Page 78 of Demon's Desire
What would being that in tune with Onyx’s state of mind be like? His gut reaction was distrust. Being a mate was more intense than the sire bond between vampires and their children—a bond Nico had never wanted, partly due to its invasive nature.
But Nico had never loved Rowan. Never wanted more with him.
He wanted everything with Onyx, and bonded, Nico would be closer to Onyx than any other soul. A connection like that was beautiful. Not frightening.
“Don’t worry.” Harper put a reassuring hand on Nico’s forearm. “You don’t have to share your emotions all the time if you don’t want to. Ollie and Dante don’t. And you aren’t mated yet. You can always wait to complete the bond, if you want.”
“Why do you sound skeptical?”
“It’s not that I’m skeptical. The connection will grow naturally between you, now that it’s started. You’ll feel it more and more. And you’re not like Ollie, you’re familiar with magic, and even mates. It’s hard to imagine wanting to wait when it’s all right there in front of you.”
All that potential, ready for Nico and Onyx to seize. Nico had never been more excited about anything in his life.
20
ONYX
“We don’t needto protect my place,” Onyx said for what had to be the hundredth time as he, Ash, and Dante headed down a narrow street behind the waterfront, on their way to Ren’s apartment.
Ash grabbed his arm. “Luc broke into the gallery. He’ll break into your house.”
Onyx pulled from his grasp. “Then I’ll stay at work or with Nico.”
“Stay with Nico? Seriously? Why do you have to keep where you live secret?”
Onyx spluttered. “Yes, seriously. Why are you so angry that I won’t tell you?”
“Because it’s illogical,” Ash growled, cinnamon-spiced smoke tinging the air.
“Illogical? Big word for you. To be honest, at this point I’m keeping it secret to piss you off.” It wasn’t true. Onyx needed at least one piece of his human life to remain untouched.
“Fuck. Fine.” Ash threw up his hands. “I don’t care. I bet your house sucks. It’s probably over the top. Ugly. I bet you live in the suburbs.”
Onyx cracked up. He should have fumed, but Ash was unintentionally hilarious. It reminded Onyx why he wanted to like the oaf.
If only Ash had apologized instead of acting like he hadn’t called Onyx a traitor.
“Would you really stay with Nico?” Dante asked.
Fuck, Onyx hoped they’d gloss over that. “If Luc is after Nico, I should keep an eye on him.”
Ash’s steps faltered. “Luc thinks he’s your mate, doesn’t he?”
Onyx had left that part out when he’d told his brothers about the Devil’s visit to Gallery Four. “Who cares what Luc thinks. He didn’t think Harper was your mate and was wrong. Are you going to start taking Luc’s word for anything? Even you’re smarter than that, Ash.”
Dante grabbed both their arms and pulled them into the alley beside Ren’s building. “What happened at the gallery, Onyx? You said Luc broke in and threatened Nico, but I want the details.”
It had been a relief that Dante and Ash hadn’t pressed for more information earlier. They’d jumped into action to ensure Luc wasn’t getting into Nico’s building or the apothecary without a fight. Seemed Onyx’s luck had run out.
He explained, more or less, exactly what happened.
“He gave you your magic back?” Ash gaped at him. “How’d you forget to tell usthat?”
Onyx bristled. “I didn’t forget. It took me a while to realize that’s what he’d done.”
Dante stared at him unblinking. “And he said he wouldn’t hurt Nico?”
Ash grabbed Dante. “Who cares. We can’t believe him.”
