My hand went to the center of my chest on impulse, pressing against that achy and restless place that begged to be closer to the demon lord. “Y-Yeah.”
“So it’s really true.” He stared at the moonlit water. “He’s harem member number six.”
“For the last time, I don’t have a harem.”
“Uh huh.” A mischievous gleam lit his topaz eyes, joining the curve of his lips. “Tell that to all the cocks you ride on the regular. And the one ass you pound.”
Heat spread to my cheeks, and I bumped against him. “Keep teasing me and I really will spank you.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” He returned the side-bump before softly sighing. “Is it wrong for me to be kinda excited?”
“Excited?”
“I’ve admired Lord Onyx ever since I was a kid living on the streets.” He stared at the pond, watching another glow pass beneath the water. “Hearing stories about him and the Shadow Realm gave me hope that I’d one day find a real home. A place where my shadow magic could be celebrated instead of feared. Here I am now, not only with the demon lord I’ve dreamed of meeting but also with the man I love by my side. I…” He shakily exhaled. “I think I’m happy. Like really happy. And it scares me.”
A tremor passed over my heartstrings, and I retook his hand. He had been cast out because of his shadow magic. People had mistreated him and made him feel worthless and undeserving of love. Probably why compliments and affection made him uncomfortable.
“There you go looking pitiful again.” He reached over and lightly bopped my chin. “I’m sure it makes you an awfully tempting snack to the—”
I threw my arms around him and buried my face against his neck.
“What’s all this for?” he asked.
“I’m just showering you in my love,” I mumbled, throat tight. Hugging both him and that little boy who’d never known kindness. “So, sit still and let me.”
He chuckled, low and raspy, and cupped the back of my head. “Such a sap. But I love you anyway.”
“You better.” I nuzzled more into him. “Because you’re stuck with me.”
The sound of night came alive around us. A toad croaked nearby, and a soft splash sounded, as if a fishtail had slapped the surface before diving back under. The beautiful night couldn’t distract me for long though. Heaviness returned to my gut as I remembered what awaited me back in our room.
“Maddox and Cal weren’t too happy about harem member number six,” I quietly said, trying to make light of the situation by using theHword. I turned my gaze upward, wishing the stars could give me all the answers.
“Yeah, well, they can get over it.” Rowan grabbed a stick from the ground and picked at the bark. “Besides, it’s not like you’re to blame. Fate has run you ragged, Evan, forcing you down a path you never asked for. I may tease you about havin’ a harem, but I know it’s out of your control. You didn’t choose any of it.”
“I might not have asked for this life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Because it gave me all of you.” I brought my knees up and hugged them to my chest. “But now everything feels so… hard. Feels like no matter what I do, embrace my connection with Lord Onyx or not, someone will get hurt.”
“Gods.” Rowan tossed the stick aside and matched my pose, arms on his raised knees. “You care so much about our feelings that you barely give any considering to your own. And it breaks my heart.”
Leaves rustled from the gentle breeze that came down from the mountains. And on that breeze? The smell of springtime andblack cardamom. Another scent teased the air too, woodsy and with the warm notes of a crackling fire, though it was too faint for me to be sure.
“I need a drink.” I rubbed at my eyes. “A strong one.”
“I can help with that.” Rowan withdrew his flask and took a swig. He offered it to me. “Bottoms up.”
I eyed the flask, debating on whether to accept or not, before snatching it and taking a big gulp.
“Easy there,” he said with a light laugh. “You’ll—”
I sputtered and coughed as the rum went down my throat. The shit burned.
“Tried to warn you.” He belted out a laugh. “How dare you waste my good liquor. The pup gave away one of his little charms to get it.”
“Hey, it’s not my fault.” I wiped at my mouth. “That tastes like diesel fuel. Doesn’t go down smooth at all. Zero out of ten, do not recommend.”
“Suit yourself. More for me.” He took another drink before closing the flask and pocketing it. A pensive look crossed his face. “Are you going to tell Lord Onyx that he’s your fated mate?”
“I don’t know yet.” I rubbed at that tender spot in my chest again. “But something inside me aches for him, Ro. Reaches out for him. I felt the same way with each of you. It’s like I can’t rest until we’re together. Not sure I’m strong enough to fight it. And a part of me doesn’twantto.”
