Little Demon
Dominic
Ireleased a sigh as I fell back onto Talon’s soft bed in the lion”s den. The past few days had been a whirlwind, juggling emotions and preparations for the upcoming meeting with Talon”s family. It was overwhelming. It turned out that finding your du?a was just the beginning. Fate had really given us a winding road to travel.
I sighed again. The room was quiet, the only sound the distant murmur of the pride house going about its daily routines. I stared at the ceiling, tracing the intricate patterns with my eyes, letting my mind wander but not settle. The relative peace of the moment of just letting go was exactly what I needed.
The door creaked open, and Talon”s familiar presence filled the doorway, followed closely by Lucas. A sliver of light from the hallway outlined their figures, casting long shadows that merged with the dimness of the room. ”Thinking or brooding?” Talon asked, his voice carrying a gentle tease that managed to pull a half-smile from me.
”Is there a difference today?” I quipped, shifting to make room for them both on the bed. They closed the door behind them and joined me, the mattress dipping under their weight.
Talon lay down beside me, turning on his side to face me, while Lucas settled on my other side, his presence a comforting weight. ”You tell me,” Talon replied, his hand finding mine under the covers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
”Maybe both,” I admitted, turning to face them both. “I keep thinking about tomorrow—about your family. It’s a lot. I mean, Lucas’s family was a lot to handle, but we had someone on our side in Nana. From what you said, it doesn’t sound like we’re going to have that tomorrow, and to be honest, I don’t think I’m going to be able to control myself with your dad.”
Lucas reached out to touch my arm. “Oh my god, you feel the same way. Shit, no offense, Talon. Your dad sounds like a dick. I”m worried about snapping, too.”
Talon nodded. “My dad is a dick. I feel the way you all are feeling all the time, so I think we’ll be okay.”
”But you can”t turn into an eleven-thousand-year-old demon and accidentally vaporize him,” I added flatly.
Both their mouths moved like fish, like they were attempting to find something to say.
Lucas finally spoke up. “Eleven thousand?”
I grinned. It was my age he latched on to. It was the first time I had mentioned my age. “Give a take a century—yeah, a little over eleven thousand.”
“Wow,” Talon whispered.
“You weren’t kidding when you told Nana you were a bit older,” Lucas added.
“No, I wasn’t. Leaving my age alone for the moment, what do I do about your dad?” I asked.
“I usually just take a deep breath and count to ten. Think that could help?” Talon suggested.
I considered it, then shrugged. “I guess it couldn’t hurt.”
Lucas chimed in, breaking the tension. “Hey, why don’t we forget about the family dinner for now? That’s tomorrow’s problem. Today, we could do something, just forget about everything: family, pride, or everything demon related.”
“You know what? I like that plan,” I said, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly at the thought of spending time with my mates.
“I like that idea, just the three of us being together,” Talon said.
”Any ideas for our day off?” Lucas whispered as he snuggled beside me.
”A few,” I murmured before reaching out to pull both closer. The kiss we shared was collective and gentle, devoid of the urgency that often fueled our interactions. It was perfect for today, a slow and tender connection that promised more than it demanded.
As we broke apart, Lucas smiled softly. “While I like where you’re going, and I’m all for it. But can I make a bold suggestion?” He leaned back, and Talon and I nodded. Lucas continued, “We know we’re sexually compatible; maybe we should get to know each other in other ways—like going on a date.”
The idea startled me, and for a moment, my heart raced with a mix of nerves and excitement. ”A date?” I echoed, sitting up a bit too quickly. The concept was foreign, thrilling, and slightly terrifying.
“What’s wrong?” Talon asked, obviously noting my terror.
“Would a date be so bad?” Lucas said softly, his head dropping.
I hated seeing his sad expression. I touched his arm. “Tiger, no, a date wouldn’t be bad,” I said softly. “It’s just… It’s just I’ve never been on one. I don’t know what to do.”
Lucas”s eyes widened in surprise. ”Never been on a date?”
I shook my head, feeling slightly embarrassed. ”Never. There wasn’t really a need to. Demons don’t ”date”; we lust, we crave, we have sex. It’s… straightforward.”
”Whoa, okay. Then I think it”s really important we go on a date,” Talon interjected earnestly. ”Because this—us—it”s not just about lust or craving. It”s deeper, right?”
I nodded, touched by his insight. ”Right, you’re not just random guys to me. I do want to go on a date. I just… don’t know what to do or what”s expected.”
Lucas smiled gently, moving closer to bridge the gap between us. ”That’s the best part, Dominic. There’s no script to follow. It’s just about spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. We figure it out as we go.”
Talon squeezed my hand, his expression reassuring. ”Exactly. It’s about us getting to know each other in all the small ways that matter.”
Feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, I finally let out a small laugh. ”Okay, let’s plan this date, then. But you guys have to lead the way.”
”Deal,” Lucas said, his voice warm with enthusiasm. “It’s just about having fun together. We can start simple. How about dinner and a pleasant walk?”
“Oh, crap. That sounds wonderful, but it might be difficult,” Talon interjected with a solemn tone.
Lucas furrowed his brow. “Why? Dinner is a classic first date.”
“It is, but a lot of places are still without power from the storm. We might have to travel far to find a restaurant that’s open,” Talon explained.
“Shit, you’re right,” Lucas replied, his disappointment clear.
I couldn’t let their spirits fall. “Traveling isn’t a problem,” I chimed in.
Talon gave me a puzzled look. “Do you really want to drive for at least an hour, maybe two?”
“No, but who said anything about driving?” I retorted with a smirk.
Talon tilted his head, and Lucas’s confusion deepened. “How would we get there, then?”
“I’ll take us—a simple mist flash, and we’re there,” I explained, suddenly energized by the plan forming in my mind. I jumped from the bed, checking my watch. “Go get dressed. I know the perfect place for dinner, and it’s the perfect time.”
Lucas and Talon exchanged a look. “What do you have planned?” Talon asked as they both rose to go get ready.
“You’re going to have to wait and see. Come on, trust me. I’m going to rock this dating thing,” I said with a grin. If all worked as the way I was thinking, it was going to be perfect. I’d get to spend quality time with my mates and share a bit of what I could now do.
“Okay, we’re moving,” Lucas said, heading toward the bathroom with Talon.
For my part, changing came with a snap of my fingers. I looked down at my body, still marveling at the ease brought by regained powers. Tonight, I opted for something casual, yet sharp—a simple black shirt paired with dark jeans and a lightweight jacket. After a quick adjustment in the mirror, I headed out to the living area to wait.
Excitement mixed with a touch of nervousness. I hoped that whisking Talon and Lucas off to a different country on a whim would be as thrilling for them as it was for me. The thought of introducing them to one of my favorite spots in the world filled me with anticipation. They deserved this kind of surprise, something to break the norm and add a little magic to our lives.
“Wow, you dressed fast,” Lucas said as he stepped into the living area. His tone was light and teasing, matched by the appreciative gleam in his eyes. Lucas wore a crisp white button-down that contrasted sharply with his dark jeans, the outfit accentuating his lean figure. The shirt was tailored perfectly to his form, hinting at the well-defined muscles underneath.
Talon followed close behind, his choice of attire slightly more relaxed, yet no less striking. He had opted for a deep blue henley that brought out the richness of his eyes, paired with khaki trousers that highlighted his athletic build. The casual elegance of his look was effortlessly charming.
I took a moment to appreciate how good they both looked, feeling a swell of pride that these were my mates. “You two clean up nice,” I said, my voice rich with admiration. “Really nice.”
Lucas grinned and stepped closer, his eyes scanning my outfit. “And you’re not looking too bad yourself,” he quipped, smoothing down the front of my jacket with a playful touch. “I think we’re going to turn some heads tonight.”
Talon nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary, as if he were seeing me anew. “Definitely,” he affirmed, his voice warm. “We might just be the best-dressed trio wherever we’re going.”
“Speaking of which, where are we going?” Lucas asked, grabbing my hand.
I grinned and reached out for Talon with my other hand, which he quickly took. “I was thinking somewhere special. I hope you like Italian.”
I didn’t wait for their replies and allowed my magic to flow. The familiar sensation of mist flashing enveloped us—the slight chill, the swirling darkness, and then the sudden displacement of air. Moments later, we stood on a cobblestone street under the evening sky of Rome, the majestic Colosseum rising grandly before us.
“Holy shit,” Talon muttered, turning to stare at me with wide eyes. “Is that the… Is this real?”
The awe on their faces was worth every bit of uncertainty I had felt about arranging this date. Under the Italian sky, with the historical monument as our backdrop, the possibilities of the night seemed as endless as the stars above.
“Welcome to Rome,” I said, gesturing grandly towards the ancient arena.
“I know I said I didn’t like your method of travel, but boy, was I wrong. I freaking love it,” Lucas squealed before wrapping his arms around my neck and giving me a hard kiss. “This is amazing,” he said, leaning back and looking around.
“I can’t believe we’re in Italy. This is insane,” Talon said, his voice tinged with wonder.
“Come on, I’ll show you around. Though, things have changed quite a bit since I was last here,” I remarked as we began walking down the bustling streets.
“How long has it been since you’ve been here?” Lucas asked, his gaze fixed in awe on the colossal structure of the Colosseum.
“A little over two thousand years. It was just as magnificent when it was first built. The battles that were held here were unlike anything you could imagine today,” I replied nonchalantly.
I continued walking, but stopped when I realized Talon and Lucas were no longer beside me. Turning around, I saw them both staring at me with expressions of disbelief.
“What?” I asked, puzzled by their reaction. “Did I do something wrong?”
“You were here when it was built? You actually saw the Colosseum in use?” Lucas exclaimed in a hushed tone.
“Yes, I’ve been stuck on the mortal plane for quite some time—over seven thousand years. I’ve witnessed or been part of many of human history’s pivotal events,” I explained.
“What do you mean by ‘been a part of’?” Talon asked, his voice filled with astonishment.
“Well, in the nether realm, I was a prince. I didn’t get that title from my lineage—few demons are ‘born’ royalty; most earn their titles through merit. I earned mine through warfare and being a very skilled tactician. With that said, I’ve always been involved in some form of conflict on this plane, whether with the Spartans and Persians, during the world wars, or even here in Rome. In fact, I was Legatus to Caesar Titus and commanded the legions of the north.”
Their expressions of amazement made me laugh, and I grasped their hands. “Come on, let’s get something to eat.” We strolled down the cobblestone streets, continuing our chat. Lucas, the more animated and curious of my mates, bombarded me with questions, whereas Talon was more reserved though equally engaged.
As we talked, I learned more about them. Lucas was a freelance graphic designer, cherishing the creative freedom his work offered. Talon, having always wanted to go into law enforcement, found satisfaction in his role as security and enforcer for the pride.
We discovered a quaint trattoria tucked away from the main tourist paths; its rustic charm immediately drew us in. My mates were further impressed as I conversed fluently in Italian with the waiter to order our dinner.
“You’re amazing,” Lucas said as he watched me with wide eyes.
Leaning closer, I whispered, “You’re pretty amazing yourself. I don’t think I could do what you do with graphic designs.”
Lucas blushed, but his eyes sparkled with passion. “I love the creativity it allows me—turning a concept into visual reality is kind of magical.”
Dinner continued in a similar vein, with each new story and revelation drawing us closer. I found myself increasingly intrigued by every detail they shared, my interest deepening with each question answered. It wasn’t just about knowing them—it was about understanding who they were beyond our bond.
After dinner, we strolled through the historic streets of Rome, the city’s lights casting a soft glow over ancient stones. The evening was warm, and the city buzzed with the energy of both locals and tourists enjoying the night. Eventually, our walk brought us to the famous Trevi Fountain, its magnificent sculptures illuminated under the moonlit sky.
We stopped, and I turned to Talon and Lucas, my heart full of a mixture of excitement and nerves. “So, how did I do on my first date?” I asked, hoping my attempt at romance had measured up.
Talon pulled me into a gentle kiss, his lips warm against mine. “It was an absolute success,” he said with a smile that reached his eyes. “Seriously, this was beyond anything I could’ve imagined.”
Lucas nodded. His grin infectious. “Absolutely,” he agreed before leaning in for his own kiss, soft and lingering. “We’ll have to think of a list of other places to visit for the next ones, thanks to our little demon,” he teased, his tone light but affectionate.
I laughed, the sound mingling with the murmur of the fountain’s waters. “Anything you want—anywhere, anytime,” I promised, feeling a surge of happiness at their acceptance and enthusiasm.
Wrapping my arms around both of them, I held them close, the fountain’s gentle splash echoing around us. Watching the water dance, I felt a sense of completeness wash over me. Was this what having a du?a was all about? Just being with my mates? Was this love? I wasn’t sure, but I never wanted to lose this feeling.
Fate, never let me lose this.