Luc landedon Onyx’s roof, with Dex cradled in his arms.
Onyx tapped his foot, arms crossed, and scowling, but his pissy look cracked as Luc set Dex on his feet. “You didn’t say you were bringing anyone.”
“I’m not bringinganyone. I brought my mate.”
Onyx’s eyes widened. “You told him?”
“I’m right here.” Dex gave a breathy little laugh. “I guess that answers my question of whether everyone knew.”
Onyx turned to Nico, who waited patiently beside him, a smile breaking out on his face.
Luc’s heart constricted. Onyx was happy for him, overjoyed even.
A silent conversation seemed to pass between Onyx and Nico, and when their attention landed back on Luc, they were both grinning.
“I can change the name of the group chat back.” Onyx dug his phone out of his pocket.
Nico laughed. “That’syour first priority?”
“Shut up,” Onyx muttered without malice.
Luc didn’t ask.
“How are you feeling?” Nico asked Dex.
“Good.” Dex shifted closer to Luc, Nico’s attention following the movement.
“You’re bringing Dex to help?”
“Obviously.” Luc wrapped his arm around his mate. “Dex’s insight is key.”
Nico gave a small nod as if he approved, and Luc found it encouraging rather than an irritating reminder of judgment, as he might have before.
“Done.” Onyx pocketed his phone and flung himself on Dex, hugging him tight. “Welcome to the mate club.”
A surprised laugh burst from Dex, and he hugged Onyx back.
Luc’s cheeks ached from smiling so hard. Onyx may have never longed for his mate the way he had, but he clearly loved everyone’s mates as much as he loved his brothers.
They parted, and Onyx narrowed his eyes at Luc, a petulant growl filling the air. Then, like something snapped, Onyx flung himself on Luc and wrapped him in a crushing hug. If he’d been human, Luc would have popped.
“Stupid, miserable brother,” Onyx growled. “You better be happy.”
Luc ruffled Onyx’s hair, and his growl turned to a snarl. He lurched back, fixing his hair, his eyes burning.
Luc shook his head, warm fuzzy tendrils enveloping him. “Love you, brother.”
Onyx’s face softened, color creeping into his cheeks. He sniffed, his nose lifting. “You better. Let’s get going. Nico…” He turned and grabbed his mate, pulling him close before scooping the bigger man into his arms.
The warm fuzzies continued to spread. Onyx’s hug—his love—was a gift Luc hadn’t believed he’d receive again.
He gathered Dex into his arms, and they flew across the city. Luc could face any task with these men at his side.
“Didn’t think I’d ever be back here,” Luc said as he landed beside Onyx in a familiar courtyard.
“Right?” Onyx set Nico on his feet. “Seems rude to ask us to meet at the place he held us captive.”
“Captive?” Dex gripped Luc’s arm.
