Chapter Seventeen

Poe

I didn't purposefully commune with my wolf very often. Sure, we shared thoughts and feelings, especially lately and when someone dangerous was in my studio, but as far as opening the lines of communication on purpose to get her opinion? Not too often. Besides, she shoved her opinion at me more times than I could count.

Are they our mates? I took the chance and asked her.

Mates. Ours. Fated.

My wolf's words were her bond. She never skidded around the truth or overthought things like my human mind did. She knew what she wanted, when she wanted it.

She wanted our mates next to us as we slept. To feel safe in their care.

"We moved too fast," Hemlock said, stepping back and clasping his hands in front of his stomach. "I'm sorry. Come on, Gren. Let's get to our own beds."

"No," I said a little louder than I meant to. "I want you to be here. Sometimes I need a moment after someone asks me a question. Jeez."

They both chuckled, and the thunderous sound made my core flutter.

"Are you sure?" Grendel asked. His breath fanned over my neck, and I had to steel my body from swaying.

"I'm sure. Give me a minute to use the bathroom and change?" I asked.

"We will do the same," Hemlock said, ticking his head toward the door.

Freezing in place, my heartbeat revved up. Goddess, this was nuts. They were going to put their nightclothes on, not leave me for another woman. My wolf clamored, fighting the separation, even if it was only a few hundred feet.

"Five minutes, okay? Right down the hall," Hemlock assured me, although I hadn't said a word. He got me, recognized my angst.

What was that? I'd never been a clingy female before.

Perhaps because it was all so new.

I took a quick shower, fastest one ever, and threw on some black satin pajamas. I wished I'd brought something sexier, but if they wanted me, they would get me as I came, and this girl slept in the comfiest set of pajamas she could find.

I brushed my teeth, hearing them come into the bedroom and shut the door. My tummy flipped with excitement. I looked forward to the time in their arms. They would cuddle me, right?

I found myself desperate for their touch, my wolf nudging me on.

"Hey," I said, stepping out from the bathroom. Their scents, earthy and musk, filled the room and I inhaled deeply, hoping it would seep into my veins and mark me from the inside out.

"Ladies first." Grendel pulled back the comforter on the huge bed. The sheets were black as was the plush comforter.

"Thanks." I climbed in and waited impatiently as they joined me. One demon on either side, making me giggle a bit.

"What's so funny, Poe?" Hemlock placed a sweet kiss on my shoulder, which I now wished was bare.

"You know in cartoons where someone has an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other? I have a demon on each shoulder."

They chuckled. "The angel never wins out anyway. They always pick the naughtier choice. Who wouldn't?" Grendel reached underneath the blanket and squeezed my knee.

The warmth of his palm shot straight to my core. It didn't help that both of them were shirtless, their abs and defined muscles on full display. If given the chance, I would outline each plane and line with my fingers and my tongue.

"I'm dying to ask you a question," Hemlock said, turning on his side, propping up his head on his hand. "Who was your favorite supe to interview?"

"Number one, hands down, no doubt about it was Thorak, the orc."

"An orc?" Grendel sat up and leaned against the headboard. I found myself quelling a smile at the fact that I was in a demon sandwich and happy to be the filling. "Shut up. I didn't think they came out anymore."

"You knew they existed?" I laid my head on his chest. It all seemed so normal, so comfortable, like we had been here, sharing this bed and life forever. As though I'd fallen into normal and all this time had been in an alternate universe without them.

How had I not realized how fucking lonely I was?

"Yeah. I met one years ago. He'd run from his fury after they started pulling some male-dominant society bullshit and forcing him to take several females as mates."

"You listened to the episode?" I asked.

"No. We must've missed that one. Now I have to search for it. Not right now, of course."

"I don't want to fall asleep, but I am," I admitted around an unusually loud yawn.

"Why?" Grendel asked. His fingers caressed my scalp, not helping me stay awake.

"What if I wake up and you're both gone?" I asked.

"Oh, sweetheart." Hemlock rested his head on my stomach. "We're going to be right here. We don't sleep a ton, but maybe now that you're here, our demons will settle a bit. I promise you, no matter what time you wake, we will be here."

"Just a little nap. Resting my eyes a bit. I got myself so worked up about meeting you. That you might not like me in person…" I was half awake, half asleep rambling. Probably spilling out parts of me I intended to keep silent. But with Grendel and Hemlock next to me, their warm bodies cocooning me in comfort and safety, I felt like no secret would be judged.

"How could we not like you, Poe? You're smart and funny and independent. Strong and brave." Hemlock's hand was on my leg. Didn't know how I knew that but I did. Their hands were rough, with layers of calloused skin.

Hard workers. That's what they were.

I'd love their hands all over me.

"We'd like that too, but sleep now."

Shit. Had I said that out loud. But as sleep took over, I found I really didn't care.