Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

EMMERICH

I sit on our couch, Morgan in my lap, and stare down at the list we put together. We have already put up a string of twinkle lights—something I'd picked up on a whim when shopping for nest materials. I'd thought it would make for nice, cozy lighting, but Morgan was delighted to string the lights along our mantelpiece, even though she said she might move them to the tree later.

We also lit a truly extraordinary amount of candles, setting them on all windowsills and tables, put on some Christmas music on the radio, and researched German Christmas traditions because Morgan wanted to include something from our motherland.

When we told her that one of our dear friends was a Krampus and we could pay him a visit soon, her eyes got very round, and she nervously declined. I didn't quite understand that because he is very friendly, but perhaps she got scared of the images she saw on the internet, which aren't true at all. Our friend, Dominic, is quite kind and makes Christmas tree ornaments, so I think she will like him when she gets to meet him.

She doesn't seem to mind that I'm touching her all the time, and I try to do it subtly, but my need is still burning bright. I want what Klaus has already—the soul-deep connection with Morgan.

I see how it has affected them, too, even though they might not have noticed it themselves. Klaus was so grumpy earlier, casting glances at Morgan and me, almost as if he resented how easily she accepted me. And Morgan was wary, still unsure of her place with us, in our roost, but now all that is gone. They gravitate towards each other, subtly shifting their ways to interact more.

And I'm being selfish right now, keeping Morgan in my lap, I know it. But for now, she doesn't seem to mind because she's distracted with planning our Christmas Day. I hope I will get to give her my bite tonight, but the last thing I want is to rush her. She has accepted Klaus', yes, but that doesn't mean she wants mine so soon after. Perhaps her skin is still tender. I caught her touching the bite mark several times already. Maybe it hurt her more than she admitted to us and she won't want to repeat the experience.

At that thought, a rumble starts in my chest, growling I can't quite keep down. Morgan blinks and glances up at me, her focus broken.

"It's nothing," I say gruffly, not wanting to admit I've sunk to a deep, dark level of my mind. Instead, I nod at the list in her hand and ask, "What should we do first?"

Morgan hesitates for a moment, as if she wants to press the issue, but I swallow thickly, and the growling stops. There . That's better.

"I think we need a tree first," she says at last. "There's no use in us making ornaments if we don't have anywhere to hang them. And maybe we could get some boughs for the mantelpiece as well?"

Klaus nods immediately. "What kind of tree do you want?"

Morgan shrugs. "Um, any type of conifer will do. A small one, so it doesn't take up too much space. A pine, maybe, or a spruce?"

I can get my Morgan a tree. If she wants it, I will deliver it.

But first, I need a goodbye kiss.

Taking Morgan's chin, I turn her face gently and kiss her full lips, taking care not to bump her glasses with my horns. I love how she melts for me, her tongue darting out to meet mine, allowing me to get a taste of her. But I pull back before I can get carried away, then take her waist and set her on her feet.

"I'll be back soon," I declare, marching toward the door. "You will have your tree."

"Wait, don't you need more clothes?" Morgan calls after me.

I send her a smirk over my shoulder. "I am a gargoyle, Liebchen . This is exactly what we love."

With that, I leave her to Klaus' care, even though it pains me to walk away from my mates. But I will return with everything she wants—and more.

Because I have a plan, and I intend to surprise my human with more than just the tree.

Sneaking downstairs instead of up, I open the storage room where Klaus and I keep our human clothes, as well as the glamour charms we buy from Irma. I slip on a shirt and a jacket, not to protect me from the snow but to keep the humans from staring at me too much, then put on a charm necklace. The magic pours over me, and I shiver. Letting someone manipulate my exterior is always uncomfortable, even though we trust our witchy friend.

I check the mirror hanging on the wall and brush my hair from my forehead. Staring back at me is a scowling human man, tall but unremarkable, with brown hair and blue eyes, dressed in very human-looking clothes. My horns have disappeared, as have my wings. I wrap my tail around my waist to keep it from smacking into random passersby, and then I'm ready.

I tiptoe upstairs, hoping Klaus is sufficiently distracted by the Christmas music humming from the radio—and by Morgan, of course. Their voices filter through the door. My heart pangs at the sound of Morgan's laughter, and the need to return to her side is so strong, I'm reaching for the doorknob without even realizing it. I stop myself just in time, though, pulling back and squeezing my hand into a fist.

I will do this first, make sure my Morgan isn't disappointed in her first Christmas with us, and show her I will provide for everything. Whatever she might wish for will be hers.

With careful footsteps, I climb the stairs to the rooftop terrace. The wind that meets me is frigid, but I take a deep breath, letting the cold air clear my thoughts and fill my lungs. Snowflakes swirl through the air, landing on my shoulders and glamour-hidden wings, but they don't bother me at all. This is what we were made for. To protect and to provide for our mates.

One last glance at the staircase tells me I got away clean. No one is coming after me, and I have some time now to carry out my plan.

So I take a running leap and throw myself into the storm.