Chapter Fifteen #2
I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around him, wishing more than anything that I could take away that horrible memory. For him to know the details, he must’ve seen it happen. It was heartbreaking.
“Humans are vile creatures,” Onyx softly said. “They kill without thought. You must have wanted to avenge his death.”
Lake nodded. “At one time, yes.”
“But not now? You no longer wish to destroy your enemies?”
“I have no enemies,” Lake responded. “I held hatred in my heart for many years following my father’s murder but have since learned life is too precious to waste on vengeance. Two of the men I love are knights.”
My heart wobbled.
“Hatred once made me feel alive,” Onyx said in a wistful tone, gaze returning to the fire.
“There was no greater motivation than the burning desire to slay my enemies. That fire eventually died down, and I sank into monotony. A truth that can be seen throughout my castle in its dilapidated state. The dwelling reflects the soul inhabiting it.”
“That doesn’t sound very ‘fierce demon lord’ of you,” I said, reaching for my glass of wine. “Just saying your name beyond this realm makes people shake in fear. I didn’t expect you to be so… gloomy.”
A ghost of a smile reflected on his mouth. “You try being trapped here for centuries and see if it doesn’t make you gloomy as well.”
“Trapped?”
Just like that, his expression changed. Hardened, like he’d thrown up a wall. “You have quite the curious nature, don’t you? I suggest you be more mindful. If you go around constantly looking for answers, you’ll eventually find them.”
Although I could be oblivious at times, I understood the underlying threat in his words all too well.
Worried I was about to start rambling like I always did when nervous, I reached for the fruit bowl and bumped it too hard, starting an avalanche of grapes.
A few rolled off the edge of the table and landed on the floor with a soft pat, pat, pat.
“Oops! Sorry. I’ll pick them up.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Onyx flicked his hand. “Messes are to be expected. The floor will be swept after dinner.”
Lake rubbed my thigh, no doubt trying to soothe the sudden rush of anxiety he felt coming from me. Poor guy had it rough being able to sense all my different emotions.
“Fane tells me you tried to escape earlier.”
My attention snapped back to Onyx. “Um… escape? No, no. We were just wanting to look around. Explore a little, you know?”
“I see,” Onyx said before sliding his tongue over his teeth. Warmth flooded my lower belly and gathered in a place it had no right to. “It’s understandable you’d wish to see more of the castle and the land beyond it.”
“Is that allowed?”
“That depends.” He leaned back in his chair, red eyes catching the flickers from the fire. “Do you wish harm on me or anyone in my realm?”
“No. Of course not.” I fidgeted. “You may be at war with Bremloc, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be civil to each other. Be nice to us, and we’ll be nice to you. Simple as that.”
Onyx stared at me in silence. Seemed like he was dissecting every inch of me. “You remind me of someone.”
“I probably just have one of those faces,” I said, my nerves not masked at all. Damn strong family genes. “I’m always reminding people of someone’s brother, son, friend, or a distant cousin twice removed.”
“Perhaps.” His gaze burned into mine. And damn if I could look away. He was elegant and lean but radiated a raw masculinity. One that caused a little jolt in my gut.
The side door opened, followed by the creak of a cart as it was pushed into the room. Thank god. Saved by the dinner bell, er, creak.
“Apologies for the delay,” Fane said, joined by two other demons I didn’t recognize, both of them female. “The potatoes needed more time to cook.”
“No apology needed,” Onyx told him.
I lightly nudged Lake and said under my breath, “First apples. Now, mashed taters and gravy. It’s all coming true.”
He cleared his throat. “As our captain often says… behave.”
“I always behave.”
He tossed me a look that claimed otherwise.
“Dinner is served.” Fane placed a platter in the center of the table. Racks of herb-crusted lamb on a bed of leafy greens.
A female demon with wavy, blonde hair set out roasted baby red potatoes and asparagus, while the other filled our goblets and sliced the loaf of bread. Steam wafted from it. Fresh from the oven.
Onyx thanked them and sent them on their way before focusing on me. “I hope lamb is to your liking.”
“Never had it, actually, but it looks great.” Before coming to Bremloc, living paycheck to paycheck hadn’t given me much wiggle room for expensive meals. I had lived vicariously through the chefs on cooking shows.
“I love lamb.” Lake’s hungry gaze landed on the meat, and his fluffy tail wagged once with excitement. My heart nearly burst. “Haven’t had it in quite some time. Not since I was a young pup.”
Probably not since his dad had died. The reminder had me pressing closer to him.
“Eat as much as you like,” Onyx said.
My sweet wolf needed no more coaxing. He gave me two thick and meaty lamb chops before piling his plate, practically salivating. I didn’t eat right away; I was too intrigued by him. He tore into the lamb with an animalistic enthusiasm, chomping and growling under his breath as he chewed.
It was a side I hadn’t seen yet. More than likely a side he didn’t want me to see, where his inner wolf rose to the surface. But it only endeared me to him even more.
When I finally took a bite, a rich and earthy flavor burst on my tongue. It tasted a bit gamey but mildly sweet too. Lean and juicy with an herb crust that gave it a slight crunch. The tender meat went down easy, and after finishing one chop, I dove in for a second.
“Delicious, isn’t it?” Lake asked me with a smile. Juice glistened on his lips.
“Very.” I fought the urge to lean in and lick those lips. He was way more delicious than anything that could be made in a kitchen. Certainly wouldn’t mind taking a bite out of him later.
“I’m pleased you’re enjoying it,” Onyx said from the head of the table. He ate a lot more elegantly than we did, using a fork to cut his lamb instead of just biting into it and ripping it off the bone. “The potatoes are nice as well. You should try them.”
I paused in my chewing. “Are you trying to fatten us up?”
Lake almost choked.
Onyx flashed a half smile. “You’d do well with more meat on your bones.”
“So I’ll taste better? Juicier?”
“Gods, Evan.” Lake wiped at his mouth and softly coughed.
But Onyx found it funny. His half smile grew to a full one. “Even as you are now, thin and with no muscle, I’m sure you’d taste nice. At the very least, adequate.”
“Gee. Thanks.”
He breathed out a light laugh. “You seem disappointed. Would you rather me have repeated my words from last night? That you’d taste exquisite?” Hunger darkened his eyes. “A meal to be savored.”
Heat prickled at my scalp.
Lake glanced between the two of us as he ate, ears perked.
“My apologies,” Onyx told him, placing a hand to his chest in a gesture to match the sentiment. “I shouldn’t be so forward with your mate, even in jest.”
“Do you fancy Evan?” Lake lowered the lamb to his plate. “Is that why you welcomed us here?”
The demon lord’s attention moved to me. “I wouldn’t say I fancy him. However, he does intrigue me.”
“As he does to anyone who’s fortunate enough to know him.” Lake softly smiled. “He gave me a true home.”
It was awkward being talked about like I wasn’t in the room, so I fidgeted in my chair.
“You share him with four other males, do you not?”
“I do.” He nodded and wiped at his mouth, returning his other hand to my thigh. “We’re all fond of each other as well, only not in a romantic way.” His ears drooped a little. “They’re my family.”
“I see.” Onyx focused on the stone hearth and drank from his goblet.
Firelight gleamed over his long black hair and shone in his eyes, setting his deep red irises ablaze with orange embers.
“Alas, Bremloc can never truly be your home, can it? Demi-wolves are treated abhorrently. Any found within the kingdom are either imprisoned or executed. Like what happened to your father.”
“Home isn’t a place.” Lake lightly rubbed my thigh. “It’s being with the ones you love.”
A deep ache spread through my chest. We needed to return to our men.
“Lord Onyx?” I bowed my head to him. “I appreciate you welcoming us so warmly, but we need to leave soon.”
“Leave? And go where?” A shadow passed over the demon lord’s face. “Every knight in Bremloc is searching for you. Placing yourself in danger is one thing, but are you willing to do the same to your wolf? Put him in another situation where he risks his life to save yours?”
I recoiled at the implication in his words. That Lake’s injury was my fault.
Because it was. Everything was my fault.
Maddox, Callum, and the others being torn from the knighthood.
Briar unable to return to his clinic. Rowan, Draven, and Reign possibly being in questionable standing with the Secret Order.
Captain Remy and the twins knew about the mercenaries, but they didn’t know about Cedric’s involvement.
As far as they knew, I’d been the enemy all along.
A traitor.
“Evan isn’t to blame for any of this,” Lake snarled.
Onyx averted his gaze. “Regardless of who’s at fault, the result is the same. He can never return to the kingdom. Not unless he wishes to have his head removed and placed on a pike outside the castle walls. You two are similar in that regard. Both of you are outcasts.”
A low whine sounded in Lake’s chest, and his grip tightened on my leg.
“Why are you helping us?” I asked.
“You believe I have ulterior motives.” Onyx slowly turned the goblet in his hand, drawing my attention to his long, pale fingers. “I suppose I do have my reasons. And no, Evan, it’s not to eat you.”
I pressed my lips together.
“Part of the reason is you,” he told Lake.