He could whisk Dex away and pleasure him senseless, then mate him, and keep him forever.
If Dex truly was his mate, Luc couldn’t let him slip from his grasp. Four thousand years was too long to miss his chance now. He could go a step further, bind them together, and explain later. That way, Dex would be his, and it could never be undone.
The smoldering around Luc’s heart flared painfully.
It was wrong—immoral and selfish—but keeping his mate captive until he accepted the truth was a guarantee. Luc wouldn’thave to hope for Dex’s acceptance. Being fated meant they would work out in the end, no matter what. Dex would want to be Luc’s. And Luc could always use magic and illusion to ease the way.
Shame doused the fire around his heart and sent a shiver through him. Was he really considering kidnapping Dex and forcing him to fall in love? Luc couldn’t cheat his way through this. Even contemplating it proved how unworthy he was. Manipulating Dex wasn’t love.
And Luc wanted real, pure love more than anything.
Not that he deserved it. But if he was so unworthy, why would he find his mate now? Why was he being given this chance after everything?
Was he worthy?
Not likely. But the more he considered, the more Luc acknowledged that capturing Dex and forcing him to bend to his will wasn’t anything more than a fantasy, one in which Dex’s cooperation was key to the allure. Dex, his willing captive. Anything else was revolting.
No, Luc wasn’t seriously considering forcing anything on Dex. He was just scared.
Dex returned to his seat with another beer. “I didn’t see this on tap when I first came in. I love a sour.” He sipped his new drink. “So good on a hot day.”
Luc smiled, his bitterness and shame cracking and falling away. He could do this the correct way. When Dex’s gaze held his, he didn’t doubt himself.
A tether seemed to form between them, reeling Luc in. Fuck, they really were mates. This could be nothing else.
Dex is my mate.Mine.
Fire turned to light within the depths of Luc’s soul. It burst forth, setting his hidden wings and tail tingling. It was happening. Luc was with his mate at last—four thousand years ofheartache were at an end—and for the first time since Luc could remember, hope felt good.
It wasn’t poison. It was life.
“I’ve never had a sour beer,” Luc admitted, trying for something to say that wasn’t completely unhinged.
“Here.” Dex slid his glass along the bar.
Luc had a sip and pursed his lips. “I’m not sure about that.” He grimaced, handing the drink back.
“It’s not for everyone.” Dex took the glass, his fingers a hair away from touching Luc’s.
Luc needed more. To be closer. He turned in his seat, facing Dex in a mirror of his position, their knees brushing momentarily. “You said you work as a barista. Do you enjoy it?”
“I do.” Dex lifted his chin like his statement was a challenge.
“I’m glad.”
“You’re not asking what Ireallywant to do?”
Luc didn’t understand. “Why would you want something else if you enjoy your work?”
Dex huffed. “I don’t know. People always assume it’s a temporary job, like everyone has to aspire to work in an office.”
“I’d never work in an office.” Luc would die of boredom before he figured out what humans did in offices all day.
In some respects, he was knowledgeable about the modern human world, even though he’d been in the Realm of the Damned for a thousand years, but in other respects, current human society was baffling.
Dex rolled his eyes. “Of course you wouldn’t if you don’t need a job to begin with.”
That was true enough. “Tell me more about your work. I assume you like coffee?”
