Page 59 of Grimoire Omens

“That is strange,” Cedric mused. “But then again, there are forces beyond what we can ken that might have played a part in that.”

“For what purpose?”

“You mentioned a prophecy. Could be someone wanted to nudge it along,” Cedric suggested.

I grimaced. While I’d not particularly liked my dad upon meeting, I liked even less the possibility I’d been used to kill him.

Flo cleared her throat. “I’m curious. Why was Charlie’s Grams trying so hard to find her dad?”

“I have to wonder if she suspected he might not be human,” I mused aloud. “Gryvak said something about my aura giving my paternity away.”

Cedric snorted. “Probably a good thing she never found out the truth or she might have been stupid enough to attempt to summon the king. That wouldn’t have gone well.”

No shit. Daddy dear would have likely smote her on the spot.

With our stories exchanged, and my belly finally content, I needed out of this damned dress.

“I am going for a much-needed hot shower,” I declared as I tried to stand—and failed. Damned flounces.

Ulseere came to the rescue and hauled me to my feet then followed me to the bathroom, where he also helped me out of my dress. And then let me just say, it was the most satisfying shower I ever had. My bed the most comfortable thing once his roving hands and mouth had sated us both enough we could sleep.

The next morning, though, reality hit, and when I woke, I told Ulseere we needed to have a serious talk—which only happened after I put on a shirt because someone kept staring at my boobs. Couldn’t blame them. They were pretty damned nice.

How to start… Bluntly because that was how I rolled. “I guess now that you no longer have a mission to complete, you’ll want to go home.”

He pursed his lips. “Not necessarily. The king is dead, and given I have no obligations, I believe I shall stay in this world a while longer.”

“Doing what?” I murmured, almost afraid to get excited.

“Pleasuring you for starters.” He grinned, and I just about dove at him. “I also wish to understand your world better. While I don’t believe Infernal is ready for your technology, you do have other innovations, especially when it comes to crops and animal husbandry, which might prove useful.”

“Why, Ulseere, don’t tell me you’re a farmer underneath all that macho arrogance?”

I’d swear he blushed. “Being able to feed a populace is important.”

Spoken like a man who could be a king but, instead, he chose to stay on Earth with me.

His witch.

His lover.

My prince charming.

“Oh fuck.” I jumped out of bed, barely remembered to grab some track pants and was hopping into them as I raced out of the bedroom.

I skidded to a halt in the living room to see Cedric perched atop the couch. “Now what?” his sour query.

“Ulseere wants to stay. Here. With me.”

“And?”

“And is he doing it of his own volition or because I summoned my one true love and the magic is making him?” Because that would be wrong on so many levels.

The cat snickered.

“Not funny,” I huffed.

“He’s laughing because there is no magic strong enough to make someone fall in love,” stated Ulseere.