King Vinícius  watched as many humans sneered at his feet, while others turned away in fear. This village in particular was nasty, figuratively and literally. They were trapped in old ways, killing his kind for no good reason other than hatred and resentment.

The rest of the country was flourishing with the times. Businesses were booming, people were fed and working, with money to spend in their pockets. This village was a problem for no reason, and one of the lasts of its kind.

He had a meeting with the village "leader", and it was ugly. They weren't compliant, and he knew he'd have to get royal government in there fast. People shouldn't be hungry, homeless, or fearful of one other.

He stalled his horse in the middle of the marketplace. A soft, sweet smell reached up to caress his nose, lingering in the air, and urging him to follow like a taunting embrace.

It was so nice and warm, completely polar to his personality. There was another scent with it, a similar smell but not like the first. It was just of a demon child.

The first smell encouraged him to slowly follow it as his men trailed behind him.

It was time to find what he had been looking for since the day he became of age.

The dusty road seemed to go on forever, before his nose forced him to turn sharply off of the path into the woods.

It was late. The moon was high in the sky, and he could feel hope bloom in his chest at the sight of the small, temporary tent that looked like it provided no shelter.

He was about to go in, the scent strong and fresh, but it continued deeper into the dense trees. Were they running from him?

He was disappointed, but he understood. The town was ruthless, she might have done something to gain attention. He continued on.

The temperature dropped steadily, even he could feel it. He worried about her (or him) deeply. He hoped they had the proper clothing and shoes.

Vinícius and his men trekked onward. He knew they were all exhausted, and they had quite a ways home, but he couldn't stop when he was so close.

Finally, they approached a large tree, and soon appeared a beautiful, lean woman, with large doe-like eyes that glimmered in the moonlight. He felt mad at himself for waking her up in her slumber, but it was freezing out and she was not dressed for the weather at all.

There was something wrong.

Her cheeks were sunken in. She was so incredibly thin, she was starving.  Her body was shaking so badly, she teetered unsteadily on her feet, but that wasn't all. The demon child was with her.

Forget that. This was his mate, the one he had been waiting for, dreaming of since forever.

He wrapped into a warm embrace, feeling at ease just for a moment when her shaking stopped, but she was quick to pull away.

"You're my mate," he said to her, looking into her eyes for any kind of belief, but found very little.

He knew he was intimidating, that his title was intimidating, being a demon (with red eyes at that) was also intimidating, but he'd build her trust. First, he needed to get them warm and safe.

He wrapped her in his cloak, worried that the weight would knock her over.

When she gripped his hand, laced their fingers, and met his eyes for the first time, he was gone. He couldn't wait to get to know her.

She tugged him gently, guiding him to the child that sat wide awake and fearful behind the tree. It was obvious she had no partner. A man's job was to care for a lady, and judging by the ratty blanket and the fact they had no solid home was enough evidence for him to realize the two were off by themselves. He would care for the child like she were his own.

"I thought you were gone, Pia," the child sobbed, hugging her tightly.

"I'm not going anywhere," she soothed. "I'm Pia and this is my sister, Adalie," she murmured, her voice like silk. Soft and sweet. They were such beautiful names, perfect for the pair in front of them.

His anger cooled into pride when she said sister, for she must have sacrificed so much to accommodate and care for a child. He would care for them both. Neither of them would ever worry.

"My name is Vinícius," he said, trying to keep his voice soft. He didn't want to scare Adalie.

Ada sniffled, pulling away to look at him with question. "Your eyes.." she whispered shyly.

"Unique. Like yours," he told her gently, gaining two small, pretty smiles.  "I have a place for the two of you to rest and keep warm for our journey home."

He walked them to his carriage, a place where he slept when he didn't want to ride his horse any longer. He made a neat pile of blankets and pillows to suffice as a mattress.

Vinícius knew they were nervous. After years of running, how was he to expect her to just have faith that he would not hurt them? How do you make someone who's had to fight for everything believe that neither of them would ever have to want for anything?

He saw the stress and worry that marked her young features. Life had not been good to them, but he'd show them. He had to learn too.

"What about your cloak?" Pia asked, reaching to take it off, but he stopped her. "You'll be cold on your horse without it."

He grasped her small hand in his and gave her a smile, "Share it with Adalie, you might get cold if you fall asleep."

She looked unsure, but nodded. It made him happy that she was worried about him.

"Goodnight," he whispered, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, gaining another beautiful smile. Adalie was already fast asleep in the warm blankets.

It was time to go home.