Chapter One

Chapter One

Adam

Racing from the kitchen with his stolen cupcake, Adam chased after Nate with Anton and River. He laughed as Nate made a beeline for Bo as if the Hellhound Alpha would save him.

A scent caught his attention and Adam stumbled to a stop. Hot lava, sulfur, and chili peppers. Where was that intriguing smell coming from? He peered around the room until he spotted the tallest demon he had ever seen. The demon was beside Ash and made even the Reaper look small.

He. Was. Gorgeous.

Adam took a deep breath and was greeted with the most enticing scent. There was only one reason that Adam would have this reaction to anyone. The demon's head came up and he locked eyes with Adam. The huge demon's fangs dropped and his eyes burned red.

"Holy shit!" Adam squealed. It was happening! It was really happening!

The demon growled. It was low, dangerous, and Adam's cock pulsed.

"Mine!" Adam declared with all the authority inside him before he started to run across the room. He knocked into someone, but Adam didn't care. Eyes still on the massive demon, he leapt.

The huge demon caught him easily and Adam rewarded him with a smoking passionate kiss. The demon, his mate, was hot to the touch. The coldness that had been with Adam for so long caught fire and he groaned.

Shoving his tongue inside the demon's mouth, Adam coaxed the demon's tongue to play with him. Adam's cock was so hard that he could burst, especially as the demon tightened his clawed fingers on Adam's ass.

Oh, he'd wanted this so bad. Had dreamed and fantasized about finding his mate. It felt even better being held by this strange demon than Adam would have ever expected. Humping against the granite-hard stomach, Adam nearly lost his mind.

The demon took several steps before Adam's back hit a wall. Yes! Oh, fuck yes, that was even better. Legs wrapped around the demon's waist, Adam pressed up with sharp little movements. He could feel the claws cupping his ass.

"Mal!"

The demon yanked his mouth away and snarled at someone close to them.

Adam whined. He needed more of those hot lips. He tried to chase them, but someone was speaking too loudly next to them. What the fuck? Who had the balls to interrupt? He ran his tongue across the spikes on the demon's jaw as the demon continued to rock against him.

Suddenly, without warning, the demon stepped back, breaking Adam's hold on him. Adam began to slide down the wall, but the demon caught him under his arms and eased him lower until Adam's feet touched the carpet.

That just pissed him off. Adam had waited a long time to find his mate. He turned his head. The fae part of him flared to life as he snarled, "Mine!"

Ash held his hand in front of him. "I know. I just don't think you want everyone watching you two maul each other."

Like Adam gave a shit.

"He's right." The demon's deep voice sounded as if he had been chewing glass.

Adam didn't care who was around. All he wanted was the demon. If the demon wanted privacy, Adam would make sure that was what they had. "Then take me someplace else," he demanded. Adam didn't care where. His dick hurt.

The demon smiled, which transformed his entire being. Damn, the demon was even hotter when he appeared so awestruck.

"Go," Ash encouraged. "Take your mate home."

Adam's heartbeat quickened at hearing someone acknowledge him and his mate for the first time.

The demon sucked in a sharp breath. "I have a mate." Not only did he sound surprised, but a little bit of panic reflected in the depths of his eyes.

Pushing off the wall, Adam placed both hands on the demon's chest. What had Ash shouted…Mal? His mate's name was Mal. "Hi, mate. I'm Adam and I need you to take me someplace private. Can you do that for me, big guy?"

"Whatever you want. Anything," his mate vowed.

"You don't want to say that to me," Adam teased. Really this big demon was going to learn to watch his words. Adam would take full advantage. He jumped up again, not surprised when his mate easily caught him. His huge demon was so much bigger, taller, wider, stronger than him. Adam loved that.

Cuddling him close, his mate made Adam feel so damn safe.

"Thank you, my friend. I owe you one. I'd totally lost my head."

Whatever. Adam didn't care and didn't understand why his mate did. And why weren't they leaving yet? Since he was tucked up against his mate's chest, he decided to move things along. Pulling on the black buttons, he tried to get access to his mate's wide chest.

"You are going to have your hands full, and I couldn't be happier for you. You deserve this, brother. Go. Go be with your mate." Ash's voice held amusement, but Adam had gotten at least half the buttons open and tugged the material apart.

Finally, they were moving. Adam peered up at his mate as his long strides took them out of the room and just about swallowed his tongue. Mal was powerful. Adam could feel the pulses of power radiating from him and wasn't quite sure how he'd gotten matched up with him. He also didn't care. He finally had his mate. He sighed as happiness swamped him, pulling out his emotions.

They passed the front door before his mate stopped to look down at him.

"Your emotions changed suddenly. Are you okay?"

Adam cleared his throat, which suddenly seemed to be closing.

"Adam?"

He shuddered at his mate saying his name in that deep tone for the first time. He couldn't fight the tears that pricked his eyes.

His mate swore viciously before placing Adam gently on the ground. He kept one hand on Adam's waist though. "Did I frighten you? We don't have to—"

Desperately shaking his head, Adam swiped the tears away. "It's not that." Big deep breath. He could do this. Adam usually didn't have to force words out. And this was his mate. Adam should be able to tell his mate anything. "I wanted to find my mate for so long. I've felt so lost and empty and now here you are. It's…it's…"

"Overwhelming," his mate supplied.

"Yeah."

"I'd given up all hope," his mate said in that quiet gravelly voice. "You… I promise to take care of you and make you happy."

"Same," Adam replied. Adam would be the best mate that ever…mated. "Mal, right?"

His mate's eyes widened. "I haven't gone by that name in a very long time."

Tilting his head in question, Adam blinked up at his mate.

His mate tightened his clawed hands holding Adam's waist. "Master. I am the Master of punishment. That's my job but also my identity. There is only one Master in existence at a time."

"O…kay." What was Adam missing? He really should have paid more attention when Seb and Nate spoke about the Hell realm. It wasn't like Adam thought he'd find his mate there!

"I understand if you don't want to mate with me."

Adam stepped back, frowning. Okay, they needed to slow down and figure this out. Why the fuck wouldn't he want to mate with Mal? Did Mal not want him? No, that was stupid. Mal was obviously attracted but… "Why would you say that to me!"

"Being with me is…not something that I would wish on anyone."

Shaking his head, Adam balled his fist before punching Mal's chest. He knew that he wouldn't hurt the demon, but he wanted his full attention. This was important shit that he was about to say.

Mal's eyes widened before his hand covered the spot Adam had targeted.

"Are you paying attention to me?" Adam demanded.

His mate nodded.

"I don't care what your job is. You. Are. My. Mate."

"You truly feel that way?" Mal reached for him. There was so much hope in his gaze. In his tone. This poor demon was afraid that Adam would reject him? No way in…well, Hell, would Adam even think about doing something as insane as that.

"I do. Now take me home. I will be wearing a mating bite by the end of the night."

He yelped in surprise as his mate grabbed him. There was a rush of air before they stood on a hill to peer below at what looked like a different world. "What just happened?"

"I brought you to my home. Our home."

"That wasn't a portal," Adam pointed out. He knew magic. Adam was fae. Even if he hadn't been back to his home realm in years, Adam knew how portals worked.

"I do not need a portal," his mate responded stiffly. "I am the most powerful demon in existence. All I have to do is think where I want to be in the realm and that's where we'll be."

Adam grinned. "Awesome." That would totally save time. Peering down below, the hill was huge after all. The first thing that Adam noticed was the difference from Ash's neighborhood. Then the heat. "Where are we exactly?"

"In the city of the core," Mal answered.

A scream pierced the night and Adam jumped.

"That…that's not uncommon. I watch over the evilest of souls. Those that find themselves here suffer greatly for all of eternity." Mal's eyes were sad again.

The Master of punishment. Adam was beginning to understand his mate's concerns better. Or what Mal might be misunderstanding. Like Adam couldn't handle this. His mate would learn better. "Good thing I have a pair of amazing earplugs." He grinned at his mate. "Which house is ours?"

"The big one." Mal pointed directly below them.

Red dirt covered what Adam would call a street. Their house was huge, black stone, and the red dirt changed to silver sand for the yard. The space between the houses was massive, but Adam had an idea on how to improve privacy. His fingers itched to get to work, but he had other pressing needs first.

"Why are we still standing here?" Adam questioned. He drew Mal's hand toward his crotch, so his mate didn't miss what Adam wanted.

"I'll give you a tour later," Mal said while palming Adam's erection.

"Much later," Adam agreed.

Poof. Adam blinked and they were standing in a large dark bedroom. The walls were gray granite with black specks. The massive black-railed bed had been placed with the headboard against one wall. All the furniture was as black as everything else, including the long rugs situated around the room.

Color. His mate needed color in his life.

"This is my…our bedroom. The house has eight rooms and six bathrooms."

"Great, awesome." Adam closed his fingers around Mal's wrist before yanking him toward the bed.

"Boy," Mal rumbled.

That…that was exactly how he wanted his mate to respond. "Yes." Adam grinned at his mate.

"Don't be batting those lashes at me. I am the Master of this realm."

His mate was perfect. "Of course, I would never…" Adam batted his lashes again.

Mal's eyes narrowed. "Trouble."

"Who me?" Adam let his lower back touch the edge of the mattress. He was going to have to climb into that gigantic bed. Heck, he might need a stepstool.

"Yes, you." Mal gripped his waist before lifting him and tossing him on the bed.

"Woo-hoo!" That was an even better way to get on the bed. Adam rose to brace himself on his elbows. He peered over at his mate.

His mate.

That was still incredible.

Adam had a mate. The fates hadn't forsaken him.

Licking his lips, he allowed his gaze to linger over his mate.

"Like what you see?" Mal asked, puffing up his chest.

Adam nodded. "I want to know if you're that big everywhere."

Mal winked.

Fuck! Adam felt like he'd been hard for hours.

The wicked gleam in his mate's eye should probably scare him, but instead his excitement grew. Mal placed his hands on the mattress before he started to crawl toward him.

Adam tried to concentrate on breathing. He was being stalked by his mate and he wanted to be caught.

Hovering over him, Mal lowered his mouth until their lips touched.

Adam gripped Mal's horns and held him down as he pressed up. Mal growled but Adam swallowed the sound. They kissed, passion flaring, hands everywhere. He wanted his mate naked.

"Please." Adam arched, pressing his erection against Mal. "I need your hands on me."

Mal didn't waste time. He lifted enough to tug off Adam's clothes. Adam rolled and twisted, trying to help, but he didn't know if he was managing to assist at all. Once he was naked, Adam was more than a little sweaty.

"Your turn," Adam said as he flopped back onto the mattress. He wrapped his hand around his cock and stroked.

"Should you be doing that?" Mal rumbled.

"I don't know, Daddy, should I?"

Mal lunged and grabbed Adam's hands while lowering his mouth. They kissed again and this time Adam allowed himself to be mauled. He loved the intensity with which his mate wanted him.

Adam clawed at Mal's back until the shirt shredded beneath his fingers. His supernatural strength raged out of control as his mind whirled.

With a laugh, Mal drew back. "Impatient."

He was. Adam wanted to be claimed once and for all.

Mal crawled back until he stood at the end of the bed. He made quick work of removing the rest of his garments before tugging off the ruined shirt.

"Holy fuck!" Adam gasped. Mal was big all over.

Mal wrapped his hand around his cock. "You sure you want this?"

"Please." Yes, Mal was huge everywhere. Adam would be feeling him for days. No, weeks. He couldn't wait.

"Spread your legs, baby. Show me where you want me."

Adam groaned but hurried to comply.

Mal's fangs peeked out from his lips. "I'm going to have to take my time opening you up."

Adam shivered.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you enjoy every minute of it." Mal walked around the mattress to the bedside table and opened the drawer. He picked up a bottle of lube before dropping it on the bed.

Adam tried really hard to stay still but he had never been so turned on in his life. Mal moved back over him.

"I love your mouth. I'll never get tired of kissing you."

Adam grinned. He loved to kiss and was glad that his mate felt the same way. For a reward, he lifted his head and kissed Mal. Adam got lost in the taste of his mate until Mal's slick finger rubbed against his hole. Adam spread his legs farther as he sucked on Mal's tongue. He'd always loved bottoming and knew that being with his mate would be better than any other time in his life, but he couldn't help but stiffen as Mal's clawed finger breached him.

"Shh, it's okay, baby. I would never hurt you," Mal soothed. "Relax for me."

Adam tried to do as his mate said but Mal's fingers were thick.

Mal slipped down Adam's body to mouth and lavish attention on Adam's shaft. When Mal's hot mouth covered his cock, Adam did relax. His nerves sang and he wanted to come so bad.

As his mate sucked his dick, he used that thick finger to open him up.

Head rolling on the pillow, Adam grew more and more desperate.

"Not yet, baby," Mal whispered before adding a second finger and went back down on him.

It had to be hours, hours, before Mal finally withdrew three big fingers and popped off Adam's cock.

Adam was almost in tears with his desperation. "Please."

"Hold your knees to your chest." Mal helped Adam get into position before he grabbed the lube and applied some to his erection.

Their eyes locked as Mal positioned himself against Adam's hole.

"Mate," Adam said softly. "Claim me."

"Mine," Mal claimed as he pushed inside.

Heat filled him. Mal's cock scorched Adam from the inside but there was no pain. Just pressure then the smooth slide of his mate's cock filling him. Adam closed his eyes as emotions bombarded him.

Peace, longing, power all rolled into one big emotion until Adam wasn't sure he knew how to breathe anymore.

"Okay, mate?" Mal asked, his gravelly voice close to Adam's ear.

Adam turned his head. He couldn't help the tears that fell. He needed to say the word again. "Mate."

"Mate," Mal repeated. He pulled out slowly. Carefully. Then pushed back inside, his thick huge cock spreading Adam open.

Lifting his hips, Adam tried to help. He wanted his mate deep.

"I got you." Mal's clawed hands tightened on Adam's waist.

He moaned, Mal's cock brushing his sensitive prostate. "Faster. Harder. Claim me!"

Mal rose above him. His eyes glowed red. His fangs appeared from his open mouth. "Mine!" He slammed in hard.

"Yes!" Adam screamed.

He didn't care who heard him. The entire realm could be in the room watching and Adam would have happily given them a show. Each brush against his prostate, every thrust, Adam clawed Mal's back wanting his mate closer. Inside his skin. Souls bound together for eternity.

Mal made love to Adam like a demon possessed.

Adam would in fact be feeling this for days.

He urged his mate on with desperate pleas and begging.

"Gonna!" Adam warned.

"Do it. Come for me, my boy, my mate, my eternity." Mal ran those sharp fangs against Adam's neck.

Adam strained his neck back. "Do it."

Mal bit him.

Adam came. Hard.

Mal lifted his head before bellowing out his release.

He had to wrap his arm around Mal's thick neck to pull himself up but Adam bit down hard as his mate filled his hole.

Thunder rumbled in the distance before rolling louder. Closer.

Removing his teeth from Mal's shoulder, Adam fell back on the soft mattress. He gazed up at the most perfect demon in existence. He didn't care how powerful Mal was. What his job entailed. Adam would care for this being like no one ever had before.

Mal lowered his lips to kiss Adam's nose, chin, cheeks. Tears fell from the big guy's eyes, but Adam didn't call Mal on it. It was nice that Mal was as emotional as he was.

"I think it's going to storm," Adam said as another loud boom of thunder shook the house.

"It doesn't storm here," Mal said. "We've been truly blessed by the fates."

"Mm-hmm." That was nice. And Adam was really sleepy.