“I know.” He pulled Ollie into a hug. “You’ve helped me so much. Asking for more was too hard.”
“Then I’m especially glad you have a mate.”
Dex hugged him tighter. “Even Lucifer?”
Ollie pulled back, biting his lip. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes. He’ll help you and do anything for you the way Dante would for me. Now, let’s game. I can’t think anymore today. I may not be hung over but I didn’t get a lot of sleep.”
Dex laughed and grabbed a controller. Sounded good to him.
That night in bed,Dex’s phone vibrated as he settled in to sleep. He flicked the light on and checked the message.
Luc:
How was your evening?
Dex:
Exactly what I needed.
Luc:
Good. I wanted to check in after everything that happened today.
Dex:
With Valac?
Luc:
That, and us being mates.
Aww. Luc looked after him like no one else ever had. Dex smiled goofily to himself and called Luc.
He answered on the first ring.
“What is it?” Concern filled Luc’s voice.
“Nothing bad. I couldn’t be bothered typing.”
Luc laughed. “I thought young people didn’t like talking on the phone.”
“Oh my god, could you sound any older?”
“Probably.”
“True. And you’re right. I’d never call Ollie, but this seemed like an important conversation. And I like your voice.”
“You like my voice?” Luc sounded smug. “Good to know. So, how are you?”
“I feel better than before I asked if we were mates.”
“So do I. It’s a relief to have it all out in the open, but I wanted to see if anything had changed now that you’ve had more time to think.”
Changed how? Dex felt more settled. Less doomed. Less overwhelmed. “Nothing’s changed. I’m good. Better than good. Happy. I even talked to Ollie about it, which I’d been avoiding. He said you’ll take care of me.”
Luc sucked in a breath. “He did?”
“Yeah. Why? Is he wrong?” Dex teased.
