Page 18 of Knotty Bargain (Monster Holidays #3)

CHAPTER 18

LEVIATHAN

T he sky is gray, but Cordelia wanted to take a walk, so that's what we're doing. At this point, I'm pretty sure I'd do anything she wanted me to. Westroll down Main Street hand-in-hand, something I never expected I would get to do.

Unlike the other days, Cordelia seems relaxed. She has this small smile on her lips. Her cheeks are slightly flushed from the cold. She's put on a little hat she called a beanie, the red color accentuated against the golden of her hair.

We approach the first cafe we visited. The Golden Cup . Every time we pass it, I remember the first time I kissed her.

I never thought I was a romantic, but that's because I hadn't met her.

"So, this place belongs to Marcus's family. They're pretty famous. They have a bunch of stores in other cities." Cordelia wrinkles her nose, gesturing at the sleek, modern exterior that clashes with the town's historic charm. "Coffee wasn't that great compared to Jimmy's. Or I guess Witch's Brew. It's called Witch's Brew now."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "They changed their name to Witch's Brew?" Glancing up, I read the signs above other shops. There's the Enchanted Grimoire, a bookshop, and I know Miranda's store is called Hex & Co. "When you think about it, your town really likes the witchcraft theme."

"Yeah, that's a new thing. When I lived here, it was only Miranda's store. Witch's Brew was called Jimmy's. Miranda said the cities nearby have become paranormal hubs or something."

I arch an eyebrow, then point at the mountain looming over the city. "That makes sense. This mountain pulses with magic. It must have ley lines meeting right underneath."

Cordelia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. She opens her mouth to ask about it when someone calls her name.

"Cordelia? Is that you, dear?"

Cordelia freezes, her smile fading. I glance over to see a silver-haired woman waving enthusiastically at us. She's standing just outside The Golden Cup with her phone in hand, dressed in a weird long-sleeved mustard dress, the neckline kind of tilted. It doesn't seem like the tilted aspect is accidental, though.

Cordelia whirls around to the woman. "Aunt Eliza," Cordelia greets, plastering on a polite smile. "How have you been?"

"I thought you'd only arrive for the wedding!" Eliza trills, beckoning us over. "Vivian said you couldn't join us for brunch today. What a lovely surprise!"

Cordelia's eyes widen as she processes her aunt's words. Before she can respond, Vivian herself emerges from the restaurant, her face contorting into a scowl when she spots us.

"Oh, hi, Lia," Vivian says, folding her arms across her chest. "I thought you'd be busy today."

I can't help but smirk at Vivian's thinly veiled displeasure. "Don't worry, we are," I tell her. "Besides, we don't really like the coffee here."

Vivian's cheeks flush with indignation. A victory in my book.

Eliza clears her throat, eyeing me. "And who might this handsome gentleman be, Cordelia? I don't believe we've had the pleasure."

"Levi. I'm Cordelia's boyfriend." A flame starts in my chest. Pride. Fuck, I'm so in love with this woman.

Eliza's eyes widen. "My, my. A boyfriend? That's new. And aren't you a catch? I must say, Cordelia, he's a bit out of your league." She chuckles. "Just kidding, of course."

Anger flares within me at Eliza's backhanded compliment. How dare she insinuate that Cordelia is somehow unworthy of me? Before I can retort, Cordelia speaks up, her voice tight.

"You know what, Aunt Eliza? I think we'll pass on brunch today. Levi and I have other plans. We'll see you at the wedding." She turns on her heel, striding away from the cafe without a backward glance.

I follow close behind, catching up to her as she pauses beneath a towering oak tree, its leaves a riot of gold and crimson.

"Are you alright?" I ask, reaching out to run my fingers through her hair.

Cordelia sighs, leaning against the tree trunk. "I'm fine. It's just... they've always been like this. Even after Mom died, they never bothered to check in on me or offer any support. It's like I don't exist to them unless they need something. Or if they want to look like a nice, tight-knit family."

I reach out, brushing my knuckles down her jaw. "I know what it's like to have a family that doesn't care, that's so out of touch with reality they can't see what's right in front of them. You're not alone in this. I've got you."

She looks up at me, her eyes glittering like stars. "I don't even like them, Levi. Is that terrible of me?"

"Not at all," I assure her, pulling her into my arms. "You don't owe them anything, Lia. And from now on, I've got your back. You can stand up for yourself, and I'll be right there beside you every step of the way."

Cordelia melts into my embrace, her head resting against my upper stomach as the autumn breeze swirls around us, sending a flurry of leaves cascading down. I tilt her chin up, capturing her lips in a tender kiss that speaks of comfort.

As we part, Cordelia gazes up at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Is it weird that I prefer kissing your demon form?"

The feelings burning inside me stumble their way toward my lips. I bite down on it, keeping it all behind my teeth. Fuck. She likes my demon form best. My real form.

"No," I whisper against her lips. "Not weird at all."