Page 91 of Demon's Heart

Today was different.

“Something, um, happened at the beach last week.”

Dex put his banana down. “Something like what?”

Ollie’s hand found his throat of its own volition. “I was there with Dante. Hanging out. He works with seabirds. But, um, this man attacked me.”

“Oh my god.” Dex grabbed Ollie’s shoulder. “What do you mean attacked you? How?”

Ollie scrambled for a lie. “I think he wanted to mug me, maybe? I’m okay, physically. Obviously. But he held a knife to my throat, and I keep flashing back to it. I didn’t want to tell you before. I didn’t know what to say. Dante saved me, which should make me feel lucky, but the whole thing shouldn’t have happened. You know?”

All Ollie’s fears from that day came rushing back. His fear of dying, fear of being bound to Dante, and his fear of an unknown future. He wasn’t wrong about it all, was he? For a second, he doubted everything. Was he being a fool with Dante, thinking he’d ever choose this?

No. He wouldn’t sink back into that mindset. He and Dante might have bonded out of a horrible situation, but that didn’t cancel out what they had. They were fated. And as mindboggling as that was, it was Ollie’s guarantee of something good.

“Of course it shouldn’t have happened.” Dex hugged Ollie close. “I’m so sorry. That’s awful. But I’m so glad you weren’t hurt.”

If only that were true. “Seems like a miracle,” Ollie mumbled.

Dex pulled back to inspect him. “Did the guy get away?”

Ollie nodded. “I think that’s part of what freaked me out. Why I couldn’t tell you.”

“You had to process, Ollie. That’s okay. I’m glad Dante was there.” Dex looked heartbroken, knowing Ollie had almost been hurt. He’d experienced so much loss. This kind of thing always affected Dex deeply. He had to be running through all the worst-case scenarios in his head, and Ollie hated that.

“Me too. I didn’t know what was happening, but Dante did everything he could.” Ollie reached for his coffee mug. “I’ve been hanging out with Dante more, since then. He’s been helping. Talking to me and listening. It’s been nice.”

Dex smiled and it warmed his cool eyes. “So he’s being good to you?”

Ollie bit his lip. “Very. I shouldn’t have been so worried about him. I think we’re going to turn into something.”

Dex’s brow creased. “Something like dating?”

“Yeah. It’s what I’ve always wanted with him.”

“Oh, you’re being honest with yourself now. Great.”

“Shut up.” Ollie shoved Dex’s shoulder, then said more seriously, “I talked to Dante about my exes and told him my hang-ups. It made everything easier. I think I’m making progress and can figure this out in a way I couldn’t before.”

“That’s so great. I knew you’d get here. Didn’t I tell you?” Dex slung an arm over Ollie’s shoulders. “You can trust yourself, Ollie.”

“You know, Dex, I think you’re right.”

26

DANTE

By the late afternoon,Ash and Onyx had agreed to do shifts at Dante’s side. Ash left Dante and Onyx sitting on a rock not far from shore, enjoying the peaceful sea as the shearwaters dove for fish nearby.

“He can’t deal with being away from his sweetie long,” Onyx said once Ash was out of sight.

“Yeah. Ash won’t deny it. It’s funny seeing him so smitten.”

Onyx narrowed his eyes at Dante like he was surprised Dante agreed. “I had no idea he could be so gooey.”

“Yes, you did.” Dante elbowed him. “Even if it’s been eons since dreamy little Ash evolved into the broody demon we love.”

“Psh, speak for yourself. I don’t love his grumpy I’m-better-than-everyone attitude.”