Demon's Wish

by Xenia Melzer

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would be that bad.”

  Sammy sighed. “It hurt like a bitch, Dre, and we’re going to talk about your way of selling me this whole mating thing soon enough.” He hesitated for a moment. “I saw my parents.”

  “Oh.” That was all Dre could come up with. He knew Sammy’s parents were a difficult topic, one that always made Sammy sad. The cross between a sniffle and a laugh Sammy made didn’t help Dre to determine what his mate expected of him.

  “They gave us their blessing. Mom thinks you’re almost as fine as Dad. I’m pretty sure she didn’t take a good look at you, because you’re better looking than my father.”

  Dre was relieved to hear the playfulness in Sammy’s tone. There was still a tinge of sadness, one that would most probably never go away, because Sammy had loved—and still loved—his parents dearly, but he seemed to have found some kind of closure, for which Dre was grateful.

  “Of course I look better. I’m a demon prince. It comes with the territory.”

  Sammy giggled then groaned. “This knot of yours… How long till the swelling goes down?”

  “I haven’t got a clue, mo grah thu. Do you want to get rid of me already?” Dre nibbled on Sammy’s ear.

  “No. I was just thinking… Why waste a perfect opportunity?”

  “Why indeed? Are you sure you’re up for this?”

  “Yes, more than sure.” Sammy rotated his hips to emphasize his words. Dre groaned and gripped him harder. This was going to be a long night. He couldn’t wait.

  * * * *

  The next morning they were woken by a steady pounding on the door as well as the ringtone from Sammy’s cell. Whenever voice mail took over, there was a short pause, then the ringing started again. Groaning, Dre reached for the annoying device while he cradled his mate close to his chest. Sammy was slowly waking up, but clearly not able to deal with whatever was going on yet.

  “What?” Dre did nothing to keep the irritation from his voice. Whoever it was had disturbed their first morning as a mated pair and could go to hell for all Dre cared.

  “Ooh, someone’s a grumpy ass this morning. Where’s Sammy?” Dre wasn’t sure if it was Declan or Troy on the phone and he didn’t really care.

  “Still asleep. What do you want?”

  “Who pissed in your cereal? Never mind, it’s already past nine, and the shop’s still closed. Troy and I need our coffee fix.”

  Dre took the cell off his ear for a moment to stare at it with his mouth hanging open before he put it back. “You’re waking us up because you need Sammy to make your coffee? Are you nuts?”

  “Interesting question. Depending on who you ask, the answer differs. And we need Sammy’s coffee. He’s the only one who gets it right.”

  Dre opened his mouth to give a sharp answer when Sammy reached out and took the cell from him. He looked adorable with his sleep-tousled hair and the lips still swollen from kissing. “I’ll be down in a minute. Stop making such a ruckus.” With that, Sammy ended the call and started getting out of bed. Dre managed to catch his wrist.

  “Are you seriously telling me you’re going down there to make them coffee?”

  Sammy smiled weakly. “It’s not that I want to go down there. But believe me, it’s better in the long run. These two won’t stop pestering us until they have their caffeine fix. Do you really want to spend the morning waiting for what they will come up with to get me down there?”

  Dre pondered the question for a moment. He didn’t like the pictures his mind provided. “Fine. But I’m coming with you.” He let go of Sammy’s hand and bent down to pick up his trousers. Sammy was already putting his on. Neither of them bothered with a shirt since they had every intention of getting back to bed again once the terrible two were dealt with. Dre followed Sammy into the shop and opened the shop door for Declan and Troy while Sammy went behind the counter to start the coffee machine. The werewolves sauntered in as if it were perfectly normal to harass other people for coffee at the butt-crack of dawn. Well, early in the morning.

  “Had a good night?” Declan eyed Dre’s naked torso. Troy made a beeline for Sammy. Dre was just formulating his answer when a sudden gasp made him turn toward Troy and Sammy. Troy was staring at Sammy with big eyes, the outstretched index finger of his right hand trembling slightly in the air. Declan ran to his friend—lover? partner in crime? Dre was never sure—to see what had him so excited. Sammy was looking at both of them, clearly wanting to know what the issue was. Then Dre realized it too.

  Sammy’s torso was covered in silver tattoos, marking him as Dre’s mate. The sight made his cock instantly swell and he felt himself growing as his demon form took over. Careful to keep his wings close to his body, Dre stepped to the counter to touch Sammy’s naked chest where the words Mate of Dresalantion, Prince of the Demon Realm were engraved in the demon tongue. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed the tattoos sooner, though he had been otherwise occupied during the night, and when Declan and Troy had woken them, it had taken all his concentration not to strangle the two werewolves.

  He couldn’t suppress his proud grin. “You look beautiful, mo grah thu.”

  Sammy obviously still hadn’t caught on. He looked from Dre to Declan and Troy and back, before his gaze finally went to his naked chest.

  “Oh.”

  “Oh? That’s all you have to say?” Troy almost squeaked. “You’re mated, Sammy! You found your true mate! That’s so cool. Congratulations!”

  “Yes, congratulations to both of you.” Declan smiled broadly, offered Dre his hand after a moment’s hesitation when he realized Dre was in his demon form. Dre grinned and took the offered hand then pulled Declan into a hug.

  “Thank you. We’re very happy.”

  Troy was next to embrace him while Declan pulled Sammy from behind the counter and against his chest. “I’m sorry we woke you up. If we had known it was your mating night, we wouldn’t have bothered you…probably.”

  At least Declan was honest. “It was a spontaneous decision. It’s fine.” Faced with the genuine joy of the werewolves, Dre found it hard to stay mad at them.

  “Okay, let me get your coffee ready then you can run off and tell the others while my mate and I go back to bed.” Sammy disentangled himself from Troy’s embrace and went behind the counter again to make the coffee. Once the werewolves had their caffeine, Sammy closed the door, put a sign in the window explaining the shop would be closed until Tuesday, then they went back upstairs. Since they were already up, they had a quick breakfast before they showered together. After that, Dre spent the rest of the day exploring the tattoos on Sammy’s body and getting his mate intimately acquainted with his fire and his knot.

  Life was perfect.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sammy was standing in front of the mirror in his bedroom, fussing with his jeans and trying not to think about the fact that he would be meeting Dre’s father half-naked. Apparently, it was customary for the mates of demons to show off their tattoos so everybody knew who they belonged to. When Dre had hinted that the tattoos on Sammy’s legs and private parts were obscured by the jeans, he had only given his mate a withering look and Dre had wisely chosen not to press the subject. They had spent Saturday and the first half of Sunday in wonderful, domestic, sexy bliss until Sammy’s friends had showed up to celebrate their mating with an extended brunch. It was Monday evening now and they were expected at Barion’s mansion to celebrate again, this time with Dre’s family.

  “Don’t worry, mo grah thu. My father is more than happy for us. He can’t wait to get to know you.” Dre slung his arms around Sammy and pressed a kiss on the top of his head. “He’s going to love you.”

  “I hope so. You really have to start teaching me your language. I don’t want your father to think I’m not putting in the effort.”

  Dre turned him around to look him square in the eyes. “Sammy, my love, I’m thrilled you want to learn the demon tongue, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t want you to think
you’re under any obligation to do so. You’re as much my mate as I am yours. This goes both ways, lover.”

  Sammy sighed. “I know. I really do. It’s just…” He couldn’t bring himself to say it. He didn’t have to. Through their mate bond, Dre got it.

  “This is the only family you have left, apart from your friends. I understand, mo grah thu.”

  Sammy had to swallow a lump in his throat. Thinking of his parents still made him sad, though it was getting better. “I don’t want to replace them, certainly not, but I could— I could use a father who’s still there, you know?”

  “Nobody thinks you’re replacing them, Sammy. And I’m sure my father will be more than happy to be there for you.”

  “I hope so.” Sammy straightened. “I think we better get going before I have a nervous breakdown. I’m sure Barion is already waiting for us.”

  Dre laughed. “Oh yes, he is. He’s been here twice already, asking what’s taking us so long.”

  Sammy shuddered. “I guess I’m glad I took so long in the shower.”

  “You bet you are. My little brother is like a kid on a sugar high.”

  With one last glance at the mirror—yes, he was still half-naked—Sammy embraced Dre while his mate—his mate—sliced time and space to get them to Barion.

  Somehow, Sammy had hoped to have some time to calm his nerves—even though deep down he knew that would have never worked—before meeting Dre’s father, but he wasn’t that lucky. Alerion was standing right next to Barion in the hall where Sammy and Dre had materialized. Dre tightened his hold on Sammy before he dragged him toward his waiting father and brother. Barion looked as if he were about to vibrate out of his skin, yet held himself back, probably because of the imposing figure next to him. There was no doubt that Alerion was Barion and Dre’s father. Their features were so similar. Alerion did look more like a brother, not a father, though it was hard to tell his age—how did demons age, anyway?—because he was completely black with golden tattoos and a shock of white hair. Sammy was acutely aware of his near-nakedness in front of his father-in-law. To make matters worse, he felt a flush creeping up his neck, surely making him look like a tomato.

  “Father, this is Sammy, my destined mate. Sammy, this is my father, Alerion, the king of all demons.”

  Alerion smiled broadly and reached out with his hand. Sammy took it automatically, even though his brain had just fried. “No need to be so formal, son. Hello, Sammy, I would very much prefer it if you called me Alerion or, if you feel comfortable with it, Dad. I can’t tell you how happy I am Dre found you.”

  Sammy tried to shake hands with the demon king, while his mouth went on autopilot. “I don’t even know if I’m supposed to bow, Your High…uhm, Dad. Dre, why didn’t you tell me how to greet your father properly?”

  “Yes, Dre, why didn’t you tell him?” Barion needled.

  “Watch it, Barion.” Dre sounded slightly annoyed.

  “Quiet, both of you.” Alerion used his hold on Sammy’s hand to pull him into a hug. “I already like you, Sammy. You’re funny. For the protocol, there’s no need for you to bow. Unlike my rowdy sons and subjects, I don’t have the feeling I have to assert my dominance over you.” He stepped back and winked. Sammy grinned.

  “No, Dad, most certainly not. I know how that works. Declan and Troy had a hard time restraining themselves in the beginning.”

  Alerion raised a brow. “Your former lovers?”

  Sammy felt his cheeks redden. “Gods, no! They’re members of my book club—and also werewolves. Alphas. Did you know that alpha and omega are originally the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet and were used in Christian mythology to describe Jesus as the beginning and the end of everything? I think it’s rather funny that it’s also used to describe the strongest and the weakest member in a wolf pack, though if you think about it, it makes sense, in a weird kind of way… I’m blabbering, aren’t I? Dre?”

  “No, mo grah thu, you’re just being your adorable self. I would never accuse you of blabbering!” Dre did his best to hide his smile.

  “That’s because Dre is the king of blabbering himself.” Alerion patted his son fondly on the back. “Let’s get comfortable in the dining room. I hope you didn’t cook yourself, Barion?” He shot his youngest son a hard look.

  “I don’t know why everybody keeps bringing this up. It was an accident, an honest mistake. Come to think of it, it’s your fault for letting me into the kitchen unsupervised at such a young age!”

  “Young age? You were over six hundred at the time! Hardly an unsuspecting youth. And you insisted!” Alerion’s jaw was set in a way Sammy knew only too well. He felt himself relaxing more and more. He enjoyed a good show, just like everybody else.

  “I wanted to make something nice for you, to show my love! Geez, one little mistake…” Barion grumbled.

  “It’s the thought that counts, little brother. Definitely. And I’m sure Father will never forget your show of filial appreciation.”

  “No, I won’t, Barion. That memory is something unique and you have given it to me.” Alerion sounded almost sweet. Only the telltale twinkle in Dre’s and his father’s eyes told Sammy that they weren’t serious. Barion huffed.

  “Tell me at least you’re on my side, Sammy. I obviously can’t count on these two.”

  Sammy regarded Barion for a long moment. He felt the eyes of Dre and Alerion on him, waiting for his reaction. “I’m sorry, Barion. Until I know the full story, I can’t make an informed decision. You’ll have to tell me first.”

  Barion’s eyes widened. “Forget it! You’re as bad as them. I’m going to look for a new family.”

  They had reached the dining room with the stag and the green cushions. An assembly of Italian appetizers was spread out on the table and made Sammy’s mouth water.

  “Can you do that after we have dinner? This looks great!”

  “You’re a perfect fit for this family.” Barion brushed past him to pull out a chair for Sammy, retaining an indignant expression. Sammy grinned and sat down.

  “Thank you, Barion. And I didn’t mean it, you know? You’re great, and if you want, I can ask Mavis and Maribel to give you some cooking lessons.”

  Barion pretended to think about this offer. “You know, I’ll pass on the cooking lessons, but could I perhaps come to your next book club meeting?”

  A snort from Dre prevented Sammy from answering. “You barely read. Why would you want to go to a book club meeting?”

  Barion flipped off his brother. “I happen to be an awesome reader. I just don’t advertise. Plus, seeing you two so happy together had made me realize that I have to get out more. Humans can be tedious, as we all know. Your friends are all paranormals. That should make it easier for me to start with the whole getting-to-know-people thing.”

  “I understand your reasoning. I really do.” Sammy patted Barion’s hand. “I’m just not sure if this is a good idea. My friends weren’t too happy about me hooking up with Dre.” When he saw the devastated look on Barion’s face, Sammy relented. “Of course you can come. I’ll tell them as soon as we’re home. Our next meeting is this Wednesday and we’re reading Wolfgang Hohlbein, The Witcher of Salem, and the Cthulhu Cycle by H. P. Lovecraft.”

  “I’m going to read them! Or at least the summary on Wikipedia. Thank you, Sammy!” Barion pressed a kiss on Sammy’s cheek before quickly dancing out of reach of Dre’s claws.

  “Hands off my mate!”

  They spent the rest of the evening eating and chatting happily. Alerion was even nicer than Dre had told him, and when he started telling childhood stories about his sons, Sammy had to laugh so hard that his ribs began to hurt. They parted with the promise to meet again soon, this time at Alerion’s home in Switzerland where he would treat Sammy to a traditional Switzer cheese fondue, complete with white bread and schnapps.

  Back in Sammy’s apartment, they undressed and slipped under the covers after a quick stop at the bathroom.

  “Now, that wasn’t
so bad, was it?” Dre pulled Sammy’s back against his broad chest, massaging his upper thigh with his big hands. Sammy couldn’t suppress a groan. Being touched by Dre was as good as touching him, and he was already addicted to both sensations. Having a true mate definitely was bliss.

  “No, it was fun. I like your father.” Sammy hesitated. “I didn’t want to ask while we were at Barion’s, since I do remember that this is a sore topic, but is there a reason your oldest brother wasn’t there?”

  Sammy felt Dre tensing up behind him before he sighed deeply. “You’re right. This is a difficult topic for me, and for dad and Barion as well. Quirion has always been—different. He’s very bookish, but not in a fun, nerdy way like you and me. More in a ‘once he gets caught, he doesn’t look up’ way. It’s very hard to get him out of his home, and while he is happy I found my mate, that’s still no reason for him to abandon his studies. Don’t take it personally. We have stopped doing that centuries ago. It’s just the way he is.”

  “I’m sorry. It must be hard not being able to connect with your brother.”

  “It was, in the beginning. I’ve made my peace with it. The way I see it, Quirion is a constant in my life, something that never changes, that always waits for me in the same place, which is good at least for me. And I think he’s happy, so why should I force my ideas of happiness on him, even when his way of living strikes me as odd, to put it mildly?”

  “You’re a great brother. A great mate. I love you, Dre.”

  “And I love you, Sammy. Now, are you up for some honeymoon sex? Because I’m ready to go.” To emphasize his words, Dre nudged Sammy with his huge cock. A whimper escaped Sammy. Strictly speaking, he was too tired for action. Strictly speaking. On second thought, he was more than willing to roll around with his mate.