Atlas hummed and nodded. “I thought the same thing.”
“To answer your earlier question, Lucifer made this private plane for him and those of us who wanted to come to give his demons more privacy,” Bel explained.
“I’m not sure that I understand,” Atlas replied. His frown drawing his lips down.
Bel loved that Atlas was so interested in the realm. And that he already felt a connection with Cary and Gage. He needed to figure a way to get his mate to want to stay with him. Hell wasn’tfor everyone, but Bel couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. He would. Atlas’s needs would always take precedence.
“Once we had enough demons that could take on more of the day-to-day operations, we didn’t have much to do with our time. Lucifer noticed how the other demons acted around him. They didn’t relax the same. Didn’t laugh or joke around,” Bel told him.
“It’s like having the CEO of the company you work for always around,” Atlas translated.
“Exactly,” Bel replied. “It hurt him, but he made this plane to give the demons the majority of the realm. He invited any of us who wanted to come with him. Our positions can be done remotely if we want. Although we could have transported to him at any time.”
“But you would never let your friend move here alone,” Atlas said. He had to tip his head back as they spoke.
The boy was so beautiful. Bel was still transfixed with those long lashes. He wanted to kiss them. To kiss Atlas’s plump lips. “They are my family.”
Atlas licked his lips as he continued to stare up at him. “I don’t have family anymore.”
“We make our own,” Bel said softly.
“That sounds nice.”
Had Atlas moved closer? Or maybe that had been Bel. “You can have that. Family.”
Atlas smiled sadly. “I appreciate everything that you and your friends are doing for me. And maybe if we can figure out how to control the flickers, I’ll be able to settle down again. Finda home. I know I’ll have to go back to my realm soon. It’s going to suck.”
Bel’s heart gave a sharp pang. His mate was talking about leaving him. “Do you have to go back?” he asked, dreading the answer.
Atlas jerked back. “What?”
Damn, Bel had ruined that moment. He just couldn’t stand hearing his mate talk about leaving him. “Do you have to go back? You said that you don’t have any family. That you were staying in a motel. What if you stayed?”
“In hell?” Atlas shifted uncomfortably. “Would I have to die?”
“No!” Bel would never allow anything to happen to his boy. “The other humans here are still living.” Of course, they were mated to a paranormal so they either had extended lifespans or were immortal, like their mates. Like Atlas would one day be if he accepted the mate bond.
“Is that really an option for me?”
Was that hope? Excitement? “It could be. It might take us time to figure out how to help with the flickers. Cary is determined to help you make friends,” Bel offered. “This might not be the family that you wished for, but it might be the one that you need.”
Atlas blinked back tears. “That sounds nice.”
“This offer. I make this to you,” Bel said formally. “You just have to say yes.”
“But where…how…?”
Thinking quickly, Bel came up with a wonderful solution. “Would you like a job?”
“A job?”
Bel nodded. Anticipation built. “My assistant recently mated and moved to the fae realm. He decided to give up his position. I supported his choice. There is nothing more that I want to see for him as him being happily mated. I wasn’t in a hurry to replace him, but with you here, it might be perfect timing. Did you notice all the paperwork on my desk?”
“I did.” Atlas nodded.
“You could become my new assistant,” Bel said. This was brilliant. “I’d give you the option of transporting to my office daily, or the room that stayed in last night is always available. That would be up to you. I’ll also pay you a salary.” The more he spoke, the better the idea sounded. This would be perfect to keep Atlas close. Giving Bel plenty of time to bring up the mate bond and their future.
“And we could still work with Lucifer and your mage friend about the flickers?” Atlas asked. “And I would meet the others? The researchers?”
