Page 45 of Demon's Heart
Ollie shook his head. “I’m more of a savory treat person.”
“Noted.” Dante would organize a treat drawer for Ollie next to his and fill it with everything tasty he could find at the store.
“I like how normal this is.” Ollie gesturedbetween them and the food before reaching for another gummy. “I didn’t think I’d ever feel normal again, so thank you.”
Dante’s spine straightened and his hidden tail tingled. He hadn’t totally failed Ollie. “You’re welcome. It’ll all get easier, I promise.”
There was still so much to tell Ollie, like the fact that they were fated to be together. Dante had let it seem like the mating bond was something he could do with anyone, and while he hated being dishonest, it would have been too much to reveal being destined for each other. Dante had a bad feeling Ollie wouldn’t want to hear that.
This wasn’t how his and Ollie’s bond should have formed. Ollie should have had a choice. Hell, Dante should have had a choice. Lucifer had taken something from Dante and Ollie they could never get back, and all Dante could do was try to repair the damage.
“I’m sure it’ll get easier,” Ollie agreed with a heavy sigh. He patted his pockets and then seemed to remember he was wearing Harper’s clothes. “Where’s my phone? I should probably head home.”
Dante’s heart sank.Don’t go.
He held the words in. “It’s over here with mine.” He retrieved their phones from the coffee table, ignoring the bloody couch. He’d have to dispose of it when Ollie left.
The phones weren’t clean either. Dante grabbed a cloth and wiped them down before handing Ollie’s over.
Dante unlocked his phone, finding about a hundred missed calls from Ash. Fuck. Knowing he had to share what happened with Ash and Onyx ripped his heart open all over again.
“I’m going to book a rideshare,” Ollie said as he tapped on his phone.
Dante placed his device on the counter. “No, you can’t do that.”
“What?” Ollie snapped, eyes narrowing like Dante had said something unacceptable.
“Cars can’t get to my house,” Dante explained, unsure why Ollie had reacted with so much venom. “We’re in the reserve. The whole hill is shielded by magic and there’s no road access.”
“Oh.” Ollie’s cheeks pinkened and he lowered his phone. “I guess it makes sense for you to have a secret magic hideout.”
Dante had never seen it as a hideout, though he supposed it was. “I can fly you home. It’s no trouble.”
“Fly?” Ollie choked on the word. “No, it’s okay. I’ll go meet a car at the nearest street.”
Dante’s gut twisted. Was Ollie that eager to get away from him? “The nearest road is all the way down the hill. Please, let me take you there, at least.”
Ollie bit his lip. “Sure, that’s fine.” He stood from the stool. “Why do you live in the reserve anyway? Wait. Do you even work in conservation?”
“Not strictly speaking. I have a magical connection to the shearwaters. I’ll tell you all about it sometime, and we can still go see the birds if you want. I live up here to be close to their nests. This area is protected for them, not just me.”
Ollie seemed to like that, his skeptical expression softening. “I’d still love to see the birds, but not today. Not after…” His words faded.
Dante rounded the counter. “I know. I’m sorry our evening was ruined.”
Ollie looked up from beneath his lashes. “You don’t have to be sorry. What happened isn’t your fault.”
Dante appreciated that, but it was his fault, and he’d spend forever trying to make up for it.
“It wasn’t,” Ollie said more sternly. “You aren’t responsible for someone else’s actions, no matter what history you and Lucifer have.”
“I’ll still always be sorry this happened to you, Ollie. It was because of me you were at the beach. I wish I could take it back.” The sight of Ollie covered in blood, limp in his arms, filled Dante’s mind, and grief cut him open.
“Me too,” Ollie whispered. “I wish this never happened, but it did. And it’ll get easier, remember? We’ll be okay. Best friends forever.” He squeezed Dante’s hand, his touch fleeting.
Dante’s throat thickened. Would they be okay? He didn’t want to part from Ollie so soon but felt unable to ask him to stay.
Clearing his throat, Dante asked for all he felt he could. “If you need anything, will you call me? Please?”
