Page 15 of Inferno (Drake Security Book 4)

MONTROSE

Three hours and five shops later, I plop onto an outdoor bench surrounded by my bags of purchases and a plucky little mortal who has grown on me. I didn’t expect to have so much in common with the man, but his taste in fashion is impeccable, and he understood how much I love to play with the so-called gender norms that humans have constructed.

The wolf pouted through the entire trip but did give in and buy new boots and a few shirts for his mate. The sweet, bookish one, Dempsey, well he’s a ball of sunshine I never knew I needed. He spent the whole time peppering me with questions while cross checking some kind of dusty book in his possession. He did let Lake put some gloss on him at one of the beauty stores we went to though.

“That was fun,” Lake purrs. “I haven’t had a real shopping buddy in ages.”

“Same. Most of my kind don’t care much about fashion.”

Dray—or Donnie, as Lake keeps calling him for some reason—scoffs as he leans against a tree. “Relatable.”

Dempsey pushes his glasses up his nose, peering up from the book in his lap. “I’m glad Lake has you now. I like shopping, but I’m not as into it as you are, obviously.”

I start to object, to assert that Lake doesn’t “have me now.”I’m not part of this quirky but adorable family. My chest tightens though as I summon the words, and they fall away with a burst of longing I never saw coming.

Lake pats my thigh with a pout on his lips. “I’m so sorry you lost your collection though. Anything really valuable?”

Nodding, I rub my sternum as the pain and fear of that moment rushes back. “Some vintage pieces. Lots of designer items. All gone.” I glance at my bags. “I probably overdid the shopping. Retail therapy and all that.”

“There’s no such thing, Monty. If pretty things make you happy then embrace it. That’s my motto, anyway.”

“I’m still stuck on Monty.” I frown, unsure whether I like the nickname the vibrant human has given me or not.

Dempsey snorts while Dray pushes off the tree.

“Get used to Lake and his nicknames.” He taps his chest. “I’m Donnie, remember?”

“How did you get Donnie from Draydon, anyway?”

“Dray-DON,” Lake says, with his usual dramatic flair. “Obviously, darling.”

Dempsey giggles. “I made out pretty easy with Demps.”

“Do you hate it?” Lake gazes at me with puppy eyes. That look must be how he got that grumpy dragon of his wrapped around his finger.

“No. It’s fine. It’s not my true name anyway.”

“Do you prefer we use that?” Dempsey asks. “I thought it affected you when it’s said.”

“It does,” I admit. “I can literally feel it.”

“In a bad way?” Lake asks.

“Depends on who’s saying it and why.” Like when Tino says it and my insides vibrate. I still don’t know what that reaction means. “Monty is fine for now.” I glance at the bags. “He really should have given me a budget.”

“Tino paid for it?” Lake asks.

I nod. “He insisted. I guess he felt bad about my stuff.”

The three men exchange glances and then pointedly stare at me for a few seconds until Draydon asks the one question I wish he hadn’t. “Are you serious about Valentino?”

Ignoring the way my pulse ticks up, I shift my gaze to my nails. I could use a fresh mani. “We’re not in any kind of relationship. Ours is a union of chaos and danger. Once Mac is safe, I’m sure I’ll never see any of you again.”

Lake smirks while Dempsey’s forehead creases. Draydon arches an eyebrow at me.

“What? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

“Ooh-kay, Monty,” Lake says, patting my shoulder. “We should get back to your chaos and danger dragon before he gets too uneasy.”

“It’s not like that,” I mutter, knowing my objections will be ignored.

Maybe they just want Tino to find a mate like they have, but they’re definitely barking up the wrong tree with me. Sure, we have amazing chemistry, and yes, fine, we’re suited to each other in many ways. And, okay, he makes me feel things I haven’t before, but that’s all easily explained. I’m an incubus who feeds off emotions and energy and he’s a dragon overflowing with both.

I won’t let his kind family, hulking possessiveness, excessive generosity, or sultry swagger convince me that this is more than it is. It doesn’t mean anything. That’s what I keep telling myself as we gather my things and head back to the car.

The tugging in my chest is nothing more than heartburn. Stupid human food.

VALENTINO

Thankthe gods I have marble floors, or there’d be a worn path from the couch to the window for all the times I’ve jumped up to check if Montrose is back yet. I know he’s not, I can feel the distance between us in my chest, but that knowledge doesn’t stop the nervous habit.

I should’ve known it would be hours with Lake in charge, but the separation is making me uneasy. Stupid binding spell. Unfortunately, I’m no closer to a solution than I was when he left, except that Dahlia created a bulletproof protection ward around Mac. She says it’s so strong that any demon who tried to cross it would implode. At least while he’s here at the compound.

My brother’s situation is temporarily sorted, but what’s protecting Montrose? Are Maggard and his men stalking the pretty demon right now, waiting for the others to be distracted long enough for them to pounce?

My phone vibrates across the coffee table with a shrill ring, startling me. I lunge for it, exhaling a huff of smoke when I see Arson’s name on the screen.

“Yeah?”

“Bruhhh. I can feel your emotions from here. Do you need me to come over?”

Scratching the back of my head, I shake it even though he can’t see me. “Nah, I’m alright. Just…” What? Just what?

“Agitated,” Arson supplies. “Worried too, but he’s safe. We’d all know if they were in danger. Draydon texted ten minutes ago that they were heading back.”

A wave of relief washes over me. “Good.”

“You guys can come over here if you want and hang out tonight. Maybe it would take your mind off of things.”

“That’s okay. Thanks, though.”

“Tino.” His voice is clear and firm, cutting through my storm of emotions. “Talk to me.”

“I’m fine,” I insist.

“You’re fine like I’m a freaking priest. I know you, Tino. You can tell me anything.”

Nodding, I plop into an armchair, exhaling a smoky breath. “I don’t know why I feel so weird around him. It’s unnerving. I’ve heard about powerful incubi before, but nothing like this.”

He huffs a laugh through the phone. “It’s pretty obvious if you ask me, but you can keep your head in the sand if it makes you feel better.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Gods of fire, Tino. Are you really this dense?”

“I have no idea what—” A car door slamming out front catches my attention. I practically melt as Montrose’s scent reaches me, calming the storm immediately. “Gotta go.”

I end the call and I’m on my feet heading toward the door in a flash. When I reach it and step out on the landing, I’m surprised by the scene before me. Lake and Montrose are laughing together, their arms full of bags. Dempsey is still in the back seat, scrawling in a notebook, and Draydon is sprinting toward Arson’s house. Hemingway opens his door, hurrying over to his lover too, and Nico is already on his doorstep waiting for Lake. The domesticity of it all is jarring.

Montrose lifts his gaze, and as it lands on me, my insides swirl, awakening my dragon, who surges forward to get another peek at the object of our obsession. Montrose tucks a lock of fiery hair behind his ear, shrugging with an amused smile as he lifts the bags.

He looks happy, and just like the moments we shared in my hoard room, my dragon purrs with delight. As for the man, I’m staggered by my reaction to him.

I wait impatiently in the doorway as Lake kisses Montrose on both cheeks before climbing back into the car to drive to Nico. Hem carries Dempsey over his shoulder through the grass, and Montrose chuckles. He approaches me, his arms full of bags, and I kick into action, hurrying over to help him.

“What a gentleman,” Montrose says as he hands over some of his purchases. “I may have gone a little overboard.”

“You lost everything. It makes sense.”

He nods, his expression softer than the normal sexy smirk he carries.

“Did you have fun with Lake and the guys?”

“Reluctantly, I admit I did. Lake is like me in many ways.”

“Told you.” I nod for him to walk through the door first. “And the others?”

“Dempsey is a sweet little nugget. I have no idea why Draydon agreed to participate today, but he was a good sport.”

“Denying Lake something he wants is useless.” I chuckle. “Besides, Draydon isn’t as tough as he seems. He likes Lake and Demps.”

“I felt that.” He glances around the living room. “I hate to clutter your space. Is there a good spot to put all of this until I can get home again?”

The mere suggestion that he’ll leave someday sends my dragon into a tizzy. My breath hitches and I stumble back a few steps.

Montrose tilts his head. “Something wrong, dragon?”

A lump of unidentified emotion clogs my throat, so I clear it. “Nope.”

“Are you sure? If I’m in the way, I can go.”

“No,” I almost roar, then jerk my head back, surprised at my own outburst.

Montrose’s eyes soften. “Okay.”

“I have guest rooms upstairs. We can put your stuff in one of them.”

“Perfect.” He saunters across the room toward the grand staircase, emitting a wave of pheromones that lands differently. It isn’t lust I feel. No. It’s something else.

He smiles and winks as he passes me, drawing me like a moth to flame.

“To the left,” I mumble when we reach the top of the stairs.

Montrose enters one of my unused rooms, glancing around as he drops his bags on the bed. A cloud of dust wafts up.

“Sorry about that. I haven’t had anyone stay here.”

“That’s okay. It beats what’s waiting for me in the demon realm.”

Ignoring that reminder, I set the other bags down. “Did you find some nice things?”

He turns to face me, his teeth grazing his bottom lip as he nods. “Want to see my favorite piece I bought?”

Eager to see him smile, I nod. “Yes.”

He picks through the bags, looking at store names, before lifting one from the bunch. Inside, he digs past tissue paper and produces a long, slinky piece of gold material. As he straightens it out and holds it up to his chest, what it is becomes clear.

“Isn’t it delicious?” he purrs. “It’s not vintage, but it reminds me of Halston. What a loss.” He tuts. “Did you know him?”

I blink, trying to process his words beyond the haze of his happiness pouring off him. “Halston? No.”

“Shame. I think you would’ve liked him. He was brilliant, and so decadent. It showed in his designs.” He sways back and forth, allowing the jumpsuit to follow the motion. “It’s a knockoff, but it’s Lake approved.”

“It’s pretty,” I say around a dry throat. “Try it on for me?”

His gaze sizzles as he nods. “I’d love to, but close your eyes. I want maximum impact.”

“Fine.”

I close my eyes, listening to the rustling as he moves. His scent gets stronger with each piece of clothing he removes—at least, that’s what I think is happening. My dragon is restless, swishing around and clearly longing for another peek at our pretty demon.

“Okay, lover.”

I open my eyes, and I’m absolutely stunned. Blinking rapidly, I try to speak, to smother him in praise, but all that comes out is a lick of flames as my dragon goes wild.

“Is that a good reaction?” Montrose asks, sliding his hand down his sleek torso. “Does your dragon like?”

Clearing my throat, I nod. The material is shiny and clings to his every curve like it was made just for him. It’s clear he’s nude beneath it, as every inch of him is highlighted. The front dips all the way to his belly button, or at least where that should be since his demon form is flickering in and out.

“You look… unbelievable. It’s gorgeous. You’re… so beautiful.”

He stalks toward me, eyes hooded and lips parted. I brace myself for the wave of pheromones that will bring me to my knees again, but instead, a new scent hits me. It’s sweet and floral, reminding me of the wildflower fields we played in as whelps. His eyes go wide.

“How…?”

Montrose shakes his head. “I’ve only heard about it before. Replicating scents from memories. It’s advanced incubus stuff.”

“You’re not doing it on purpose?”

“No. It must be the binding spell connecting us so closely.”

“Wow. It smells like home.” My dragon curls up and purrs, still close to the surface. I blow out a breath mixed with smoke, and Montrose’s eyelids flutter.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, abruptly changing the subject before I tear that outfit off him. Weirdly, it’s not lust pushing me to get closer, but something is, and that’s a hell of a lot scarier than just wanting to throw Montrose down and fuck him.

“I could eat,” he says, his voice soft and passive for once.

“I’ll let you change and meet you downstairs?”

“Sure thing, deliciae.”

This time, instead of drawing my ire, the pet name ripples over me like warm water. I stumble down the stairs in a haze, unbalanced and bewildered by what’s happening between us. First the nonsense in the hoard room and now this. Either this binding spell is seriously fucking with us, or something is happening that I’m not even slightly ready to face.