Nico would always be there for him. Maybe his brothers would too. Trust between Onyx, Ash, and Dante could be rebuilt.
 
 “You’re our brother, and it has nothing to do with Lucifer,” Ash promised.
 
 Onyx bit his lip. “I believe you, and I’ll try to be more upfront.”
 
 Ash seemed pleased, leaning back and relaxing. “Good. So will we, and while we’re on the subject, stop acting like I’m dumb.”
 
 Onyx’s gut twisted. “Sorry. I didn’t think you cared about my jokes.”
 
 “For the most part, I don’t, but enough is enough. You know, I’d never tolerate your insults if I didn’t love you. You should have figured that out.”
 
 Onyx choked on a laugh. “Seems I’m not as clever as I thought. I’m sorry. I’ll stop. But you’re still overly muscled, and if you’re going to show off, I’m going to call you out.”
 
 Ash flexed. “Damn right about that.”
 
 They all laughed.
 
 Harper threw an arm around Ash. “I like when you showoff.”
 
 “I know you do, sweet.” He planted a kiss on Harper’s cheek.
 
 “You guys are too cute.” Ollie stood and repositioned on Dante’s lap.
 
 “Like you aren’t,” Harper taunted.
 
 Onyx spun in Nico’s lap and buried his face in Nico’s neck. All of them together, mated, was too much. He never imagined this was possible. He had almost everyone he’d ever needed.
 
 Nico cradled him close, soft, loving tingles wafting off him in soothing waves.
 
 Onyx wasn’t afraid to be this happy, this hopeful, and that was a first. Hope had always hurt. Not anymore.
 
 “Are you ready to join the family?” he asked Nico.
 
 “I’m already in it, little butterfly. There’s no one I’d rather be surrounded by for the rest of time.” He kissed Onyx’s nose, brown eyes shining with affection.
 
 “Aww, you two are cuter than me and Ash,” Harper cooed.
 
 “They so are,” Ollie agreed.
 
 Onyx reluctantly peeked from Nico’s protective hold. “Don’t be fooled, little mates. I’m still trouble.”
 
 “I’m counting on it.” Harper grinned like he couldn’t wait to see what trouble Onyx would bring into his life. He grabbed a container and held it out. “Sandwich?”
 
 Onyx took one for Nico, then himself. “Not bad for a first family meal, but let me organize the next one.”
 
 Ash cleared his throat. “I’ve already claimed our next meal. With more time, I can cook a lot better than this.”
 
 “All right.” Onyx waved him off. “But I’ve got the one after. Dante isn’t allowed to plan family meals, or we’ll be stuck eating candy. Ollie, you’re in charge after me.”
 
 Dante pulled his mate close. “Ollie is more than aware he’s the one in charge.”
 
 Ollie gave Dante a sly smile.
 
 “No surprise there.” Onyx caught Nico’s eye. “Can you believe they thought Ollie’s human friend Dex was my mate? He couldn’t handle me.”
 
 “No, that’s my job.” Pleasure sparked down the bond.
 
 Ollie frowned. “You and Dex wouldn’t be compatible, but I really wish he had a mate. Maybe one of the other demons will claim him.”