Some months later…
“Is it just me, or is it weirdly quiet since Mac went back home?” Hemingway asks while scooping mashed potatoes onto Dempsey’s plate.
“Not just you.” Nico huffs, watching Lake pour wine into their glasses. “His youthful energy was noticeable.”
“The kid has talent.” Arson smiles fondly. “Reminds me of myself back in the day.”
“That sounds like trouble,” Draydon says with a laugh, kissing my brother’s cheek.
“I miss the little twerp,” Xaze muses with a sigh.
I turn my attention to my mate, who’s sitting quietly beside me, a big smile on his face.
“What’s on your mind, gorgeous?”
His eyes flicker to me and his smile widens. “Soaking in the family love, deliciae.”
I poke his belly, making him giggle. “I thought you couldn’t feed from other people anymore?”
“I’m not feeding, pet. I’m experiencing. It’s nice to justfeelit, without any other motives.”
Twisting our hands together, I lean in and press a soft but fiery kiss to his lips. “I love you, Xaze.”
He reaches up with his free hand, brushing his warm fingers across my cheek. “I know, sweet dragon.”
“Get a room,” Arson shouts before exploding into laughter.
My eyes shift to Lord, sitting stoically at the head of the table. He seems content, but he’s as hard to read as a blank page.
“Can you feel Lord’s emotions?” I ask Xazedose quietly.
“I’m not sure I ever could. Hold on. Let me focus.”
He closes his eyes, and waves of energy pour off of him and fill the air. My dragon pushes forward to bask in it like we’re lying on a rock in the sun. It’s been a wild few months since we bonded, and sometimes, I can’t believe this is my life now.
The endless pursuit of new flesh and sexual pleasure is now centered on the stunning demon beside me. I’m a downright homebody, except for the periodic visits to the demon realm where Xaze is basically royalty after being responsible for Maggard’s demise.
It’s always a steamy good time down in his fancy new apartment overlooking the best parts of the fire lakes, but nothing is hotter than the inferno that happens in our bedroom.
Xaze hums happily, rubbing my thigh. “Found a crack,” he whispers. “His energy is orange, which is very intense, but underneath that is a deep sensuality and a hidden emotional side. I sense that he’s very happy for all of his brothers.”
“But ishehappy?”
“I’m not sure, deliciae. He’s very guarded.”
“He always has been.”
“Don’t worry about him though. He knows how to take care of himself.” Xaze pats my hand soothingly.
Nodding, I steal a glance at my brother. He looks up, his eyes settling on me as a soft smile dances across his lips. I pray to the gods of lore that love is coming for him soon. He deserves it.
“So I was thinking we could paint the stairs purple at the antique store,” Lake says, cutting into his steak. “It’s such a strong, regal color.”
“Paint the stairs?” Dempsey asks, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Isn’t natural wood better?”
“It doesn’t make a statement, Demps. What do you think, Donny?”
“I think I don’t know shit about interior design.”
