Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

ZADKEIL

" I don't care if I have to sacrifice everything for you. You are mine." I stood before Asmodeus, hoping he wouldn't turn me away. "I refuse to let anyone make me feel wrong for following my heart. And, you, Asmodeus, are my heart."

Asmodeus closed his eyes and tilted his head back. "I am not letting you go, either. Fate wouldn't have matched us if there hadn't been a way for us to be together. We just need to figure out how to unite our people and not be a tragedy."

As we approached my parents' office, my stomach rolled with anxiety. I could only hope it would go as smoothly as it had with Asmodeus' family. I raised my hand to knock.

"Come in." I opened the door upon hearing my mother's response." Oh, darling. It's so good to see you."

"Hi, Mother." I kissed my mother on the cheek and hugged my dad before stepping back and turning toward my mate. "I would like you to meet my fated mate, Asmodeus."

"Let's sit down and have some tea and discuss this, shall we?" Mother ignored Asmodeus' hand and walked toward the conference table near the office window. "I just made some fresh and happened to bring in extra cups and saucers."

Joining my parents, I sat next to my mate and grabbed his hand under the table. I leaned over to my mate and whispered in his ear. "My mom is very intuitive; it doesn't surprise me that she was expecting us."

"You expect us to welcome a demon into our family?" My mother raised a single brow and placed her teal teacup down on the white saucer. "There are reasons our two kinds have stayed separate through the centuries. Old wounds have not yet fully healed, and I am afraid a marriage between you two would not bring peace like you hope but bloodshed and death."

"Why are you being so negative?" My father laid a hand over hers and squeezed. "Have faith that time has taught us all something. The wars were long ago, and we have had tentative peace between us. Maybe it is time to put the past behind us and move into the future together."

My mother remained silent for several minutes, and I waited for her to consider my father's words. I learned a long time ago to allow her the time to fully digest his wisdom before trying to further my argument, especially if he was on my side. If I spoke too soon, the benefits of his words may be lost in my haste. But waiting was not my strong suit. Luckily, Asmodeus seemed to sense that and squeezed my hand under the table.

"Your father does make good points." My mother nodded her head and smiled at my father. And you did say that you are fated mates. We cannot discredit the importance of such a bond. Have you spoken with your parents?"

"We have." Asmodeus sat up straighter in his chair to address my mother. "They are ready to publicly acknowledge our mating and approve of our bond. They did say they would only do so if we can get both of our families united in this though."

"And when are they announcing it?" My father took notes of what we discussed. "If we are united, it is best to do it simultaneously."

"They are speaking to the demonic leaders tomorrow night if you are in agreement. And then will send a public announcement to all demon media outlets."

"Can I use my power to see the lines of fate between you two?" My mother stood up and joined us on our side of the table. "If I am going to stand behind your bond, I would love to see how strong it is. I can tap into the potential future of your mating, perhaps ease my mind about the decision. It wouldn't tell me everything; it would be more of a hint of the things to come. I can feel if following this path will work out positively for us all."

Asmodeus met my eyes, and I nodded. "Hold out your hand. She will grab one of yours and mine, and then we can just sit there and let her do her thing."

"It might tickle." My dad chuckled. "No one mentions that part, but I found it very disturbing the first time."

"I seem to remember a different reaction, but stick with that story, hun." My mother shook her head and grabbed our hands. "Let's see what Fate has to say."

For several minutes, my mother stood there holding onto our hands. Eyes closed and head tilted down, she murmured an ancient language of angels under her breath. Asmodeus and I stayed still and silent, waiting for her to finish her glimpse into our bond. My father had moved to stand behind my mother. After being with her for hundreds of years, he knew he would have to catch her and carry her to the couch once the session was completed.

As she opened her eyes, a small smile appeared on my mom's face. "I approve of your mating. We will hold a meeting with the council tomorrow night, like your parents. Then, we will send out our own statements to the media."

"Let's get you to the couch, dear." My father lifted her into his arms and carried her to the mauve lounger in the corner of the room. "I will start calling all the members right away. You get a little rest and then can help me plan the meeting and announcement."

"Thank you, love." My mother kissed my father before he hurried to his desk to contact the council members.

"Thank you, Mother." I stepped closer to the couch and kneeled next to her resting form. "So, you saw positive things?"

"You know I can't tell you." My mother reached out and brushed my cheek. "But trust that Fate knew what it was doing. I shouldn't have doubted it."

"I love you, Mother."

"I love you, too. Now, go get to know your mate and leave the rest to us. At least for now."