Chapter 71: Heart of Gold (1)

At first, they laid in bed cuddling, just talking. As horny as they were, Tyler wanted to spend one on one time with Kass after what she experienced and wanted to know if she’d expand on the abuse she suffered and if anyone else ever hurt her. Deep down, he was satisfied with how he handled the situation, but now felt like he didn’t want to hurt people if he could avoid it. Kass picked up on Tyler’s change in emotion in the tone of his voice when they were talking about the tournament.

"Tyler...I love you, talk to me baby." Kass said, lying her head on his shoulder so she could look him in the eyes. He always turned to admire her beauty. He loved the uniqueness of her demonic eyes and her pink pupils. He felt like they pierced his soul, in a good way.

"How long was it going on for?" He frowned uncontrollably, unable to stay the positive, upbeat, loving person she knew. She liked seeing him vulnerable.

"It started before I met you. Tim and Blake would be at parties and one time I was really drunk and if Sophie wasn’t there, he probably would have forced me to sleep with him. I didn’t think I drank that much, she thinks they put something in my drink, I don’t know. I don’t drink often so I don’t want to accuse someone if I’m not certain. I should have been more careful."

"First of all, it is never your fault that someone tries to do something like that. Has anyone else?"

"No, never. I would te–" She was interrupted by a very passionate kiss from Tyler. "Ok, now what do you want tonight? It’s our special night and you get to choose."

Her face lit up with excitement.

"I want you to go back to the happy Tyler who isn’t so worried about me or us." She said with a cute smile. She saw him smile, but his eyes weren’t the same.

"Tyler, what’s really going on? It has to be more than just today."

"I found out Ash was actually cursed and the first child of Bahamut and Asura. He asked me if I considered marrying the four of you before the potential attack. I told him I’d just leave a will for the four of you and he said that wouldn’t be enough if there was an actual alien invasion or apocalypse and if something were to happen to me and we were married, you would split everything." Tyler sighed. "What if they actually come, Kass? I know we have the Eidolon realm and the new Asura blessing but what if I died?"

She didn’t know how hard those words were for Tyler to say. He’d died, right in front of the woman he loved his entire first life. Everything was perfect in his life again, just like it was on Earth before he died. Now, this new threat loomed.

’Marriage.’ He already knew that was in his future. How could he possibly explain that to them?

"Then ask me to marry you Tyler." Kass demanded, but in a very honest, sincere and loving way.

Before Tyler could respond, she said something that pushed him too far emotionally. He already poured his heart out once to them and Amanda said she was worthless.

"I’m not some noble vampire, I don’t have anything to leave to you." She frowned.

"Don’t say that. Please don’t ever say that again. I already lost my parents, marriage was always in my future the thought of losing you or Sophie, Amanda...Nyx." Tyler was crying. Kass hugged him.

’He’s just like me...so afraid but never shows it. Why did I get so lucky?! How did I get so lucky?!’

"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. What you told us all was so beautiful. You know I’m insecure deep down." She said while wiping his tears away with a smile.

"I think you need to bring the other girls in here before we have some fun ok?"

Tyler nodded. "Thanks Kass. I love you, I can’t lose you."

"You won’t. I can’t lose you either."

"You’re going to need rings buddy. Fortunately, I will be right back."

"WHAT?!" Tyler finally laughed and smiled. Ash was gone.

*****

"Hello my lovely parents. I am in need of those 4 rings please."

Bahamut and Asura smiled, each grabbing two little black boxes filled with four engagement rings, magically made for Tyler. Each was worth at least 500,000 credits on Vexarra, with an emerald, sapphire, pink diamond and ruby perfectly centered with material not found on any planet, only crafted by the gods. It was the most beautiful silver Tyler or his future wives would see, but since their last visit, the King and Queen made their priority ensuring the last summoner had the tools needed for his most difficult challenge yet.

"Thank you, these are beautiful. You work too hard mom, take a break once in a while?" Ash frowned.

"Seraphim, we’re just glad you’re under observation to finally have that curse lifted. Get back to Tyler and make sure he’s ok. He’s suffered enough loss in his life. They’ve narrowed it to five planets. It’s now a 20% chance."

"Fuck." Ash shook his head.

"Sorry son. You will get through this. Be well."

"Thanks dad. Enjoy the show and waterworks!"

*****

"What’s wrong with Tyler?" Sophie asked nervously.

"Just come, let him tell you."

"But it’s your night with him..." Amanda frowned.

"Fuck all that. I’ll fuck him silly afterwards to make him feel better and you all better do the same on your nights." Kass smirked.

"I did my job last night!" Amanda giggled. "I talked dirty for the first time, it was fun!"

"That’s fucking hot." Nyx laughed.

"Ok, let’s go." Kass laughed.

****

’The fuck is taking Ash so long? Oh, right. Time flows the same now for both of us. Where the hell is everyone else?’

"I can hear you birdbrain." Ash teased.

"You sneaky bastard, how the hell?!"

"I have my ways. The others are on their way. I brought you something."

"You really didn’t have to do that."

"Trust me, he had to do that." Vivian snickered, watching Ash float out and toss Tyler the black boxes.

He caught them awkwardly and immediately knew. He slowly opened each one.

"These are the most beautiful rings I have ever seen... your mom?"

"Yes. Bless you gods, this man is amazing!" Ash smiled.

"Tyler? What’s going on?" Amanda asked, watching Tyler quickly close a box, only to drop it as Ash darted back into his chest.

"Um, nothing. We’re good." Tyler blushed.

"See ya in a few Sophie." Kass smiled while grabbing Nyx and Amanda’s hands, walking outside the room.

"Were you crying?! Babe! What’s wrong?" Sophie immediately rushed to him, hugging him and running her hands through his hair.

Tyler exhaled. He knew why Kass made Sophie go first and he knew who would be walking through that door after her.

"The one marked S."

’I’m so underdressed and we’re in my fucking bedroom. I guess it’s’ not how and where, it’s what and why.’

He got on one knee, opened the black box and Sophie put her hands over her mouth, tears flowing from her eyes.

"Sophie Grace, will you please do the honor of marrying me?"