“Why?” Dex asked, and all eyes turned to him.
“Rotten people don’t do good deeds.”
“He’s not rotten.” Dex’s voice didn’t waver, and pride filled Luc to the brim.
Pity transformed Valac’s stern face. “Do you even know who you’re standing beside?”
Dex wrapped an arm around Luc. “My mate.”
Valac’s eyes narrowed. “Is that supposed to sway me?”
Luc tensed. He was so tired. He’d schemed for so damn long and would be happy never to do it again. “I’m not here to sway anyone, and neither is Dex. You don’t have to help, Valac. I’d like to show that demons support everyone’s right to enter the Eternal Realm, but it’s more important to have vampires and witches make a stand. We’re doing this for them and for our mates, and because we want to.”
“I believe witches and vampires should enter the Eternal Realm,” Valac said, like he was offended Luc might think otherwise.
“Gee, thanks,” Nico said.
There was a tense moment of silence, where Valac looked distinctly guilty.
Rowan prowled forward, challenge hardening his features as he fixed a glowing stare on Valac. “Will you join us, or are old grudges too strong?”
Valac growled. “I told you, I stand for what’s right. Same as you. But I don’t believe the Devil does.” He jabbed a finger at Luc.
“Then let him prove it,” Dex said.
22
DEX
Dex arrived at Ollie’s with a large pizza, nerves eating away at him.
“Yes, you have food. Thank god.” Ollie pulled Dex inside like he couldn’t be happier.
“Bad hangover?” Dex asked, trying to relax.
“No, I don’t get them now that I’m bonded to Dante. But I’ve done nothing but game all day and seriously need to refuel.”
Ollie flopped onto the couch, and Dex set the pizza on the coffee table. Ollie didn’t hesitate to dig in.
“Dante’s not here?” Dex had expected him and Harper, but no one was around.
“He went home half an hour ago. We wanted to give Harper and Ash the day in the big house, but Harper will be home soon.”
“The big house?”
“Dante and Ash’s place. It’s this massive mansion in the nature reserve. Dante’s gaming room his unreal. We’ll have to show you.”
A mansion in a nature reserve seemed contradictory, butDex didn’t ask. Even if Luc didn’t have an evil lair, it seemed strange, lair-like living situations might be a demon thing.
“I’d be down to check it out. I still haven’t made it online with you and Dante. Text me next time and I’ll hop on.”
“Deal.” Ollie grinned around a huge bite of pizza.
Dex’s stomach was too twisted to eat. “I need to talk to you.”
“Sure.” Ollie wiped his mouth on one of the many napkins Dex had brought, and sat up straighter.
Fuck, he had to say it. No more fluffing around. “I’ve been seeing Luc.”
