Page 104 of Demon's Mate

“The ones in your bag wouldn’t, but if you enhanced something more powerful, it would affect me. You’re strong enough.”

Harper bit back a smile. “Interesting. We won’t do that in front of Nico though.”

“No.”

They’d decided not to try and pass Ash off as human to Nico, partly because he was already suspicious of disguises around Harper. Ash wasn’t suppressing all of his power like he normally did. He let enough come to the surface that he seemed like an average witch.

Nico needed to know Harper had magical beings in his corner. Harper wasn’t sure it mattered, but it did to Ash.

He entered the shop behind Harper, gaze zeroing in on the man behind the counter.

“Harper.” Nico smiled warmly at Ash’s mate. “And who’s this?” His lips thinned as he took in Ash.

“This is Ash.” Harper laid a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “My boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend. Right.” Nico narrowed his eyes slightly before turning his attention back to Harper. “Let’s see what you’ve got. Then, Kat and Melanie are ready for you out back.”

Was Nico upset Harper had a boyfriend? Were his sightsset on Ash’s mate? If so, it was good to clear that up before Harper took the in-house job.

Ash better not have steered Harper wrong by encouraging him to get to know this man.

Harper unloaded his bag, bouncing on the balls of his feet, joy and excitement radiating down the bond as he detailed his potions to Nico. Harper wanted this job so badly. Nico’s intentions better be good.

Ash clenched his fist.

But the shop owner seemed pleased with the new array of potions Harper had brewed. “Thanks, Harper. These are great. Really high quality and so creative. Let’s introduce you to Kat and Melanie.” He opened a curtain blocking off the back of the shop, beckoning Harper over with a friendly air.

Maybe he wasn’t disappointed Harper was taken.

Harper rounded the counter and followed Nico into the hidden room.

Soft voices murmured back and forth. Ash concentrated his demon sense until he could hear what they were saying.

“Is he really your boyfriend?” Nico asked in an urgent whisper.

“Yes,” Harper replied, sounding confused.

“It’s just that you said your coven was tracking you, and thenheshows up glued to your side. Are you okay, Harper?”

Ash raised his brows. Nico was worried for Harper’s safety? Seemed he wasn’t bad at all.

“Yes. I’m fine, Nico. He really is my boyfriend. Ash is the one who helped me get away from my coven. I really don’t need you to do anything. I have it all under control.”

“Okay. But you can always come to me if you need anything.”

Harper thanked Nico, their voices growing louder as Harper was introduced to the others.

After a few minutes, Nico reappeared in the main part of the shop, pulling back the curtain to reveal Harper talking to two women.

“He’s one of the best brewers I’ve ever met,” Nico said as he tidied the potions away.

“Lucky for your shop.”

Nico snorted. “Yes. And lucky for my customers.” Nico paused, tapping a notebook lying out on the counter. “If that coven gives him more trouble, call me.” A hint of venom laced Nico’s tone.

Ash crossed his arms. He flexed only a little. “They won’t be an issue, but thank you.”

Nico nodded. “So, you here to keep an eye on me, or what?”