Page 29 of Loving Amari

She smirks, and the expression lights up her whole face. “That sounds lovely. I could get used to being catered to by my vampire mate.”

I grin and open the fridge. I pull out the ground beef, the package cold and slightly damp in my hands. I grab a bowl from the cabinet and unwrap the meat, dumping it into the ceramic basin.

Seasonings. I need seasonings.

I reach into the spice cabinet, pulling out containers one by one. Garlic powder goes in first, a generous amount. Then onion powder. A touch of paprika for color and a hint of sweetness. Salt and pepper, the foundations of any good meal. My hands work the meat, mixing the seasonings in thoroughly, feeling the texture change as everything combines.

I form the patties, my hands shaping them into perfect circles. I’ve lived long enough to know my way around a kitchen. But this is different. This is for Carla.

I set the skillet on the stove, turning the heat to medium-high. The burner glows red beneath the black cast iron. I let it heat up, waiting until I can feel the warmth radiating from it. Then I add butter, watching it melt and sizzle and foam.

I place the patties in, and the immediate sizzle is satisfying. The smell of cooking meat fills the kitchen, savory and rich.

“Ascension.”

I look back at her while I’m still cooking, spatula in hand. “What about it?”

“Mother Fate’s giving me more power. Maybe that’s what I need to stand against Nathaniel.”

I flip the burgers, watching them brown perfectly. The cooked side is a beautiful dark golden brown with crispy edges. The cheese goes on top, sharp cheddar that starts melting immediately from the heat. I let them cook a bit more, making sure they’re done all the way through but still juicy.

I pull them off and place them on toasted buns. The bread is soft and warm. Add some pickles to the plate, the bright green contrasting with the brown of the meat.

I set the burger in front of her with more care than the gesture probably warrants. But everything I do for her matters.

Then I go make her something to drink. Orange juice. Her favorite. I pour it into a glass, watching the liquid swirl. I smile when she takes a bite, her teeth sinking into the burger. Her eyes close in pleasure, and a small sound escapes her throat.

“I love watching you eat.” I tell her.

She opens her eyes and looks at me. “You love pampering me in general. I hope one day I get the time to just pamper you.”

I walk over to her and place the glass of juice next to her plate. I relax against the island close to her, my hip pressing against the counter. I reach out and stroke her cheek while she chews her food. Her skin is warm and soft. My fingers tangle in her curls, soft and thick.

“You spoil me all the time.”

She snorts at that, covering her mouth as she finishes chewing. “I don’t see how, but okay.”

“You choose me. Every day.”

Her expression changes. The lightness disappears, replaced by something heavier. “I’m going to have to go back into limbo eventually, especially to check on the children.”

My face saddens. I can’t hide it. Can’t pretend it doesn’t gut me every time she says those words.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone again.” Her voice cracks. “I hate that. I hate leaving you.”

When she starts to cry, I pull her into my arms immediately. I lift her from the chair at the island and just hold her. Her body shakes against mine. Tears soak into my shirt.

“I know. I know.”

“I’m very upset that I missed the technology center opening.” The words come out between sobs.

“That was out of your control. Please stop blaming yourself.”

She looks up at me, her face stained with tears. Tracks run down her cheeks, her eyes red and swollen. I kiss them away, one by one. Salt on my lips. The taste of her pain.

“How about tonight it’s just us. And if limbo calls to you, so be it, but let’s not think about it.” I give her a wicked grin, trying to bring back her smile. “When’s the last time we’ve had a child-free home?”

“Medina coven is still here.” She tries to argue, but there’s no heat in it.