Ash huffed. “It must. But was it someone he was working with or someone who escaped on his coattails?”
“Someone couldn’t sneak out without Luc knowing. How is that possible?” It had to be someone Lucifer brought on purpose. Having an accomplice was entirely possible since they had no idea what Luc had been up to—sneaking around the city—other than stalking Ash.
“I’m not sure how someone could get through undetected. But if this demon is working with Luc, he wouldn’t have left them here when he fled back to the Realm of the Damned. That would mean giving up control, and we know Luc doesn’t do that.”
“Maybe not, but Luc’s plan didn’t exactly work out.” Dante grinned. “He left in a hurry.”
Ash’s lips twitched. “Yes, but do we really think he’d trust anyone enough to leave them here on their own for weeks?”
“Probably not.” Dante scanned the nests once more, the sea breeze ruffling his feathers. Could they really have a random demon on their hands? “If someone else got free, what are they doing sniffing around my birds if they aren’t working with Luc?”
“I don’t know. If it were me, I’d be as far from Shearwater Landing as possible. Whoever escaped had to know Luc was coming here. It can’t be a coincidence. Why risk getting discovered?”
Exactly. “They must be working together.”
Ash crossed his arms. “Or they’re after us too.”
A heavy feeling settled over Dante’s chest. “Fuck. In that case, we’ll have to find them first. Tracking them shouldn’t be hard now that you’ve sensed their magic.”
“I’ll get on it.” Ash stooped, picked up a small rock buzzing with power, and placed it in his pocket. “See you back at the house. We don’t have long until Onyx’sartthing.” He said artlike the concept was ridiculous. “At least we’ll be able to pin Onyx down and update him.”
“I’m sure Onyx will find a way to slip out of dealing with this.” Dante gestured to the nests. “He’s been avoiding me.”
Ash cocked his head. “Haven’t you been seeing a lot of him lately?”
“No, I’ve been out flying with the birds. Onyx keeps brushing me off. That’s why I insisted we go to the show tonight.”
“It wasn’t because you wanted to see Ollie?” Ash’s eyes flamed and he pumped his eyebrows.
Dante’s insides burned. “Wanting to see Ollie is why I suggested you invite Harper.”
“Good call, brother.” Ash grinned and launched into the air, hovering for a moment. “Don’t linger too long. You’ve got to get ready. Hopefully, I’ll have a location before we go.”
He flew off, leaving Dante on the outcropping.
Get ready, how? He couldn’t dress up for Ollie. Wouldn’t that seem weird? From what Dante had read online, modern dating was very informal.
Dante’s tail flicked restlessly, mouth dry at the prospect of seeing Ollie again. At least his heart wasn’t aching. Yet.
Dante passedon a message to his flock, telling all the birds to nest within the reserve for their safety, and asked them to be on the lookout for the new magic he’d sensed but not actively search for it. Risking his birds was unnecessary when he and Ash could hunt the demon down.
Returning home, Dante showered and got dressed. Since he and Ash were flying to the gallery, he hadn’t planned to put hisshirt on until they were there, but that left him stuck, staring at options.
Did Ollie like red? Did Dante even look good in red? What about green? Would carrying the shirt wrinkle it too much? Shit, it’d be ruined, and he’d look scruffy, even by casual standards.
Ash stuck his head through the bedroom doorway. “I’ve got a location.”
Dante turned away from the shirts. “Already?”
“They aren’t doing a lot to mask their location. I’ve picked up something near the waterfront.”
“Should we check it out now?” Dante ran a hand through his hair. He had his horns away so it wouldn’t dry funny around his forehead where they poked out.
“Let’s talk to Onyx first. I don’t want to make a move without him again. Unless it’s an emergency.”
“Okay. I’ll tell the birds. Unless you want eyes on the location, it might be best for them to stay away.”
Ash nodded. “We don’t want to give away that we’ve found whoever this is, so it’d be best for the birds to steer clear. I’ll keep half a mind on their location while we’re out in case they head off somewhere.”
