it alone anymore."

She gave a hum of a reply, curling up closer to him. For the first time, she wasn't cold, or on alert.

He picked her up and laid her on the bed, thankful Adalie was curled on one side.

"Don't go," she pleaded when he tried to go back to the couch. "I get cold and scared."

He laid down and tucked Pia in his chest. "It'll all be okay now, I promise."