Page 7 of Demon's Desire

Nico nudged Onyx with his elbow, and Onyx snatched his arm out of reach.

Rowan perched on the closest couch, and Nico sat opposite him. Onyx sat, spine straight, next to Nico, leaving enough space for another person to fit between them.

“What can I do for the owner of Gallery Four?” Rowan asked smoothly, turning his attention to Onyx.

So he recognized him. Was that supposed to be endearing or a power play, displaying his knowledge of the who’s-who in Shearwater Landing?

Nico glanced between them. “I wasn’t aware you and Onyx had met.”

“We haven’t,” Onyx corrected.

“No, but it’s a pleasure.” Rowan held out his hand.

His magic flared. If Onyx were human—as Rowan no doubt believed—he’d have felt inexplicably unsettled with the way the vampire was trying to intimidate him.

Onyx shook Rowan’s hand. “I’m always a pleasure.”

Rowan sat back, arms spread out on the back of the couch. “So, what can I do for you gentlemen?”

Nico scrubbed a hand over his face. “There’s some serious shit going on.”

What an astute assessment. Onyx blinked to keep from rolling his eyes.

“In the art world?” Rowan hedged, brow cocking.

What, did he think there was an art thief on the loose? If there was, it was more likely that Onyx was the culprit than the victim.

He’d robbed a few museums when he’d first escaped from the Realm of the Damned. Ash had a field day, refusing to acknowledge that Onyx had stolen items that had once belonged to him and other demons, therefore canceling out any claim of theft.

Onyx had no excuse for his stint as a jewel thief. That had been for fun.

“It’s a problem for the Human Realm,” Onyx said.

Rowan blinked a few too many times but otherwise didn’t show any surprise. “You’re aware of the magic world?”

“That should be obvious given I referenced the Human Realm.” And the fact that he was here at all. Unless humans came to this guy for favors, not knowing what he was. Onyx turned to Nico. “Why don’t you explain?”

He’d see how Nico wanted to approach this, and go from there. Maybe they should have discussed a game plan, but Onyx didn’t think it mattered. He wasn’t the one worried about the demons’ return.

“Have you ever heard that demons live in Shearwater Landing?” Nico asked Rowan.

“There’ve been rumors that the sooty shearwater flock is under demon enchantment, but I’ve never heard more than whispers. Why?”

“The Hounds of Hell all live here.” Nico glanced toward the windows like he’d rather be elsewhere. “I’ve met them.”

Rowan lurched forward, his movement too fast to pass for human. “You’ve met the Hounds of Hell?”

Onyx narrowed his eyes. “He has, butyoudon’t get to meet them. The Hounds aren’t the problem. All demons were freedfrom the Realm of the Damned and are now on Earth. Some might be headed here. Nico wants to put together a PSA so people aren’t caught off guard.”

“A PSA,” Nico muttered. “What a way to put it.”

Rowan didn’t acknowledge the comment, not taking his eyes off Onyx. “What does that have to do with you? How do you know anything about demons?”

Onyx leaned forward. “I am one.” He smiled, letting his fangs drop and his eyes burn.

Rowan was silent for a good thirty seconds. He didn’t move a muscle. “I can’t detect your magic.”

Onyx flicked his wrist dismissively, putting his fire and fangs away. “Demon trick. Our powers surpass anything you’re familiar with, since we were the ones to give them to you. If you can call it giving, in your case.”