“Is that allowed?”
“That depends.” He leaned back in his chair, red eyes catching the flickers from the fire. “Do you wish harm on me or anyone in my realm?”
“No. Of course not.” I fidgeted. “You may be at war with Bremloc, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be civil to each other. Be nice to us, and we’ll be nice to you. Simple as that.”
Onyx stared at me in silence. Seemed like he was dissecting every inch of me. “You remind me of someone.”
“I probably just have one of those faces,” I said, my nerves not masked at all. Damn strong family genes. “I’m always reminding people of someone’s brother, son, friend, or a distant cousin twice removed.”
“Perhaps.” His gaze burned into mine. And damn if I could look away. He was elegant and lean but radiated a raw masculinity. One that caused a little jolt in my gut.
The side door opened, followed by the creak of a cart as it was pushed into the room. Thank god. Saved by the dinner bell, er, creak.
“Apologies for the delay,” Fane said, joined by two other demons I didn’t recognize, both of them female. “The potatoes needed more time to cook.”
“No apology needed,” Onyx told him.
I lightly nudged Lake and said under my breath, “First apples. Now, mashed taters and gravy. It’s all coming true.”
He cleared his throat. “As our captain often says… behave.”
“I always behave.”
He tossed me a look that claimed otherwise.
“Dinner is served.” Fane placed a platter in the center of the table. Racks of herb-crusted lamb on a bed of leafy greens.
A female demon with wavy, blonde hair set out roasted baby red potatoes and asparagus, while the other filled our goblets and sliced the loaf of bread. Steam wafted from it. Fresh from the oven.
Onyx thanked them and sent them on their way before focusing on me. “I hope lamb is to your liking.”
“Never had it, actually, but it looks great.” Before coming to Bremloc, living paycheck to paycheck hadn’t given me much wiggle room for expensive meals. I had lived vicariously through the chefs on cooking shows.
“I love lamb.” Lake’s hungry gaze landed on the meat, and his fluffy tail wagged once with excitement. My heart nearly burst. “Haven’t had it in quite some time. Not since I was a young pup.”
Probably not since his dad had died. The reminder had me pressing closer to him.
“Eat as much as you like,” Onyx said.
My sweet wolf needed no more coaxing. He gave me two thick and meaty lamb chops before piling his plate, practically salivating. I didn’t eat right away; I was too intrigued by him. He tore into the lamb with an animalistic enthusiasm, chomping and growling under his breath as he chewed.
It was a side I hadn’t seen yet. More than likely a side he didn’t want me to see, where his inner wolf rose to the surface. But it only endeared me to him even more.
When I finally took a bite, a rich and earthy flavor burst on my tongue. It tasted a bit gamey but mildly sweet too. Lean and juicy with an herb crust that gave it a slight crunch. The tender meat went down easy, and after finishing one chop, I dove in for a second.
“Delicious, isn’t it?” Lake asked me with a smile. Juice glistened on his lips.
“Very.” I fought the urge to lean in and lick those lips. He was way more delicious than anything that could be made in a kitchen. Certainly wouldn’t mind taking a bite out of him later.
“I’m pleased you’re enjoying it,” Onyx said from the head of the table. He ate a lot more elegantly than we did, using a fork to cut his lamb instead of just biting into it and ripping it off the bone. “The potatoes are nice as well. You should try them.”
I paused in my chewing. “Are you trying to fatten us up?”
Lake almost choked.
Onyx flashed a half smile. “You’d do well with more meat on your bones.”
“So I’ll taste better? Juicier?”
