Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

Chewing on a chunk of fluffy pancake the next morning, Teague eyed Larkin from where she sat opposite him at the kitchen island. “You keep looking at me weird.”

Coffee mug in hand, she arched a brow. “I do?”

“Yeah.”

“Weird how?”

“Like a predator watches another predator, looking for weaknesses and blind spots.” And she was very much aware that she was doing it.

His demon squinted, unsure how it felt about this. Being the center of her focus pleased the entity. But this feeling of being studied and hunted? Not so much.

It also made no sense.

He was certain of one thing. “You’re plotting something.”

A smile shaped her luscious mouth. “I am,” she readily admitted.

He leaned forward slightly, intrigued. His demon pricked up its ears, equally interested. Joining forces with her could be fun. “Let me in on it.”

“No.”

He felt his forehead crease. “Why not? My input would be invaluable.”

“Probably. You are, after all, a devious little shit.”

Seriously, she came out with the best compliments. “So clue me in. Take advantage of my expertise in this area.”

His harpy pursed her lips. “Nah.”

“Ah, come on.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll eventually learn what I’m plotting.”

Straightening, he sliced into his half-eaten pancake, asking, “When will ‘eventually’ come rolling around?”

“I don’t have an estimated date for you, unfortunately.”

That wasn’t vague at all. “I’m not a fan of suspense. Just tell me.”

“How about you tell me why there’s no record of your past?”

“But I like being mysterious.”

She snorted, throwing him a derisive look. “You like keeping secrets.”

He didn’t really have much choice but to keep things hidden. But, obviously, he couldn’t explain that to her. He wouldn’t have done anyway, because he saw what she was doing. “You’re just trying to distract me from questioning you about whatever it is that you’re planning.”

Pausing, he forked a piece of pancake and dipped it in the sweet maple syrup that had trickled onto the plate. “It won’t work. I use this trick all the time. I’m immune to—Jesus, Lark.”

The little minx had whipped off her camisole, revealing her gorgeous breasts perfectly cupped in a neon pink lacy bra that gave her some wicked cleavage—his harpy had a whole drawer full of colorful, sexy underwear. And then she took a casual sip of her coffee, like she did this all the time.

He smiled. “Bravo. I’m officially distracted.”

One corner of her lips tilted upward. “Typical boy.”

A phone chimed from somewhere within the apartment.

She set down her cup. “I’ll be back in a minute.” Her stool legs scraped the tiled floor as she pushed out of her seat.

“Be braless when you get back.”

She only rolled her eyes and strode out of the room.

Raising his fork to his mouth, he bit into the large chunk of pancake. Damn, the woman could cook. Really cook.

When they’d taken a break from their sexual marathon halfway through the night, she’d whipped up the most amazing stir fry. His stomach was in love with her.

She was stacking up points fast. She cooked like a pro, stocked his favorite beer, liked watching sports, knew her way around a spectacular blowjob, and made him come harder than any woman ever had.

Yeah, he needed to wangle himself some future invites. It might not be easy, despite the agreement they’d made last night. Because Larkin was skittish at the best of times and liked to have her space. But then, he was good at pushing himself into it. He’d been doing it for years.

As he chewed on yet another piece of pancake, he wondered what exactly she could be plotting. Maybe it was related to Holt. Maybe she wanted Teague to agree to something that would further agitate her idiot of a psi-mate.

If so, Teague would be up for it. The sooner the cambion did something stupid, the sooner Teague could watch her demon obliterate him. He had the feeling that it would be one hell of a show. His beast was looking forward to it.

He used the last chunk of his pancake to sweep up what was left of the syrup. Wolfing it down, he glanced around the kitchen. It was spacious, not to mention contemporary with stainless steel appliances, dove-gray cupboards, and bright white wall tiles. It was also immaculately clean like the rest of her apartment.

There were no crumbs or spilled sugar on the countertop. No old sauce splatter on the tiles above the stove. No overflowing trashcan or cup rings on the wooden surface of the island.

His kitchenette was clean, but not so much that it damn sparkled. His countertop boasted scars, a little clutter, and a couple of ring stains that no amount of scrubbing had ever removed.

Just as he lowered his cutlery to his empty plate, he heard the sound of steady footfalls. Soon, Larkin came strolling into the kitchen.

“You’re still wearing your bra,” he complained.

“And I have no intention of taking it off. Deal with it.”

“Well, that was rude, but I’ll let it go because those pancakes were awesome.” He lifted his mug, and the fragrant steam of his coffee wafted his face. “Do you have a cleaner?”

She returned to her stool. “Nope.”

Huh. Who would have guessed she was something of a neat freak? Then again, she didn’t have any needless accessories or sentimental objects lying around to keep tidy. There wasn’t even a single plant or herb pot on her windowsill.

“You have a junk drawer, don’t you?”

Her brows flicked together. “What?”

“No one’s kitchen is this tidy unless they have somewhere to stuff their clutter.”

She shook her head. “No junk drawer.”

Also, no real personality to the space. The only personal touches were the childlike drawings that had been attached to her double-fridge with magnets. He tipped his chin toward them. “I’m guessing Asher was the artist.”

The set of her mouth softened. “Yeah, he was. And that reminds me . . . ”

He arched a questioning brow, sipping at his coffee.

“What are your plans for today?”

“I’ve got a race coming up this afternoon, and then nothing. You?”

“It’s my day off. I’m having lunch with the girls. That’s the extent of my plans until later—I’m on babysitting duty tonight. So are you.”

His head jerked back slightly. “What?”

“You’re helping me babysit Asher.” Larkin almost smiled at the flash of panic on his face. She knew from Khloë that though Teague liked kids, he had a huge aversion to babysitting—the thought of being responsible for young living beings made him uneasy, which was why he’d never agreed to babysit Khloë’s younger siblings. “The other sentinels and I take turns. It’s now mine.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“People in relationships babysit together.” Sort of. Larkin simply wanted to rope him into spending as much time with her as possible so she could begin to subtly sneak beneath his guard and eat away at his ‘no relationships’ stance.

His brow pinching, he flicked his head to the side. “They do?”

“Yup.”

“Huh.” He chewed on the inside of his mouth. “I didn’t know that.”

“Why would you? You’ve never been in a relationship.”

“I came close to it once.”

Jealousy flared inside Larkin, and her equally green-eyed demon flexed its fingers. “Really? What happened there?”

Exhaling a sad sigh, he lowered his cup to the coaster. “Not much. She and I didn’t have much in common. I’m loud and social. She was quiet and inflatable. It was never going to work out.”

Crossing her eyes, Larkin felt a smile curve a mouth. “You’re insane.”

“Proudly.” He propped his elbows on the island. “When does the babysitting gig start?”

“Six-thirty. Meet me here. We’ll head to Harper and Knox’s home together.”

He gave her an odd look. “You sure they’ll be fine with this? I mean, they don’t know me very well. They might not want me in their home and around their kid without them there to supervise.”

Her demon’s jaw hardened, and Larkin felt her expression firm. “If they’re not okay with it, they can ask someone else to babysit. Either we both go, or neither of us go.” She wasn’t going to have anyone make him feel on the outside of their group.

Teague smiled, slow and sexy. “Aw, look at you being all protective. It’s sweet. I’m touched. I really do have the best girlfriend.”

“Yeah, you do. And don’t forget it.”

He chuckled, apparently not unnerved by how she hadn’t done as she usually did and stated that she was his fake girlfriend. It was good that he’d read nothing into it—he might otherwise clam up and pull away. His cluelessness was also somewhat amusing for both her and her entity. The poor hellhorse had no idea that he was the focus of a harpy on the hunt.

It was shortly after they’d finished their coffees that he announced he needed to leave. Her demon predictably pouted. It would no doubt sulk for a while, but whatever.

After pulling on her camisole, Larkin walked him to the front door and pulled it open. As he stepped out into the hall, she shuffled forward and said, “Good luck with your race. Not that you need it.” He never did.

He crooked his finger at her. “Closer. I want to leave here with your taste in my mouth.”

Her stomach fluttered. “Then come get it.”

Grinning, he moved toward her, dipped his head, and then kissed her. It was a deep, drugging kiss that went on and on. Giving her wrist a little squeeze, he drew back. “Later.”

“Later.”

They both turned their heads as Levi’s front door opened. The reaper strolled out of his apartment, quickly followed by his mate. Piper gave Larkin and Teague a wave, beaming. Levi tipped his chin at them and greeted, “Morning.”

“Morning,” Teague returned.

Larkin, however, merely stared at the reaper’s back as he stalked off with Piper.

“What’s wrong?” Teague asked her.

Nothing, it was just that . . . “He didn’t glare at you.” Nor had he given the brand a dirty look.

“Ah, so, he’s apparently decided he’ll accept my place in your life, since I accept your crazy-ass demon.” Teague gave a fluid shrug. “That’s what he told me last night, anyway.”

God, she loved Levi. She really did. Her demon actually blew him a kiss.

Sure that Knox, Tanner, and Keenan would follow the reaper’s lead, Larkin smiled as she said, “Good.” Pausing, she pointed at Teague. “Six pm. Don’t forget.”

Backing up, he saluted her. “I’ll be here.”

Returning inside, Larkin closed the door and then telepathically reached out to Knox. I want to bring Teague with me later when I babysit Asher at your place. Will that be a problem?

Her Prime’s mind lightly clipped her own. I had a feeling you’d want to bring him.

Is it going to be an issue?

I don’t see why it should be. I trust that you’d never ask this if you weren’t positive that he would never be a threat to Asher. And, as it happens, I don’t believe Teague would ever be a threat to any child. Plus, I’m quite sure you could put him on his ass if necessary.

Larkin’s lips tilted upward. I totally could. Though the hellhorse would probably disagree.

Levi told me that Teague and your demon seem to get along quite well.

They have a few things in common. Namely, they’re both incredibly disturbed and like to make people feel uncomfortable.

A vibe of pure male amusement touched her mind. I don’t think your demon would have settled for anyone who was well-adjusted.

Probably not. I’ll see you tonight.She broke the psychic contact with a pleased sigh. Levi had accepted Teague, and apparently so had Knox.

Two bros down, two left to go.

As a lean, graying male urged Larkin and Teague into a hugeass mansion with a polite smile later that day, Teague gestured for her to enter first. He followed closely behind, stepping into a gleaming marble foyer. His demon’s nostrils flared as it inhaled the smells of floor wax, freshly cut flowers, and scented candles lacing the air.

He’d heard that Knox and Harper lived on a grand estate, but he hadn’t known it was so expansive. He’d only gotten glimpses of the front, but that was big enough with its sprawling landscape, huge mansion, a sizeable garage, and also a gatehouse. He suspected there were more buildings at the rear of the property.

High brick walls bordered the estate, though he supposed that was more for privacy than security. Because the entirety of it was surrounded by a psychic shield that was invisible to the naked eye and impossible for demons to penetrate. An orb of hellfire would bounce right off it, and any attempts by strangers to teleport inside would fail.

Only people who were psychically ‘keyed’ to be allowed entrance could bypass the shield, arriving either via the tall, metal security gates or by some means of demonic travel. Larkin was one of those people.

As the butler who Larkin referred to as Dan led them further into the house, Teague saw that it was as opulent as its exterior. Not pretentious, though, which he liked.

Dan led them into a vast sitting room. Harper was perched on one of two half-moon upholstered sofas that framed a coffee table. The latter was the same light pine as the wooden flooring. Asher sat cross-legged beside his mother, his gaze locked on the TV.

Knox stood in front of the fireplace, his feet planted on the blue Persian rug beneath him as he spoke into his cell phone. Behind him, mismatched knick-knacks lined the fire mantel.

Spotlights beamed down from the high ceiling that also boasted a crystal chandelier. Similar spotlights were embedded in the walls alongside striking paintings, framed family photos and a tall antique mirror.

The three Thorne demons looked up as Dan announced the arrival of Larkin and Teague. The butler then melted away as greetings were quickly exchanged.

Asher crossed to Teague, swinging his arms. “You’re gonna stay with me while my mommy and daddy go out and make kissy faces at each other.”

“What?” asked Teague.

“Ciaran said that’s what mommies and daddies do on date nights.” The wrinkling of Asher’s nose made clear what he thought of that. “He said he’d tell me more when I’m older, and we’d talk about bees and birds. But I don’t know why he wants to talk about those.”

Knox looked at his mate. “Our son will not be having such a conversation with an imp. God knows what they’ll tell him.”

Harper smiled. “My dad’s version of that particular talk was teaching me all about artificial insemination, saying I should stay away from boys because if I kissed one I’d grow fangs.”

Larkin snickered.

A Hispanic woman inched into the room. “Would either of you like something to eat or drink?” she asked both Larkin and Teague.

“Thanks, Meg, a soda would be great,” Larkin told her.

“I’m good, thanks,” he told the woman.

With a smile, Meg nodded and then disappeared.

Once Harper and Knox were ready to leave, she cupped Asher’s chin and said, “Now, you be good for Larkin and Teague. Okay?”

The kid gave her a dimply smile. “ ’Kay.”

She dropped a kiss on his head. “That’s my good boy.”

Asher disappeared in a roar of flames, only to reappear in front of Knox. “I want a hug,” he told his father.

Knox lifted him, gave him a tight squeeze, and kissed his temple. “You know what to do if you need me or your mom, don’t you?”

Asher gave a curt nod. “I ’path you and say hey, get your butts home.”

Humor lit Knox’s eyes. “Something like that.”

A loud, high-pitched toot filled the air, and then Asher dissolved into a fit of giggles.

Knox sighed. “That was why you wanted a hug, wasn’t it? So you could fart on my arm?”

Asher didn’t respond, too busy laughing.

Harper snatched him from his father with a playful growl, tickled him mercilessly, and then set him down on the sofa. “You are trouble in its purest form.” She grabbed her purse from the table. “Thanks so much for this, guys, we appreciate it,” she said to Larkin and Teague.

“Contact us if you have any problems,” Knox told them, slipping his arm around his mate’s waist.

“We will,” Larkin assured him.

“Bye!” Asher yelled, bouncing on the sofa.

“Dammit, kid, stop jumping on the couch,” groused Harper.

He only giggled again.

Then the Primes were gone. Meg entered the room mere moments later, handed Larkin her soda, and then once more vanished.

Larkin took a swig of her drink as she turned to Asher. “So, what do you want to do while we wait for your mom and dad to get back?”

He scuttled off the couch and dashed to Teague. “I wanna ride the horsey.”

Uh, yeah, no. He hoisted the kid up. “How about we just do this instead?”

“Do what?” asked Asher.

In answer, Teague dangled him upside down by one ankle. Asher squealed in delight, kicking his free leg.

“I have an idea,” said Larkin. “How about we go play in the backyard?”

“Yes!” agreed Asher. “The horsey can take me outside!”

“I’ll give you a piggyback ride—that’s the best deal you’re getting,” Teague told him.

The kid dedicated a good ten minutes into trying to change Teague’s mind. When it didn’t work, he agreed to the piggyback ride.

After placing her soda on the coffee table, Larkin led the way as they walked out of the room and through the mansion.

“I like the blue-tinted windows,” said Teague.

“They’re bulletproof,” she told him, confirming his suspicion. “Despite the shield encompassing the estate, Knox has extra security measures for the mansion. He takes no chances.”

As they walked out of the rear patio doors, he felt his brows lift. “Some backyard.” There was a BBQ area, an outdoor bar, a massive cabana complete with a widescreen TV, and a currently covered swimming pool.

Various smells scented the air. Chlorine, sun-warmed stone, stagnant pond water, and all the freshly mown grass that sat between the patio area and a large playground.

As soon as Teague stepped foot on the playground’s spongy rubber flooring, Asher pyroported from his back to the floor. Then he raced off.

“Sweet little play area he’s got here.” There were swings, a slide, a tube maze, a sandbox, a see-saw, a jungle gym, monkey bars, and a rock climbing wall. Like the rubber flooring, the equipment was brightly colored.

Larkin nodded. “His parents don’t do anything by halves.”

“Teague, come push me,” Asher urged, perching his butt on a swing.

“Not too high,” Larkin said to Teague. “Go easy.”

He smiled. “Well, obviously.”

Larkin spent the next hour with her heart in her throat. Why? Because Teague didn’t know the meaning of go easy. He was as much of a daredevil as Asher.

So during the time the two dudes made full use of the playground, there was one moment after another where she was sure the kid would fall and split his head open. But Teague would be at his side superfast, steadying him in an instant. Which was the only reason she didn’t put a stop to it and instead hovered close just in case she was needed.

When Asher finally settled down in the sandbox to play with the toys there, Teague sidled up to her and said, “That boy is a whirlwind of energy.”

“You’re good with kids,” she noted.

He shrugged. “I like them. Sort of.”

“Sort of?” she asked with a chuckle.

“I mean, it depends on the kid.”

“So I take it you’re not in a rush to have any of your own?”

His mouth curved. “Keenan insists that it would be better for the world if I never breed.”

Larkin shook her head. “Some would say the same about his mate, so . . . ”

“What about you? Do you want your own brood?”

“Maybe not a brood. One or two would be enough for me.” She paused as they both crossed to the nearby bench and sat. “Why haven’t you joined Jolene’s lair?”

His head twitched. “That came out of nowhere.”

She shrugged. “I’ve always wondered why you didn’t. I know she offered for you and your clan to join. How come you said no?” It would have made sense for them to snap up Jolene’s offer. The demon world could be brutal, and strays were easy targets.

He twisted his mouth. “I’m not the type of person who’d do well at answering to others.”

Yeah, she could see that. “Do you have any family?”

He blinked. “Family?”

“Yeah. You know. Parents. Siblings. Extended relatives.”

Leaning slightly away from her as if to better study her face, he offered her a wary look. “What’s with the questions?”

Ah, always so cautious. “What’s with the evasiveness?”

“You’re no more open than I am. You rarely answer my questions.”

That much was true. “Okay, ask me something.”

He slowly sank back onto the bench and then draped his arm over the back of it, his hand brushing against her shoulder. “All right. I heard that you, Knox, and the other three sentinels grew up in a children’s home for demonic orphans. Is that true?” By the look on his face, he didn’t expect her to answer.

But she did. “It is. It’s how we all met and formed a family of sorts.”

“How did you end up an orphan?” Again, he didn’t seem to be expecting a response.

Again, she gave him one. Because although she didn’t like revisiting this time in her life, she needed to make an effort to be open with Teague if she truly meant to keep him. “I was a stray once, like you. So was my mom, Belle. I don’t properly remember the attack on our lair—I was only a toddler back then—but it decimated most of our numbers. The survivors sought a place in other lairs. Except for my mom. She didn’t want to.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure. She never said.” Larkin pulled in a steadying breath through her nose. “Anyway, one day—I was four, I think—she took me to the local forest so we could pick berries like we sometimes did.”

Pausing, Larkin swallowed as she remembered how her mother would always sing and dance and laugh like a wood nymph. “On the way home, she said she needed to stop off somewhere to speak to a friend. She took me to this huge building and told me to wait in the reception-type area while she spoke to the person in charge. She kissed my forehead, gave me a trembly smile, disappeared down the hall . . . and I never saw her again.”

Teague’s brows snapped together. “The building she took you to was the orphanage?”

“Yes.” Her chest tightening painfully, Larkin let out a shaky exhale. “I didn’t realize she’d left at first. She didn’t say goodbye. Just went on her way like she was dropping me off at daycare.” That was when her demon’s issues had come into play.

Teague’s face went rock hard. “She left you? Just like that?”

“Just like that.” She swallowed. “When the Ramsbrook staff told me that she wanted me to live there now, I didn’t believe them. I was sure she’d never abandon me. But I was wrong.”

Threads of red-hot anger crisscrossing in his belly, Teague softly cursed. “You had no clue she meant to leave you there?”

“No.” Clasping her hands tightly in her lap, his harpy sucked in her lips. “I never saw it coming. It wasn’t as if Belle was a neglectful mom or anything. She told me every day that she loved me, and I believed her. But I don’t know how you can abandon someone you love like that.”

Angling his body toward her, Teague rested a hand on her nape. “What about your other relatives? Your father? Grandparents? She couldn’t have at least put you in the care of a family member?”

“I never met my dad—I was the product of a one-night stand, and he had no interest in me. I learned that much from eavesdropping. As for my other relatives . . . they died during the attack on my lair, I barely remember them. Belle and I only had each other. Until we didn’t.”

The way her voice broke on the latter word made his stomach hurt. Furious on her behalf, he slid closer to her. “Did the staff at the orphanage explain why she took you there?”

“They had no explanation to give me, because she gave none to them.” Larkin licked her lips. “I could seek out the answers if I want to. She’s still alive.”

“You looked her up?”

Larkin nodded. “She’s happily mated with two adult children. She and her new family live in Atlanta.”

Jesus Christ. He couldn’t imagine how it would feel to be tossed aside like unwanted goods so that your parent could essentially start over. That was how the situation came across to him. Belle wanted a fresh start after losing her lair; wanted to shed her daughter so she could once again be single, childless, and carefree.

No wonder Larkin and her demon had no willingness whatsoever to forgive Holt. He’d done what her mother had done: Left with no warning, and never looked back. Or, at least, he hadn’t until now. But it was too little too late for Larkin and her entity.

She looked off into the distance. “I thought about confronting Belle when I first tracked her down, but I see no reason why I should give her that level of emotional importance. She walked away. She turned her back on me. She deserves nothing at all from me. So I chose to instead embrace my future rather than chase my past. Knox, Levi, Tanner, and Keenan are my family. They’d never do to me what Belle did.”

Anger skipping along the surface of his skin, Teague did what he did at her apartment when she told him about Holt. He curled his arm around her shoulders and pulled her toward him. She didn’t stiffen this time; she melted into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

His demon’s blood boiled. The beast was stomping and letting out rumbly neighs, outraged that she’d been let down and abandoned by the two people who should have most wanted what was best for her.

He understood now why she so rarely opened her world to outsiders. The less people who were in it, the less chance she had of anyone again leaving her.

Though he appreciated that she’d been so open with him, he couldn’t return her honesty with his own. Not fully. There was too much he needed to hide. But he could give her some details.

“I haven’t seen my mother in years. We lost touch after I went my own way. We were never close, so I doubt she’s any more affected by that than I am.” They loved each other; they just hadn’t bonded.

Loosely fisting his tee, she raised her head from his shoulder. “And your dad?”

“The man is a dick. And no father to me.” Personally, Teague didn’t believe that Soren was built for parenthood. “I have one sibling. A half-brother. He hates me just about as much as his mother does.”

Larkin’s brow knitted. “Why?”

“Our father was in a relationship with his mother when he impregnated mine.”

She winced. “That wasn’t your fault.”

“No, but I was a reminder of his infidelity.” He cleared his throat. “So, in short, I’m not in contact with any of my biological relatives. Like you, I formed my own family.”

“Self-made families are the best,” she proclaimed with a faint smile.

“I gotta agree with you there.”

A short time later, Asher became bored and so they went inside. The sand was the kind that you could easily shake off, but Larkin nonetheless changed him into fresh clothes.

All three of them gathered on one of the sitting room sofas to watch a movie that Asher chose. They were around halfway through it when he fell asleep lying across both Larkin and Teague’s laps.

“I think he tired himself out running around the playground,” said Teague.

Larkin hummed. “He’ll probably only nap. He’s old enough now that he doesn’t need to sleep every night, but he still has the occasional nap. So . . . how are you finding babysitting? Is it as terrifying as you thought it would be?”

He pulled a face. “Worse.”

“Liar. You enjoyed racing around outside with the little man.” She rubbed her chest, adding, “I still can’t believe you had him jump off the top of the climbing wall.”

“No, I asked him to pyroport himself down. He chose to instead jump. But I caught him, didn’t I?”

“Not before he took two years off my life.”

“Now that is one heck of a brand,” said a new voice.

Teague watched as a familiar male wearing a tatty red cap, a faded Metallica tee, and a pair of scuffed jeans strolled toward the sofa. Lucifer himself. A being who was nothing like the devil that humans spoke of.

Lucifer—who went by Lou—might lack a conscience, but he was not a creature of darkness. In fact, he was more of an antisocial, moody, psychopathic child who happened to have OCD and liked only one person on this Earth: Asher. Hence why he occasionally appeared at the mansion uninvited, able to somehow bypass the shield.

Lou smirked at Larkin. “Your demon sure is possessive of Teague, huh?”

She grunted, folding her arms.

The devil’s smirk didn’t whatsoever dim. “Still mad at me?”

“Yes.”

Teague narrowed his eyes at him. “What did you do?”

It was Larkin who explained, “The asshole picked a fight with me while I had the hiccups.”

Teague managed to stifle a smile. Barely.

Lou plonked himself on the sofa opposite them. “I could try to be a better person. But why bother? It’s not like I’m going to heaven. Been there. Done that. Wasn’t feeling the vibe.”

“So you chose to embrace evil instead,” muttered Larkin.

“I highly recommend it,” said Lou, completely serious. “There’s more fun to be had in the dark than in the light. Trust me on that.”

“I’d be a fool to trust you in anything.”

“That I will concede.” Lou glanced from her to Teague. “So, I’m guessing this is a result of Harper’s matchmaking efforts.”

Larkin squinted. “How do you know about the matchmaking?”

“I heard Harper talking to Knox about it when I last came to visit my delightful nephew.” Lou pouted as he looked down at Asher. “It’s a bummer that he’s asleep.”

“Don’t wake him.”

“I wasn’t gonna. I’m happy to spend some quality time with one of my besties.”

Larkin frowned. “We’re not friends.”

“You gotta stop fighting it, Lauren.”

“That’s not my name. And you’re not supposed to be breathing my air—we’ve been over this.”

Lou smirked at Teague. “I adore how bitchy she is. People concentrate far too much on being nice and approachable and smiley. Sounds exhausting.”

“I’m with you on that one,” said Teague.

Larkin grunted. “You two sing several lines from the same hymn sheet.”

Lou made a weird face. “Nah, I steer clear of hymns. So done with all that’s holy. Though I do have a beautiful singing voice. Want to hear it?”

“No,” she told him.

Lou shrugged. “Just as well. The only lyrics I know are downright filthy. It would be horribly awkward for Teague if I got you hot under the collar.”

“There is like zero chance of that happening,” said Larkin.

“Beelzebub’s consort said the same. And yet . . . ”

Larkin’s phone began to ring. She fished it out of her pocket and frowned at the screen. “I need to take this.” She carefully scooted out from under Asher and then left the room.

Lou leaned toward Teague, his eyes bright. “She doesn’t know the truth about you, does she?”

Teague tensed. “No.”

“Are you gonna tell her?”

“No. And neither are you.”

Lou straightened. “Honesty is the best policy. Or so they say. I personally think that lying your ass off is the best way to go. Makes things more interesting.”

“I mean it, you say nothing to her.”

Lou flicked a hand. “Don’t worry, I’m a whizz at keeping secrets. The friends I share them with? Well, that’s another matter.”

“You don’t have friends. You don’t want friends. You alienate as many people as you can.”

“It’s my calling.”

Asher stirred with a mumble, rolling onto his back. His eyelids flickered open, and languid dark orbs took in the room. Those eyes widened when he spotted the newcomer. “Lou!”

“Hello, my favorite nephew.” Lou caught the little boy who launched himself at him. “Have you been causing mischief and mayhem?”

Asher nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“Good, good.” Lou cocked his head. “So, when are you and I gonna get around to ending the world?”

Asher’s face scrunched up. “I wanna rule it for a bit first.”

Lou’s mouth spread into a wide grin that held a huge dose of pride. “That’s it, boy—think big.”

Just then, Larkin returned. Looking from Lou to Asher, she asked, “What are you two talking about?”

“Ice-cream,” they both replied in unison.

She narrowed her eyes. “Lou, if you’re trying to encourage him to destroy the Earth again, I swear . . . ”

Lou gave her a look of wide-eyed innocence. “You’re always so quick to think badly of me.”

“And there’s every reason in the world why I should,” she said, returning to her spot on the sofa.

“That hurts, bestie. But it’s fine. Whatever.” Lou held Asher a little closer. “As long as my nephew here loves me, all is well.”

A high-pitched, drawn-out toot rang through the air.

Lou grimaced at Asher, who burst into a round of giggles. “Jesus, kid, that reeks. What have you been eating?” Lou stretched his arms out fully, holding the kid away from his body. “Dan! We need air freshener in here! Pronto!”

Teague felt his mouth curve. “I’m starting to think he’s learned how to fart on cue.”

Lou’s lips flattened. “If he has, he probably learned it from Jole—” He cut off as another fart rang out. “No, Asher, no—Look lively, Dan, and bring us some air freshener!”