Page 74 of My Demon Neighbor
Twenty-Six
Pythor
There was nothing Ihated more in this world than Codie's tears, but these didn't feel like tears of sadness. No, they seemed like tears of relief, like he'd been overwhelmed by his emotions and he just needed a release.
Whatever it was, I held him through it, comforting him in the only way I knew how as my body slowly came down from the emotional and sexual high.
Orgasms always made me feel relaxed, but they didn't compare to the joy I'd felt over being with Codie, knowing how big of a step this was for him. He'd told me again and again he wasn't sure if he'd ever feel comfortable enough to have sex, and I'd been fine with that. I loved Codie, and as long as he was at my side, I didn't care what we did together because all of it made me equally happy.
When Codie peered up at me with tear-stained cheeks and slightly red eyes, I rubbed my thumb under his eyes, wiping off the tears.
"I love you," he said in a whisper-soft voice, and I gave him a smile.
"I love you too, my Codie. Would you like to stay in bed for a while longer or get some breakfast?"
He pursed his lips thoughtfully, but his stomach growled before he could answer, making him grimace. "Well, I guess there's your answer."
Smiling, I watched him sit up and climb off me, then sat up myself as he jumped off the bed, then stumbled before righting himself. He was dressed in a short-sleeved sleep shirt and matching sleep pants, which was the least I'd ever seen him wear, other than our shower together. I was glad he didn't feel the need to cover up completely when it was just the two of us. Maybe with time he'd feel comfortable going out without his coat too.
While Codie ducked into the bathroom to freshen up, I changed into my human form, then climbed out of bed, changing my clothes to something daytime appropriate before heading over to the kitchen to start the coffee brewing as I magicked up some breakfast for us, Hella chasing after me.
Though she didn't need to relieve herself, she'd gotten into the habit of going outside as soon as we were up—since Codie had thought she did when he first got her and now she expected it—and I opened the back door with a flick of my hand before turning to Codie as he came into the kitchen.
"Ooh, coffee," he moaned, and I smiled as I handed him a mug.
His phone started buzzing in his pocket, and he scowled as he placed the mug on the countertop to check it. Seeing an unknown number, his scowl deepened as he answered it.
"Hello?"
"Am I speaking to Mr. Codie Walsh?" I heard a feminine voice speak on the other end, her voice professional but not unkind.
"Yes, who is this?"
"I'm Officer Bailey. Would it be possible for you to come into the station sometime today? We have some updates about your case."
Codie blinked, then glanced up at me. I nodded, in case he was asking if I'd join him.
"You do?"
"Yes. Some things have come to light, and we believe we've... found the men responsible."
"Oh."
"Would you be willing to come to the station?"
"Um, okay." He glanced up at the clock, which showed we'd slept through most of the morning, and it was already half past eleven. "Does three o'clock work?"
"That would be perfect. Please ask for me at the reception desk, and I'll come get you."
"I will, thanks."
He ended the call, then stood there for a long moment before shaking his head.
"They must've found the bodies, and the note," he murmured as he glanced up at me, and I nodded.
"Are you up for this? You can tell her no if you're not."
"I know, but I am. I'm ready to put all of this behind me."
