Page 85 of Demon's Desire

Nico rubbed his cheek against Onyx’s hand and muttered, “Emmett Orlov.”

Who the ever-loving fuck was that? How dare some random nobody attempt to take Nico away. “What’s going on, Nico? Why did Emmett poison you?”

“To send a message to Rowan.”

Onyx tasted smoke. Seemed the vampire had made his shit list after all.

“Onyx, please.” Nico kissed his hand. “Can I explain later?”

He sounded exhausted. Of course revenge wasn’t immediately important, but it was easier than facing what had almost happened.

Emotion clogged Onyx’s throat. This had been too close, and it wasn’t even Luc. Onyx pulled Nico against him, burying Nico’s face in the crook of his neck and hooking his chin over Nico’s head.

“Don’t suffocate me,” Nico murmured, even though his arms wrapped tightly around Onyx.

Onyx swallowed, and his voice still came out thick. “Shutup. I’ll do whatever I want. You scared the hell out of me, Nico. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here. You—” His voice broke. “You said you wouldn’t leave me.”

Nico whined and clutched Onyx tighter. “I won’t. I’m sorry.”

Shit, Onyx sucked. “No, don’t be sorry. I shouldn’t make this about me, but I need you. If I’d accepted that, this never would have happened. Please forgive me.” Onyx trembled, and it turned into a shiver, racing through his body. Once it started, he couldn’t seem to stop.

Nico pulled back and looked up. “Forgive you for what? I knew you needed me, and I was happy to wait to hear you say it. Telling me wouldn’t have stopped this.”

Onyx choked on a half-laugh, half-sob, and Nico smiled. “I wanted to be here today, but I wouldn’t let myself come.” Damnation, it sounded so petty now. So juvenile.

“You wanted to be here?” The hope in Nico’s eyes broke Onyx’s soul in two.

I want to be your mate. The desperate words rang in Onyx’s ears, so full of regret and longing. Nico’s dying wish.

And Onyx could grant it.

“I always want to be with you. You’re mine, Nico—my mate—and that scares the living daylights out of me. I’m not brave, and I almost lost you because of it. I’m sorry. I let everything else get in the way.”

Nico tangled a hand in Onyx’s hair. “I’m your mate? You’re sure?” It was like he hadn’t heard anything else. His eyes shone bright with tender hope.

“Yes, Nico. You’re my mate.”

Nico tightened his hold on Onyx’s hair and pulled Onyx down to meet him. Onyx fell into it like it was the only real thing he’d ever done in his life.

Their lips brushed, Nico’s soft yet firm. He tookcommand of the kiss, stubble scraping Onyx’s cheeks. Onyx’s mouth fell open, and he breathed in Nico’s deep citrus scent. Nico’s tongue delved into his mouth, bringing with it a sense of possession, of security.

They’d never kissed before. Not on the lips. Why the hell hadn’t they?

Kissing pushed Onyx off a cliff he hadn’t realized he was on the edge of. He fell, and it was like flying above the clouds in the Eternal Realm. Only better. He soared, his soul vibrating in tune with Nico, who flew alongside him.

Their lips danced, and the connection between them bloomed.

Their bond knitted together, thrumming and writhing. Onyx’s skin tingled. He had his mate. He had Nico.

23

NICO

Nico’s handsshook as he cupped Onyx’s smooth cheeks, the tremors no longer an effect of the poison. It was as if the foul substance had never touched him. There was so much life bursting out of him, he might combust.

Onyx’s lips were as sweet as a dessert wine, rich and layered. Nico would happily drink nothing else for the rest of his life. If he didn’t know better, he’d think they were lying in a field of orchids. The flower’s fragrance hung heavy in the air, and the very space around them seemed alive. The beast that Nico swore had begun to grow between them was even stronger now, more consuming, like it fed off their kisses.

Nico would never have to give up this prickly demon. He was Onyx’s mate.