Page 64 of Demon's Mate
“That’s a good point.” Dante’s shoulders sagged like he was relieved to agree. “If he had an agenda, he’d have jumped at the chance to pull you back in.”
“Harper has been wary of me.” Ash averted his eyes,inspecting the countertop. “He has trust issues and seems reluctant to let me in at all. That isn’t how he’d act if he were trying to trick me into thinking we were mates.”
“No,” Dante agreed more firmly. “And it’s hard to imagine Luc enchanting a fake mate to trick you if the witch was completely clueless about what was happening. Luc wouldn’t leave that much to chance. He’s always preferred controlling every aspect of a situation. Involving a witch at all would be surprising, actually.”
“Oh, comeon.” Onyx glared at them both. “The timing is sus as fuck.”
Dante shrugged, his wings ruffling. “I’ve known Shearwater Landing was significant for a century. It’s not suspicious at all when taken in that light. It might not be ideal timing, but fate doesn’t play by our whims.”
Ash wasn’t sure what he’d expected of this conversation but he needed to get to the most pressing point before it completely derailed. “I told Harper I’m a demon,” he said in a rush. “It was the only way to show him he could trust me. I had to be the first to take the leap of faith.”
Onyx took a step back, eyes flaring. “We’ve never revealed ourselves.”
“But he’s my mate.” Ash tried to suppress the growl creeping into his tone. “I can’t explain how the mate connection works, but I knew it would be all right to tell him. It’s fate for us to be together. Harper isn’t the kind of witch who hates or worships us. He reacted well. He understood what me revealing myself meant.”
Dante nodded. “And he opened up to you?”
“Not completely.” Ash couldn’t help picturing how Harper had trusted him with his body. As much as he liked that, it wasn’t a complete comfort. “He needs time to get there.”
Onyx snorted.
Ash’s insides twisted, and he glared at Onyx.
“It’s a complicated situation,” Dante admitted. “Honestly, the only way I can imagine you revealing yourself is to your mate, Ash. I don’t doubt your judgment in trusting Harper. Maybe if we meet him, it’ll be easier for us to feel the same trust.”
Onyx threw up his hands, shooting daggers between them, and stormed out of the kitchen.
Ash hadn’t revealed himself in the right way, but of course, Onyx would latch onto his failure rather than try to understand what pushed Ash to go against their pact.
He averted his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
Dante stood and moved around the counter, placing a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “He’ll forgive you for revealing yourself.”
Ash snorted. “And you?”
“Already forgiven.” Dante squeezed Ash’s shoulder. “Your mate, Ash. This is wonderful. I’m so glad. After all this time.”
“It’s terrifying.” Ash met Dante’s steady gaze. “What if he doesn’t accept? I trust him not to betray us, but that doesn’t mean he’ll ever trust me enough to share himself and bond with me. What if something happens. There are too many unknowns.”
Dante rubbed his shoulder soothingly. “You’ll find a way. I know you will. And I’ll help in any way I can.”
Ash covered Dante’s hand with his. “Thank you, Dante. I don’t deserve you.”
“No, Ash. You deserve so much more.”
22
ASH
Ash leftSeaside Coffee carrying two drinks and a berry Danish and headed toward Harper’s apartment. Hopefully, his flower had a good night. Ash hadn’t come to watch over him after everything with Dante and Onyx, who he hadn’t seen since he stormed out.
He tried not to dwell on Onyx’s reaction as he walked through Harper’s neighborhood. He’d just have to smooth things over. Show Onyx there was no risk in opening their small circle to Harper.
Ash arrived at the apartment building and texted his mate.
Ash:
Fancy another coffee?
