Page 66 of Craving Demons

Wow. I’d forgotten how much I’d admired this man. I was so very thankful he was back in my life as his whole self.

Donny turned to the guys. “Do I address you as ‘Your Highness’ or what?”

“Our names are fine,” Grey said evenly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He strode across the room and shook Donny’s hand firmly.

“Yeah, if you helped raise this little hellion, then I’m impressed. Fen’s the name,” Fen said, also going over to shake Donny’s hand. I wasn’t sure what I thought about being called a hellion, even if it was an accurate description.

“Ramsey.” He stayed where he was, all prideful and prickly.

“Thank you,” Donny said and returned to his computer. “Oh… there it is.” He gave a low whistle. “Apparently my little account has done better than expected these last twenty years.”

I rose, curious, and went to see what he was looking at. “More than two hundred and fifty million?” I asked before I saw the screen. And when I did see the account info my jaw hit the floor. “Three hundred and eighty-seven million? Fuck me.”

“Yeah, there’s no way Mammon is going to let nearly four hundred million slip out of his control,” Ramsey said with a heavy sigh.

“I should have known there was a catch to the high interest rates, and no-questions-asked set-up for these accounts,” Donny said. “So, what do we do?”

“If you three come with Donny and me to get the money, would that help?” I suggested. “Mammon may be powerful, but I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on all three of you.”

They all beamed at me, even Ramsey.

“Yeah, Mammon wouldn’t have a chance going toe-to-toe with me,” Ramsey said. “There’s no way greed wins over strife in a flat-out fight.”

“You’re forgetting Nemain,” Grey said. “Didn’t she once best you in one of those underground fights you’re so fond of?”

Ramsey grunted. “Once, in the three times we’ve fought. Only once.”

“And that was in a — mostly — fair fight. I have a feeling she won’t be fighting fair if we’re on her home turf,” Fen added. “Still, Ana has a point, if all three of us go, I can’t imagine Mammon would cross us.”

“Then it’s time to expand your imaginative horizons,” Grey said. “He’ll double-cross anyone for enough money. Still, I think that’s the best plan. We can go tomorrow, first thing. And let’s all pray to our respective fathers for a bit of luck.”

Fen scoffed. “My dad’s luck is usually bad.”

Everyone agreed on the plan, though.

The guys left, but not before I’d had a moment with each of them. Grey kissed me passionately and told me not to worry. He also said he was looking forward to taking me to see one of his shelters.

Fen whispered his adoration into my ear as he nibbled on it and said he desperately wanted to see me again. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever met who can both bring out my wolf and tame it. You’re amazing, and I’m hooked. I need more.”

That made heat simmer in my core, even as a calm contentment settled over me.

“Tonight,” Ramsey said. “I’ll show you what a real man can do.” That sent shivers down my spine and brought the simmering heat to a boil.

“They seem nice,” Donny said after they’d left.

I gave my uncle a big hug, squeezing him tight. “It’s so good to have you back.” I tried not to cry onto his shoulder and failed. I could never thank Freyja enough for this.

He hugged me softly. “I was never gone, just… part of my mind was on vacation. But I’ve always been here for you.”

“I know,” I said, sniffing back tears and pulling back to arm’s length. “I’ve got a job now, and I’m working on becoming independent. I’m also a sex demon, but I’m working on controlling that too. I’m off men… well mostly… somewhat… sort of. Being a sex demon makes it hard to go off men entirely. The hope is to take some time to figure out who I am. I still have no clue, but I’m working on it.” After that, I spewed everything that had happened in the last ten or so years at him.

We sat and he listened contentedly. At the end of it all, he said, “I always knew you were extraordinary. I wouldn’t have put my finger on sex demon specifically, but I suppose that makes sense. I know you’re destined for great things. You’ve just had trouble applying yourself. It sounds like you’re doing your best now. I’m happy for you.” And I cried again then.

By that time, it was getting on in the evening and my date with Ramsey was coming up. Luckily, I didn’t need to do much to prepare. I was already dressed casually and that’s what he’d wanted. I just dabbed on a bit of makeup to hide that I’d been crying. When he swung by at eight, I was ready, feeling buoyant and far better than I had in a long, long time.

ANAIS

Dinner waschili dogs from a street vendor. I was a bit surprised by this, but even more surprised at how amazing those chili dogs were, and I moaned all the way through the foot-long delight.

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