“Cuddly?” Onyx’s sharp tone cut through the night air.
Dex wrapped his arms around Luc. “Very cuddly.”
Luc flashed his fiery eyes at Onyx, who curled his lip.
“I’ll take your word for it. Now, hurry and get in here.” Onyx jerked his head toward the house. “It’s too cold for the non-demons to leave the door open.”
Luc ushered Dex inside, and Onyx shut the door behind them. The mates were huddled on the couch, looking at something on Harper’s phone, while Ash and Dante were occupied in the kitchen, pouring drinks.
“We’re all here,” Onyx announced, stealing everyone’s attention.
Luc’s face heated, and he gripped Dex’s hand. “Thank you for having me.”
“Eww, don’t be so stiff.” Onyx swatted his shoulder.
Luc cleared his throat. “My apologies, dear brother. Please forgive me for forgetting how to socialize.”
“Ugh. That was the stiffest shit I’ve ever heard.” Onyx shook his head, apparently giving up, and went to perch on Nico’s lap.
“You apologized like that just to bug him, didn’t you?” Dex whispered.
Luc flashed his mate a conspiratorial grin, his initial unease softening to something manageable. “What good is family if we can’t rile each other up?”
Dex laughed.
“Let’s grab a drink.” Ollie appeared at their sides and pulled Dex away. “Ash is practicing his mixology skills. You want one?” he shot over his shoulder to Luc.
“Why not?” He followed them into the kitchen.
The fact that Ollie could look at him at all was a miracle Luc might never get over. From what Dex had told him, Ollie was more interested in bringing the group together and spending time with Dex than focusing on how much Luc had hurt him. His determination to share everything with his best friend was admirable, but Luc’s guilt for hurting Ollie hadn’t been banished as completely as his guilt for falling to Earth.
Ash handed a drink to Ollie and Dex before catching Luc’s eye. “I made negronis. Want to try one?”
“Go on.” He accepted a glass and had a sip, rolling the liquid around on his tongue. “I don’t know what it’s supposed to taste like, but it’s not bad.”
Ash barked a laugh. “That’s better than Dante’s reaction, so I’ll take it.”
Dante flicked his tail. “How did you expect me to react? I don’t like alcohol, and that was the most bitter thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Ollie chuckled and had a sip. “Oh. That’s strong.”
“Yeah, I’m not having more than one of these.” Dex caught Luc’s eye, his cheeks flushing as a hopeful tendril of lust wound down the bond.
“Probably a good idea,” Luc agreed, sending his burning desire back. “Always smart to keep your wits about you.”
“I got a little too drunkonetime.” Dex huffed, his amusement taking the edge off his whining.
“At least Luc was there to take care of you.” Ollie’s gaze darted to Luc, then away.
Dex had told Ollie about the night Luc had found himdrowning his sorrows at Dorthy’s. As far as Luc could tell, there wasn’t much the two didn’t share. They’d become even closer over the past few months. Dex had confessed to Luc that he’d been holding back from Ollie and was glad to put that behind him, along with the heavy emotions that had caused him to withdraw in the first place.
“I’ll take drinks to Harper and Nico.” Ollie set his glass down and grabbed the tray that Ash had arranged with two more drinks.
“No, I’ve got it.” Dex took the tray from him and hurried off, giving Luc the moment he needed, but hadn’t asked for. Had Dex sensed it through the bond, or did he know him that well?
Likely both, and that gave Luc the courage he needed.
“Ollie, can I talk to you?” Luc asked before Ollie could follow Dex into the living room.
