Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Adam

"How do I look?"

"Extremely handsome."

That…that was not a voice he recognized. Adam turned from his reflection in the mirror slowly. Before him was a man so good-looking that it actually stung Adam's eyes to look at him. Everyone else in the room had frozen in place.

Adam lifted his brow. "Hello."

The dark stranger bowed his head. "Hello."

There was only one man this person could be. "Lucifer?"

The smile was blinding.

Adam held his hand over his eyes. "Could you…turn that down or something?" He waved his hand in the direction of the stranger.

"My apologies. I forget."

Adam moved his hand, and he could finally look fully at the being in front of him. He was just too good-looking. "Are you using a glamour?"

"I am." Lucifer folded his hands behind his back. "It's…difficult for most to be in my presence. Unless they're a demon."

"Even if they have demon traits?" Adam challenged.

"Yes. You are still mostly fae. I have no control over that part of yourself. I just added and enhanced what was already there."

"Instructions would have been nice," Adam quipped.

Lucifer smiled again. At least Adam didn't feel like his eyeballs would explode this time. "Your mate did not ask for any."

Of course he hadn't. "Next time pull me along with my mate. I'll make sure to ask all the questions."

Lucifer seemed to be studying him. Adam let him take his time. "I believe you would." He hummed as he strode forward. "You aren't frightened of me?"

Adam shook his head. "Mal and Ash both speak very highly of you. They've talked about how much you love your demons. Anyone who cares that much wouldn't be here to hurt me right before my mating ceremony."

Lucifer now only stood a few feet from Adam. "You are correct. Still, you surprise me. Pleasantly. The fates do know what they are doing."

"I think so." Mal was his perfect mate.

"I can feel the changes happening to my realm. The soft hum that is always present has started to vibrate and sing."

"Is that a good thing?" Adam asked. He hoped so.

Lucifer didn't respond for a long moment. "Yes. It makes me miss being here."

That was something that Adam had wondered but hadn't found the time to ask. "Why don't you live in this realm?"

"Curious little thing, aren't you?"

"Well, duh! And I get the feeling that you don't normally make an appearance, so I sort of want to get my money's worth."

He amused the King of Hell. Okay, Adam could see that he might need to be careful with Lucifer but he already felt at ease around the other man.

Lucifer walked over to the wingback chair situated in the corner of the room. The formal dining room had been converted into a room for Adam to prepare for the ceremony. In fact, the entire downstairs of his new home was now unrecognizable. Other than a bar and buffet area, the space was now a large ballroom.

Lucifer stopped next to Notel and Gammer who'd been fussing with the jacket Adam was supposed to wear and kissed each of their foreheads. He then moved to Siezman and did the same. None of Adam's minions moved as they remained frozen in place. He kept walking until he sat in the chair and a glass appeared in each hand.

"Have a drink with me," Lucifer requested.

Adam hurried over.

Lucifer nodded and a matching chair appeared across from him.

"Can I do that?" Adam asked as he sat.

"No. But your mate can." He passed Adam the crystal glass filled halfway with dark liquid. Adam took a sniff but couldn't tell what it was.

"From my personal collection," Lucifer said. "It won't harm you." He raised the glass to his own lips before pausing and lifting a brow.

A challenge maybe? Well Adam was nothing if not stupid brave. He sipped from his glass.

Was there a word for what he was tasting? Adam knew his eyes were huge as he took a bigger drink. It wasn't sweet. Not sour. It was something… Adam had no idea how to describe the taste other than wow!

Lucifer chuckled. "Careful. It is strong."

Adam nodded. It didn't seem that strong to him, but he'd be cautious. Still, it was fucking delicious! Adam grinned. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome. Thank you for allowing me to visit with you before your ceremony."

Had Adam had a choice? Not that it mattered. If asked, Adam would have welcomed Lucifer in.

Lucifer smiled.

Adam had a horrifying thought. "Can you read my mind?"

"No." Lucifer sipped his drink. "Although your thoughts are pretty easy to guess."

Oh. That was probably a good thing. No way did he want Lucifer to know how attractive Adam found him. He would die of embarrassment.

"I suspect you have questions. We have little time," Lucifer said. "Ask the most important."

Questions! He had so many questions. He wanted to know all about his and Mal's new powers. The gift from Lucifer himself. He wanted to know more about Lucifer. About his life. Why he didn't live in the realm. Could Adam maybe visit where Lucifer lived? What about the Princes, Dukes and other royals? Would Adam meet them now that Mal was a Duke?

He didn't ask any of that though. Adam drank from his glass, gathering his courage. After taking a deep breath, Adam asked the one question that haunted him at night.

"Am I doing the right thing? For the realm? For the demons?"

Both of their drinks disappeared. Just blinked away before Lucifer was holding Adam's hands tightly.

Adam tried to push any fear away. He didn't believe that Lucifer would be angry with him. Or hurt him.

"You, my child," Lucifer said firmly, "have been a blessing to this realm. Not only because your mating gave hope to the rest of the realm but because of who you are."

"Who I am?"

Lucifer gave that stunning smile again.

"The heart inside you is strong," Lucifer said. "You care more for others than I have seen from someone in a very long time. I am certain that not only will my realm thrive with you here, but the demons will find peace within themselves."

Adam's eyes filled. "That's a lot to live up to."

"Not for you," Lucifer told him. He kissed each of Adam's palms. "Now I must go and allow your mate inside before he burns his own house down. Remember that you are doing exactly what you were fated to do. Don't doubt what comes from your heart. And lean on your mate."

"I will," Adam vowed.

Lucifer was gone one blink later.

The bedroom door slammed open at the same time that everyone in the room started moving around no longer frozen in place.

There was confusion and a lot of yelling but Adam just took it in stride. He held his hand out to his mate.

"Are you okay?" Mal asked, drawing him closer.

Adam nodded.

"Lucifer?"

"How—"

"There is only one being that could keep me out of a room in my own house," Mal said. "Plus…" Leaning over, he picked up what appeared to be a leather-bound journal. "I believe this is for you."

Adam opened the thick journal and smiled. He hadn't gotten to ask all his questions, but Lucifer had come through. The journal was not only filled with pages of demon species with explanations but also provided the additional details if he or Mal held that gift.

Adam beamed up at his mate. "I liked Lucifer."

Mal grunted. "Of course you did."

"He was very attractive."

Mal narrowed his eyes.

"Does he have a mate?"

"Adam—"

Adam laughed while wrapping his arms around Mal's neck. "I have you, Daddy. I only love you. But everyone around us keeps finding their mates, so I wondered."

"Lucifer hasn't been blessed as I have yet. I don't even know how that would work. We can hope for him though."

Adam would. He hoped to see Lucifer again, but it was time to concentrate on his own mate. "What are you doing up here? Is it time?"

"It is." Mal leaned down and kissed him gently. "You look very handsome."

"Jacket!" Siezman came up and pulled Adam from Mal's arms.

Adam might have pouted a little.

"Let me help," Mal requested. He turned Adam before holding the jacket up for him.

The jacket. Adam didn't even know if that was what this was called. It looked like a jacket. Just a really fancy one. Mal was dressed in all black while Adam wore black and green.

The tattoo at the base of Mal's neck, his Duke symbol, was prominently displayed around the entire estate and this ceremony. Adam was even considering getting a matching tattoo and Levi had agreed to ink it for him. It would be a surprise for his mate. If he could just get up the nerve to go through with it.

"My love." Mal fixed the collar of the jacket before spinning Adam around.

Adam clung to his mate. A year ago, six months, six weeks ago, Adam would never have known he'd become so utterly happy and blessed.

It wouldn't have mattered to him if Mal had been what they called a lesser demon or what species he would have been. There was no doubt in his heart that Mal was his perfect match in every way.

"The guests are waiting," Siezman said.

Adam wanted to tell them to wait but Mal pulled away. "Come, mate. Let the realm see our love for themselves."

That was a good reason to stop kissing. Probably. Maybe.

The bedroom doors had been closed again but this time their demons, their friends, their family stood in front of them. These were Adam's people, but he had friends and family downstairs as well. He wanted all of them together.

"We're ready," Adam said.

There would be a lot of demons downstairs that Adam didn't know but he still considered them his. Maybe not his minions. Mal was probably right that he didn't need that many. But they were all important to him.

Gammer and Notel threw the double doors open and Adam stepped out with his hand in Mal's.

Below them in the newly formed ballroom stood hundreds of beings. Demons, humans, shifters, fae, and yet more. It didn't matter the species. All were welcome.

"Ready?" Mal whispered.

Adam grinned.

They lifted their joined hands into the air and a roar of approval was the response. Adam lifted his free hand before he snapped his fingers. All around the room, red candles with their house symbol, lit and shining.

Awe came over the guests. Yes! He'd done it. Adam had been practicing for days. Since Mal could actually make fire, if Adam touched his mate, he could share that gift. Or if he was attacked like with Zacorah.

"The Duke Mal and his mate, Adam," Siezman announced.

Adam smiled and cried as he and Mal walked down the stairs hand in hand to cheers and applause.

* * * * *

Mal

"Thank you, my friend." He shook another hand before he tried to discreetly step away from the crowds. Mal was proud to be celebrating his mating, but he was not normally a people person and had just about met his quota for the day. Hell, his quota for a lifetime.

The turnout for his mating ceremony was a testament to his position but Mal also hoped the large number of guests also meant that the changes his mate was making would be fully embraced.

Not that Mal was too worried. They had Lucifer's support and an amazing family behind them. It was important to Adam though that his ideas were realized without too much pushback.

He stepped into the kitchen, surprised to see Levi hiding inside as well.

"How're you doing?" Mal asked.

"Good. Just needed a break from all the people," Levi said.

Mal nodded. "Same."

"And Notel showed me where he was hiding some of the hors d'oeuvres that haven't been placed on the tables yet."

"Food?" Mal perked up. He'd tried to make himself a plate, but he kept getting interrupted.

Levi grinned as he stepped away from the counter and the platter he'd been blocking from view.

Mal glanced over his shoulder before he rushed forward. It didn't seem that anyone had noticed that he'd slipped away. He shoved three small cracker things in his mouth and chewed.

Levi laughed. "I might have some wine too."

"You're my favorite," Mal declared.

"Really? I thought I was your favorite."

Mal turned and smiled at the familiar voice. "Do you have food and wine?"

"You have food?" Adam rushed forward.

Mal picked up the cracker loaded down with…well he wasn't sure but something delicious and placed it in Adam's mouth.

Levi handed over two goblets of wine.

"Why didn't we think of this earlier?" Adam whined. "I'm starving!" Reaching around, he picked up another cracker.

"Levi was holding out on us. Hiding in here by himself," Mal tattled.

Adam narrowed his eyes to Levi. "Why are you hiding?"

"Too peoply," Levi said.

"True." Adam stole another cracker. "Not because of Tristan?"

"He's…" Levi sighed. "Being nice."

"Nice," Adam repeated.

Mal hid his grin by stuffing another cracker in his mouth. He'd watched how all of Adam's family from the home realm acted around Levi. Levi was a very magical and powerful gargoyle, but they were all so gentle with him. And protective. Even the boys. And it was cute. Not that Mal would be saying that to anyone. Those boys were a little…scary as well.

The kitchen door swung open and Tristan peeked inside. "Oh," he said as his eyes widened.

"Oh," Adam said.

Tristan appeared unsure how to proceed. If he should. He probably shouldn't.

"Please come in. What can we help you with, Tristan?"

"Uh." Tristan looked nervously from Adam to Mal.

Mal was not getting involved in this. At least if he didn't have to. Tristan was not a bad demon and he still couldn't figure out why Adam hated him so much. Demons…were demons.

"Did you need something?" Adam asked sweetly. Too sweetly. Falsey sweetie.

"I just…" Tristan brought a package from behind his back. "Brought this for Levi." He seemed slightly embarrassed. Interesting.

"You brought something. For Levi?" Now Adam sounded confused.

"I brought you something! A gift!" Tristan said quickly. "I put it on the gift table."

"But you brought Levi something?"

"I…" Tristan took a step back.

"Stop. I want to see what you brought him," Adam ordered.

Tristan's shoulders slumped.

"Come on," Adam coaxed.

Tristan finally crossed the kitchen to them. He held a silver-wrapped box and shoved it in Levi's chest.

Levi caught it with one hand. "What's this for?"

Tristan huffed. The small puff of smoke told of his frustration. "Really?"

Levi was looking at the package like it would bite him. Since Mal wasnt sure what the demon would think a gift for a gargoyle was, Mal sort of wanted to pull Adam away. He didn't. Even when Adam poked the top of the box.

"I have never worked so hard wooing anyone in my life," Tristan mumbled.

They still heard him.

"What?" Adam screeched.

"Wait! You're trying to woo me?" Levi asked.

"Who says woo anymore?" Adam questioned.

Tristan frowned but responded to Levi. "Yes?"

"Yes, what?" Levi demanded.

"I'm…I have been trying to get your attention," Tristan confessed.

Exactly as Mal had suspected.

"You have been wooing me by grabbing your…junk?" Levi asked slowly. "Leering at me, following me, and…and…"

"Of course!" Tristan threw his hands up in the air. "How else would you have known?"

"You could have tried talking to me without all the…sexual advances," Levi pointed out.

"What? Why?" Tristan asked.

Adam groaned.

All eyes turned to him and Adam shook his head.

"What?" Tristan repeated.

"I'm going to have to start a dating class or something," Adam whined. "I just know it! You demons!"

"Hey!" Mal yanked his mate back against his chest. "You haven't complained one time—" He nibbled on Adam's neck.

His little mate shuddered. "Yes, but I already knew we were mates." He closed his eyes then took a deep breath before stepping away.

Mal let him go although he really did want to get his hands back on his boy. Maybe put Adam over his knees and smack that ass. Hmm, he was hard now. Maybe they could slip into the office and have some fun? Surely no one would miss them too much.

"Tristan," Adam said softly.

Oh yeah, first they had to take care of the demon crushing on their gargoyle.

"Yes?" Tristan sounded wary.

"You don't show someone youre interested in by constantly stalking them or making obscene gestures," Adam said.

"But how—"

Adam held up his hand. "We thought you were a creep! I tried to get Mal to drag you down to be tortured."

The demon turned white. From the tip of his horns and down Tristan paled so fast Mal worried he would pass out.

"I wouldn't have done that without a good reason," Mal tried to assure the demon.

"I…I…should go!" Tristan squeaked.

Mal sighed. This was going to get out. He just knew it.

"Wait!" Adam grabbed Tristan's arm.

Tristan whimpered.

"Sorry!" Adam released the demon. "I shouldn't have touched you without your permission, but I don't want you to run away, okay?"

"Okay?" Tristan parroted.

"Can we get back to this?" Levi shook the gift.

"Oh yeah," Adam pressed his shoulder to Levi's. "Open it?"

Levi glanced at Tristan. "Is it dangerous?"

Tristan squinted, clearly not understanding the question.

"Will it harm anyone in the room?" Mal clarified.

Tristan shrugged. "Sure."

Mal wanted to throttle the demon. That was not a good answer. Levi's eyes widened and Adam took a big step away.

"Why would you hurt someone in this room?" Tristan asked Levi. "The Master,—sorry but I don't think you should take on the Master, or his mate. I thought they were your friends?"

Levi shook his head. "Guess we'll find out." He ripped off the paper before tossing it on the counter then pulled off the lid.

"What is it?" Adam asked, leaning closer.

Mal wanted to know as well.

Levi picked up a dagger made from core rock and sharpened into a deadly point. He turned the dagger and the black rock gleamed. "This is gorgeous."

And expensive. Mal was quite impressed with Tristan's wooing skills. Even if he had been in danger from Mal's little mate.

"But I can't accept this," Levi said sadly.

The pleasure in Tristan's face faded. "Oh."

"It really is gorgeous, and I appreciate the thought but…I'm…not available. I have a mate."

"I didn't know!" Tristan literally leapt away from them. "I swear! Please don't torture me."

Mal snorted before he gave Adam a look that said ‘you deal with this.'

Adam sighed. "It's okay, Tristan. We know you didn't know."

"I respect the fates!"

"There is no way you could have known," Levi said. "It's…complicated. But see why I can't accept a wooing gift?"

"Sure." Tristan nodded.

Levi was still gazing at the dagger.

"What about a friendship gift?" Adam suggested.

Tristan perked up. "I did already trade for it," he said.

"Friendship," Levi said.

Tristan shrugged. "I'd like to be friends. I was really hoping you would spar with me. I'd love to test my abilities against someone other than a demon."

"I'd be happy too," Levi replied. "But no more stalking."

"Not even when you…" Tristan waved his hand toward the backyard. "Relax in the hot tub? Because let me tell you, man—"

"No! Nope!" Adam interrupted. "I don't want to know!"

Mal, Tristan, and Levi laughed. Even if Levi's cheeks had a definite pink tinge to them.

The kitchen door swung open.

"There you are!" Siezman scolded. "Everyone is looking for the two of you."

Adam whined before shoving two crackers into his mouth. Mal took one big gulp of his wine. Duty called.