Page 117 of Demon's Desire

“That’s the mate I love. Now, let’s go. We’ll discuss the painting later.”

Would they ever. Nico loved how riled up Onyx got when he refused, but he had every intention of giving in soon, whether Scott checked out his painted ass or not.

They headed out of the loft and onto the street to wait for their ride. Nico pulled out his phone, and a text from Ash popped up.

Nico read it and turned to Onyx. “You’re still free for the Center’s community night next week, right?”

“Yes,” Onyx hummed, bounding on the balls of his feet. “I already told Ash. He’s so funny, fretting like either of us would miss it.”

Nico bit back a grin and replied to Ash.

He’d become close with the grouchy demon through the process of helping Ash and Harper open the Center, a place for witches escaping abusive covens. Nico and Ash saw eye to eye on most things, and Nico was proud of what Ash and Harper had accomplished together.

He ran The Herb Emporium as always, though he had a full-time shop assistant these days, which freed him to volunteer at the Center. Rowan had gotten involved too, behind the scenes, of course, and Nico was busy liaising between the Valeros and the official staff.

All in all, the magic world had adjusted to the demons’ return to Earth well enough. It hadn’t been without some serious hiccups, but ten years on, things were starting to feel settled. Looking back, it hadn’t gone as badly as Nico had initially feared.

Even Lucifer had surprised Nico. He’d always hoped the Devil would do right by Onyx, and it was a work in progress, but Luc had accomplished more than anyone had expected that day in the courtyard.

“You got the invite for lunch tomorrow, right? To find out about Ollie’s new job,” Onyx asked as the car pulled up.

Nico held the door open. “Yeah, Dante texted me the details.”

“Good. I don’t know why Ollie’s worried. He’s got the position in the bag. That man is a natural teacher. Knows when to give praise and when to give direction.”

“You’re about to crack a Dante joke, aren’t you?”

Onyx swatted him. “I’d never. Dante is too soft and gooey to tease about his sex life. He’s turned into a candy bar, and might melt if he gets embarrassed.”

Nico cracked up.

“Ash, on the other hand, I can roast all day.”

“You can, but be careful. I almost died of embarrassment when he threw it right back at you yesterday.”

“You can take it. You’re my mate. Ash can’t out-snark me.”

“That he can’t.” Nico took Onyx’s hand as the car pulled into traffic.

Onyx and Ash’s teasing was nothing but good-natured these days. They’d both done the work to close the gap between them, and Dante never failed to keep Onyx updated on everything, to the point that it had turned into a joke.

They were a family. Not perfect, bound to piss each other off—Ash and Onyx still got under each other’s skins—but love sat at the center of everything, holding them together, and everyone was committed to putting things right if they got off track.

Nico couldn’t have asked for more. He loved his mate to bits. Onyx was his rock, his confidant, someone he could rely on, no matter what, and their family was one that would stand the test of time.

The End