Bel wanted to touch the place where his mate had just laid his lips. Instead, he nodded stiffly. “Everyone loves you already.”
Dropping back down onto the flats of his feet, Atlas grinned. “They’re all crazy.”
“I knew you would get along with them,” Bel told him.
Atlas shook his head before pulling on Bel’s hand. They continued their journey to the café but this time hand in hand.
“You didn’t tell me about Seb and Ari. You were going on and on about Asmos and Adam but Seb and Ari are obsessed with lists. I have twelve messages from Seb just since I left him.”
Bel chuckled. “In my defense, I don’t know Seb or Ari that well.”
“I figured,” Atlas said. They paused as three young demons on four legs scrambled ahead of them and into the park. “Kids are the same anywhere, aren’t they?”
A harried demon ran after the kids, calling out to them.
Bel shrugged. “I have spent so much time in the private plane that I can’t really answer that. Most of the residents of my community are the oldest of our kinds. Not many children running around like they are here. I enjoy seeing the younger generations.”
“Look at you getting out more because of me,” Atlas teased.
They crossed the street, red dirt kicking up after their steps, to the outdoor café on the corner.
It was late enough in the day that only a couple of tables were taken by other demons. Bel ushered Atlas to the corner table that would allow them some privacy and was also under a big umbrella. His mate was still getting used to the heat of the realm.
“I am excited to try some food from your realm,” Atlas said as he sat and peered around.
Bel should have thought about that. He’d been feeding Atlas food that the boy would recognize. “We could order a couple of entrées and share so you can try more,” he offered.
“Yes please.” Atlas’s grin pulled a smile from Bel.
The boy was always so happy. Easy to please. No doubt or questioning. He accepted that Bel wouldn’t lead him wrong. It was a heady feeling. “I’ll do the ordering then.”
“Thank you.” Atlas reached for Bel’s hand once again. “And thanks for taking me on this date.”
Bel swallowed hard. “Thank you for asking me.”
“And I’m glad you liked the bitey flower,” Atlas said.
“I hadn’t thought about having a garden of my own. I never really had time. I haven’t seen that flower in a very long time. I will cherish it always.”
“Until it dies,” Atlas said. “Then I’ll get you a new one. I do have a hookup, after all.”
“Given proper care it won’t die,” Bel assured his mate. “But I will accept another one though. You are reminding me of things that I once enjoyed and haven’t thought of for a very long time.” Seeing hell through Atlas’s eyes was refreshing to an old demon like him.
“Good.” Atlas turned his attention to the server who stepped up to their table. “Hello.”
The waiter dipped his head at Atlas then Bel. “Prince Belphegor, you honor us with your visit.”
Bel smiled kindly at the demon. “I am honored to be here. Your café came highly recommended by Ash and Sebastian to my mate.”
The demon turned to Atlas. “Sebastian is a very good customer. He enjoys the mix of food from around the realms. Very adventurous palate that one has.”
Atlas beamed at the server. “That’s what he said.”
The server placed two menus on the table. “I’ll bring you some water and bread. Take your time and let me know if you have any questions.”
“Thank you.” Atlas picked up his menu even though there was no way that he could read it.
The server walked away to check on the other tables before disappearing inside.
