Dex’s vision blurred, his throat too thick to speak.
“I hope I’m not making everything harder for you.”
Dex cleared his throat. “You aren’t. I’ve been thinking about them a lot. And—and now you’re saying my parents are in an Eternal Realm. I’ll see them again?”
Dante squeezed his shoulder. “Human souls aren’t the same in the Eternal Realm as they are on Earth, but I’d say your parents will likely wait for you before entering the sacred process of moving on.”
Dex burst into tears, huge choking sobs coming out of nowhere, his entire body shaking. Ollie hugged him tight, holding him as his knees went weak. Dex clung to him, his fingers digging into Ollie’s back. Dante’s grip on his shoulder didn’t falter. They held him firm. Held him through it.
This had to be the greatest gift anyone had given him. Hoperipped Dex into pieces, the pain so overwhelming it was impossible to do anything but feel.
He hadn’t been religious like his mom. He’d gone to church when he was young, but when his parents had died, he hadn’t been able to make himself believe they still existed somewhere.
“Thank you,” he sobbed into Ollie’s ear. “Thank you.”
5
LUCIFER
Pickings were slim in the housing market in the Banks, where Dex lived, especially when Luc ruled out all the cramped apartments that wouldn’t accommodate his wings.
He decided to make do with a recently renovated warehouse in the adjacent neighborhood. Having his own building was ideal, and pretty much essential once he and Dex consummated their mateship. Luc intended to make the sweet young man scream.
His pleasure would echo through the loft nicely.
Luc refused to admit he’d copied Onyx. His brother wasn’t the only demon allowed to live in a loft. Besides, Luc’s new home was located in the Docks. Onyx was in the South Banks. They were completely different neighborhoods.
Sitting on his new bed, Luc tipped his face toward the sun streaming through the high-set windows. Dex’s lips haunted him. Sweet and soft, and oh-so adept. Where else on Luc’s body might he like to put his mouth? Luc intended to map every inch of Dex with his.
But he wouldn’t be fucking Dex tonight. Luc wouldn’t go further than kissing. Not until Dex knew.
Luc deserved a medal for his restraint.
If his brothers were aware of how well he was treating his mate, maybe they’d give him a chance. Though probably not. He was sure his intentions were selfish deep down. Luc wanted to do right by Dex, but only so long as it led to him accepting the mating bond.
Luc had to reveal his being the Devil in the most appealing way. Before their relationship went too far, but not before Dex was attached and willing to continue what they’d started.
It was a delicate balance. Nothing had felt so fragile in Luc’s life. This was his chance to share his side of the story, reveal his mistakes as he saw them before judgment was cast.
Luc’s phone vibrated in his pocket, and his heart skipped. Was Dex messaging about their date? Hopefully not to cancel. Luc hurried to unlock the phone.
No. The text wasn’t from Dex.
Unknown:
This is Onyx.
Luc saved the number, his fingers trembling, which was absurd.
So, Ash and Dante hadn’t poisoned Onyx against him. What fucking luck. This was all he needed. A chance. He could work with this. Maybe in time, he’d have his mate and brothers.
Luc called Onyx. The phone rang and went to voicemail. Luc hung up, scowling.
Onyx had texted less than a minute ago. Why hadn’t he picked up? Luc called again. And again.
“What?” Onyx snapped, answering at last.
“You texted me.”
