The Fabulous Domestic Demon

DELLA

The murky fog of my dream world lifts, revealing a recurring setting: a castle—the academy.

Two figures are soaring above the towers. I know they’re not birds, but my brain can’t quite comprehend it at the moment.

“Find her!” a voice commands.

“What about that lust demon she hangs out with?” another voice inquires.

“Perfect. Bring him to my office in the morning.”

I observe as the two non-birds dive down to the rooftop of the academy.

Suddenly, I’m jolted awake, gasping for breath.

“Fuck!” I yell out.

“Della? Are you okay?” Sorin asks, his face etched with worry.

“They’re targeting Oz… We need to…”

“Don’t worry, Della. I’ll bring him here. We’ll ensure he’s safe,” Gavin reassures me, standing up and getting dressed. “Stay here with Micha and Kade. Sorin, come with me.”

“They’re planning to get him in the morning. What’s the time back home?” I ask.

“It’s around four in the morning. Oh, he’s going to be so pissed!” Sorin exclaims with a grin as he finishes dressing.

“I don’t think he’ll be angry once he knows what’s happening… Does he know what’s happening?” Gavin asks. I wince at the realization.

“No. No, he doesn’t. Shit. I’m such a terrible friend.” I sigh.

“You’re not. We’ve kind of kept you pretty occupied,” Sorin says with a wink. “All right, let’s go on a kidnapping spree!”

I watch as Sorin strides out of the chapel and into the hallway, nudging Gavin along.

I sigh and flop back onto the mattress between Kade and Micha, who are both still sound asleep. I lie there for a while, but sleep eludes me. I get up, dress in what appears to be Kade’s T-shirt, and head to the kitchen, only to stop dead in my tracks. What on earth were these guys up to last night?

There’s a massive stainless-steel refrigerator next to a stainless-steel oven. Where did they come from?

“Sorin’s doing. He also cast a spell on the building so we have electricity,” Micha informs me from behind.

“Can magic do everything?” I ask.

“I mean, sort of. I don’t really get most of it, but I guess that’s why I’m not a mage.” He shrugs. “But it was this or a generator, and Kade pointed out that you really liked Sorin’s magic, so…he went all out.” He chuckles, wrapping his arms around me and resting his chin on top of my head.

“It’s just so cool. I always wanted to go to Hogwarts…” I giggle.

“I knew it.” He laughs. “What house are you in?”

“Ravenclaw. You?”

“Same.”

“Awe,” I tease, walking away to check out the new fridge. They even stocked up on groceries. They’re too sweet. I grab the bacon and start cooking a big breakfast for everyone.

“Why are you up so early?” he asks, hopping up on the counter next to me.

“I had a dream that Raziel and another person, probably Caleb, were planning to take Oz. So Gavin and Sorin are going to get him and bring him here,” I explain.

“A dream?” he asks, looking skeptical.

“Yep. I have visions, too, and sometimes they happen in dreams, so…” I shrug, stirring the bacon in the pan.

“That’s wild. We should spend some time learning more about Sin-Eaters today too. You’re unlike any demon I’ve ever met,” he says, hopping off the counter. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab the book and read while you cook.” He smiles, coming over to hug me from behind and kiss just below my ear before whispering, “You look good like this. You’re lucky you’re cooking, or I’d have you bent over the counter and eaten you for breakfast.”

I’m left with a dampness between my legs as he leaves me. These academy boys will be the death of me.

I’m putting bread in the oven to toast since we don’t have a toaster when Micha returns to sit at the table behind me. He lets out one of his strange noises as I finish up.

“What?” I ask, straightening up.

“That T-shirt shows everything when you bend over. I was just enjoying the view.” He smirks. I shake my head and start cracking eggs.

“So that’s where my shirt went.” Kade chuckles as he walks over and kisses me on the cheek. “Good morning, beautiful.”

“Good morning,” I reply with a smile and a warm fuzzy feeling in my chest.

“Where are the others?”

“Della had a vision, so they’re going to get Oz,” Micha fills him in.

“I was starting to wonder if he should be brought here,” Kade admits.

“I really am a lousy friend,” I mutter to myself, stirring the eggs. Screw it, everyone gets scrambled eggs. There are too many people to make individual eggs.

“Any news on Sin-Eaters?” I ask.

“Yes, actually, but not much. Apparently, each Scion is different depending on their lineage. So that’s helpful.” He huffs. Great. “But, for Sin-Eaters, they say what’s common is feeding habits, the black wisps, and infected souls. Visions and self-preservation instincts are common among all Scions, but they manifest differently in everyone. That must be the whispers you were talking about.” I nod in agreement before bending down to get the toast from the oven.

“Goddamn,” Kade whispers.

“I know, right?” Micha chuckles as I shake my head at them.

“I propose that you are only allowed to wear our shirts from now on. Second?” Kade suggests, looking at Micha.

“At least when it’s just us. Yeah, I’ll second that motion.” He grins.

“You two are incorrigible,” I reprimand half-heartedly.

“You love us.” Micha laughs.

“True.” I smile, grabbing the butter.

“What?” Oops.

Panicked, I backtrack. “Sorry, I… I just…” but I’m cut off with a kiss. Gentle and soul-deep until Kade pulls back with a grin, and I’m turned to Micha, who kisses me just as tenderly. Like I’m a gift to be protected and treasured. His copper eyes are almost shining, so I kiss him again, pouring my feelings into him.

“I love you too,” Micha says with a grin before Kade turns me back to him and lifts me so I’m face to face, looking into his dark brown eyes.

“God, Della, you make me so happy. I love you too.” He’s almost glowing with his broad grin, the scar on his jaw hitching up with it.

I lean in to kiss his scar and then his lips. “You make me happy too,” I reply before turning to Micha. “You all do.”

Kade lets me down, and I feel like I’m floating as I return to buttering the now-cool toast and plate the bacon and eggs for everyone.

Gavin, Sorin, and a very confused and sleep-mussed Oz walk into the kitchen just in time.

“Hello, boys. Go have some breakfast.” I smile, pointing the spatula behind me to Kade and Micha, who are already gorging.

“Good morning, my love,” Gavin says, kissing me as he passes.

“Morning.”

“Good morning, my little handful,” Sorin says, coming up behind me and holding my breasts in his hands, making me laugh. I turn around and cup his groin.

“Good morning, my not-so-little handful.” I grin salaciously as he groans, pinning me against the stove.

“I’m so glad you guys kidnapped me. Everywhere Della goes is like a buffet for me.” Oz chuckles as he feeds on us.

“Oh, shush you.” I wave him off before turning back to Sorin. I nip a quick kiss at his lips. “Go eat some breakfast.” He kisses me again and goes to sit at the table.

“So why am I back at Nurse Ratched’s?” Oz asks as I bring my plate over and sit beside him.

“Solid reference,” I point out. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but we know what type of demon I am.” I begin as his eyes go wide with excitement.

“Really? That’s great!” Oz cheers.

“It is. But because of that, Professor Raziel is not happy about it and thinks I shouldn’t exist for some reason,” I explain. “He’s been trying to kill me over the past few days,” I state.

I see the oh-shit-she’s-nuts look cross his face, but Micha steps in.

“Sorin and I heard him. It’s true.”

“Okaaay. Why exactly does he want to kill you?” Oz asks hesitantly.

“Because I’m a Sin-Eater.”

“Holy shit!” Oz exclaims, looking excited but confused. “Um… What’s a Sin-Eater?”

“Someone who’s a child between a demon and the celestial Death,” I inform him.

“Oh. Wow,” he says quietly, his eyes wide with shock.

“Yeah.”

“Okay. So that’s a big deal… well, two big deals,” he corrects. I nod. “So, I’m here at this ridiculous hour because…?”

“I had a vision that Raziel and Caleb were going to take you this morning. I’m not sure if it was as bait or what, but they’ve already tried to use Kade to kill me.”

“We figured this would be the safest place for you. That’s why we’re here.” Gavin shrugs.

“Well, shit,” Oz says, taking a deep breath. It looks like he’s just soaking in the information. We leave him to it and eat our breakfast.

“Thanks for breakfast, by the way,” Sorin says through a mouthful of eggs, making me chuckle.

“Thanks for the kitchen,” I counter.

“See? I told you she would love it.” Micha grins, nudging his shoulder against Sorin.

“Yeah, yeah…” He blushes into his food. So cute.

“Okay!” Oz cries suddenly, making me jump. “One, thank you for keeping me safe. Two, what is the plan here?” he asks.

“Right now, we’re stuck on the don’t-die phase of the plan,” Sorin replies.

“That’s a lovely sentiment, but we need a long-term solution. Has anyone told the headmaster?” Oz asks.

“Yes. Currently, he’s trying to collect evidence of all this without outing Della as a Scion,” Gavin explains.

“No offense, but I feel like killing people may be something above the headmaster’s pay grade. You know? If we can’t go to the Council, then why don’t we go to the celestials?” Micha proposes.

“Well, we all saw how my dad was going to handle it,” I point out, watching my consorts grimace.

“What happened with your dad?” Oz asks.

“Apparently, Death is a pacifist.” I shrug, making Sorin snort.

“Not all celestials are like that. I’ve heard War and Satan take quite an…~active~ role in the lives of their progeny,” Gavin points out.

“Maybe we should call my mom. She seemed like she would be out for blood,” I suggest.

“That’s a good idea,” Gavin agrees. I nod and run to the chapel to grab my phone from my bag. I should probably put on some actual clothes since we have company.