Page 92 of Demon's Heart
“He may have an attitude, but Ash doesn’t think he’s better than anyone.” If anything, it was the opposite. At least Harper seemed to have reminded Ash he was worthy of love.
“Whatever.” Onyx flicked his wrist, sending a splash of water toward the birds. “You were agreeing with me, remember? Go back to that. It was more fun.”
“I was having a conversation with you, not agreeing for the sake of it. It’s not like I’m opposed to teasing Ash now that he’s got hearts in his eyes rather than flames.”
Onyx snickered. “And how’s your little mate?”
Dante nearly melted all over the rock.His mate. “Good. Ollie’s come around to the idea of fate, and he’s not so frightened of everything. He’s opened up to me, and I think he’s happy.”
“Aww.” Onyx pinched Dante’s cheek.
Dante swatted him away. “What was that for?”
“You’re so red. The heat coming off you is going to give me a sunburn.”
Dante swiped a hand over his face. “Shut up.”
“I’m guessing coming to terms with magic and all that jazz isn’t all that’s making your little mate happy.”
Dante sniffed. “I have no idea what you’re implying.”
Onyx laughed, scaring a nearby bird, who flew off with a squawk. “Sex, Dante. I’m implying that sharing orgasms makes your mate very happy.”
Dante mumbled something unintelligible, even to him.
Onyx tipped his head back, eyes closed. “Congrats on ending your dry spell. I’m surprised you’ve left the bedroom so soon.”
“Mating isn’t all about that.” Dante’s face got impossibly hotter. “I’m building a relationship with Ollie. We have a lot more to work out than my pent-up sex drive.”
Onyx elbowed him. “Hey, look at me. I know. I’m just being me about it. I’m overjoyed for you, Dante. Okay? I want you to be even mushier than Ash. Fuck, I want you to get human married so I can cry at the ceremony. I gave up on mates, and being wrong is the best thing that’s ever happened. Especially if it meansyouwere right all along.”
There was a beat of silence like they were both stunned, and then Dante wrapped a wing around Onyx and pulled him close. “Love you, brother.”
Onyx ruffled his wings, folding them more tightly so he fit better in Dante’s embrace. “Love you too, you big softie.”
Dante wanted to tell Onyx he’d be next. His mate was out there. Would that comfort or hurt him? Renewed hope in finding their mates didn’t mean Onyx’s fated love was around the corner.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to wait much longer. He needed more love in his life, someone he didn’t feel the need to keep outside his walls.
“How long is this going to take?” Onyx asked abruptly, all tenderness gone. “Ash better be back first thing in the morning.”
“I’m sure he will be.”
“I’ll enjoy the excuse to harass him if not.”
That first daywas otherwise uneventful. Dante allowed the birds to nest in the reserve at night so they could all sleep and any demon watching wouldn’t be suspicious of completely strange behavior. Onyx stayed in one of Dante’s guest rooms and—much to Onyx’s annoyance—didn’t need to remind Ash about his shift in the morning.
Onyx returned promptly that afternoon like he was glad to help, or at least glad to spend time with Dante.
It was nice to fly and spend idle time together. Something had shifted between them, and hopefully, Dante would see more of Onyx without having to push so hard.
But after three days of nothing, Dante was restless. What if there was no rogue demon other than Ren? Or if there was,what if they’d moved on? Maybe whoever killed his birds never cared about finding him.
“That one is such a little shit.” Onyx pointed at a slightly larger shearwater as he and Dante hovered next to the group. “He never does anything but prester the others.”
“I think they’re playing. He’s mischievous and never wants to let up.”
“Hmm.” Onyx flew around the birds to get a better look. “Doesn’t mean he isn’t a little shit.”
