Page 56 of Demon's Desire

“I’m not sure, beyond the fact that it was demons, not witches or vampires. My coven got wind of it through our intelligence network.”

Onyx fumed, for some reason cutting a sideways glance at Nico. Not for reassurance. Though his steady presence kept Onyx’s fire in check.

He forced his attention back to Rowan. “What’s the bounty for? Our deaths? Demons would have a better chance of offing us than hiring someone less powerful.”

“They want information. Anyone whose tip leads to your capture will be paid.”

“When did you find out?” Nico asked.

“Late this afternoon. I messaged you right away.” Rowan turned to Onyx. “I’d have called directly, but I don’t have your number.”

Under no circumstances did Onyx want to take the vampire’s calls, but it seemed rude to make Nico play secretary. It would, however, give Onyx an excuse to keep in touch with Nico. Whatever. Now wasn’t the time to talk phone logistics.

He studied Rowan. “Are you sure no one in your coven will sell me out?”

“Yes.” Rowan’s eyes glowed faintly. Vampires had no internal fire, but their magic was embedded in their gaze, and they sometimes got a glow to them. Rowan was likely trying to convey his sincerity.

“You better hope you’re right.” Onyx stepped closer. “If any of your people aren’t loyal, I’m going to make it your problem.”

“I’d expect nothing less.” Rowan didn’t seem the least bit worried. His unflappability was infuriating.

Onyx ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve got to see my brothers. Get my number from Nico and call me with any urgent news about this, butdo notcontact me for any other reason.”

Rowan smiled. “I wouldn’t dream of disturbing you with anything that didn’t revolve around you.”

“All right, smart guy.” Onyx thinned his lips. “I appreciate the warning.” He turned to Nico. “Come to the roof with me.”

“Sure.” To Rowan, Nico said, “I’ll send you Onyx’s contact.”

Onyx headed for the door, saying over his shoulder. “Keep Nico in the loop too. No need to be all mysterious.”

“Noted.” Rowan sounded surprised, but Onyx didn’t stop to analyze why that might be.

He opened the door, and Nico followed him out. “I can’t believe I have to see Dante and Ash. For that alone, these bounty-placing demons need to pay.”

“I’m sorry.”

Onyx paused. “Don’t be. It’s fine. I’m being a whiny little brat.”

Nico grabbed him before he could turn away. “No, you’re not. Ash said some serious shit last night.”

Nico’s fingers seemed to burn Onyx’s wrist. He longed to lean into the touch, his chest warming as his ever-present rage softened. Was he really so easily comforted?

“I shouldn’t let it get to me.” He pulled from Nico’s hold and headed up the stairs.

Nico followed him silently to the roof. Once they were outside, they faced each other. Onyx’s stomach flipped.

Nico shifted closer. “Want me to come with you?”

Yes. Onyx wanted that so much. “No, it’ll be better if you stay.”

“Are you sure?”

No, Onyx wanted his Nico support blanket. “Yeah, it’s fine. I’m not so fragile that I’ll go to pieces seeing big, scary Ash. Yesterday was a fluke. I don’t know what my problem was, so why don’t we forget it?”

Nico frowned. “Don’t dismiss yourself like that.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Onyx snapped, then sighed. “I want to get this over with.”