Page 105 of Demon's Desire
Fuck. How was Onyx supposed to free them both on his own? “We aren’t your enemies,” he pleaded.
Valac remained unmoved. “There’s no guarantee you won’t turn around and imprison us again. Sounds like enemies to me.”
Luc went limp in his captors’ arms. Was it the collar, or was he playing it up? “Let Onyx go. Please. I’m the one who held you captive. He had no part in it.”
Valac rounded on the Devil. “Do you think I’m stupid? Your inner circle always had your back.”
“Because I forced them to,” Luc snarled.
Onyx’s pulse raced. Luc had never admitted his Hounds were leashed to anyone. He clung to the illusion that they were still a family above almost everything else.
Valac’s brows raised. “A likely story, but I’ll keep both of you, just to be safe.”
Onyx’s heart plummeted. Valac would never listen.
“Don’t wait for me,” Luc shouted, runes on the collar flaring bright red, likely absorbing any power he tried to use.
Without hesitation, Onyx darted to the other side of the courtyard, shooting lightning at Valac, who dodged expertly. This side wasn’t any better. There was no way out. Onyx flew, evading shots but getting nowhere.
Another lightning strike narrowly missed him. At least the shield of his, Ash, Dante, and Luc’s power hadn’t faltered. Was Luc using the little strength not drained by the collar to protect him? Onyx’s heart clenched. He couldn’t leave Luc behind.
Onyx would never let Luc die. Even if Luc had thrown Onyx to Valac to save himself. But he hadn’t done that. Luc was trying to spare him, and Onyx burned with hope.
Two more demons flew out of the building and zoomed toward Onyx. He darted away, scrambling to undo the spell caging the courtyard. He couldn’t help Luc if he was recaptured.
A bolt of lightning hit his shield. If they stunned him, he was toast. How long until they broke through his protection?
Onyx kept as much magic as he could spare, blocking their shots as he countered the containment spell, flying back and forth like a trapped fly, praying no one would catch him.
The mate bond tugged on his heart. Nico’s presence flared bright, sending an anxious determination down their connection. Onyx’s heart skipped, but he couldn’t think about Nico. He had to get out.
A boom sounded from the other side of the building. He was running out of time.
Valac swore and sped off toward the sound. The protective magic around Onyx flickered. He circled the courtyard, catching a glimpse of Luc, weak in his captors’ hold, his eyes half closed, but the other demons seemed distracted.
Onyx raced to undo the containment spell. The two demons not occupied with Luc seemed less worried about the noise and shot lightning toward him simultaneously. A hit found its mark, and Onyx’s shields faltered. Another blast struck, and every one of Onyx’s muscles froze.
He plummeted from the sky, crashing onto dry, packed earth.
“Stop!” bellowed someone who sounded a hell of a lot like Ash.
Onyx’s heart would have leapt if it hadn’t been healing.
“Put your lightning away and come have a conversation like civilized beings.”
Ash was so full of himself. No one would listen. Onyx would’ve rolled his eyes if he could have.
At last, Onyx regained control of his body and leapt to his feet. Burning with protective fire, Ash and Dante stood in the middle of the courtyard, Valac held between them.
Nico stood beside Ash, his gaze boring into Onyx, filled with love and fierce protection. His mate had come for him, facing demons without a shred of fear. Onyx had never felt so loved.
All around, everyone seemed frozen and unsure of what to do with Valac captured. The mating bond sparked, and a magnet seemed to pull Onyx toward his mate. Onyx forced himself not to give in and run to Nico. It could be a mistake to betray how much Nico meant to him. The last thing he needed was someone taking Nico hostage.
Nico might be here to save him, but Onyx had to protect his mate, too.
Footsteps thundered, and Onyx tensed, calling on his magic as more demons ran out of the building. Valac’s supporters snarled as Ren, Pamala, Lillian, and Maxwell joined Ash and Dante.
Onyx smiled and silently thanked Dante and Ash for calling backup.
