Page 95 of Demon's Mate
“No.” Ash squeezed Harper, nuzzling his cheek.
They watched Dante deal with the crowd, who all meekly returned to work or drove off like nothing had happened.
“I’ll drag this away and cast an illusion over it.” Dante gestured to the ruined vehicle beside them. “We can get rid of it later.”
Once that was done, Dante picked up the limp Arthur.
“Let’s get you home, sweet.” Ash hoisted Harper into his arms.
Harper wrapped his arms around Ash’s neck and pressed their foreheads together. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Ash rubbed his nose against Harper’s, his spiced scent soothing. Harper closed his eyes and Ash launched into the air.
They flew to the apartment building. Dante hovered above the building, holding Arthur, as Ash landed. He was likely trying to give them some privacy.
“How did you know I was in trouble?” Harper asked as Ash carried him inside and down the stairs.
“The mating bond.” Ash opened Harper’s front door and slipped inside. “Dante and I suspect it’s started forming, even though we haven’t fully mated. I knew you were hurt when we found you with Luc. Feeding you my blood to heal you must have strengthened the connection even further.”
Ash set Harper down on the couch, an agonized look bringing countless worry lines to his face. “I could feel you calling for me.” Ash’s voice broke, and he stroked Harper’s cheek like it was the most delicate thing in the world.
“I was so scared.” Harper shivered as an echo of fear washed over him. “Logically, I knew you’d find me before we got back to Colorado, but he might not have waited to hurt me. What he was going to do to me was…” Harper couldn’t finish.
Ash let out a strangled whine. “What he was planning was evil. I’m so sorry, Harper. No one deserves that, especially from their father.”
Harper clenched a fist. “I don’t care that he’s my father. I just want him gone.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Ash said without judgment. “He won’t ever bother you again. Will you be okay here while I dispose of him?”
Relief swept over Harper. “I don’t know. Are we sure Lucifer can’t get into the building?” Harper didn’t want to go with Ash while he dealt with his father, but separating wasn’t easy after what had just happened.
“Yes, I’m sure. Now that Luc’s illusion is broken, he won’t be able to get in without penetrating my defenses, and he can’t do that stealthily or quickly. The only place safer than this building is Dante’s house, but I’ll get the other two to strengthen the protections here so both will be equally guarded from now on.”
Harper clenched his hands. “Okay, good.”
Ash sat on the couch and took Harper’s hand. “I can stay. Dante will take care of your father if I ask. He won’t mind.”
Harper rubbed his thumb over Ash’s knuckles. “Will you be gone long if you go?”
“No. I want this over and done with.” Ash’s gaze hardened. The look might have terrified anyone other than Harper, but Ash would never turn his power against him.
Harper was safe and cared for. An unexpected calm settled over him.
“You should go. I want you to ensure it’s taken care of, but come right back.” Harper gave Ash a small smile. “I think Ollie will be home soon. So maybe don’t come in with your wings out.”
Ash chuckled. “Sounds like a plan.” He rose from the couch. “Be back soon.”
Harper couldn’t quite put into words why Ash had to be the one to finish his father. He just needed it to bethis way. Maybe he couldn’t bring himself to ask Dante for something like this, no matter how much the demon might willingly do for him. Dante cared. There was no doubt about it.
Harper’s heart clenched.
Hopefully, Dante found his mate. Harper was so lucky to be Ash’s fated love, especially when being a mate gave him so much more than a partner. With so many years ahead of him, Harper was sure he’d love Dante like a brother one day. Onyx too. They deserved a future where they all had their mates. That way, they could be one big family.
A real family. The kind Harper had always longed for.
30
ASH
