“Ready?” Diablo looked lost in thought as he walked toward the back door. Reese nodded and joined him, locking up first before he headed toward the steps. Diablo grabbed Reese’s hand and swung him toward the exercise area. The grass was real, not sod, plush under Reese’s shoes as he walked. There were kennels outside, used during the warmer months so the animals could get fresh air.

  Reese normally had two rattan couches out there, too. He tried to make the area as homey as possible, but with the weather getting colder, he’d stored the chairs in the detached garage out back.

  “What?” Reese asked when he noticed Diablo looking around. “More trouble?”

  “No.” Diablo folded Reese into his arms, back to chest, his arms resting over Reese’s pecs. “I just wanted to take a breather, get crisp air into the lungs.”

  “Okay.” Reese wasn’t sure how long he would be able to stay outside considering how cold it was.

  “Why did you do it?”

  Reese looked over his shoulder. “Do what?”

  “Take on that demon. He could have killed you, Reese. I’m not worth your life.”

  Wiggling, Reese turned in Diablo’s arms. “You’re worth ten of my lives.”

  “No.” Diablo shook his head, looking past Reese, refusing to meet his eyes. “You do great things, Doc. Trouble just follows me wherever I go. I was a regrettable accident after my mother had a one-night stand. She could barely look at me when I was younger, always reminding me that I was a freak, an abomination that wasn’t worth the food she put on the table.”

  “Jesus.” The word just slipped out. “Diablo, look at me.”

  After a few heartbeats, their eyes met. There was so much pain in those hazel depths, so much heartache. Reese had a feeling Diablo was just waiting for him to come to his senses and kick him out.

  Reese cupped Diablo’s face, the man’s beard prickly under his palms. “Your mother was wrong. She was a selfish bitch who didn’t deserve you.” He tapped Diablo on the chest. “Inside, you’re a softie. I see the way you are with the animals, how protective you’ve been of Luke these past years. You’re a good guy, and don’t let anyone, nobody, tell you differently. You have more worth in your entire body than your mother had in a hangnail.”

  Eloquent words weren’t Reese’s strong suit, but he hoped he’d gotten his point across.

  The side of Diablo’s mouth twitched, and when he talked in that smooth bass voice that was made for sin, Reese’s body reacted. It seemed anytime Diablo was near Reese’s body reacted. “You’re good for my self-esteem.”

  “Nobody should make you feel bad for what you are, Diablo. I’m fully aware your species has wreaked havoc, but that’s not you.”

  Diablo grabbed Reese’s hand and led him upstairs. They made it inside and closed the door, but Diablo wasn’t done with the conversation. “That still doesn’t mean anyone is going to cut me a break just because I don’t torture people.”

  The sad reality was Diablo was right. He could perform a thousand different charitable acts, and just because he was part hellhound, most would shun him.

  Unfortunately, the world just worked that way.

  But Reese would shelter Diablo as much as possible. He would prove to his mate, even if it took years, that he was well worth any trouble that came their way.

  Diablo’s expression changed, became more sultry, less maudlin. Reese’s heart jumped to his throat and crashed back down again. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to his mate’s intensity. When Diablo fixated on you, you felt it to your bones. It was a look that stripped you bare and left you gasping for breath. His gaze swept over Reese slowly, purposefully, with hunger in those hazel eyes.

  He stalked toward Reese, and Reese’s heart beat even faster, like he was waiting on a verdict that was seconds away from being read. He felt consumed by Diablo’s presence and wanted to go up in flames, uncaring if those flames burned down their apartment.

  Diablo’s gaze dropped from Reese’s eyes to his lips. Reese stopped moving backward, bracing himself for the storm that looked as though it was closing in. Only, when Diablo finally reached him, the kiss was the softest Reese had ever had. Yet it still held such heat that the flame Reese felt coming ignited with warm breath, silken lips, and a groan from his mate that stole the air from Reese’s lungs.

  Until Reese tumbled onto the couch, he hadn’t been aware they’d been moving backward. They were a pile of muscles and limbs, Diablo on his back, Reese straddling him, as their tongues danced and Reese’s wolf snarled for more.

  Hand to god, Reese was addicted to Diablo, from the first moment he’d seen the guy standing naked on his balcony. He was all sinewy muscles and hard looks, like a fallen angel.

  A dark, fallen angel, because Diablo was all dark looks, from his black hair to his mood. Reese skimmed his hands up his mate’s chest and rocked forward, still tasting Diablo’s lips as his knees locked at Diablo’s sides. His mate’s hands were on Reese’s waist, moving slowly downward, and then they cupped Reese’s ass before Diablo squeezed.

  It hadn’t gone unnoticed how hard Diablo was, his erection pressing into Reese’s ass before he’d leaned forward. Now Diablo was staring up at him with a heart-stopping gaze, eating Reese up with that one fierce look.

  “How do we keep ending up on this lumpy couch?” Diablo brushed the tips of his fingers over Reese’s jaw. “We barely fit.”

  Feeling devilish, Reese jerked them sideways. They landed on the floor, and Reese whacked his elbow. Maybe not the best-laid plan, but now they had plenty of room.

  “Not exactly what I had in mind.” Diablo chuckled as he rolled to his feet and held out a hand for Reese to take. “I was opting for something softer.”

  Reese was in a daze as Diablo pulled them to the bedroom, losing their clothes along the way. Diablo stumbled into the wall trying to take his pants off, and Reese had to bite his lip not to laugh. His mate was trying to be all smooth about it, but the pant leg had caught on his ankle and sent him sideways.

  “Forget you saw that.” Diablo gave him a teasing glare.

  “Saw what?” Reese breezed past him then yelped when Diablo smacked him on the ass. He couldn’t recall the last time someone had slapped his ass. The spot tingled as Reese crawled onto the bed, resting back on his elbows.

  Diablo stood over him, staring down, a concentrated look in his hazel eyes.

  “What?”

  “Just let me take you in,” Diablo said. “Let my eyes feast on you.”

  He slid his fingers up Reese’s calf then circled his index finger around Reese’s ankle. It wasn’t a particularly sexual gesture, but Reese’s heart skipped a few beats, nonetheless. Any kind of touch had his skin burning for more.

  Diablo had Reese hooked even before something started with the way his mate gave him such a powerful look. The look said he knew exactly what kind of havoc he was wreaking in Reese’s heart and mind.

  Diablo finally pulled his gaze away and grabbed the lube from the nightstand before he tossed the bottle on the bed, as if throwing down a gauntlet. The side of his mouth curved upward in a dirty, knowing smile as he stood there.

  Reese knew exactly what his mate was looking for. He rolled over to his hands and knees, Diablo’s cock inches from his face. “Why are you just standing there?”

  Diablo’s eyes were twin orbs of need while he curled his fingers into Reese’s hair. A gentle yank pulled Reese closer to the man’s cock. “Suck.”

  That single word sent shivers through Reese. He parted his lips, engulfing Diablo’s length, taking him down to the root before backing off. Diablo rolled his hips forward, gutturally groaning as Reese took him down his throat again, using the flat of his tongue for added pleasure.

  “You fucking wreck me,” Diablo said in a strangled voice. “Pure honey runs through my veins when I’m with you.”

  Reese moaned, knowing he was sending vibrations through his mate’s cock, and he smiled when Diablo hissed. He grunted, his fingers strangling Reese’s hair before he jerked back, taking his erection with him.

  “What the hell?” Reese grinned up at Diablo. “Didn’t like what I was doing?”

  “Too much. Turn around and give me that sweet ass.” Diablo grabbed the lube and wet his fingers as Reese turned, his breath hitching. He lowered his shoulders, anticipation thick in his blood. He shuddered when he felt Diablo’s finger slide over his hole. His pulse roared in his ears, drowning out everything else.

  Diablo ran his tongue over Reese’s tight ring of muscles then pushed his tongue and finger inside Reese.

  “Oh god.” Reese curled his fingers into the bedding, moaning as he rocked back. Reese gasped and trembled as another finger was added, stretching him even more. A thunderstorm was building inside of him, whipping his senses around. Reese felt Diablo’s beard scraping over his inner thighs, adding so much more pleasure, so much roughness against his sensitive skin.

  Just as Reese thought he couldn’t take anymore, Diablo’s fingers and tongue were gone, replaced by the head of his cock. His fingers sank into Reese’s hips, steading him as he inched his way inside.

  Reese pulled in a ragged breath, his lips parting as Diablo drove his cock to the hilt. “Don’t you ever put yourself in harm’s way again,” his mate growled.

  “I will if you’re in trouble.” Reese wasn’t sure how he was even speaking. Diablo had his mind scrambled, his thoughts a jumbled mess as he eased back, his cock sliding out just enough. Then he slammed back in.

  Reese cried out. The storm raging inside of him grew. Diablo thrust hard and deep, his cock so thick that Reese whimpered. “I love you.”

  Diablo stilled, his fingers flexing against Reese’s hips. He thought maybe he’d fucked up by saying those words. Had it been too soon?

  A snarl ripped through Diablo as he pistoned into Reese, the sound of their skin slapping echoing in the room. “Love you, too,” Diablo gasped and ground. “Loved you for two damn years, sweetheart.”

  Reese’s heart soared as Diablo pulled all the way out, flipping Reese, and then crawled onto the bed. He smothered Reese with kisses, nipping and licking his jaw. Diablo spread Reese’s legs and drove back in, Reese hanging his legs over Diablo’s hips.

  The kiss was carnal, as if Diablo was pouring all his feelings into it. Reese was flying, so deeply in love that he thought his heart would burst. He wrapped his arms around Diablo’s neck, lifting his lower half higher, moaning as Diablo drove in deeper.

  It felt as though Reese’s life was now complete. He had his mate in his arms, confessing his love, and he couldn’t seem to pull Diablo close enough.

  “Feels so fucking good,” Diablo groaned.

  Reese wasn’t sure if his mate was talking about the sex or their declaration. Both? He didn’t care. He had the man he loved in his arms, making love to him.

  Diablo kissed him with so much intensity, and the kisses were so rough with that beard, that Reese ate it up. He loved what his mate was doing to him. Diablo’s cock stroked him fiercely, gliding along Reese’s sweet spot over and over again.

  “Come for me, baby.” Diablo sank his canines into the soft skin of Reese’s shoulder.

  Reese shouted and bucked, clinging to Diablo as everything seemed to tilt sideways when his cock pulsed with his release.

  Diablo growled, pulled his canines free, licked the wound, and reared back. He held on to Reese’s legs as he sank into him to the hilt. Reese felt his mate’s shaft pulsing deep inside of him.

  “I think you just killed me.” Diablo rested his forehead against Reese’s. “Laid me flat.”

  Reese chuckled as he pushed at Diablo’s chest. “Get your heavy weight off me.”

  Diablo gave him a quick peck on the lips before he eased out of Reese. They collapsed, and Diablo pulled Reese over his chest.

  If Diablo unleashed himself every time Reese defeated an enemy, Reese was prepared to fight a legion of demons.

  * * * *

  Diablo stood at the stove the following morning, every muscle in him sore. They’d had sex two more times last night. Diablo couldn’t get enough of his mate. He couldn’t, not after Reese had said he loved him.

  No one had ever said that to him before, and Diablo felt as if he were flying as the morning light filtered through the windows. As he cooked, he debated whether or not to take more elixir.

  Not because of Xylem. The bastard already knew roughly where Diablo was. He debated because he didn’t want to ruin Reese’s life. If he didn’t take it, nonhumans in town would know what he was, would know he was a despised species. What if someone challenged him in town? Diablo didn’t want to make enemies in Willow Point.

  He just wanted a peaceful life with his mate. Was that too much to ask for?

  “Smells good.” Reese walked into the kitchen, his hair still wet from his shower. He kissed Diablo on the nape before making toast. “Unfortunately we’re open today. Do you want to help out in the clinic?”

  Diablo slid the eggs onto two plates before washing the pan and spatula. He mulled over how to approach the subject he wanted to talk about. Fuck it. He was just going to say it. “I’m not sure you want me down there.”

  Reese buttered the toast and put the slices on the plates. “Why not?”

  Diablo sighed as he turned and rested against the counter. “I’m part hellhound, Reese. Other preternatural will know. You might lose clients because of me, and I won’t hurt your business.” He crossed his arms. “I don’t want to take anymore elixir. It might dull our bond.”

  There. He’d put it out there, his fears.

  Reese set the plates on the table then poured two cups of coffee. “Diablo, I’m only going to say this once, so listen up. I don’t give a rat’s ass what people think. You’re my mate, and fuck anyone who has a problem with that. Besides,” he said with a wink, “I’m the only vet in town. If I lose a few clients, so be it. It’s not like I need the money. I do this because I love animals, but I love you more.”

  “But—”

  Reese pressed a finger against Diablo’s lips. “No buts. If anyone has a problem with you, they can come see me and I’ll set them straight. I’m not hiding or denying you. Dump out that damn elixir. We’re facing life together.”

  Diablo didn’t think he could love Reese any more than he already did, but his heart expanded as he nipped at his mate’s finger.

  Reese chuckled as he took a seat across from him.

  “You’re an amazing man,” Diablo said. He’d never had anyone ready to fight for him, to defend him. Not once in his life. It was an odd feeling, but a feeling Diablo cherished. If Reese was willing to make this work, Diablo could do no less.

  Chapter Eight

  “So, is he a new hire?” Maggie came into the room with the electronic tablet in her hand. She looked over his shoulder as if making sure Diablo wasn’t in listening distance. “Is he the reason you closed down yesterday?”

  She had a look that said she wanted juicy gossip. She might know about the nonhuman world, but Reese wasn’t one to kiss and tell. He arched a brow. “Office gossip?”

  Her eyes rolled hard. “I work with animals all day. I need human interaction.”

  “You interact with their owners.” Reese took the tablet from her so he could chart the rabbit he’d just given immunization shots to. “And what am I, chopped liver?”

  “Fine, torture me by not telling me.” She walked toward the door but turned back around. “By the way, I’m not blind, Dr. Freeman. I see the way you two look at each other. It’s adorable.”

  “Just what I want to be described as, adorable.” Reese chuckled. “No flirting with the help, Maggie.”

  “When my pulse stops beating, then you can give me that warning.” She smiled brightly before walking out.

  Reese was half tempted to follow her just to make sure she kept her mittens off of Diablo, but one, he knew she wouldn’t cross that line. Maggie was nothing if not professional. Two, she had a boyfriend. Three, Diablo would gently let her down if she did flirt with him.

  Reese couldn’t blame her, though. Diablo had a rugged kind of hotness that would make most panties drop. All morning Reese noticed how the women clients had their eyeballs glued to Diablo whenever he made an appearance. He was like a long-haired Jason Momoa with a strong jaw and piercing eyes like Henry Cavill. Diablo didn’t have the same color, just the intensity.

  Or Reese could just be projecting because he was in love with both actors. They were the very essence of masculinity that drove people wild. That bathroom fight scene in Mission Impossible: Fallout… Reese must have watched it a hundred times. Tom Cruise was also dream-worthy.

  Reese shook his thoughts away as he exited the exam room. He didn’t need to walk around with a boner in front of everyone. But he couldn’t lie. Reese was relaxed after the sexscapade he’d had last night with Diablo. Reese wouldn’t recall the last time he was this sore but happy.

  And after their talk this morning, about Diablo not wanting to ruin Reese’s business, he wanted to prove to his mate that he wasn’t a curse. But fate was conspiring against him.

  Reese walked into the waiting area to find some guy all up in Diablo’s face. Maggie stood there, her hands on her hips, glaring at both men.

  “What on earth is going on?” Reese moved closer, looking around. It was just Diablo and the other guy in the waiting area.

  “Since when do you allow hellhounds to clean up dog shit?” Mr. Burns asked. “I should stab him in his sweet spot now and save you the trouble of him killing everyone in here.”

  “Whoa.” Reese held up a hand, giving Maggie the tablet. “Let’s all take a breather.”

  Diablo looked like he was ready to maul Mr. Burns, but so far, he hadn’t said anything. Even so, Reese saw not only the anger in his mate’s hazel eyes but the hurt.

  If there was one thing Reese couldn’t stand, it was prejudice. Hellhounds deserved their reputation, no argument there, but seeing Diablo get yelled at chapped Reese’s ass. “Do you feel drained?”