“I believe so.” The demon lord nodded. “As his fated mate, your soul recognizes Evan’s. You imprinted on him, much like Oreo did when he gave Evan some of his own mana to heal his wounds after the mercenary’s fire attack. A double imprint is rare but not impossible. It created a bond between the two of you as well.”
I lifted a hand to my chest, resting my palm over the scarred skin beneath my shirt. Stryder’s fire spell had burned through me, scorching my lungs and heart. I’d been on my deathbed before Oreo saved me.
“How intriguing.” Briar stood from the love seat and joined us near the door. “I’ve come across imprints in my research. Some are romantic love, like Lake, but others are a strong, protective bond. In other words, Oreo adores Evan as his human and will tear apart any who dares harm him.”
Woof!The puppy’s tongue flopped from his mouth.
“Is that right?” I bent back down and held out my hand to Oreo. He lunged toward me, tail wagging and playful grumbles rumbling in his chest. “Will you protect me?”
He answered by slamming into my chest and sending me backward on my ass. I laughed as he licked my cheeks. He was too precious for words.
“I’ll protect you too.” I petted his soft fur. The ends of it had shimmers of blue, nearly imperceptible unless you were this close. “And I’ll cook you all the yummy things to eat.”
Onyx regarded the trio of knights. “We didn’t have the privilege of meeting last night. Allow me to welcome you to my realm.”
Baden, though his hard expression radiated wariness, tipped his head. Duke mirrored the gesture. Quincy, however, did what he did best.
“Is it true you have dragon scales?” he asked right before Baden shoulder-checked him. “Ow. What was that for?”
Briar pinched the bridge of his nose.
Onyx, however, seemed amused by the question. “Dragon scales, you say? I suppose you never know what someone could be concealing beneath their clothing.” His gaze moved to me, and the red in his eyes flickered a brighter shade before returning to their normal crimson. “Quite the mystery.”
Heat fanned to my cheeks. My thoughts raced back to my first night at the castle when he’d come to my room and found me tucked into bed wearing only a baggy tunic; no pants. I could still feel the whisper of his fingertips as he’d caressed my bare legs and said I would taste exquisite.
Quincy peered closer at Onyx, no doubt trying to spot any signs of scales.
“What’s the reason for your visit?” Maddox asked, defenses on high. If he’d been allowed to carry his sword, I knew his hand would’ve been resting on the hilt right then, prepared to draw and strike.
“Worried I’ve decided to kill you after all?” Onyx gave him an impish smile. “Oh, calm yourself. It was only a jest. If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead.”
“Enough of your taunts, demon.”
Onyx looked at me. “Your lovers are much too grim. No sense of humor.”
“Best not to tease them then.” I offered him a nervous smile. “Um, my lord.”
His lips twitched. “I suppose I’ll have to tease you in their place.”
Maddox’s nostrils flared, and he brought me closer to his side.
“You claim we’re your guests,” Briar said, always one to try to ease tensions. “Am I to assume we’re allowed to roam freely? Or are we confined to this room?”
“You may wander the castle grounds and surrounding land,” Onyx responded. “I only ask that you respect my realm and all those dwelling within it.”
“Fair enough.” Maddox lifted his chin.
“And if one of your demons attacks us first?” Callum asked. “What then? Are we not to defend ourselves?”
“I’ve ordered my demons to stand down as well,” Onyx answered. “None would dare defy me. Do no harm to us and none will be done unto you. You have my word.”
Maddox glared at him. “I’m supposed to believe you? The word of a demon means very little.”
The demon lord’s eyes flared brighter. “I could say the same of humans.”
The two of them stared each other down, as though a challenge to see who would look away first.
“We’re enemies,” Maddox eventually said, emotion bleeding into his voice, causing a slight shake. “I’d be a reckless fool to trust you so easily.”
