Arriving tired at home, Skylar stumbled into their foyer, smelling something delicious. She quickly headed to the kitchen, where the delicious aroma was coming from, only to find herself smiling. Vincencio was preparing her light snack and singing a nice song from Forest Blakk called Fall Into Me. She leaned over the counter, watching lovingly until Vincencio noticed her presence.
"Love what you see?" Vincencio softly asked as he faced her.
"Very much." Skylar smiled as she replied.
"Shall we talk about last night while we eat these?" He asked carefully, pointing to a potato salad and toasted bacon.
"Let me change first." She replied as she glanced at herself, making him nod, and she dashed upstairs to clean up.
She didn't let Vincencio wait for long and had dinner. It was a quiet yet soothing dinner until they were down for hot chamomile tea. Both were nervous, unsure how to begin discussing their misunderstanding last night. Skylar couldn't hold the silence and broke it.
"Aren't you going to tell me where you went? Or what happened to you?" Skylar opened the topic with her usual cold tone.
"Well, I'm finishing my night shift with the business that I've mentioned to you before when those wannabe gangsters suddenly started making a scene near the neighborhood. I got entangled, and I'm mad for making me run late." Vincencio answered honestly, and then, he added, "I understand where you came from, but I'm hurt and tired, and I was welcomed by a drunk, angry wife. I'm upset."
"Why didn't you leave me a message about getting late or what happened?" With curiosity and firmness in her tone, she wondered, making Vincencio sigh and carefully show his broken phone.
"I'm sorry." He sincerely apologized, softening Skylar before sighing.
"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't get drunk or shout when you're injured and not hearing your side. But I'll be honest, last night reminds me of what happened between me and Gregory, including our first argument."
"I see… it seems we're still learning about each other with marriage in line." He chuckled shyly, realizing something new.
"Seems like it." She agreed, giggling as they enjoyed their tea.
***
Growing and learning something new in their marriage didn't stop Skylar from being wary. One night, she found herself pacing back and forth, which added to her waiting routine whenever Vincencio went to his night shift while his business partner handled the morning shift due to his commitment to her company. She could stop him, but with the right reason, seeing him strive better, she let him glow. However, she couldn't shake the worry and curiosity she felt whenever he was out there. Like tonight, at her workshop, Skylar was in the middle of her art when she groaned.
"Damn, I miss him here," Skylar mumbled under her breath before dropping her paintbrush on the bucket with dirty water.
"Get used to it." Joey teasingly chuckled while sketching a new weapon for a certain prey that Medina was checking.
"Use this moment to make new plans," Medina added while her eyes arranged the intel she got before sending it to their Delta.
"My mate is right, Mom. You're not on the hunt, and Dad is out; take advantage of it even for a couple of hours of waiting." Irina agreed as she put down their coffee and freshly baked cookies when Joey quickly took a bite, earning a glare from the baker. "Medina is supposed to be the first to take a bite, not you."
"Sorry, already did," Joey teasingly replied, making Irina pout.
"Shut it, you two," Medina firmly commanded before she turned to Skylar. "Setting that aside, I found Monica hanging around with Ruby recently like she was suspicious of her sudden appearance in their lives. But I admit, I like how Gregory responds to her presence."
"She might be jealous," Joey commented.
"I assigned her to protect Gregory from her," Skylar stated nonchalantly before continuing her masterpiece—a certain mansion near the lake.
"Protect him? Did I hear you right? He cheated on you." Joey reacted with annoyance.
"Sky, be honest, do you still have feelings for him?" Medina gently wondered, making her sigh yet still focus on her art.
"I care as a friend, but I don't as a lover would if that's what you two are referring to. But I can't deny the relief he gave when he sincerely apologized to me in front of Vince. I've moved on from him." She answered genuinely before adding, "All I care about is for him not to fall with Monica badly, and Ruby's presence is pretty much fitting with his."
"I agreed with Mom. She'll be a nice wife for him." Irina supported Skylar, catching them curious.
"And why is that?" Joey wondered.
"In case you didn't check her DNA, Ruby Wilson is exposed to us. I mean, she's a human, an escort, and exposed to various people. She has been bitten a couple of times, but having a recessive gene, she can't turn into either a vampire or a werewolf," Irina explained briefly while tasting her cookie.
"And you knew this because?" Medina asked curiously.
"Aside from being a vampire, I've seen her work when she took her client to where I work, and most of her clients were vampires. However, it doesn't mean she didn't have an alluring side of a vampire, and like me, you are her dam, Mom." She answered proudly, making Skylar confused.
"Dam?" She wondered.
"Dam is a female parent. She'll listen to you, name it—she—we'll do it for you. We're at your side, Mom. Also, having you as our dam frees her from being touched by them unless they were mates." Irina answered, grinning innocently at Skylar. Seeing that smile, Skylar smiled warmly.
"Stop calling her Mom; it makes me feel like she's my in-law," Medina complained, making Joey and Skylar chuckle.
"But she is," Irina defended with a pout.
"I don't mind being your in-law, Med." Skylar supported Irina, but her mind drifted to Vinencio's night routine. "I hope your night belongs to me too."
***
Text Message:
Skylar's Hubby: Meet me on the main street of Night Ave District at eight. NHMG 0110, a black Bentley will pick you up. Don't ask. You'll know once we meet. I love you. PS. Wear something less formal but comfy and you.
Like a wish granted, Skylar received a message from her husband. However, curiosity gets the best of her.
"Comfy and me?" Skylar thought while rereading the message before wondering what he was up to. "What's gotten into you, Hubby?"
Skylar couldn't hide the smile on her lips, but her heart was excited as it began beating hard against her chest, making her breathing hitch. She glanced at the wall clock in the living area, and it was past seven. She immediately stormed upstairs to be presentable.
It took her thirty minutes to figure out what to wear and another five to look good in simple apparel. She wore dark jeans that hugged her toned legs, a black turtleneck top, a crimson coat, and black one-inch ankle boots that were simple yet comfortable. But what made her look unusual was her hair cascading down and her eyes resting behind clear eyeglasses before she left the house.
"Med, I'm heading out to meet Vincencio. Make sure to secure our areas and watch for some changes around our targets." Skylar dropped a call to her secretary and beta before hailing a booked cab.
'Affirmative, and have fun.'
Arriving at the meeting place, Skylar heard the rumbling sound from the sky and sensed a familiar gaze fixated on her back. With defensive reflexes and high sensitivity, Skylar snapped at where it was coming from. She was scanning the area across the main street but found nothing. There was nothing aside from the crowd walking on the sidewalk and passing cars on the street. She sighed and ignored the heated gaze until the same one that Vincencio mentioned stopped in front of her.
"NHMG 0110…it has the same plate number." Skylar thought carefully before getting inside. "Do you have any idea where he's taking me?"
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but Sir Monsour told me not to say a word about it," the driver answered coldly, making Skylar nod.
"Are we talking about the same Monsour?" she wondered, watching the rain begin filling the road.
"Vincencio Saison-Monsour." He answered, taking a few glances from the rearview mirror.
"Good, because if you're lying, I could bury you alive." Without hesitation, Skylar bluntly warned when she noticed a gulp from the driver before adding, "I'm just saying."
It was not a long drive from the main street of the Night Ave District when the car stopped at the cozy diner café. The driver opened the door for her, and when Skylar came out, Vincencio was standing by the entrance, showing his charming smile before greeting her.
"You look comfy, Wifey." He praised and kissed her temple.
"You told me to." She responded and smiled over his sweet gesture before asking, "So, why all of a sudden did you invite me to dine with you outside?"
"Aside from not being in the mood to cook, I'm preoccupied with my night shift business, and I'm here to apologize for that. And like you, I can't easily drop it when the business has just started. So, to make up for those missing nights, let's date every night I'm not swamped." Vincencio sincerely explained his reason as they entered the cozy and simple restaurant.
"I understand, though; I do miss you, and I hope to cuddle with you again," Skylar admitted, longing for Vincencio's secure embrace.
"We can; we're married." He chuckled as his eyes flickered with adoration as they sat in their reserved private booth.
"You're right." She chuckled, agreeing to his comment before wondering about his business. "By the way, about your business, I could give a word to our clients and help you out."
"It's a shipping business, but as for now, we're doing limited local deliveries since we're still new at the business." He responded, holding her hands on the table like it was his lifeline.
"At least that's a good start. But tell me if you need my help." She smiled encouragingly, making him nod.
"I will. You'll be the first one to know." He teased but dearly kissed his wife's hands, making Skylar blush.
"That's good." Shyly, Skylar said, taking her hands back before adding, "Let's eat; I haven't eaten dinner yet."
"I know that's why we're here." He amusingly chuckled and called the waiter.
Their dinner date was filled with an exchange of playful banter, warming those nights they missed. Their casual conversations, whether serious or lighthearted, made it worthwhile. However, the way they look, smile, and hold each other conveys passion, contentment, warmth, and deepening affection that could last for years. Even their commitments and secrets faded into the background, leaving only their connection. They cherished time together, etching it into their memories.
"Hubby, can we stay like this forever?" Skylar asked softly, swaying in a slow rhythm playing on the small dance floor, surrounded by flowers and glass windows while the rain poured outside.
"We can. We'll grow old together. You can count on that, Wifey." With assurance, Vincencio responded and dearly kissed her temple as if making another vow.
"Sweet. I'm looking forward to that." She smiled but her eyes fluttered with tiredness until she yawned.
"Tired?" He guessed, and she nodded.
"Yeah, I had been having sleepless nights." She admitted as she leaned over Vincencio's chest, soothing her tense body.
"Sorry, I'm not there to secure you." He apologetically said, holding her close.
"Then come home." She insisted, pulling away and looking deeply into his eyes.
"Always will." He smiled sweetly and pecked her lips. Skylar smiled and kissed his lips one more time before they decided to end their dinner date.
***
Skylar had been dozing off as soon as they rode in the same car and entered her dream state. In her dream, she was used to darkness, but she found herself standing like a predator, staring down from the skyscraper until the scenery shifted. She was now in the moving car, taking the road of Neon Street, where danger started to creep her out, and then a jolt happened, making her wary of her surroundings.
"Be careful on your driving. It's pouring."
"Yes, sir."
"You're safe, wifey."
"Why sound nervous, Hubby?" Skylar wondered lazily, but she didn't hear any reply. Feeling Vincencio's tight hold, she knew something was up. However, her body felt heavy."Why can't I open my eyes or move my body?"
Then things got alerted when Skylar sensed incoming danger, which was later followed by the smell of blood. Vincencio's body tensed up and secured her body tightly.
"Turn left, and on the third block, turn right."
"On it."
"That's heading to Neon Street," Skylar thought while listening to her husband's guides. "What do you see out there, Hubby?"