Page 105 of Demon's Mate

Ash’s lips curled in a sly smile. “Maybe. Harper asked me to tag along. Otherwise, I’d be scoping you out some other time. Just to be sure.”

Nico chuckled. “You seem all right.”

Ash let out a good-natured huff. “So glad you think so.”

Nico shrugged. “I look after people who need it. My employees. My friends.” A distinct warning crept into Nico’s tone.

“Noted.” Ash could have laughed—this witch had nothing on him—but his protectiveness came from a good place and wasn’t something to sniff at.

Harper had a knack for finding good people. There almost had to be some magic in it rather than blind luck, but Ash wasn’t sure how. Whatever it was, Harper deserved to be surrounded by people who only lifted him up.

Anyone else would have Ash to deal with.

Harper returned to the front of the shop with a wide grin. The two women followed, quizzing Harper on custom brews. He seemed energized by the questions, clearly happy to talk about potions.

Ash melded into the background as Harper brewed tonics for Kat and Melanie and one for Nico, though only after some prodding.

“I love making new things,” Harper said, handing Nico a vial.

Melanie sipped her potion. “Perfect. You have more than enough knowledge to personalize your brews, and enthusiasm is the next most important thing.”

Harper’s eyes widened as he looked between the three of them. “So you think I’m a good fit?”

Kat and Melanie nodded.

“Definitely,” Nico added. “While I’m sad these two are leaving, and I’ll miss Kat’s flair, I’m glad this worked out.”

“Me too.” Harper made arrangements for taking over the in-house position and led Ash out of the shop.

Ash grabbed Harper’s hand. “You’re excited to work here?”

“Yeah, you should know. I’m sure you can feel it.” Harper bit his lip and sent a jolt down the bond.

Ash grinned. “That felt a little sultry, Harper. Are you trying to tell me brewing potions turns you on?”

He laughed. “No. I just can’t help feeling a little riled up around you, no matter what we’re doing.”

Ash hummed. “I like that.” He dropped his voice to a deep purr. “Let’s stop by your place before we pick up those pastries. You need to unwind if you’re this riled up.”

Harper released an adorable squeak and picked up his pace, dragging Ash along.

At the apartment, Harper threw his bag onto the new chair occupying the corner of his bedroom and pulled Ash into a kiss. Heat flared as their lips collided.

Harper had gone shopping the other day after talking to Nico. Once he was confident his income wasn’t aboutto disappear, he’d felt comfortable spending some of the money he’d saved.

As a result, his bedroom was starting to look lived in. The thrifted chair matched a small rug, and Harper had hung a string of lights above his bed, where more pillows than anyone needed were carefully arranged. Ash’s favorite piece was the seventies-esque lamp on the side table.

“Ash,” Harper groaned, breaking the kiss and running his hands through Ash’s hair.

Ash let his horns free, and Harper caressed them reverently. “I love seeing you happy, sweet.”

“You too.” Harper’s lust-hazed eyes cleared. “I can feel how happy you are. But there’s so much more to it. To us. That’s not all I feel.”

“I know.” Ash tapped Harper’s chest. “There’s a bittersweetness there too.”

Harper splayed his hand over Ash’s heart. “And here.”

“But that’s why I feel so much joy now. When I longed for my mate thousands of years ago, I’d have been thrilled to find you, but I wouldn’t have taken joy in every little thing. It wouldn’t have been the same, and I wouldn’t change what we have, not even to have found you sooner.”