Threads of Fate

by Lexi Esme

“You called out to me. And I know your name. I addressed you as Amata for a reason.” I scarcely dare to breathe, “And why's that?” He lifts a hand to caress the side of my face, making warmth crawl up my neck and cheeks. “Because where I’m from, Amata is a term of affection we give to our destined wives.”

I'd thought I'd be torn, my mind boggled by this new development; here before me stands the woman who has the ability to summon me to her, to control me. As I continue to look at my wife, I catch myself thinking: I’m...not against this.

"Only our wives can command us. You called out to me, and here I am. If I weren’t tied to you, that wouldn’t have happened. It’s fated, Amata...”

“This is my human form. I take it from the look on your face, you agree we are at the bare minimum, anatomically matched?” “You would destroy me,” I blurt, then quickly slam my hand over my mouth, heat rising up my face. "Adorable." He chuckles softly, sending a ripple of goosebumps across my skin. “And, what if I promise to be gentle?”

“Don’t apologize for touching what belongs to you,” His voice comes huskily.

As I cross the room, I hear him softly utter, “I’ll never let anyone hurt you again. That is my word.”

Sephtis's lips curve downwards into a frown. “I didn’t mean to, it landed on my web as I was trying to catch you breakfast! I tried to free the hell cat, and then it struck out and scratched me!” He pouts at me and shows me the scratch on his pinky. “It hurt, too. Mr. Muffins might sound delicious in theory, but I assure you, he is NOTHING of the sort.”

I look up into his eyes. Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “Another kiss?” "Yes, but this time, how about here..." he breathes, pointing to his lips. “I brushed my teeth, see?” He gives me a grin that leaves me a puddle in my shoes—rather socks. Running his tongue over his fangs, he drawls lustfully. “Minty fresh.”

"Okay Muffins," He says, facing Mr. Muffins. "I have a band-aid and a kiss from the wife. Bring it on."

"Avocado toast," I say. "You said it's something you liked, so I tried to remember it." "This is an avocado and toast." She limply lifts out the slice of bread and an avocado half I'd lovingly packaged for her. "Yes, Amata. Avocado toast."

She leans her head against my shoulder for the rest of the drive, and suddenly, it's like nothing else exists. In that moment, I'm a happy husband.

"You can’t kill everyone that says or does something to me you don’t like.” “Yes, I can,” he retorts, his tone deadly, putting the toast down. “That’s something you need to learn fast. I can take a lot…I can tame my anger on my own behalf, but no one disrespects or hurts my wife. The next time, Amata, I will kill him.”

I want her more than my next breath, more than anything in this world or any other. In every way imaginable.

"You're spoiling me." "It's the least I can do. It makes me happy to provide for you."

"...Amata?" I turn back to see him with a forlorn look on his face. "I love you." I'm shocked by the sudden declaration and freeze on the spot, but I can't help but feel my heart swell. I open my mouth to respond, but he cuts me off. "Don't say it back, not until you mean it. But I will spend my entire life proving it to you."