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HARPER

“Found me?” The question fell from Harper’s lips in a barely audible puff.

“Yes, Harper.” Ash’s eyes burned with golden flame, heat and his smoky scent swelling around them. “You’re my mate. Can’t you feel it?”

Harper’s head spun, stomach dropping like he was falling even though he hadn’t moved. Something tight pinched his chest. “Feel it how? What do you mean?”

Ash brushed the hair from Harper’s forehead. “I’m drawn to you. Nothing feels as good as being near you or seeing you happy. The night after the club, before I realized who you were, my instincts took over. My magic recognized you even though I’d stopped believing. I was overcome by you and have felt our connection growing since.”

Harper gripped Ash’s waist, trying to steady himself. All his inexplicable longing for Ash—the feelings he’d tried and failed to fight—churned inside him, giving way to something secure. “Is that why I feel safe with you? My reactions never made sense. I was drawn to you too. I figured I was just overly attached. But it’s magic? ”

“It’s the mate connection,” Ash corrected with a soft smile. “It’s magic, but it’s not a spell influencing you. The magic comes from within us. Fate brought us together. That feeling is the divine alignment between our souls.”

“Oh.” The truth of Ash’s words vibrated through Harper, feeling as right as everything else between them. He’d never have believed in fated mates if he hadn’t felt it. “So we’re mated?” An excited shiver wound through him.

“Not quite.” Ash gave him that devastatingly handsome smile. “Fate may have connected us, but only the beginning of the bond exists. We have to choose to accept it, and if we do, the mating ritual will cement it, giving you an eternal life to match mine so we can be together without end.”

Together forever.

Harper laughed, then clamped his mouth shut. “Sorry. This is all so far from anything I ever imagined. How can I be your mate? Me? I’m no one, and you’re you.”

“You aren’t no one, Harper. You are the most special person in my world. We’re equally matched. Maybe not in magical power, but that isn’t what being mates is about. Please don’t speak badly about yourself.”

Harper looked at his lap. “Sorry. I’m not used to being special.”

“Get used to it, Harper, and don’t apologize.” There was a smile in Ash’s tone, and Harper met his gaze. “I’m going to treasure you for the rest of time. You gave me hope again, and I can never repay you for that, but I’m going to try.”

Harper’s chest burst. His future opened before him into this bright, unfathomable thing, and the possibility undid him. All he’d wanted was a simple life, free of pain and other’s control, but what he’d found was so much more.

He crashed his mouth into Ash’s .

“You’re mine, sweet flower,” Ash murmured against his lips. “And if you’ll have me, I’ll be yours forever.”

“Yes.” Harper kissed him, licking carefully around his fangs. “Yes, Ash. I want to be yours.”

Ash rumbled, pulling Harper closer, the deep sound turning to a purr as Harper’s cock hardened against Ash’s stomach.

“How do we mate?” Harper asked in a desperate pant. “How do we cement the bond?”

Ash let out a deep whine. He pulled back from their kiss, revealing a raw expression. “There’s a ritual. A spell to complete the connection. It involves sex and an exchange of blood, but we aren’t doing it right now.”

“We aren’t?” Harper fought with disappointment, even as the reality of blood exchange gave him pause.

“No.” Ash stroked Harper’s cheek. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to, but you need time to absorb all this. We don’t have to rush. Just knowing you want to accept the bond is more than enough. I’m so happy, Harper. I can’t wait to begin our life together, but I want to do it right.”

“Okay.” Harper could see what a big deal this was to Ash and had to admit, time to get his head around everything wouldn’t hurt. He wanted to appreciate this as much as he could and pledge himself to Ash with as much emotion as Ash clearly had for the situation. “We’ll wait until we’re ready.”

“Perfect.” Ash beamed before covering Harper’s mouth with his.

They belonged together. They’d been meant for each other since before Harper was born, since the beginning of time. This was better than Harper’s wildest fantasy. He’d wanted a partner, someone to be his person, but he’d never imagined a connection like the one he could have with Ash.

All of Ash’s affection was real, and now that Harper knew where it came from, he could feel their connection buzzing between them stronger than ever. He wasn’t just safe with Ash. He was home.

Pounding on the bedroom door sent a shock through Harper. He broke their kiss and glanced over his shoulder.

“You better not hide in there all day, Ash,” a voice called, laced with annoyance.

Ash pursed his lips. “Go away.”

There was a huff, but the intruder said nothing more.

Harper looked between the door and Ash. “Who was that?”

“Onyx.” Ash ran his hands down Harper’s bare back. “Would you like to meet the other demons?”

He’d rather stay in bed, ideally so Ash could fuck him again.

His ass ached, and he clenched at the thought. Maybe round two should wait. Not that Harper was complaining about the slight discomfort. He’d never wish away the reminder of what they’d done. Being fucked by Ash had changed Harper’s world, and he liked this version so much better than the one he’d left behind.

Ash was his demon. His.

Harper kissed Ash’s neck, feeling his warm skin everywhere. He yearned to get lost in Ash’s body, but there would be plenty of time for that.

“I’d like to meet your brothers.” Harper paused. Would the other demons like him? “Do they know I’m your mate?”

“Yes.” Ash cut an apprehensive glance toward the door. “Dante is thrilled I found you. He never gave up on finding his mate. But Onyx is more complicated. He and I don’t usually get along.”

Hopefully, the other demons wouldn’t be mad about his hunt. Ash understood because they were mates. But Harper couldn’t expect that of the others.

“You don’t have to meet them now,” Ash added, seeming to sense Harper’s hesitation .

“No, I want to.” Harper didn’t want to hide from the other demons. Besides, he had Ash in his corner.

“They’ll love you, Harper.” Ash rubbed circles over his hips with his thumbs. “Just don’t take anything Onyx says to heart. He wasn’t pleased I revealed myself to you without telling them first.”

“Were you supposed to tell them?”

Ash nodded. “It was a strict rule among us, and Onyx’s anger is justified. We’ve been very careful since returning to the Human Realm and have stayed out of the magic world as much as possible.”

“I’d never give you away. I’ll make sure Onyx knows that.”

“I know, sweet. He’ll come around. Don’t worry.” Ash patted Harper’s hip, and he got off Ash’s lap. “Come on.”

They got out of bed and Ash picked up Harper’s lube-soaked thong, lips twisting in a satisfied smile. “I’ll wash this for you and return it next time I see you.”

Harper’s whole body heated. “Okay.” He ducked his head and pulled on his jeans.

Ash set the thong aside. “Would it be all right if I bought you some things?”

Harper tugged his shirt over his head. “Like what?”

Ash rubbed his jaw. “It’d be good for you to keep some clothes here. I could get you the essentials. That way, I don’t have to worry about ruining anything, and you can still be dressed properly after I’m through with you.”

Harper laughed. “Sure.” Having things at Ash’s place gave him a warm fuzzy feeling.

Ash moved closer, putting an arm around Harper. “I’d also like to buy you some more pretty underwear. If you’re comfortable with that.”

Harper stifled a groan. Ash dressing him up and fucking him? “Yeah, I’m very comfortable with that. ”

Ash kissed him chastely, eyes glowing. “Perfect.”

Harper pressed his palms against his hot cheeks. “You can’t make me meet your brothers now. I’m all red.”

Ash chuckled. “Sorry. Would you like me to go out and see what they’re doing and give you a minute?”

Harper nodded.

Ash left the room, and Harper sat on the edge of the bed. He picked up his glasses and put them on. He was about to meet the other Hounds. How wild was that?

Not as wild as one of them being his mate, but still. Harper might start laughing uncontrollably. It was all so outrageous.

Once he’d collected himself, he exited the room and walked down the hall, catching the sound of voices as he neared the end.

“Just be civil, Onyx,” Ash grumbled.

The response was too low for Harper to catch.

His stomach tightened.

If only Ash hadn’t felt the need to reveal himself before talking to the others. Harper didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot. But if Ash hadn’t been truthful about who he was, Harper might not be here now. He’d have pushed Ash away.

He entered the living room, determined to win the other demons over. They were important to Ash, and gaining the Hounds’ favor had been his plan all along. Hadn’t it?

Ash’s wings were out, folded against his back. His tail twitched as he loomed over a blue-haired man sitting in an armchair. Beside them was another demon, looking out the large windows, his dark-gray wings and tail snagging Harper’s attention.

The second demon was almost as tall as Ash, though less bulky. He turned slowly, his gaze finding Harper’s like he’d felt him staring.

The demon had black irises so mesmerizing Harper couldn’t help taking a step toward him. “Hello.” The demon smiled, showing no fangs. “Welcome to my home. I’m Dante.”

“Hi.” Harper waved like a dork.

Dante stepped forward and offered his hand. Harper shook it. “It’s an honor to meet you, Harper.”

He laughed nervously. “Thanks.”

Dante seemed as intense as Ash. Which made sense if they’d been searching for their mates for thousands of years.

Harper’s gaze shot to Ash, only to find Ash beaming at him.

The guy in the armchair glared. He must be Onyx, but with his wings, tail, and horns hidden, it wasn’t obvious he was a demon. He was smaller than the other two in height and build, his skin pale and eyes an icy blue.

He stood and stalked over to Harper, sweeping his gaze up and down like he was inspecting something suspicious. “So you’re Ash’s mate?”

“Um, yes?” Harper couldn’t help it sounding like a question. Why did Onyx sound skeptical?

Ash pushed past Onyx and slipped an arm around Harper, staring down the smaller demon. “Are you ready to accept that Harper isn’t one of Lucifer’s tricks?”

Onyx frowned, still inspecting Harper. “Do you feel the connection?”

Harper nodded. “Yeah, especially now that I know what it means.”

“Hm. Why should we believe you? You’ve been lying to Ash,” Onyx challenged.

Ash growled.

Harper frowned at the blue-haired demon. “I’m not lying about my feelings. I’ve been hiding from my coven, and it’s not like I’m foolish enough to trust random guys the second I meet them, so I didn’t tell Ash my problems at first. But I’ve told him everything now.”

“Not trusting blindly is a good trait to have,” Dante said diplomatically.

Onyx rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, if you meet a taller, more handsome version of me, don’t trust him.”

Harper glanced at Ash, not sure what Onyx meant.

“Lucifer has returned to the Human Realm,” Ash explained. “We’ve been unable to track him and aren’t sure what he’s up to other than coming for us. But don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

“We’ll imprison Luc before long, and he won’t be a problem anymore,” Dante added.

“Do you think he’s in the city?” Harper’s heart rate picked up. The idea that the Satan his coven worshipped was in their world made his skin crawl.

Ash’s arm tightened around him. “Probably not, but we can’t say for sure.”

Dante hummed thoughtfully. “I wonder, if he is here, perhaps he’s made contact with the witches hunting us. He might have realized what they were up to like I did.”

“He wouldn’t work with witches.” Onyx waved a dismissive hand. “Luc doesn’t bother with beings of lesser power.”

It was the same attitude Harper’s father had.

“That’s not what you said before. When you were sure Harper was one of Luc’s tricks.” Ash turned from Onyx to Dante. “Luc hasn’t contacted the hunter. Harper’s coven is looking for us, but Harper was the only one searching.”

“What?” Onyx’s face bloomed with color.

“Relax.” Ash sounded exhausted with Onyx. “Let me explain.” He relayed how horrible Harper’s coven was while keeping most of Harper’s personal hurt out of it. “Harper escaped and was only trying to find us to warn us.”

“I was never going to share anything I learned about you with my coven,” Harper promised .

Onyx ground his teeth. “And we’re supposed to believe him just because he’s your mate?”

“Yes,” Ash said, tone firm. “He’s one of us. He’s meant to be on our side.”

“I thought you weren’t worried about witches, Onyx,” Dante cut in.

“And I thought you didn’t trust witches,” Onyx spat at Ash, jabbing at him with a pale finger.

Harper flinched. Ash wasn’t kidding when he said they didn’t get along, but Harper wondered if something deeper was happening here. Was there more to Onyx not accepting him than suspicion? He seemed different from the other demons, and only partly because he was hiding his demonic features.

“In general, no, I don’t trust witches, vampires, or humans,” Ash growled. “I don’t trust demons either, outside of the two of you.”

“Onyx, think about it.” Dante laid a hand on the small demon’s shoulder and was promptly shaken off. “Harper being the hunter makes sense. He was destined to find Ash. They’re mates. Of course his fate was to look for us.”

Onyx stared at Dante with an unreadable expression. “You’ve always been so sure about our mates. I don’t get it. Why would Ash find his after so long? Why him and not you? How can you accept this so easily?” Onyx ran a hand through his hair. “I’m done. I don’t need to stick around and watch Ash, of all people, get lovey-dovey.” He turned and stormed out of the room.

Ash let out a deep sigh. “Don’t worry, Harper. He’ll get over himself eventually. He always does. He just likes to throw his toys first.”

Dante stared after Onyx, concern lining his face. “I don’t think he likes being caught off guard.”

“Come.” Ash tugged Harper toward the adjoining kitchen. “Let me make you something to eat.”

Harper pushed away guilty feelings about upsetting Onyx. It would take time for Onyx to realize Harper wouldn’t betray them, and Harper got that. The demons had been hiding for hundreds of years.

Onyx was probably just scared of things changing, especially with Lucifer closer than ever, but hopefully, change would be good for all of them.