Air Demon

Elemental Demons 2

Air Demon Nicholas Dane is happy that his friend Gabe has found the love of his life, even if he can never return to the surface world. The same cannot be said for Nick. He knows who his demon mate is, but Storym won't give him the time of day. Storym knows the surface dweller, Nick, is his Demonas Amaté. But he also knows that claiming the man would place Nick's life in danger, and Storym can't allow that. He has a hard enough time dealing with Nick's need to save the world. He doesn't need to bring more danger to the man. Afraid that he won't be able to deny himself if he stays, Storym leaves without saying goodbye to Nick. His heart broken, Nick returns to the surface world to lose himself in his work as a police detective. Unfortunately, the shadow demons seem to know who he is, and they start coming after him. Nick's only chance is to return to Jinnistan. But even there, his life is in danger because someone has their sights on Nick, and they will let nothing interfere in their plans, not even an Air Demon bent on claiming his mate. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Contemporary, Fantasy Length: 36,222 words

AIR DEMON Elemental Demons 2

Stormy Glenn

EROTIC ROMANCE MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

AIR DEMON Copyright © 2011 by Stormy Glenn E-book ISBN: 1-61034-784-6 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

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AIR DEMON Elemental Demons 2 STORMY GLENN Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 Nicholas Patrick Dane watched his best friend and work partner, Gabriele Moretti, toss a small fire ball back and forth between his hands. A month ago, that would have freaked the shit out of him. Now he was just amused, although only slightly. He still had singe marks on his shirt from the last time Gabe tossed a fireball at him. Gabe was bored. Nick could see it in his eyes. Tehmper, Gabe’s demon mate, was off meeting with the Jinnistan council—again— leaving Gabe and Nick to amuse themselves however they could. It wasn’t working out so well. They were used to being active. Both Gabe and Nick were police detectives on the surface world. They were partners, fighting crime together side by side. Sitting on their collective butts was boring. Nick glared when Gabe held a small fireball in his hand and raised it up into the air. He quickly pointed his finger at Gabe. “You toss one of those things at me again and I will tear a piece out of your hide.” Gabe’s grin was mischievous. “Hey, look, I still have burn marks from the last time. I’m serious, Gabe. Knock that shit off. It gives me the willies.” Nick breathed a little easier when the flames in Gabe’s hand flickered out.

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“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Gabe said as he sat up and stared at Nick. “After everything that happened in the last month, you’re worried about a little singed skin?” There was a lot Nick was worried about. The new world they had landed in was one for the record books. It contained bad guys that wanted to suck him dry and some of the hottest damn men…err…demons Nick had ever seen. It was just too bad hardly any of them caught his interest. Add in the prophecy of the chosen ones, and Nick felt like he was truly out of his element—or out of his mind. Nick frowned. His head actually hurt trying to figure everything out. There was a very strong part of Nick that just wanted to go back to the surface world and forget any of this stuff existed. It was very confusing. “What?” Gabe asked. Nick shrugged. “Have you ever figured out why these damn tattoos mean so much to them?” Gabe slouched back against the couch cushions. “Tehmper tried to explain it to me, but I don’t exactly get it.” Gabe wiggled his hands in the air. “All too mumbo-jumbo for me.” “Well?” Nick asked as he sat forward. Curiosity was eating away at him, especially since he had a tattoo himself, although his was slightly different than Gabe’s. Gabe’s tattoo was flames burning around a medicine wheel. Nick’s was wind blowing around a medicine wheel. They had seen them in a dream. “What did he say?” Nick asked. Gabe rolled his eyes and sat forward as well, resting his elbows on his thighs. “From what I understand, the prophecy says that when all of the chosen ones are found and mated to their Djini that Jinnistan will experience a period of peace and prosperity that will last a thousand years.” Gabe waved one hand just a little. “I’m paraphrasing, of course.” “Oh, of course.” Nick chuckled. “So, we’re the saviors of Jinnistan, huh?”

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“Looks that way.” “Doesn’t it seem a little strange to you that we’re supposed to be the saviors of Jinnistan, and we’re surface dwellers? You’d think that the saviors would be from here, you know?” “What seems strange to me is all the demons they keep bringing over to meet you. It’s like dial-a-demon around here lately.” Nick snorted. “You’re telling me. I’ve had more propositions in the last week than I did my entire life on the surface. If I took up even a tenth of the offers these guys have given me, I wouldn’t be walking for a week. Every damn one of them is so sure I’m their mate.” “Are you?” Gabe asked. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Do any of them do it for you?” The need to hide his secret desires reared its ugly head. “You’ve seen these guys, right?” Nick chuckled nervously. “They’re like walking orgasms. I’ve had enough wet dreams lately to last me a month.” Well, not really, but Gabe didn’t need to know that. Only one demon excited Nick, and Storym wouldn’t give him the time of day. Nick figured it might have something to do with him being a surface dweller. Not everyone in Jinnistan was thrilled that they were here. “So, you’re young, free, and single,” Gabe said. “Why not take one of them up on it?” Nick shook his head. “No, it just doesn’t seem right. I like these guys, don’t get me wrong, but they all seem to be looking for that one, you know?” Nick twisted his hands together. “I think I am, too.” In fact, he knew he was. One particular demon had caught his attention. He just wished he could figure out if he had caught the demon’s interest. The man had been avoiding him since it was discovered that Nick might be one of the chosen ones. “Nick, it’s not a bad thing,” Gabe said as he got up and crossed the room to sit down next to Nick. “Look, it’s not easy. I can never go home. I miss my family, my friends, the life I had. But if getting all that back means I lose Tehmper, it’s just not worth it.”

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“You really love him, don’t you?” Nick asked after a moment. He knew what Gabe’s answer would be before the man even opened his mouth. In all of the years he had known him, Nick had never seen Gabe as happy as he was with his demon. “Yeah, I do. The whole fire demon, mating bite, chosen one thing is a little weird. I’ll admit that, but the benefits far outweigh the pitfalls.” Gabe sighed deeply. “Tehmper makes my blood boil.” “Literally.” Nick snickered. “Yes, he does, but it’s more than that. I’m the center of Tehmper’s universe, and how wonderful is that? He does everything in his power to make me happy. Look how fast he freed the people in the harem. He refused to sleep that night until they all had homes or went back to their families. He knew how important that was to me.” “Yeah, that was pretty cool.” Nick chuckled as he thought about all of the men being held prisoner in the Amir’s harem before they were rescued by Tehmper. “I’m just amazed that so many people were being held against their will and no one knew.” Gabe grimaced. “Oh, someone knew all right—the Amir’s personal guards. Why do you think they’re in jail right now awaiting judgment? What they did was wrong, and the people of Jinnistan want justice.” Nick wanted to change the subject. They were getting too serious and moving into an area Nick would rather avoid at the moment. He elbowed Gabe in the side. “Hey, watch it,” Gabe snapped as he rubbed his side, “or I’m going to light you up.” “Is it really true that you and Tehmper burn up the sheets, literally?” Gabe chuckled. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” “Oh, come on, tell me,” Nick said. “I’m living the life of a monk here. I got to have something to dream about.” Gabe started laughing. “Hey!” Nick snapped, smacking Gabe in the arm.

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“No, no, I just had a thought. If Tehmper and I have sex, we do burn up the sheets. We’re talking full-on flames and everything. But I’m mated to a fire demon. It’s to be expected. You have the air sign on your tattoo. You have got to wonder what will happen when you have sex.” Nick’s eyebrows shot up. Crap, he hadn’t thought of that. He started to grin as the possibilities filled his head. “I’m thinking tornado or something, maybe free-floating in the air during sex. Can you imagine what that would be like? I wonder if we can fly." Nick rolled his eyes when Gabe started laughing hysterically. But then the image of having sex while floating filled his head. Within seconds, Nick was laughing right along with him, both men leaning into each other. “I’m not sure this is how a Demonas Amaté of the new ruling clan should behave. It does not quite seem proper.” Nick jumped and tilted his head back to see the demon Tehmper standing behind the couch. He swallowed hard at the adoration he could see in Tehmper’s eyes as the man looked down at Gabe. He wanted someone to look at him that way. Gabe waved. “Hi, babe, how was work?” Tehmper arched an eyebrow. Nick rolled his eyes. Gabe’s laughter slowly died away as he turned over to kneel on the couch and grab Tehmper’s shirt. “Did you just say our clan is the new ruling clan?” “I do believe I did,” Tehmper replied. “The decision was made by the council this afternoon.” “Why?” Yeah, why? Nick wondered silently. “The council believes that our clan is the best suited for the position.” “That’s it?” Gabe asked. “We’re the best suited for the position?” “Well, it might have had something to do with my Demonas Amaté being a chosen one, but I might be mistaken.”

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Gabe slumped down in the couch. “I knew this was going to come back to bite me in the ass.” “No, no,” Tehmper said. Gabe yelped when Tehmper reached down and picked him up. Nick started laughing when his best friend was tossed over Tehmper’s shoulder and carried out of the study. “I am the only one that gets to bite you in the ass,” Tehmper growled. Nick saw Gabe roll his eyes right before the pair disappeared around the corner. He could hear Tehmper’s heavy footsteps as he carried Gabe up the stairs. A moment later, a door slammed closed, and Nick was all alone. He glanced around the empty room. It was so quiet he could hear his own heartbeat. For a place that was full of demons, this place seemed like a tomb. Nick twiddled his thumbs for a few minutes as he tried to stem the overwhelming flow of boredom. When that didn’t work, Nick jumped to his feet and went searching for what he really wanted to occupy his time—the sexiest damn demon he had ever seen. **** “Hey, Storym.” Storym didn’t even look up, just nodded his head. He had heard the human coming before he even reached the library. A nod was all he could manage without attacking the surface dweller. Looking at Nick would have been nearly impossible. “Whatcha doin’?” “Working.” Storym knew his response was tight-lipped and stern. He couldn’t help it. He was barely holding onto his control as it was. The more time he spent around Nick, the less control he had. Why couldn’t Nick just leave him be?

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Or better yet, return to the surface world where he belonged? Nick had no business being in Jinnistan. Storym didn’t care that Nick was supposed to be one of the chosen ones. Every second spent in Jinnistan put Nick’s life in danger. Storym couldn’t figure out why everyone else didn’t understand that. It was clear as day to him. “Oh,” Nick said simply. “Whatcha working on?” Storym rolled his eyes when Nick strolled over to stand behind him, peering over his shoulder. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “This is important.” “Anything I can help with?” “No!” Storym barked out. He instantly regretted his sharply spoken words when Nick winced and jumped back. The thought of being cooped up in the same room with Nick for hours on end made Storym’s skin itch. He wouldn’t be able to hold onto his control if he was anywhere near Nick for a prolonged period of time. The mere sight of the man was enough to make him grit his teeth and run in the other direction. “I’m sorry,” Nick said as he turned away. “I’ll just leave you alone then.” “Look—” “Why don’t you like me?” Nick asked as he spun around to stare intently at Storym. “Have I done something to offend you in some way?” “No, of course not, but—” “Did I break a rule or something?” “No, but—” “Is it because I’m supposed to be a chosen one? Is that why you don’t like me?” “You know the chosen ones are revered by my people,” Storym said quickly. “Your place in this world is well established. You can—” “Then why do you keep avoiding me like I have the plague?” Nick’s head tilted to one side. His forehead wrinkled as if he was in deep thought.

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Storym held his breath as he waited for Nick to say something more. He was a little shocked when Nick just shook his head and started to walk away again. “It’s not that I don’t like you, I just—” Nick paused at the doorway, but he didn’t turn. “It’s okay, Storym.” Nick’s smile was a little sad as he turned around. His pale blue eyes seemed even paler than usual. “Despite me being some proclaimed chosen one, nothing says that you have to like me. I won’t bother you again.” Nick walked out of the room before Storym could reply. Storym sighed and leaned back in his chair. He so didn’t need this shit. He was supposed to be going through the ancient scrolls to see if Clagh had missed anything. He wasn’t supposed to be worrying about the surface dweller, but he hadn’t been able to get Nick out of his head since he first saw the man. The man intrigued him. Hell, the man made him want to drop to his knees and beg for mercy. Nicholas Patrick Dane was everything a Demonas Amaté should be, and he was Storym’s. Storym just couldn’t claim him. He had no intention of bonding himself to a surface dweller. In Storym’s book, that made Nick totally off limits—no matter how much Storym craved the man.

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Chapter 2 Nick leaned back against the balcony wall and watched the warriors in the courtyard train. He had to admit, it was quite impressive. He was used to using a gun and his fists. These guys used swords. Sometimes Nick wondered if he had been transported into another time rather than to a world beneath the surface of the earth. Things were somewhat medieval here. Nick would forever be eternally grateful that they had flushing toilets. He didn’t do outhouses. Nick’s eyes settled on one dark-haired warrior swinging his sword. He had been watching Storym on and off for days—ever since they had talked. He knew the man was skilled with a blade, but he was always a little bit astonished how much. He’d also been avoiding Storym for days. Nick wasn’t as thickheaded as everyone seemed to think. He could take a hint. Storym had made it more than clear that he wanted nothing to do with Nick, not even as a friend. Nick got it. He’d steered clear of the man ever since. That didn’t mean he would stop watching Storym when he could or even stop fantasizing about the man. Storym’s seven-foot frame alone was drool worthy. Add in all those thick muscles and the long black hair and Nick was in wet-dream heaven. It really was too bad Storym didn’t show any interest. Nick would have no problem bending over for the log Storym had between his legs. He would be the first to admit he was somewhat of a size queen. He liked knowing he was being filled when someone fucked him.

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His only problem was that he had found very few people he wanted to fuck. Hell, except for Storym, he really actually hadn’t found anyone that interested him. The only reason he’d been with other guys in the past was due to loneliness. Now wasn’t any different, except he didn’t want to be with anyone except Storym. Being alone was looking better and better by the moment. He’d found one man that made his cock as hard as a rock, and the guy wasn’t interested. This totally sucked. Nick looked up at the blue sky as he drew in a deep breath. If he kept this up, he’d be throwing himself at Storym. He needed to find some big, strong warrior and get laid. When Nick glanced back down, Storym was looking right up at him. Nick felt his face flush as he stared back. It really wasn’t fair that one man could look so damn good. Every time Nick was around Storym, he just wanted to rub himself all over the man. “You are the chosen one, yes?” Nick spun around to see a rather desperate-looking man standing behind him. The eager look on the man’s face gave him pause. Was this another warrior wanting a Demonas Amaté? Nick sighed. Besides seeing that the man was somewhat attractive, he felt nothing for him. “I’m Nick.” “You are the chosen one?” “I guess.” Nick still wasn’t sure about that. The man grinned. “Then you are mine.” “Whoa, dude, I never said I’d be yours.” Nick started backing away as the man advanced. He could see a sort of burning desperation in the man’s eyes. The intensity of his gaze gave Nick chills. Nick quickly held his hands up to ward the man off. “Hey, look, this isn’t a good idea.” “I am an air demon. You have the sign of an air demon. You are a chosen one. You will be mine.” “Don’t I get a say in this?” “No!”

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Nick jumped back when the man lunged at him, but he wasn’t fast enough to get away. The demon grabbed his arms and pulled him close. Nick’s stomach started to roll when the man tried to attack his mouth. A foul-smelling odor filled the air, making Nick gag. He was positive he was going to hurl. “Get the hell away from me!” Nick shouted. He cried out when the demon grabbed a large handful of his hair and held his head still. He jerked, trying to get away, but all it gained him was a few less hairs in his head as several were ripped out. “I claim you as my Demonas Amaté.” “I don’t fucking think so!” Nick shouted as he brought his knee up between the man’s legs. He heard the man grunt when he connected right where his mama taught him to. The hands holding his arms loosened. Nick quickly pushed away with all of his strength. “You will pay for that, Demonas Amaté,” the demon growled. “Fuck you!” Pain exploded in Nick’s head when the large demon backhanded him across the face. He flew back and hit the stone railing. Nick had just enough time to look up and see the demon advancing on him before he felt the railing behind him begin to crumble. Nick screamed as the railing gave way, and he fell backward into nothing but air. The last thing he saw before he hit the hard ground was the demon smiling down at him from the broken balcony. Nick couldn’t breathe. Pain permeated every bone in his body. He knew he was going to die. No one could feel this level of pain and not die. It just wasn’t possible. There wasn’t a place in his body that didn’t ache with mind-numbing agony. Nick blinked several times as he waited to die. He felt a deep sadness enter his heart when he realized he would never know why Storym didn’t like him. And he would never have a chance to find his own demon. Maybe this was for the best. A love like the one he dreamed of was only in fairy tales and romance novels and maybe between Gabe

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and Tehmper. It wasn’t meant for him. Nick closed his eyes and let the pain take him away. **** Storym’s heart stuttered in his chest the second he heard Nick shout. It stopped beating all together when he saw someone hit Nick, and then Nick flew backward. The balcony gave way, and Nick fell to the earth before Storym could stop it. Nick didn’t move. Storym dropped his sword on the ground and raced over to Nick’s side, dropping to the ground. He inhaled sharply at the paleness of Nick’s skin. The air rushed right back out when he spotted blood pooling around Nick’s head. A small trickle fell from the corner of Nick’s lips. “Demonas Amaté?” Storym whispered. He was afraid that the man wouldn’t answer and afraid that he would. Nick looked broken. Storym knew it was his fault. He should have been watching more carefully. He should have been able to stop this. He was a fucking air demon. What good was he if he couldn’t use his powers to save his Demonas Amaté? “Demonas Amaté, come on, open your eyes.” Storym brushed Nick’s sandy-blond hair back from his eyes, praying that they would open. When they didn’t, Storym felt like shouting at the heavens. Surely the gods wouldn’t be so cruel as to bring this man into his life then take him away? “What in the hell happened?” Tehmper yelled as he ran out onto the practice field and dropped down beside Nick. “Someone attacked Nick, and he fell off the balcony,” Storym growled. “Is he alive?” Tehmper looked like he wanted to touch Nick, but he was afraid to. “I don’t know.”

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Tehmper looked up and glanced around until he spotted another warrior standing close. “Go get my Demonas Amaté and bring him here as fast as you can. I also want a healer summoned. And find out who in the hell was on the balcony.” A couple of the guards ran off. Storym just stared down at Nick. He didn’t have a clue how to treat a human. He knew demons. Anything he’d probably do could have the potential to kill Nick. So Storym just sat there feeling helpless. “Oh my god, what happened?” Gabe shouted as he ran out of the building and skidded to a stop next to Nick. Tehmper caught him and held him still before Gabe could drop down to the ground next to Nick. “Nick fell off the balcony, Demonas Amaté,” Tehmper said gently. “I need your help. I don’t know if humans are built differently than those here in Jinnistan. What should I be looking for?” “Does he have a pulse?” “A pulse?” Gabe pushed away from Tehmper and knelt on the ground next to Nick. Storym watched intently as Gabe reached down and placed two fingers against the side of Nick’s throat. He almost growled at the sight of another man touching what was his but stopped himself just in time. He didn’t have that right. “Oh, thank god, he’s alive,” Gabe whispered. “He’s alive?” Storym’s heart felt like it started beating again. Gabe nodded as he started running his hands down Nick’s arms and legs. “What are you doing?” Storym growled, unable to hold the tense note out of his voice this time. He really didn’t like the way Gabe was touching Nick. “I’m checking for broken bones.” “His head is bleeding.” “Head wounds bleed, Storym.”

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“But he could be dying.” Storym didn’t understand why Gabe wasn’t more concerned. Nick was bleeding out all over the ground. “And his head needs to be looked at, but before we can move him we need to make sure he doesn’t have any broken bones. If Nick has broken his back and we move him, he could be paralyzed for the rest of his life.” “Paralyzed?” Storym whispered as the blood rushed to his head so fast he felt like he was swimming in sludge. “Nick is paralyzed?” Gabe sighed deeply. “It doesn’t look like it, no, but I have to be sure.” Gabe glanced around rapidly then pointed. “Bring that board over here, and I need some rope or cloth, something to tie Nick to that board.” Storym’s hands fisted as he growled. “Why do you want to tie Nick up?” “I want to tie Nick down, Storym. If he has any type of back injury, the stiffness of the board will keep it from getting worse while we move him.” Storym didn’t understand exactly what Gabe was saying beyond the fact that whatever Gabe was going to do might save Nick from further injury. He quickly jumped to his feet and raced inside the house. He grabbed the first thing he could see, a table cloth, and ripped it off the table. One his way back to the training yard, Storym began ripping it into long strips. “Will this work?” Storym asked as he ran back over to Nick’s side. He held up the handful of torn fabric, praying he had done the right thing. “Yeah, that should work perfectly.” Gabe gestured with his hand. “Okay, bring that board and lay it alongside Nick. Tehmper, I want you to help me roll Nick onto his side. Storym, I want you to roll his upper body. I’m going to hold his head straight. When we roll him, someone needs to slide the board under him.” Tehmper reached down and grabbed Nick’s legs. Gabe grabbed his head. Storym scooted to the other side of Nick, between Gabe and

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Tehmper, and grabbed his shoulders. As they gently turned Nick onto his side, another warrior slid the board under his body. They carefully rolled him back onto the board, and then Gabe began to tie him down. Storym still didn’t like it. No one should be tying Nick down. But Gabe seemed to know what he was doing. Storym just made sure he kept a close on eye on Nick and Gabe as he helped carry Nick into the house and up the stairs. Storym almost protested when the other warriors started toward Nick’s room. He wanted Nick near him. But again, he knew he didn’t have that right. He hadn’t claimed Nick yet. He wasn’t sure he would ever claim Nick. But the fact that the man was a surface dweller was growing less important with each passing second. When the healer came rushing into the room and started to usher everyone out, Storym planted his feet, crossed his arms over his chest, and shook his head. He wasn’t going anywhere, and he didn’t care what anyone said. “No.” “Djini, please,” the healer began, “I need space to work on my patient.” “I won’t get in the way.” “Djini—” “I’m not leaving.” “Very well,” the healer sighed before turning toward the bed where Nick had been laid down, board and all. The healer frowned. “By the gods, why have you tied him down?” “Because he fell off the balcony and could have severe back injuries,” Gabe said. “It’s common practice on the surface to keep the body immobilized when there is a possibility of severe injury such as this.” “How interesting.” The healer checked over the board that Nick had been tied to, his hands moving curiously as he looked at the contraption. “How very intriguing.”

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“Healer, please, can you check the backboard out later?” Gabe snapped. “Nick needs to be seen to. I promise, when he’s all better, I’ll give you the damn board.” Storym’s lips twitched as he tried not to snicker at Gabe’s words. He, too, wanted the healer to see to Nick. He just would not have phrased it quite so delicately. He probably would have attacked the healer if he didn’t start treating Nick in the next few minutes. The waiting was excruciating. Between Gabe and the healer, it seemed to take forever for them to check Nick over. Storym’s body tensed with each invasive touch. No one should be touching Nick. “Storym, do you need to leave?” Tehmper asked as he walked over after awhile. “No.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “Then could you stop destroying the furniture?” Storym blinked and glanced down when he realized he had his hands wrapped around the top edge of a wooden chair. He hands were wrapped tightly around it, and he had been slowly crushing the solid wood. Storym felt his face flush as he glanced over at Tehmper. “Sorry. I’ll replace it.” The flush that filled his face quickly reversed itself when Storym saw the smirk on Tehmper’s face. He knew the man was laughing at him, and he knew why. Tehmper had begun to suspect that Nick was Storym’s Demonas Amaté. “Are you going to claim him?” Tehmper asked. “No.” Tehmper looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded. “Very well.” Storym waited for Tehmper to say more. When he didn’t, Storym’s hackles began to rise. “Very well, what?” “Nothing.” Tehmper waved his hand in dismissal.

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“You meant something by your words, Tehmper. I would know what it was.” “It’s nothing really. I’ve had several warriors approach me about Nick. I was putting them off because I thought he had caught your interest, but if that’s not true—” Tehmper shook his head. “Well, I guess I can no longer put them off. I will have to start considering them as potential mates for Nick.” “No!” Storym shouted. His canines shot down through his gums just as a loud crack filled the room. Storym glanced down to see the chair in pieces in his hands. He had totally destroyed the chair, ripping it apart. “Do you have something to say, Storym?” Storym tossed the broken chair pieces onto the floor and stormed out of the room. He refused to be forced into a mating not of his choosing. So what if Nick smelled like the most delicious thing he had ever smelled? So what if Nick was more beautiful than any sunset? So what if Storym craved the man like his next breath? He would not be mated to a surface dweller. **** Storym avoided Nick’s room for nearly a week. It had been agonizing, and somewhat dangerous, as he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the man. That was not a good thing considering he went on several surface missions to keep himself busy. He’d almost lost his head twice during a battle. He was too distracted. He needed to settle things with Nick, one way or another. Storym stood in front of Nick’s door. He couldn’t decide whether to knock or just walk in. He knew Nick had survived his fall. He had hounded Gabe for every tidbit of information. Nick was still sore and bruised, but there was no lasting damage. That knowledge was the only thing that really kept Storym going.

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The need to see for himself if Nick was okay was overwhelming. Storym felt his stomach clench as he raised his hand and knocked on the door. The urge to see Nick warred with Storym’s need to run in the opposite direction. Nick was dangerous to his state of mind. He couldn’t think when Nick was around. Hell, he couldn’t think when Nick wasn’t around. If this was what it felt like to know who his mate was, Storym wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “Come in.” Storym drew in a deep breath and opened the door. He had purposely picked a time late at night to come see Nick so there wouldn’t be a big audience. He just hadn’t expected Nick to be totally alone. “Shouldn’t you have someone sitting with you?” Storym asked as he shut the door behind him. “And shouldn’t you be in bed?” Nick chuckled. “I’m fine. I sent Gabe to bed. He was hovering.” Storym drank in Nick’s appearance as the man walked out of the shadows by the window and into the more lit up area of the room. There was still some bruising around his eyes, but it looked to be fading. “How are you?” “I’m good.” Nick smiled, but Storym could see that it was strained. Storym instantly knew the man was in pain. He rushed over and swung Nick up into his arms. He ignored the man’s protests as he laid him down on the bed. When Nick tried to sit up, Storym pressed a hand against his chest and pushed him back down. “Stay.” Nick rolled his eyes. “How badly were you hurt?” Storym knew, but he wanted to hear it from Nick’s lips. Hell, he just wanted to hear Nick talk. He loved the man’s soothing voice and

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unusual speech. No one he had ever met talked like Nick, not even Gabe. “I just had a concussion and some bruised muscles. It’s nothing to worry about.” “You were bleeding, Demonas Amaté,” Storym growled. “I’d think it something to worry about.” “Head wounds bleed, Storym.” “Yes, your friend Gabriele said the very same thing.” Storym’s hands clenched. “I still do not like it.” “Ah, Storym.” Nick’s grin was mischievous and made Storym’s blood start to boil. “I didn’t know you cared.” Storym frowned. “I care.” Nick suddenly looked a little less playful and a lot more nervous as he licked his lips and glanced away. “Well, as you can see, I’m fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about. Thank you for stopping by.” Storym had the distinct feeling he was being dismissed. That, if nothing else, made him growl. He didn’t like being dismissed, especially by a surface dweller and certainly not by his Demonas Amaté. “I do not appreciate being dismissed, Demonas Amaté.” Nick blinked for a moment then tossed his head back as he roared with laughter. Storym found nothing in their discussion to bring such amusement to Nick’s face. He reached down and grabbed Nick’s arms then shook him. “Demonas Amaté!” Nick stopped laughing almost instantly as he glared up at Storym. “Fuck you, Storym.” Storym’s teeth almost snapped with how hard he gritted them. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had spoken to him so disrespectfully and not had their heads handed to them. He tried to remember that Nick was human and didn’t understand things like

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honor and respect. He tried to remember that he was just a simple surface dweller. Storym growled when that didn’t work, and his mind slipped over the edge into deep, red rage. He jerked Nick’s body to him and claimed the man’s lips in a punishing kiss. It was either that or strangle Nick. But what started out as a punishment quickly turned into something more intense, as the feeling of Nick’s lips pressed against his started to sink into Storym. Gods, had anyone ever had such soft lips? Storym growled and pressed in further. He stroked his tongue along the seam of Nick’s mouth, demanding entrance. When Nick shuddered and opened his mouth, Storym delved inside to conquer and explore. He imagined kissing Nick was as close to heaven as he was ever going to get. It was hot and passionate and made Storym’s cock throb in ways it never had before. When Nick’s hands gripped his shirt and pulled him closer, Storym knew he was a goner. Storym grabbed the front of his shirt and ripped it open. Nick’s hands immediately touched his skin, caressing him. Storym needed the same access. He needed to feel Nick’s silky skin beneath him. He tried to keep his mouth attached to Nick’s as he ripped the man’s shirt off. When that became too complicated, Storym pulled away and ripped the shirt from Nick’s body. He could see Nick’s chest rising and falling rapidly with his heavy pants. He could see the arousal burning in his blue eyes. Storym scooted to the end of the bed and yanked Nick’s pants down his legs. The sight of Nick spread out naked on the bed took his breath away. Storym had never seen a more beautiful sight in his life, and he had seen a lot. “Get yourself ready, Demonas Amaté,” Storym growled. “You have until I get my clothes off before I fuck you.”

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Nick’s eyes widened for a moment before he scrambled to the side of the bed and reached into the drawer for a blue bottle—the same blue as Nick’s eyes. Nick lay back on the pillows and poured some of the oil into his hand. Storym was in the process of shucking his pants when Nick pressed two fingers deep into his ass. Storym paused as every bit of air in his lungs seized. Nick was thrusting his fingers in and out of his ass and stroking his cock at the same time. The bliss on the man’s face made Storym growl. He wanted to be the one to put that look on Nick’s face. Storym quickly kicked his pants away then dropped the remains of his shirt to the floor. He climbed up on the bed and slowly crawled forward until he was between Nick’s legs. Storym knelt between Nick’s thighs and pushed the man’s hands away. “You know nothing of being fucked by an air demon.” Storym grinned as he grabbed Nick’s hips and pulled the man’s bottom end up onto his lap. “You will learn, my sweet.” Storym blew out a deep breath of air and watched it swirl in front of his face. It twirled and twirled until a small midair tornado came to life. Storym chuckled deeply at the shock on Nick’s face as the small tornado twirled around his wrists then shot down to the bed. Storym didn’t usually go to these measures the first time he fucked someone. They were meant only for those that he wanted to play with for any amount of time. He planned to play with Nick for a very long time. Two more breaths of air gave Storym small hand-sized tornados. Storym directed these to wrap around Nick’s ankles. Instead of pinning Nick’s ankles to the bed like he did his wrists, Storym directed the mini tornados to hover in mid air, just high enough that Nick’s ass was lifted right where he wanted it. Storym wouldn’t even have to bend over to fuck Nick. He just had to push forward. Storym waved his hand, and Nick’s legs were spread

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open wide. He reached down and trailed his hand over the tight puckered hole waiting for his cock. There were times when Storym hated being an air demon, but this wasn’t one of them. The ability to manipulate Nick’s body on a thought and still have his hands free was wonderful. “You’re not stretched enough for my cock, Demonas Amaté.” Storym blew out another breath of air, then another. This time, he waited until the small tornado had formed then leaned in and licked the twirling air until it glistened. He grabbed Nick’s ass cheeks and pulled then apart then directed the tornado right where he wanted it. Nick’s entire body began to tremble as the tornado pushed into him. Storym could only wonder at the sensation as he had never felt it himself, but he had been told it was exhilarating. The farther in that the hard, wet wind pushed, the more it expanded until Nick was stretched enough for Storym’s cock. Storym made the tornado hover over the tip of Nick’s cock as he fit the head of his cock to the tight opening of Nick’s ass. As he slowly sank in, he allowed the tornado to sink down over Nick’s cock. He could feel Nick’s surprise then complete ecstasy as both sensations rode him hard. Storym started moving before he was even all the way in. The feeling of Nick’s tight body wrapped around him was too much to bear. Storym knew he had only moments before he’d be done. He refused to come before Nick. “Fuck, my cock looks good in your ass, Demonas Amaté.” “Yessss,” Nick hissed. “Do you like that?” Storym asked as he pounded into the man. “Do you like my cock fucking your ass?” “Yes!” Nick groaned. “I want to hear you, Demonas Amaté.” Storym tightened the tornado swirling around Nick’s cock, stopping any orgasm the man might have been heading for. “I won’t let you come until I hear you scream.” Nick screamed.

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He screamed again as Storym moved the tornado over his cock. Storym growled when spurts of cum shot out of Nick’s cock and splattered on their bodies. He could feel Nick’s inner muscles clamping down on his cock, caressing him. It was glorious. Storym allowed the tornado to expand. It moved out over Nick’s body until it covered him from head to toe. Storym thrust into the man’s exquisite ass over and over again. He manipulated the wind, making it caress Nick’s body until he came again and again. Only when the man’s screams of pleasure became nothing more than a hoarse moan did Storym allow himself the pleasure of his own orgasm. The wind swirled around Storym as he filled Nick’s ass with his release. It slowly started to die down and dissipate as Storym collapsed down on top of Nick. Storym smiled when he looked over and found Nick’s eyes closed. His head was turned slightly in Storym’s direction as if seeking him out even in his sleep. Storym knew he had worn the man out, and he wasn’t exactly sorry about it until he saw the bruises on Nick’s body and was reminded of how fragile surface dwellers were. “Damn,” Storym swore as he pulled away from Nick and moved to the side of the bed, grabbing for his clothes. Once he was dressed, he pushed his hand through his hair, angry that he had let himself lose control so much that he had forgotten that Nick was injured. He knew taking a surface dweller as his mate was a bad idea, and this just proved him right. He needed to get as far away from Nick as possible. Now that he had tasted the man, he wouldn’t be able to prevent himself from claiming him next time. He just wasn’t that strong.

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Chapter 3 Nick ached when he opened his eyes, but he ached in all the right places. He had been well and truly fucked, and he felt wonderful, despite the aches. He couldn’t wait to do it again. Sex had never been so wonderful. Hell, he wanted to try again a million times. He smiled as he rolled over to look at his lover. The smile fell from his lips to be replaced by a confused frown. Nick sat up, wincing when a couple of muscles pulled, and looked around the room—the very empty room. “Storym?” Maybe he was in the bathroom. Nick carefully scooted to the edge of the bed and made his way to the bathroom only to find it as empty as the bedroom. Confusion, and the seed of something worse, began to build. Nick hurried back to the bedroom and pulled his clothes on as fast as he could. He barely had his shoes on before he was running out of the bedroom in search of his new lover. He couldn’t understand where Storym had gone. The night had been perfect. No one had ever touched Nick in the way Storym had. Nick knew Storym was the one he had been looking for, the demon that would claim him. He was actually a little confused as to why the claiming hadn’t happened the previous night. He knew Storym felt the same pull that he did. He had seen it in the man’s eyes. “Hey, Tehmper, have you seen Storym?” Nick asked as he walked into the kitchen.

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“Not since early this morning, no.” Tehmper frowned. “Is everything okay, Nick? You look a little winded.” Nick’s lips twisted for a moment. It sounded like a really bad pun, but he had never known Tehmper to make jokes. “No, I’m just looking for Storym. I need to talk to him. Do you know when he will be back?” “Well, I’m not really sure, Nick. Storym asked to be reassigned to a diplomatic mission going to Juherabad. The mayor there has requested the Djini come and assist him with the Shayatin issue he has there.” Dread filled Nick. “When did he ask to be reassigned?” “Early this morning before he left.” “How long will he be gone?” “A few months.” “A few months?” Nick gasped. “Did he say anything or leave me a note or something?” “No.” Tehmper frowned. “Should he have?” Nick’s nostrils flared as he tried to control himself. “No, there’s no reason. If you hear from him, tell him I wish him well on his mission.” Nick clenched his hands as he turned and walked out of the kitchen. He kept his jaw clenched, his mouth pressed firmly closed as he made his way back up to his room. He knew if he opened his mouth he was going to fall apart and start screaming. Storym had left him. He had fucked him then purposely left him. Nick knew that Storym didn’t like him, but he hadn’t realized until that moment that Storym actually hated him. He could have just said something. He didn’t have to humiliate Nick first. And that’s how Nick felt—humiliated. He had found the one guy he was truly interested in, and he had been rejected. Hell, maybe it was him. The only men that seemed to be really interested in him were psychotic—the man that had attacked him, for instance. Nick bet if he offered the man would snatch him right up.

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Nick let himself into his room and quietly closed the door behind him. He walked over and started to sit down on the bed until he remembered what he had done there with Storym the previous evening. He’d never be able to sleep in that bed again. Hell, he couldn’t think of hardly anywhere he could go where memories of Storym wouldn’t be. He needed to get the hell out of here and the hell out of Jinnistan. The surface world was looking pretty good right about now. Nick grabbed what meager belongings he had accumulated in the time he had been in Jinnistan and shoved them all into a small bag. He slung the bag over his shoulder, grabbed his jacket, and headed out. Gabe was just coming up the stairs as he started down them. Nick paused and waited for Gabe to reach him. Gabe glanced at the bag on Nick’s shoulder then frowned. “Going somewhere, Nick?” “I’m going home, Gabe. It’s time.” “But you can’t.” “Yes, I can.” “But you’re one of the chosen ones. Jinnistan needs you.” “Jinnistan is just going to have to find another chosen one. I’m going home.” Nick started to push past Gabe when he felt the man’s hand on his arm. “Gabe, I’m serious. I need to go home.” “Is this about Storym?” Gabe asked softly. “I know he spent the night in your room.” Nick pulled away and continued on down the stairs. “I don’t want to talk about Storym.” “Nick—” “No, Gabe!” Nick snapped as he spun around. “I’m done.” He waved his hand over his head. “I’ve had it up to here with demons and mates and prophecies. I’m going home.” “Nick, wait, you can’t—” “Don’t fucking tell me what I can’t do. You found your demon. Mine took off because he doesn’t want to be saddled with a surface

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dweller.” Nick clenched his fists. “If that’s all I’m ever going to be to him, that’s what I’ll be, a surface dweller. And to do that, I have to be on the surface.” “Nick, you can’t—” “Gabe, I swear, you’re stretching the bonds of our friendship really thin.” “If you would just shut the fuck up and let me talk, then you’d know I’m trying to help your dumb ass.” Nick crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. “Fine. I’m listening. You have five minutes.” “God, you are one stubborn jackass.” “Four minutes and thirty seconds.” Gabe rolled his eyes. “I understand that you want to go back to the surface. I get that. I won’t stand in your way. But you need to talk to Tehmper before you leave.” “Why, so he can try and talk me out of it?” “No, so I can give you a worry stone,” Tehmper said from the bottom of the stairs. He pointed up at Nick. “And don’t let me hear you speak to my Demonas Amaté like that again. I’ll forget that we’re friends.” “Sorry.” Nick frowned. “What’s a worry stone?” Tehmper held up his hand, showing the small blue gem sitting in the palm. “What does it do?” “It’s a way of contacting us here in Jinnistan if you need us for anything, or just want to talk to Gabe. It’s kind of like a cell phone from your world, only, it dials just one number.” Tehmper pointed to a similar gem that Gabe had on a bracelet around his wrist. “You can only contact the person holding it.” Nick reached over and took the stone when Tehmper held it out to him. “How does it work?” “You’ve heard of worry stones, right?” Tehmper asked. “People rub them in their hands when they are worried?”

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Nick nodded. “It works just like that. You rub it with your fingers kind of like a genie lamp and think what you want Gabe to hear. He’ll hear your thoughts.” “Cool.” Nick grinned. “Now, come on. I’ll escort you to the gate.” **** Nick rubbed the bridge of his nose then leaned his head back against the headrest and continued watching out the window. He felt so tired his eyes threatened to cross. He hated stake outs. He hated them even more without Gabe. At least Gabe had a sense of humor. Nick turned his head to look at the dark-haired man sitting in the seat next to him. This guy did not have a sense of humor. The rookie detective lived and breathed the police manual. Nick seriously doubted he had ever bent the rules in his life. Nick didn’t break the rules taught to him in the police academy, but he’d bent them a time or two. Being a good detective meant finding a balance between the rule book and life on the streets, because there was nothing in the police manual that prepared a police officer for the realities of fighting crime in real life. God, he hated breaking in new partners. He’d much prefer having Gabe as his partner, but that just wasn’t possible. Gabe couldn’t come to the surface—ever. Nick had already helped pack up Gabe’s apartment and tender his resignation to the police department. As far as they were concerned, Gabe had quit and moved. No one would ever know anything else. When he came back to the surface a few weeks ago to get Gabe’s stuff, he had taken a leave of absence saying he was helping Gabe recover from the attack in the alley and then helping him move. Thankfully, no one had questioned Nick when he came back. He’d gone right back to work with a new partner.

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And here he sat, that very same new partner sitting next to him as they staked out a motel room that two criminals were suspected of hiding out in. Nick was bored out of his mind. It wasn’t like he could talk about his latest conquest to the guy, partly because there hadn’t been one, and partly because he didn’t know which way the man swung. Nick wasn’t even sure the man knew he was gay. Detective Jack Aniston was very closed-lipped about his personal life. He didn’t seem to want to discuss anything but their current case. Every time Nick tried to initiate conversation, the man clammed up. “Isn’t that the guy we’re looking for?” Nick swung around to see a rather seedy-looking man walking up the stairs of the motel to the second floor. He quickly grabbed the APB readout and checked the picture against the man’s profile. “Looks like him.” “Well, let’s go.” Jack started reaching for his door handle. “Whoa, dude, slow down,” Nick said quickly. “Let’s just sit here and watch for a minute, see where he goes.” Jack sighed and sat back in his seat. “We’re going to lose him.” “No, we’re not. Just sit and watch.” Jack heaved another sigh. Nick rolled his eyes and looked over at the man. “There’s a lot more to solving crime than just catching the bad guys, Jack. You need to know what they know and why they are the bad guys.” “The APB said catch the guy, not sit and watch him.” Jack waved his hand toward the stairs. “How can we catch the guy if we sit here in the car?” “So, we catch the guy. Then what? What if he has partners? How will we know what he’s up to unless we watch him for a few minutes?” “Fine.” Nick rolled his eyes when Jack crossed his arms over his chest and started watching out the window. Rookies—god, he hated

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breaking the new guys. If Gabe could see this, he’d be laughing his ass off. Nick frowned. He missed Gabe. Hell, he even missed Tehmper. Being on the surface wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. He’d only been home a few weeks, and already he wanted to go back. But going back meant facing Storym, and Nick wasn’t ready to do that yet. He still hadn’t come to terms with the fact that the man fated to be his didn’t want him. Nick wasn’t sure he ever would. He’d done a lot of soul-searching since he had been back, and he was pretty sure he knew why Storym didn’t want him. But knowing why and accepting it were two different things. Storym had left after one night together. One night that Nick considered bliss. Nick now knew Storym hadn’t felt the same way. Nick knew he wasn’t all that and he didn’t have a ton of experience in bed, but he never dreamed Storym would reject him because of it. Nick had considered going out and finding someone to gain more experience, and one night in a drunken stupor, he had even tried. He got as far as kissing the man before throwing up all over him. That experience taught him that he would never be able to stand the touch of someone else. It also taught him he was doomed to a life alone. There would be nothing waiting for him at home after work except a bottle of whiskey. At the rate he was drowning his sorrows, he was going to be an alcoholic inside of a month. But at least when he drank, he could sleep at night without thinking of Storym. “Hey, he’s coming out.” Nick glanced up, and sure enough, the perp they were after was coming back out of his motel room. Nick pulled out his gun and checked his ammunition level as he waited for the perp to reach the ground floor. He didn’t want to be caught in a situation he couldn’t get out of. “Keep your weapon handy,” Nick said. “Try to stay out of sight. I want to see where this guy is going.”

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Jack nodded and checked his own weapon before climbing out of the car. Nick climbed out and shut the door then hurried across the street, Jack hot on his heels. Nick kept his eyes on the surrounding area as they followed the man they were after. Something didn’t feel right, but he couldn’t figure out what. Colton Harris was a suspected drug dealer. He was wanted on drug distribution charges. He had done a stint in prison for armed robbery, possession with intent to distribute, and assault with a deadly weapon. He was considered armed and dangerous. Nick wouldn’t put anything past the man. He’d been watching for Harris the better part of a week, tracking down leads and interrogating known associates. After investigating the man for quite some time, Nick suspected that Harris was into more than just drug distribution. He suspected Harris was making the damn stuff himself. There was a new drug on the streets called Lust. In the last two weeks, eleven people had been admitted into the hospital after taking the drug. Five of them had died. Nick’s superiors wanted those responsible. Nick was pretty sure Harris was the creator. “Stay close,” Nick whispered as he gestured for Jack to get behind him. Harris had run around the corner of a deserted brick building. Nick remembered what Gabe had said happened when they were pursuing Bobby G and had run around the side of a building. He wasn’t going to fight any damn Shayatin if he could help it. Nick peeked around the corner. Harris was still scurrying down the sidewalk. The light was dim at the other end of the building, lots of shadows, so he couldn’t be positive that there wasn’t someone waiting, but he didn’t immediately see anyone. Nick slipped around the corner. He stayed close to the wall as he hurried down the sidewalk after Harris. The closer he got to the far end of the deserted building, the faster his heart started to pound. Harris turned the corner at the far end of the building, disappearing from sight. Nick picked up his pace, nearly running to the end of the building. He waved his hand behind him, gesturing for

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Jack to get back, and then drew his gun. He knew he was going to need it. He just didn’t know why. Nick peered around the corner of the building then quickly leaned back. His mouth dropped open as he replayed the scene in his head. Nick had a photographic memory. He could remember anything he saw. He didn’t want to remember what he just saw. Nick reached into his pocket and grabbed the worry stone that Tehmper gave him. He rubbed it furiously as he waited for Gabe to connect with him. He was going to need help, the kind he couldn’t get from his rookie partner. “Hey, Nick, what’s up?” “I’m at a deserted building on Fifth and Central Street,” Nick said quickly in his head. “I need Tehmper and some of the guys here ASAP. I’m after a suspect, and he just ran into a fucking band of shadow demons.” “Fuck. Okay, I’ll have them there in just a moment. Don’t do anything. I mean it, Nick, don’t fucking move. These guys don’t mess around. They will rip your throat out and drain you dry.” “Just hurry, asshole,” Nick said. “My new partner is a dumbshit and he’s liable to—” Nick groaned as Jack did exactly what Nick didn’t want him to do. “Fuck! Rambo just ran into the line of fire. Tell Tehmper to get his ass up here before I lose another partner.” Nick took off after Jack around the corner of the building. He heard shots fire before he even reached the man. Jack was backing up, firing his weapon over and over again until it clicked empty. “Shooting them won’t kill them,” Nick shouted as he reached Jack and grabbed his arm. He yanked on it, hard, and tried to pull Jack away. “Run, you dipshit!” Jack just stood there, frozen with his empty gun pointed at the creatures advancing on him. Nick really had no interest in trying to explain to his captain how he had lost another partner, even if Gabe has simply resigned. He wasn’t looking forward to the ass chewing he’d receive if he let anything happen to the rookie detective.

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When a shadow demon howled and tried to take a swipe at Jack, Nick dove at his young partner, pushing him out of the way. What a fucking dumb move, he thought when the Shayatin’s claws scraped across his back. There was no way he had come away without deep lacerations in his back. He could feel the cold air and the wet blood dripping down his body. Nick grabbed the closest thing he could find, an old rusted lead pipe, and climbed to his feet. He started swinging before he even stood all the way up. The first shadow demon went down with a thud and didn’t get back up. That left four more. Nick drew in a deep breath as he waited for the next one to reach him. He wasn’t dumb enough to dive in and try to take them all down at the same time. He could only hope to keep himself and Jack alive long enough for the Djini to reach them.

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Chapter 4 Storym nodded to the sentries as he made his way up the front steps of the palace. He hated living here. He much preferred the lesspopulated clan compound. This place had people coming out of the woodwork at all times of the night or day. Despite all of that, he was glad to be back. It had been a long few weeks. He hated being gone that long. He missed home. He missed his friends. And he missed Nick. Storym couldn’t believe how much he missed Nick. The man was almost all he thought about—again. Storym knew he needed to deal with his feelings for the other man and get his head in the game. He was taking too many chances, and one of these days, it would cost someone their life. Before he could deal with his feelings for Nick, Storym knew he needed to figure out exactly what those feelings were. The man confused him. He wasn’t a warrior, yet he was. He wasn’t Afrit, yet he was. The only real thing Storym knew was that Nick was his Demonas Amaté. Storym’s steps slowed when he reached the grand entrance to the palace and found Gabe pacing back and forth across the hard marble. Gabe’s arms were crossed over his chest, and his face looked pinched, worried. Something had obviously upset the man. “Gabe, is everything okay?” Gabe swung around. He sighed as he thrust his hand through his dark-brown hair. “Fuck, Storym, you scared the crap out of me.” Gabe frowned as he looked over at Storym. “What are you doing back? I thought you were going to be gone for a couple of months.”

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Storym shrugged. “I am not needed at this time.” Truthfully, he probably was. He just knew he needed to get his head screwed on straight before someone got hurt or worse. He wasn’t working with his head in the game right now, and that meant he was putting other people in danger. Until he could figure things out, it was best if he stayed home. “Oh.” Gabe’s frown deepened, and the man started pacing again. “Where is your mate?” “Tehmper went to the surface with the others.” Storym nodded. “Another mission?” “No, no, Nick contacted me. He’s in trouble. I guess he ran into a band of Shayatin and needed some help.” “What?” Storym shouted as abject fear filled every cell in his body. “Tehmper gave Nick a worry stone when he left. Nick used it to—” “What do you mean when he left?” Storym snapped. “Nick is a chosen one. His place is here.” Gabe’s hands landed on his hips as he glared at Storym. “Well, apparently, he had no reason to stick around, so he went home.” Storym growled. “When?” he asked as he clenched his fists. “When what?” “When did he go to the surface?” Storym refused to call that place home. Nick’s home was here in Jinnistan. “The same day you left.” The smirk on Gabe’s face along with his words took all of the anger out of Storym. He knew exactly why the man had left. If anything happened to Nick, it would be Storym’s fault. He had driven his Demonas Amaté away. Storym held out his hand. “Let me have your worry stone.” “What?” Gabe snapped. “No!” “Let me have it, Gabe,” Storym growled. “I need to find Nick.” “You need to go fuck yourself. You had a chance with Nick and you tossed it away. Hell, you tossed him away. If you think for one

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damn minute I’m going to let you at him again, then you have another thing coming. I wouldn’t let you within ten feet of Nick.” “It’s not up to you.” “Yes, it is. He’s my friend.” “And he’s my Demonas Amaté,” Storym growled through clenched teeth. Gabe’s mouth dropped open. “Does Nick know?” Storym grimaced. “I suspect so.” “And you didn’t claim him?” “I was unable to claim Nick at the time.” “And now?” Gabe asked. “Are you going to claim him now?” “Gabe—” “You’re not,” Gabe whispered as his eyebrows shot up. “You have no intention of claiming Nick, do you?” “It’s complicated.” “No, it’s not.” Gabe shook his head. “Either he’s you Demonas Amaté, or he’s not.” “He is but—” “There’s no but about it, Storym. Nick is your Demonas Amaté. You have to claim him.” “I can’t.” Gabe’s eyes narrowed. “Why not? Are you involved with someone else?” “No, of course not but—” “Are you married?” “No.” “Straight?” “Hell, no!” “Then I don’t see the problem. Nick is your Demonas Amaté. That should be the end of it.” “What do you know about it?” Storym snapped. He hated being questioned by Gabe. The man had interrogation down to an art form.

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“You’re just a surface dweller. You don’t have any idea what it’s like being Djini.” “Are you ashamed of Nick because he’s a surface dweller?” “What?” Storym shouted in astonishment. “You heard me.” “No, I could never be ashamed of Nick.” “Then what is it?” “He’s a surface dweller. Don’t you understand that? He’s not strong enough to live down here. What happens when someone decides to take revenge on me and goes after Nick. He’ll be killed. He’s not strong enough to fight off rogue demons.” “You’re afraid,” Gabe whispered. Storym groaned and sat down on one of the steps as his legs gave out beneath him. He buried his head in his hands. Utter terror filled him every time he thought about Nick being attacked, and he thought about it a lot. Being a demon wasn’t easy. Being the mate of a demon was even harder. Nick’s life would be in constant danger. Storym couldn’t live with himself if something happened to Nick because they were mated. He’d rather not be mated. “Storym,” Gabe said softly as he sat next to him, “claiming Nick is the best thing you can do for him. Denying the bond between you only hurts you both.” “And it will get Nick killed.” Storym was swamped with misery. He lifted his head and looked at Tehmper’s mate. “I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my chest every damn time I look at Nick when I know I cannot have him. But I cannot endanger his life like that.” Gabe snorted and rolled his eyes. “I hate to rain on your pity parade, Storym, but Nick’s life is in danger whether you claim him or not.” Gabe pointed to the ceiling with his finger. “He’s up there, alone, fighting to stay alive. At least here, you have a chance at saving him.”

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“How can you know that?” Storym asked. “On the surface, he’s just another human. His chances of running in to a rogue demon are pretty slim.” “Which explains why Nick is currently fighting an entire band of rogue demons.” “Fuck!” Storym dragged his hands down his face and rubbed them over his jaw. “What am I supposed to do, Gabe? If I claim Nick and bring him home, I don’t know if I can keep him safe. But if I don’t claim him, he’s out there alone, and I know I can’t keep him safe when he’s out there by himself. I can’t win.” Gabe shrugged. “I wish I could tell you it’s easy, but it’s not. I have to sit here and watch Tehmper go on missions to the surface knowing that I can’t join him and keep him safe. I can only pray that he comes home safe to me.” Storym lifted his face and glanced over at Gabe when the man patted him on the leg. He was confused by the smile on Gabe’s face considering they were talking about Nick’s safety. “And those times when Tehmper is home and safe, I put everything into it in case it’s the last time. We live a lifetime in those days. We love each other as best we can because we know we may not get another chance.” Storym frowned. “How can you live like that?” “I love Tehmper.” Gabe held his hand out and opened it up. A small blue stone lay in the middle of his palm. “If you care about Nick, then take this and go find him. If not, if you can’t commit to him, then let him go, let him find some happiness.” Storym hesitated for about half a second before reaching over and snatching the blue stone out of Gabe’s hand. He closed his hand so tightly around it he could feel the smooth edges biting into his skin. Gabe stood to his feet and patted Storym’s shoulder. “Tehmper, Zayne, and Clagh went after Nick about twenty minutes ago. Nick

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said he was at a deserted warehouse with his new partner, Jack, on the corner of 5th and Central Street.” “What new partner?” Storym growled as he turned to look up at Gabe. “Who is this man with my Demonas Amaté?” “A detective.” Gabe chuckled. “Someone had to replace me.” Storym stood. “Is this someone I need to kill?” “No!” Gabe thrust his hand through his hair. “Geez, no, don’t kill him. Hell, don’t even tell him who you are. He’s human, Storym. I seriously doubt he even knows who you are, let alone what you are. Just… just stay away from Nick’s new partner, okay?” Storym frowned. He didn’t like that answer. If this new partner was important to Nick, then he wanted to know about him. And he certainly wanted the other man to know about him. “Very well.” Storym held the worry stone tightly in his hand as he stopped by his room to suit up in his fighting outfit—long black duster, black leather pants, and as many knives as he could fit in his clothes. He ignored everyone as he headed for the gate that would lead him to the surface. He didn’t really care to talk to anyone. If one person said he couldn’t go, Storym was liable to gut them. His only aim was to get to Nick before something happened to him. The trip to the surface took just a few minutes. Storym simply nodded to the sentries guarding the gate then walked through it. A moment later, he came out in the surface world. It took Storym a moment to figure out exactly where he was, and it wasn’t where he wanted to be. He was about five blocks from Nick’s location. Storym started in the direction Gabe had given him. There were very few people on the streets, but they gave him a wide berth as he treaded heavily past shop after shop, block after block, until he reached his destination. Storym could hear fighting before he even reached the corner. He drew his sword and readied himself for battle as he ran around the corner of an old brick building. He immediately spotted Tehmper,

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Clagh, and Zayne engaged in battle with a few Shayatin. Several other shadow demons lay dead on the ground. Storym assessed the situation in a heartbeat, knowing where his efforts were needed in a single glance when he spotted Nick and another man fighting off two Shayatin. He ran in their direction and started swinging the moment he got within reach. “Get back, Demonas Amaté,” Storym shouted as he swung again at the shadow demon. He felt his sword slice through flesh at the same time he caught another shadow demon creeping up behind Nick. “Get down!” he shouted. He saw Nick duck as he continued his swing right on around in a circle over the top of the man’s head. The Shayatin’s head came clean off its shoulders, blood spraying everywhere. Storym stepped in front of Nick and held his sword firmly in his hands, ready to take off the head of the next fucker that was stupid enough to try and get at Nick. Storym smiled briefly when he felt Nick’s back press against his and realized his mate was standing back to back with him. “We need to get you a sword of your own,” Storym said, tilting his head just a little so that Nick could hear him over the roar of the battle. “Guns don’t have a lot of effect on these guys.” “Yeah, I kind of figured that out when I emptied my first clip into one, and he just kept on coming.” Storym growled. “Did you get bit?” “Bit?” Nick shook his head. “No, but I have a nasty scratch down my back.” Storym started to turn when he saw another Shayatin running toward them. Storym tensed. “Get ready,” he told Nick as he gripped his sword tighter. “We’ve got more company coming.” “I need something to fight with, damn it.” Storym grabbed a long knife out of the sheath at his waist and handed it back to Nick. “This should do for now. I’ll get you something bigger when we get back to Jinnistan.”

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“Uh, Storym, I’m not returning to Jinnistan.” Storym growled. “We’ll discuss that later.” Or not. Nick was going to return to Jinnistan. He just might not know it yet. Now that Storym had decided to claim his mate, there was no way in hell that he was leaving Nick on the surface world. Nick belonged in Jinnistan with him. “Watch your flank,” Storym shouted as another Shayatin advanced on them. His first instinct was to protect Nick at all costs, but somehow he knew that wrapping Nick up in a protective bubble wasn’t the way to go with his mate. Nick would fight it and him. Storym needed to work Nick slowly into the role of Demonas Amaté. It was an important role. Nick would be the light to Storym’s darkness, his salvation. They would be mated eternally, in heart, mind, body, and soul. Now, he just had to convince his Demonas Amaté. **** Storym wiped the blade of his sword across the back of the dead Shayatin at his feet then put it back in the leather scabbard hidden in the back of his duster. There were times when walking around with a sword in his hand wasn’t the best choice. The hidden scabbard provided secrecy and easy access. He stood to his feet and looked around at the carnage. At least seven Shayatin had been eliminated in the fight. Two had gotten away. In total, that was nine rogue demons moving together in a group. Storym didn’t like those numbers. He felt like there was something missing in the equation, something he was missing. Shayatin were not known for moving around in such large groups. One or two, maybe even three, certainly, but nine in the same group was very rare and very concerning. Storym glanced over at Tehmper and saw the same worry in the frown on his face. If the shadow

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demons were ganging up together, the Djini would be in a lot of trouble. “Not that I’m not glad to see you, considering the circumstances, but what are you doing here, Storym?” Storym turned to see Nick standing in front of him. The pained expression on his face was quickly masked. Storym reached out and hooked his hand around the nape of Nick’s neck and then drew the man closer until they were nearly nose to nose. “I have come for you, Demonas Amaté.”

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Chapter 5 Nick became increasingly uneasy under Storym’s intense stare. He awkwardly cleared his throat, but it did no good. His voice still wavered when he tried to speak. “Why?” A warning voice shouted in his head not to ask questions he was afraid to hear the answer to. “You are my Demonas Amaté.” Nick bent his head and studied his hands. He didn’t quite know what to say to Storym’s words, especially not after the way the man had left him before. Nick wanted Storym, but he didn’t know if he wanted him enough to be left again. He was still hurting over that. “As you’ve already pointed out so eloquently with your actions...” Nick clenched his hands to prepare himself for the words he was about to speak. Even thinking them made his heart ache. “I’m not fit to be your Demonas Amaté.” “I apologize if my actions made you think this, Demonas Amaté. That was not my intention.” Nick narrowed his eyes. “Just what was your intention then, Storym? You left me in the middle of the night—no message, no note, not a single word. Just what was I supposed to get from that?” “Demonas Amaté, not all is as it seems,” Storym said. “I’ve—” “Get away from him!” Nick spun around to see his partner, Jack, standing several feet away, a gun pointed at Storym. “Jack, what—” “Mine!” Storym growled. Nick blinked in surprise when he felt Storym’s hand gently wrap around his neck and pull him back until their bodies were pressed together. “Storym, what—”

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“Release my partner and we can talk about this.” “Mine!” Storym growled again. Nick rolled his eyes. He could see where this was going, and it was going downhill fast. When Storym’s other arm wrapped around his waist, Nick slammed his elbow back into the man’s stomach. He heard a small grunt, but Storym didn’t release him. “Damn it, Storym!” “Release Detective Dane,” Jack threatened, “or I will have to shoot.” Storym snarled and tightened the arms he had wrapped around Nick. “My Demonas Amaté.” “Man, I don’t care who you think he is. Release him or I will shoot you.” “Mine!” Storym pulled Nick farther back into his chest. As good as it felt, Nick wasn’t falling for this warrior and those lost feelings again. Nick pulled his back an inch away from the warmth of Storym’s body, knowing it would be impossible to pull all the way free. Space was good. Space gave him room to breathe, even if it was only an inch or two. Jack cocked the hammer, a no-nonsense look turning his face to stone. For a rookie, the guy had very big balls. Nick felt a new degree of respect for the detective, even if he was trying to commit suicide here. “My patience is wearing thin. Let. Him. Go.” “I have no patience. He is my Demonas Amaté!” Jack shifted his eyes to the ground, telling Nick he wanted him to hit the ground so Jack could shoot Storym. “Ah, hell no.” Was he new partner crazy? He may not want to forgive Storym, Nick may also want to kick his thickheaded ass, but he didn’t want him shot for fuck’s sake. “They just tried to kill us, Nick. Step aside and let me take this scumbag down,” Jack ordered calmly as his gun raised a little higher, aiming toward Storym’s head.

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If the situation wasn’t so serious, Nick would have laughed his ass off at the image forming in his head of Jack trying to take Storym down. On second thought, he didn’t want Jack touching Storym. Nick growled at the lunacy behind that that possessive thought. Storym didn’t want him. Stay focused. “If you shoot your gun while my Demonas Amaté is in the way, I will kill you with my bare hands,” Storym warned from behind Nick. “Then let him go.” “Mine.” “I’ll shoot you.” “Mine.” “Enough!” Nick yanked with all his might, but Storym refused to let him go. “Will you to calm the fuck down?” Nick turned toward Jack. “Lower your weapon. They just tried to save us if you were paying any attention.” Jack’s armed wavered, but his gun remained high in the air. Jack took a tentative step back, bumping right into Clagh. The rookie tried to spin around, but Clagh disarmed Jack in the blink of an eye. “Now that the gun is gone, let me go,” Nick snarled up at Storym. The warrior eased his hold but stayed right behind him. Nick took a deep breath and then began to walk back down the alley. “So much for catching my perp,” he grumbled as he headed for his car. “Demonas Amaté, you must return to Jinnistan. It is not safe up here for you.” Storym stayed close behind Nick, growling in his ear. And it wasn’t safe for his heart to go back down there. Nick spun on his heel, his finger pointed up in Storym’s face. “Look. You had your fun. I gave you one night to take your revenge on me. Now fuck off!” Nick turned back around and continued walking. “Demonas Amaté!” “Fuck off.” He waved a hand over his head at Storym. Nick didn’t want to hear it. There was no way he was going to open up to Storym only to have the demon rip his heart out and walk all over it—again.

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“Come on, Jack. Let’s get out of here.” Nick took another step toward his car only to have Storym block his progress. “You must return to Jinnistan. It is not safe for you here.” That’s it! Nick was getting tired of this broken record conversation. He turned and jabbed his finger into Storym’s chest as he shouted at him. “I am not your bitch! You cannot get into my bed and then decide to get back out.” His finger slid over Storym’s massive, slick pecs. Nick gritted his teeth and pulled his finger away. Was there something in the Djini handbook that said all of them had to be drop-dead gorgeous and not wear shirts? Focus. “Go to… wherever. Just stay away from me.” Nick noticed the perplexed look on Jack’s face before he masked it. Fuck him, too. Nick wasn’t in the mood to deal with anyone’s shit right now. He’d had it up to his neck with all of this shit. He needed a drink. “Demonas Amaté!” Fuck! Nick rolled his eyes. Why couldn’t Storym—“Whoa!” Nick’s feet left the ground as Storym yanked him up into his arms. He was about to give Storym an earful when he noticed Clagh grabbing Jack. They ran to the center of the alley. Storym set Nick on his feet then pulled out his sacred bag of salt and began creating a circle on the ground. “Are you forcing me?” Nick asked incredulously. Storym took only a second to point in the direction of Nick’s car. It seemed the two Shayatin had returned, and they brought friends. Nick counted five in all. They looked like they were playing for keeps. “Uh, okay. I’m good with that.” Nick heard Jack shout something. He glanced over to see his partner struggling with Clagh. He walked over and smacked Jack on the back of the head. “Knock it off, rookie.

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You have absolutely no idea what kind of shit we’re in. These two guys are trying to save our lives.” “I’m perfectly capable of saving my own life,” Jack snapped, but he stopped struggling. “I qualified as expert on the shooting range, you know.” “And that’s great, Jack.” Nick pointed to the shadow demons advancing on them from the other end of the alley. “See them? They don’t care what you qualified on. They just want to kill you. They won’t even ask questions first or stop to look over your qualification papers. And bullets won’t stop them.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” Jack said. “Anyone will go down if you put enough bullets in them.” “Not these guys.” Nick grimaced and glanced past Jack to meet Clagh’s eyes. The demon nodded. Nick sighed and looked back at Jack. His new partner was about to find out that reality did not fit into his nice, neat, little ordered world. “They’re not human, Jack.” Jack blinked. His jaw dropped open. “Uh, what?” “Now, Demonas Amaté!” Storym shouted. Nick spun around to see Storym gesturing for him. Zayne and Tehmper were gathering up the dead bodies of the Shayatin they had killed and dropping them into the wind swirling above the circle of sacred salt as fast as they could. “You’re about to find out what I’m talking about, Jack.” Nick grabbed Jack’s arm and dragged him toward the whirling wind. “Now, move!” **** Storym paced outside of Nick’s bedroom door. Knocking hadn’t granted him access to his Demonas Amaté. The surface dweller was being completely stubborn in this matter. Storym thought for sure Nick would be thrilled when Storym had informed his mate that he

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intended to claim him. What more did the unmoving surface dweller want from him? Storym growled and banged the side of his fist on the solid oak door again. “This is utterly ridiculous, Demonas Amaté. Let me in.” “Fuck off,” Nick’s voice shouted from the other side of the door. Storym curled his hands into fists, ready to knock the damn door down and demand his Demonas Amaté to stop acting childishly. “Let me try,” Gabe said as he strolled down the hallway. “You do not catch bees with brute force.” Storym growled at Tehmper’s mate. “I’m trying to gain access to my Demonas Amaté, not play with bugs.” Storym wasn’t sure if he’d ever figure these surface dwellers out. They were very strange and spoke just as strangely. What the hell did bugs have to do with this? Gabe rolled his eyes as he moved Storym aside. “Watch and learn, big guy.” Storym stepped aside and watched as Gabe knocked, shouted who he was, and then the door magically opened for Gabe. What the hell? When he tried to walk in behind Gabe, the door was slammed in his face. He banged his fist on the door once again, angered that his Demonas Amaté would treat him in such a manner. “Knock it off!” Gabe was the one to shout through the door this time. Storym ran his hand down his face as he began to pace again. What was the big deal? He wanted Nick, and Nick had followed him around like a lost puppy before. This should be easy. Storym should not be begging his Demonas Amaté for entrance. He wanted to hit something. Hard. The door cracked open and Gabe slid out. “You can go in now. But I’m warning you, leave your temper out here in the hallway.” Storym nodded and barged his way into the bedroom, closing and locking the door behind him. Nick stood across the room with his arms folded over his broad chest, glaring daggers at Storym.

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“Go on. Say what you have to say so I can get back to being angry as hell at you.” Storym shoved his hands in the front pockets of his black leather pants. Now that he had Nick’s undivided attention, his thoughts scattered. He was a warrior. Djini. What the hell was he supposed to do right now? His fighting skills were not going to get him out of this one. Being honest would probably help, but how did he tell his mate that he was afraid? “I thought you were a weak surface dweller that I wouldn’t be able to care for.” Storym knew right away that he should have worded it a little differently when Nick narrowed his eyes and turned a deep shade of red. It sounded logical to him. “Kiss my weak ass, Storym. I think I proved that I can handle myself. I don’t need you to run behind me trying to slay my dragons. I’m quite capable of doing that myself, fuck you very much.” Storym was amazed at the hostility coming off of his Demonas Amaté in waves. Did he really hurt him that much? Had he hurt him so badly that Nick wasn’t going to forgive him? Storym had to think of a way to extinguish the raw pain in his mate’s eyes. It was tearing his heart in two. “Whoa, hold the hell up.” Nick held up both hands when Storym crossed the room and hauled his mate to his chest. He was done talking. Talking was getting them nowhere. Storym was going to show his Demonas Amaté that he wanted him. Storym kissed his mate’s neck, trailing a slow and lazy pattern down his succulent skin, suckling at his Adam’s apple. His lips pulled back into a smile when Nick moaned. He wasn’t so immune to Storym after all. “Damn you,” Nick groaned as he pounded his fist on Storym’s shoulders, using no real force behind the act. “This isn’t fair fighting.” “No fighting,” Storym whispered against his skin. “Claiming.” “Oh hell, no!” Nick snapped as he started struggling.

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Storym was shocked by the strength in Nick as the man fought to get away from him. He was devastated that this was Nick’s reaction to his words. Did his mate truly not want him? The anguish that filled Storym at that thought almost brought him to his knees. He released Nick, stepping back. “You do not want me to claim you, Demonas Amaté?” “Nick.” Nick sat down on the side of the bed and pushed his hand through his thick, sandy-blond hair. “My name is Nick.” “Nicholas Patrick Dane,” Storym said. “I am aware of this.” “Then call me Nick, damn it. The way you call me Demonas Amaté makes me feel like I could be anyone as long as I was your mate. It makes it sound like you don’t care who I am as a person.” Storym’s mouth dropped. “That would be untrue, Demonas Amaté.” “Yeah, whatever.” Storym dropped to his knees in front of Nick. “I do not know how to fix this, Demonas Amaté. How do I get you to forgive me for whatever I have done?” A world of sadness welled up in Nick’s pale-blue eyes as he looked at Storym. “Maybe if you understood what you did it would make a difference, but you don’t. And I don’t—I won’t be used.” “I do not want to use you, Demonas Amaté. I want to claim you, have you by my side.” Storym leaned into the hand Nick traced down his cheek. It was so warm, so gentle—not something Storym was used to when being touched by a lover. He liked it and wanted more, but he knew he wasn’t going to get what he wanted when Nick’s hand dropped back to the bed. “Yeah, you do,” Nick whispered. “You proved that when you left me in the middle of the night without a word.” Storym’s eyebrows drew together as he frowned. “I could not stay. I am a danger to you. I could not put your life in danger any more than I already had.”

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“What in the hell are you talking about?” Nick snapped. “You would never hurt me.” “No.” Storym shook his head. “That is not my meaning.” “Then what is?” “As my Demonas Amaté, I bring danger to you just by loving you. That is unacceptable. If anything were to happen to you, I don’t know—” “Wait, wait, back up.” Nick frowned as he held up his hand. “You love me?” “Yes.” “Then why—” Nick suddenly stiffened and his face became a cold mask of indifference. He pushed Storym away and stood to his feet before stalking across the room to yank the bedroom door open. “Leave.” “Demonas Amaté, wha—” “I mean it, Storym. I want you to leave now.” All of the confusion and anguish Storym had been feeling since the second he laid eyes on Nick came together in one huge storm of chaos. He narrowed his eyes as he slowly climbed to his feet. He could feel his long hair blowing around his face as he started to lose his tight grip on his control. “You are mine!” he growled as he slowly walked toward Nick. “You are my Demonas Amaté, given to me by the gods. You are the one person in both of our worlds that is meant just for me, and I will not give you up.” “You don’t own me,” Nick shouted. “I own your heart just as you own mine. You are the light to my darkness, the other half of my soul.” Storym stopped in front of Nick. He desperately wanted to reach out and touch his mate, but his emotions were so out of control, he was afraid of what he might do if he did. “You, Nicholas Patrick Dane,” he whispered instead of shouting, “are my reason for living.”

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“You left me,” Nick whispered back. “You gave me hope, and then you left me.” Storym could see the anguish on Nick’s face, and it broke something deep inside of him. He had caused his Demonas Amaté to feel this pain, no one else. “I was afraid.” Nick’s dark eyebrows quickly drew together. “What? Why? You’re one of the strongest men I know. What could possibly scare you?” “Losing you.” Nick blinked. “You never had me. You wouldn’t claim me, remember? I’m a surface dweller.” “How do I make you understand, Demonas Amaté?” “Understand what?” “You are not Djini. You do not have the strength to fight the Shayatin. I cannot keep you safe. Not here in Jinnistan and not on the surface. If I claimed you, I put your life in even more danger.” “But—” Nick frowned again as he glanced across the room to where they had been standing moments earlier. “You just said you were going to claim me.” “I am.” The corner of Storym’s mouth perked up when Nick’s mouth dropped open. “Gabe pointed out to me that I cannot keep you safe in either world, but you have a better chance of surviving with me to watch over you.” “Storym, no, this isn’t—” “He also pointed out to me that whatever time we have together is precious, and we should live a lifetime in those stolen moments, just as he does with his mate.” Storym gripped Nick’s jaw in his hand. “I want those moments, Demonas Amaté.”

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Chapter 6 Nick wanted those moments as well. The only thing stopping him was the fact that Storym saw him as his Demonas Amaté, his mate. He was more than that. He was Nick, a human being who had feelings. Nick wanted Storym to want him for who he was, not for who he represented. Nick had waited his whole life to figure out why he was so blasé when it came to sex and relationships, and now he knew why. He hadn’t found his mate yet. But that didn’t mean Storym could use him and toss him aside or use pretty words to claim his Demonas Amaté. He was Nick, damn it! “Until you can see me for who I am, I don’t think we should see each other.” Those were the hardest words Nick had ever spoken, but he needed Storym to realize he was more than a mate. “Then show me who you are. Tell me about yourself.” Storym stood in the doorway unmoving. “Tell me who Nicholas Patrick Dane is.” Okay. Nick was so not expecting that. He was expecting Storym to demand he be claimed or stomp out of his bedroom and ignore him. But this? “I… uh… like chocolate.” Storym chuckled as he took Nick’s hand and guided him back over to the bed. “What did I just—” “We are just going to get to know each other. Nothing more,” Storym assured him as he took a seat on the edge of the bed and patted the space beside him. “Come, Demonas Amaté, sit. Talk to me, tell me of my mate.”

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Nick took a seat, keeping plenty of space between them. He eyed Storym, unsure what he should say. It’s not that Nick didn’t want them to get to know each other. He was just caught off guard. “What is this chocolate you speak of that you enjoy so much?” Nick felt his eyebrows shoot up. “Seriously? You’ve never had chocolate?” “I do not know. I have not heard of it before.” “Uh, it’s a candy, sweet tasting.” Nick shook his head. "Damn, things really are archaic down here.” “You desire some of this chocolate, yes?” Nick kinda shrugged. “Well, yeah, I never turn down chocolate.” “If you tell me how to come by this chocolate, I will get you some on my next trip to the surface.” “Do you have money?” “Money?” “Surface world currency.” Nick could tell by the confused look on Storym’s face that he did not. He stood up and dug a dollar bill out of his pocket and handed it over. “Here, this should buy at least one candy bar. When you go back to the surface, find a market and just buy a candy bar.” Storym frowned down at the dollar in his hand. “What kind of candy bar?” Nick chuckled. “Something with dark chocolate in it.” “Dark chocolate?” Storym glanced up. “It tastes better than milk chocolate.” “Ah.” Storym nodded like he understood, but the confusion in his face said otherwise. “What is your guilty pleasure?” Storym’s eyebrows shot up. “My guilty pleasure?” “Yeah.” Nick snickered. “What sweet-tasting things do you like?” “You.” Nick blinked as hot, rolling lust spiraled through every cell in his body. “Wow,” he said as he jumped to his feet and began pacing. He

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stopped by the window and tried to look casual, because he was afraid if he took another step his aching cock would shatter in his pants. “This is so not working.” “It is working fine, Demonas Amaté.” Nick sighed and leaned back against Storym’s chest, almost against his will. It was like he couldn’t be standing next to the guy without wanting to touch him or be touched by him. He ached to feel Storym’s hands on his body again. Memories of their night together still haunted him. “I now know you desire dark chocolate and you know I desire you.” “You’re not helping here, Storym,” Nick groaned. “Then let me ease your worries, Demonas Amaté,” Storym whispered against Nick’s ear. “Let me pleasure you.” Nick’s eyes fluttered closed. He ached so much his very skin itched. But if he accepted, what would be left of him when Storym left again? “Storym, I don’t think—” “Don’t think, Demonas Amaté, only feel.” Nick had no resistance to Storym’s huskily whispered words. He leaned his head back against Storym’s chest and allowed Storym’s hands to move over his body. “I ache, Storym. My skin hurts.” “You are feeling the mating heat.” “It feels like a hundred little ants are crawling all over me.” “My touch brings you relief, does it not?” “Yesss!” Nick hissed when Storym’s fingers worked under his shirt and pressed against his bare skin. He groaned and leaned up on his tiptoes when he felt Storym’s tongue move over the soft curve of his throat. “This is where I will mark you, Demonas Amaté, when I claim you.” Storym’s words were soft, whispered, but filled with a wealth of desire, enough to make Nick’s toes curl. “I will bite you here and bind us together for all of eternity.”

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Nick felt the buttons on his pants give way then get pushed down to his knees. Elation filled him when Storym’s hand wrapped around his aching cock a moment later. Storym was seducing him with his words and chipping away at Nick’s resistance with each soft caress of his hands. Nick reached up and behind him, wrapping his arms around Storym’s neck and clenching his hands in the man’s long, black hair. He tilted his head to one side to give Storym more access. Storym didn’t disappoint him. His mouth latched onto the soft skin between Nick’s shoulder and throat and started sucking up a deep hickey. “I can feel how much you like this, my Demonas Amaté,” Storym whispered. “Your cock pulses in my hand every time I kiss your hot skin.” Nick inhaled sharply when Storym’s hand suddenly tightened around his cock. “Do you feel, Demonas Amaté? Do you see how much your body craves mine?” Nick nodded. “Then show me, love,” Storym said as he started stroking Nick’s cock in his tight grip, his hand moving faster and faster. “Show me how much you desire me.” Nick cried out when Storym’s other hand pushed between them and moved down his backside, between his ass cheeks. Storym’s fingers grazed over Nick’s quivering hole, pressing slightly but not breaching the tight entrance. “When you allow me to claim you, Demonas Amaté, I will take you here. I will fill you with my cock, my essence, over and over again, until you do not know where you end and I begin. We will be one—one heart, one mind, one body, and one soul.” Nick clenched his eyes tight as his entire body seemed to seize at Storym’s words. He wanted nothing else than to be one with Storym. He just didn’t know if it was possible. Would Storym stay when

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things got rough, or would he run again? Did Nick have the courage to take the leap without knowing? “Come for me, my precious one.” Nick shouted as all of his desires crashed together at Storym’s rough demand. He felt Storym’s hand tighten around his cock. At the same time, the fingers teasing his ass thrust into his ass, pulling his orgasm from him in one blinding moment of passion. Storym continued to stroke his cock and thrust his fingers into Nick’s ass until Nick’s legs gave out beneath him. Nick’s head lolled against Storym’s chest as he was swung up into Storym’s arms and carried over to the bed. Storym laid Nick down on the bed and stretched out beside him. Nick panted heavily, waiting for life-giving air to return to his lungs. When he could finally breathe again, Nick opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Storym. Storym’s blue eyes were intense as he stared back down at Nick. The color swirled, changing from light blue to dark blue then back to light. They never seemed to stay the same color. “Do all air demons have swirling eyes, or is it just you?” The corner of Storym’s mouth lifted. “It is a trait of an air demon.” “And that whole mini tornado thing you used on me last time? Is that also a trait of air demons?” “I imagine so, although I have never been with an air demon, so I could not be sure.” “Will I be able to make mini tornadoes?” That would be cool. He could get even with Gabe for all the scorch marks he left on Nick’s shirts. “Yes. You are my—” “Demonas Amaté, I know.” Nick began to chuckle as he lay on the bed next to Storym. It really was a losing battle. “What is so funny?”

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“You’re not going to call me Nick, are you?” The absurdity of the situation was making him laugh, making him lose his damn mind. It really wasn’t the name, not so much as his identity and being hurt again. Nick had to be sure that Storym wasn’t going to do a repeat performance once he agreed to be claimed. Because Nick knew there would be no walking away from this relationship once he was claimed. He cuddled closer, allowing Storym to stroke his sides and back as he dreamed of a life with a partner, a mate, who treated him as his equal and respected him. And Nick prayed Storym was that man… err… demon. **** Stormy and Nick walked into the study to see Jack throwing books and a coffee mug at Clagh. His face was pulled back in anger as he hurled the mug at Clagh, the porcelain shattering over the demon’s head and raining down fragments onto the carpet. “Dude, that was my favorite mug!” Nick shouted from Storym’s side. “What the hell is your damage?” Storym grabbed Nick and yanked his mate behind him when a heavily bound book went sailing through the air. “Are you hurt? Did someone hurt you?” Nick shouted from around Storym’s side. He could feel his Demonas Amaté’s fingers digging into his arm as Nick took a step forward. Storym pulled him back just as a small table lamp crashed against the wall. “Hurt?” Jack shouted at Nick, his face turning a deep red. Storym cocked his head as he watched the levels of red turn to almost a purple color. Was that normal for surface dwellers? “No, I’m not hurt. That bastard”—Jack pointed an accusing finger at Clagh—“kissed me.” Nick coughed into his fist, trying to cover up a laugh. Storym heard it and began to chuckle as well. “Did it hurt? Did he break any bones in the process?”

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“Well, no.” Jack shook his head as the book he had grabbed rose high above his head, getting into the starting position to be hurled at Clagh. “But I don’t do men!” He threw the book on the last word, clipping Clagh on the shoulder with the book, “Demonas Amaté!” Clagh raged as he took a step toward Jack. “Demonas nothing. You better stay the hell away from me, you Grape Ape,” Jack growled as he ran behind the desk. “Bring those lips near me again, and I’ll shove my damn knee in your jewels, got that?” “What is jewels?” Storym whispered to his Demonas Amaté. Nick raised a brow, giving Storym a knowing look. “Oh.” Storym squirmed a little, thinking of his jewels being handled so roughly. He began to feel bad for Clagh. Nick held both hands up in front of him. “Just calm down, Jack. It was just a simple kiss.” “Simple?” Jack squeaked. “You call a man kissing me simple?” “Well, yeah.” Nick shrugged. Storym chuckled at the simplified look on his Demonas Amaté face. He carried an expression that said it was a normal everyday occurrence. This Jack did not think so. “It’s not like you kissed the fender of the Crown Victoria.” “I don’t kiss men!” Jack shouted before tossing a small paperweight shaped like a Djini at Clagh. Storym watched the confusion play across Clagh’s face. His fellow warrior held his hands out in defense, looking helpless and confused. Storym felt for Clagh. He spent most of his time confused by his surface dweller as well. “But you are my Demonas Amaté. Why are you pretending otherwise?” Clagh asked as he jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the paperweight. “You must stop this behavior!” Jack grabbed the back of the chair, his fingers turning white as his face became a violent twist. “Bite me, dough boy!”

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“Jack, you really need to calm down,” Nick said. “You have no idea what is going on here.” “And I don’t want to know,” Jack snapped. “I don’t do guys.” “We heard you the first time.” Nick’s arms folded over his chest. “Hell, I think maybe they heard you in Jersey, and considering where we are, that’s saying a lot” Jack paused, frowning deeply. “Where are we?” Storym growled when Nick walked away from his side. He didn’t know this new surface dweller, and Demonas Amaté or not, he wasn’t about to trust the man. Nick walked over to a window then gestured for Jack to come closer. Jack inhaled sharply. Nick waved his hand toward the scenery outside the large window. “Jack Aniston, welcome to Jinnistan.” “What the hell is this, Nick?” Jack whispered. “Where are we?” Storym met Nick’s eyes when the man glanced over his shoulder. “Yes, Demonas Amaté?” “How much should I tell him?” “Everything!” Jack snapped. Storym chuckled when Nick rolled his eyes. He nodded his head toward Clagh, who was watching Jack with a predatory glint in his eyes even though he moved no closer. “I believe, under the circumstances, you should tell him everything.” “Would you track Gabe down and ask him to join us?” Nick asked. “I think it might be better coming from both of us.” Storym bowed his head slightly then stepped to the door to flag down the nearest sentry. He wasn’t going to leave the study for nothing, not when his Demonas Amaté was inside with a crazy man. “Find Tehmper’s Demonas Amaté, and ask him to join us here,” Storym said to the first person that walked by. “Tell him it is of the utmost importance.” The sentry nodded and hurried off as Storym stepped back into the room, shutting the door behind him. By the time he turned back

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around, Nick had Jack sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace. Nick sat on the couch. Storym walked over and sat next to his Demonas Amaté as close as he could get without sharing the same space. Nick chuckled and leaned back against the arm Storym set on the couch behind him. “Jack, you’ve accidently stumbled into a world that—” “Stumbled, hell,” Jack snapped as he glared across the room at Clagh. “I was dragged.” “Okay, you were dragged into a world that you have no knowledge of.” “I’m starting to get that.” “This is Jinnistan, the world below the surface.” Jack’s eyebrows shot up. “The what?” “You and I are considered surface dwellers because we were born on the surface of the earth.” Nick waved his hand toward Storym and Clagh. “They were born here in Jinnistan. They are not human as you and I would think of it. They are Djini.” “Dj—what?” “Djini.” Nick had a grimace on his face as he glanced at Storym. “They are demon warriors.” Jack’s face drained. “Real demons?” he whispered. “Yes, real demons, but not the kind you read about in books or see on the movie screen. Djini are the good demons.” “Good demon implies that there are bad demons.” “Remember those guys we were fighting on the surface, the ones that can’t be killed with bullets? They are called Shayatin, or shadow demons. They’re the bad guys.” “The Shayatin are demons that have turned rogue,” Storym added. “They are malicious and have become evil, breaking our most sacred laws. They are the vampires of your legends that go to the surface to feed on humans.” Jack swallowed hard. “Feed?” “They drain humans of blood.”

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Jack stared for a moment then jumped to his feet. His hand trembled as he shoved it through his hair. “Just what kind of world have you brought me into, Nick?” “This world has always been here, just as your surface world,” Storym said, “but we have laws against associating with surface dwellers. If they were to learn of Jinnistan, the effects could be devastating for both our worlds. That is why we have demon warriors. The Djini hunt those that have gone to your surface world and bring them back for punishment.” “You’re associating with us now!” Jack snapped. “Does that mean you’re going to kill us?” Nick chuckled. “We’re a little different, Jack. We’re Demonas Amaté. That puts us into a totally different category.” “There’s that word again,” Jack said. “What does Demonas Amaté mean?” Storym felt Nick tense beside him at the same time he heard a low growl come from the corner where Clagh was standing. “The concept of the Demonas Amaté is written in our most sacred scrolls. They are the salvation of the Djini. They ground the Djini and keep them safe from the uncontrollable rages that overtake them during battle. A Demonas Amaté is the other half of a demon warrior’s soul, his very reason for living.” “As a demon hunter, I fight every day to keep our kingdom and people safe from the Shayatin,” Tehmper said from the doorway. “My reward for years of fighting is the solace I would find in the arms of my Demonas Amaté, Gabriele.” “Gabe!” “Hey, Nick,” Gabe said as he stepped into the room beside Tehmper, “glad to see you made it back in one piece.” Nick shrugged and gestured to Storym. “He insisted.”

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Chapter 7 Nick’s head hurt by the time he and Storym left the study. Jack wasn’t taking everything so well, and Nick had grown tired of trying to explain it all. The man was like a pit bull with a bone. He wouldn’t give up the fact that he wasn’t gay. Jack had to be if he was Clagh’s Demonas Amaté. Right about now Nick could care less about the rookie closet case. His head was beating out a terrible rhythm in a marching band, and his eyes felt as though they were cheering on the sidelines. All he wanted was some rest. Nick still had to figure out what he was going to do about Storym. His feelings were conflicting and confusing when it came to that gorgeous hunk of a demon. Every fiber in his body screamed for Nick to let Storym claim him, but that fear of abandonment was like a tumor slowly growing up his spine. It wouldn’t go away. “You are my Demonas Amaté. Come to me.” Nick spun around and growled. It was the same sorry-ass bastard that had practically thrown him from the balcony before. “Kiss my ass, you sick fuck.” “Oh no, your language will never do.” The demon started advancing toward Nick with a superior and irritated look in his eyes. Nick was not about to have a repeat performance. He took off down the hallway of the palace, wondering where the hell everyone one was at and pissed at his cowardice running. But hey, he wasn’t stupid. “Come back, Demonas Amaté, at once!”

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“Bite me, bitch,” Nick yelled over his shoulder as he ran into something solid and bounced back. His arms shot out to break the fall that never happened. Storym was right there catching him before his ass made contact with marble. “Are you all right, Demonas Amaté?” If Nick heard that word one more time, he was going to scream to the top of his lungs. “No, I’m not all right. That crazy ass demon is after me again.” Storym roared as he pulled Nick close. “Sentries, check the palace for intruders. I want it searched thoroughly. I want that demon brought to me, now!” Nick tried to pull from Storym’s arms, but the demon had a suffocating hold on him. “You can let me go now.” “I will not release you until he is found. Did he harm you in any way, Demonas Amaté?” Storym began to run his hands over Nick’s body, making him squirm in Storym’s arms. “Will you stop? He didn’t come near me.” Nick batted at Storym’s hands as he tried once again to break free. “Hold still,” Storym said gently as he walked with Nick plastered against his chest. Nick had no choice but to hold on as Storym walked him to his bedroom. He was sporting a boner, and it was rubbing into Storym’s stomach. How damn embarrassing. Those large hands had done the trick when they started groping all over him. Storym had to know, because a smile played on his lips. Smug bastard. Nick quickly moved out of the way when Storym set him down to close and lock the door. He started reciting police procedures in his head to try and make his damn cock go down. It wasn’t working. Nick scratched at his jaw as he started for the bed then thought better of it. That was only inviting trouble. Instead, he opted for the chair sitting by the table. Storym grunted when he saw Nick’s quick change of plans. So sorry, big fella, Nick thought to himself.

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“Describe to me what this demon looks like,” Storym asked as he walked behind the chair and laid his hands on Nick’s shoulders, making his cock throb out an extra beat. “A demon.” Storym leaned over until he was looking Nick straight in his eyes. “I am aware he looks like a demon. Is there any other distinguishing characteristics?” “Well, now that you mention it, he did seem like an asshole.” Storym growled. “You are not helping, Demonas Amaté. I am very serious. This matter needs to be cleared up. I will not have anyone wandering about trying to harm you.” Nick snorted. “Half of my precinct is out to harm me. Have you heard me tell a joke?” Okay, so he was being a shithead. Nick was nervous as hell and showing it in a bad way. His erection hadn’t gone away, and Storym’s closeness was playing havoc on his nerves. “Fine. If you want to be difficult, I will handle this on my own.” Storym may sound angry, but the demon made no move to leave. As a matter of fact, he inched closer. Nick tried his best to squelch the fear of being left alone in the middle of the night as Storym’s hands moved down his shoulders in a soft gesture. Nick’s cock was straining his pants as he tried his best to recite those damn police procedures. Storym wasn’t having that. He pulled Nick from the chair and spun him around, connecting their lips in a searing kiss. Nick practically climbed up Storym’s chest. He was hornier than hell and wanted to get laid. Storym walked them over to the bed as Nick ground his cock into Storym’s muscular and ripped abdomen. The flat planes were just what he needed for friction. If he didn’t slow down, Nick was going to come in his damn pants. “Demonas Amaté, you are truly wondrous.” Storym nipped at his ear as he laid him down, crawling over Nick. Nick was panting at the heavy weight of the demon on his smaller body. Nick wasn’t a small man by any means, but Storym blanketed

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him. Nick tilted his head, capturing Storym’s lips as Storym’s hands wandered over his sides and hips. Nick shuddered as Storym grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it free of his waistline, yanking it over his head. He wasn’t going to lie to himself. Nick was looking forward to the mini tornadoes again. It was something out of a fairy tale that couldn’t have possibly been real, and he was looking forward to experiencing it again and again. Nick groaned when Storym pulled away, that tiny slice of insecurity gripping him, until he saw that Storym wasn’t going anywhere. His demon pulled free of his clothes, his large and impressive cock tapping at his navel as a grin pulled the side of his mouth back. Oh yeah, buddy. Here they come. Storym held his hand up and blew. The air cascaded across his palm and a small tornado whirled to life, spinning and weaving. Storym held up his other hand and repeated the process. He flicked his wrists and guided the tornadoes to the ankles of Nick’s pants. Nick began to laugh when the whirlwinds yanked at his pants. Nick quickly unsnapped them and pushed at his waistline, letting the tornadoes do the rest. He had to lift his hips to free them, but watched the micro wonders as his pants flew off of his body. “Neat trick.” “Oh, I have plenty more, Demonas Amaté.” Storym winked at him as he raised his hands and blew out two more mini tornadoes. The micro wonders twisted around, a small whistle emitting as Storym guided them to his wrists. Nick gasped when his ankles and wrists were lifted from the bed. The mini F3s flipped him over onto his hands and knees but kept him hovering over the bed, not quite putting him down. Storym crawled up behind him and licked a long path up the side of one cheek, and then down the side of the other. Nick. Was. In. Heaven.

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His balls jerked, and his cock jumped when Storym slid a wet finger inside of him. He couldn’t push back. The tornado wonders were preventing the move. Nick yelped when the little wonders flipped him over once again, Storym’s finger never leaving him. “Show off,” Nick groaned. Storym chuckled as he continued to prepare Nick, stretching his hole and making him ready. Nick loved every second of it—each thrust, each withdrawal, each mind-numbing moment. Nick whimpered when he felt Storym’s fingers leave his ass, until he felt a strong swirling pressure fill him. Nick gasped. “Sto—fuck!” Nick shuddered. He was being fucked by a mini tornado. How was it even possible? Nick could feel the small, twirling wind push in and out of his ass. It filled his tight channel, twisting and bending to massage every inch of him. Suddenly, the pressure in his ass took shape. Nick cried out and gripped the sheets in a death grip as the tornado was slowly replaced by Storym’s cock. Nick looked up, his eyes locking with Storym’s. “My Demonas Amaté,” Storym whispered as he bent down over Nick. “My Nicholas.” Nick’s breath caught in his throat when he heard his name whispered on Storym’s lips. Not since they met had he actually heard Storym call him by name. It was always Demonas Amaté. “Storym.” “I would claim you now if you allow me to.” Nick breathed in deeply, not just to return air to his lungs, but because he could see the question brimming in Storym’s swirling blue eyes. Storym was leaving the decision up to him. He wouldn’t force Nick, no matter how much he wanted it. Nick heard a small cry fall from Storym’s lips as he tilted his head back, silently giving his permission for Storym to claim him. He had to believe that once claimed, Storym wouldn’t leave him again. The need to belong to Storym was too great to give in to his fears.

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Of course, if Storym did leave him after this, Nick would hunt him down and make the shadow demons look like little boys playing with rocks. He was also considering getting his name tattooed on Storym’s forehead so the man would never forget it. The cock filling Nick’s ass didn’t move. Storym never laid a hand on his cock. He just sank his fangs into Nick’s throat. The pain was quickly forgotten when ecstasy unlike anything he had ever felt flooded his body. Nick cried out as every nerve ending in his body exploded in a fiery downpour of sensation. His mind fogged. Mind-numbing delight flickered along his skin. It was the only thing he could feel. He was surrounded by it, cocooned in pleasure. “Demonas Amaté,” Storym whispered against Nick’s neck, “you must bite me to strengthen our bond.” Nick opened his eyes to see Storym’s head turned to the side and arched back. The man’s darkly tanned skin glistened with little drops of sweat. The corded muscles moved as Storym swallowed. Nick felt Storym shudder when he leaned up and stroked his tongue across the strong, corded muscles. He moved his mouth around until he found a spot that felt right then clamped his teeth down as hard as he could. The tornadoes picked up in strength and tore through the bedroom, knocking everything over as blood flooded Nick’s mouth. Storym roared and pounded into Nick’s ass. Gusts of desires assaulted him, and his body fragmented as Storym claimed him. His skin tingled as Storym’s hands and lips roamed over him, caressing him everywhere until not a spot had gone untouched. Storym roared. His body stiffened for a moment then slumped against Nick as spurts of cum filled Nick’s ass. “My Demonas Amaté,” Storym groaned. “My Nicholas, my beautiful Nicholas.” Nick shuddered as he lifted his mouth from Storym’s throat and licked away the droplets of blood that trickled down his neck. He

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leaned back and looked into Storym’s eyes, watching them swirl just as the man’s mini tornados did. He cupped his hand around the side of Storym’s face. “My demon.” Storym leaned into his hand then turned his head to kiss the palm of Nick’s hand. “Aereverto,” he whispered. “My demon name is Aereverto.” Nick blinked. “Uh… my human name is Nicholas.” Storym smiled and caressed the side of Nick’s face. “Yes, I know.” Nick frowned when Storym suddenly moved away from him and climbed off the bed. Was this it then? Was Storym leaving again? Why did it seem like Storym left every time they had sex? Was he that bad at sex? Nick felt tears prickle the corner of his eyes as he turned on his side, facing away from Storym. He wished he was asleep like last time. His heart was already breaking. It would shatter if he actually watched Storym leave. “Nicholas.” “Yeah?” Nick felt the bed dip and knew Storym sat behind him. He refused to turn over. He was already tearing up like a wimp. He didn’t need Storym to see it, too. “Turn over, Demonas Amaté. I have something for you.” Curiosity killed the cat, and it also caused Nick pain when he couldn’t deny it. He quickly wiped his eyes and turned to see Storym holding out a small silver ring with a glowing blue gem in its center in the palm of his hand. “What’s this?” “It is my gift to you, Demonas Amaté, a symbol of my devotion to you. Every Djini must present his Demonas Amaté with a symbol of their devotion made by their own hand. It is a way to show everyone that you have been claimed.” “Like Gabe’s pendant.”

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“Exactly like Gabe’s pendant. And normally, these gifts are given in pendants, but as I am an air demon,” Storym chuckled, “and I imagine you will be spending a large amount of time being tossed about in the air, I decided something like a ring would do you better. This way, there is no chance that it will become lost.” Nick arched an eyebrow. “Tossed about in the air?” “Admit it, Demonas Amaté, you like being tossed about in the air.” Nick felt his face flush. “Maybe.” Storym laughed as he grabbed Nick’s hand and slid the ring on his finger. Nick frowned when Storym just stared down at the ring for a long moment. There was an expression on Storym’s face that he couldn’t identify. “Storym?” “I’ve waited a long time to see my ring grace the hand of my Demonas Amaté,” Storym whispered. He suddenly shook himself as if shaking off some intense thought then reached for a black bag sitting on the bed next to him. He handed it over to Nick. “Salt?” Nick asked when he peered inside. “You must sprinkle that in the bite you gave me.” “But, that will—” “Leave a scar?” Storym smirked. “Yes, it will—something I am very much looking forward to.” “You want to have a scar on your neck?” “I want to have proof of your acceptance of me, a symbol of our union.” Nick thought Storym was crazy, but he sprinkled the salt into Storym’s wound anyway. If that was what the man wanted, who was he to stop him? Besides, he kind of liked knowing he had left a permanent mark on the man for all to see. Nick sprinkled an extra bit of salt in for good measure. No one was coming near his demon. “I see you agree?” Storym chuckled as Nick’s fingers smoothed the salt around and then added some more.

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“Totally. Your tornadic wonders belong to me, buddy.” Nick laughed when Storym leaned forward and kissed the tip of his nose. It was mushy and romantic, and Nick was eating it up. “As you belong to me, Nicholas.” Nick could tell that Storym was trying. He’d give him that. “Okay, you can keep calling me Demonas Amaté. I know you heard me.” “Yes, indeed I did, Demonas Amaté.” Storym kissed him one more time before sitting back. Nick sat there admiring the ring. No one really ever had given him anything before. Not only would he cherish it because it symbolized his mating, but it was his first real gift. At least now he could flip that annoying demon off and show off his prized possession at the same time. Nice. Another thought struck Nick, and he grinned evilly as he looked up at Storym. “Show me how to make tornados.” Gabe was going down.

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Chapter 8 Storym stood with Tehmper as he listened to the sentries tell him that no one was found that did not belong in the palace. Storym was enraged. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Nick was telling the truth. There had to be a way that this person was getting in unseen. There had to be a secret passage that they were unaware of. “Search every square inch of this palace. Look for hidden doors and passageways. He is not a Magi. There is no way he is just appearing from thin air.” Storym paced the grand entrance of the palace as he tried to figure out how to keep his Demonas Amaté safe without tying him to his side. Nick would not approve of that, but Storym was seriously considering it. “Calm down, Storym. Nick is with Gabe and Jack. He is safe for now.” Tehmper tried to calm him down, but Storym was too enraged for that right now. There would be no calming down until the culprit who was trying to steal his Demonas Amaté was apprehended. His Demonas Amaté was a surface dweller, used to seeing such horrible acts. Storym’s instincts wanted to protect Nick from all of that and more. This demon had harmed his Demonas Amaté once already. Storym would not allow it to happen again. “Come, we will look over the palace maps to see if we cannot find these hidden doorways,” Tehmper said as Storym followed him to the library. Having something to do helped to tamp down some of Storym’s anger. If they could find this entrance, they could put a sentry at its opening. “I will not allow my Demonas Amaté to be harmed, Tehmper. This man must be caught.”

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“This demon is a danger to all of the Demonas Amaté, Storym, not just yours. He does not follow the laws regarding the claiming of our mates. Until he is caught, all of our Demonas Amatés are in danger.” Storym knew that Tehmper was right, but at the moment, all he could think about was some rogue demon going after Nick. The need to maim and kill whoever touched a hair on Nick’s gorgeous head was overwhelming. Storym watched Tehmper pull several maps out of their protective cases and lay them down on the table. He thrust his hand through his hair, tugging on the ends of one of the braids that framed his face. “How do you deal with this overwhelming need to protect them, Tehmper?” he asked, frustrated by Nick’s refusal to be under lock and key until the rogue demon was found. “It consumes me.” “And it always will, my friend.” Tehmper looked just as somber and frustrated as Storym felt. “They are not like our Afrit. They cannot be reasoned with. There is stubbornness in them I have never encountered before.” “How do you live with it?” Tehmper had been mated longer than Storym, even if by just a few months. He had to have the answer. He and Gabe were as happy together as Storym had ever seen two people. “I suppose it is a little easier for me, as my Demonas Amaté cannot return to the surface. I just have to worry about him here in Jinnistan.” Tehmper chuckled. “But that’s bad enough. Gabriele has no concept of rules. He just does whatever he pleases no matter what I say.” “Nick wants to return to the surface.” Tehmper’s head swung around. “Is he mad?” “Quite possibly.” Storym was beginning to seriously wonder. “Nick is currently in the courtyard exchanging abilities with your Demonas Amaté.” Tehmper’s eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

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“After being claimed by you, Gabe kept throwing fireballs at Nick, who was basically defenseless at the time. Now, he’s not. He learned how to make mini tornados.” “And he’s throwing them at my Demonas Amaté?” “Calm yourself, Tehmper. Gabe is Nick’s friend. He would never intentionally harm your Demonas Amaté.” “Well, I don’t have to like it,” Tehmper grumbled. “Tell me about it. I would be much happier if Nick stayed in our quarters surrounded by sentries. Instead, he’s in the courtyard where anyone could attack him.” Tehmper stiffened. “They are not unguarded, are they?” “Hell no!” Storym snapped. He wasn’t that stupid. “Clagh is down there with them along with a legion of sentries. I made Gabe and Nick promise neither of them would go anywhere unattended.” “I wonder how long that will last.” Storym chuckled. “Not long, by my guess. I suggest we look over these maps as fast as possible then go down and rescue them from each other.” Tehmper nodded and turned back to the table, spreading the map out. Storym stepped over next to him and bent down over the map. It was supposed to be a blueprint of the palace drawn over five hundred years ago when the place was built. It looked like just a bunch of lines to Storym. He couldn’t make anything out. Storym glanced over at Tehmper out of the corner of his eye. Tehmper’s forehead was wrinkled as if he was concentrating hard. “You are as confused as I am, aren’t you?” Tehmper chuckled. “Yes, pretty much.” “We really need Clagh in here. He’s much better at figuring this stuff out than I am. I can research things in our historical records, but I wouldn’t know what to look for on a map.” “Wait, what’s this right here?” Tehmper pointed to a spot on the map. “If I remember correctly, that’s a small courtyard with a fountain in it.”

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“Okay, so it’s a courtyard.” Storym was confused. “What of it?” “See this arrow right here pointing to this room?” Tehmper pointed to a small room off to the side of the fountain on the blueprints. There was an arrow pointing from the courtyard to the small room. “Yes.” “If I’m not mistaken, this arrow means that room is connected to the courtyard somehow, but I’ve never seen it.” Tehmper glanced at Storym. “Have you?” “I’ve never even seen that courtyard.” Storym squinted to get a closer look. “Where is it?” “Uh…” Tehmper scratched his chin. “You don’t know, do you?” “Not exactly. I do remember this fountain though.” Storym rolled his eyes as he stood back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, that’s certainly helpful.” “I know I’ve been to this fountain before.” “Could there be more than one fountain like that?” “I don’t know,” Tehmper said as he started scanning the map. “Let’s make sure this is the only one before we start trying to find the damn thing.” Storym nodded. He checked the hand-drawn picture of the fountain then began searching the rest of the map, then the next one and the next one. It was a slow task. The palace was huge and each section had a different set of maps—one looked down into each room like a 3-D picture, one showed the actual building structure, and one showed what each section was supposed to look like with furniture and everything. Storym frowned as he looked at the building maps of one section of the palace. He lifted the map up and checked the corresponding map then went back to the first one. “Hey, Tehmper, I think I found something.” “Oh?”

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“Look here, on this architect’s drawing. It shows a large room with a fireplace and a set of built-in bookshelves along the wall.” Storym pointed to the picture on the map then lifted it out of the way. “But if you look here, not only is the fireplace not there, but the room is smaller.” Tehmper shrugged. “Maybe they decided not to build the fireplace.” “Then wouldn’t they take them out of all the drawings and not just one?” “Where is this room?” “South corridor.” “Let’s go check it out.” Storym nodded and jumped to his feet. “And bring the maps,” Tehmper added. Storym turned back and grabbed the maps, rolling them up before taking off after Tehmper. It took more than a few minutes to reach the south corridor. The palace was a large place, and they started on the opposite side from where they were headed. “I think this is it,” Storym said as they walked down the south corridor and came to a series of doors. “Which door?” “It’s the third one down on the left.” When Tehmper stopped in front of the door he indicated, Storym glanced down the hallway. It was eerily quiet, maybe too quiet. “Hey, Tehmper? Does it seem a little too quiet to you? Shouldn’t there be people walking up and down this hallway?” “Hell if I know.” Tehmper snickered. “I still haven’t figured out who all lives here. I don’t even know what this hallway is used for.” Tehmper opened the door and stepped inside the room. Storym stepped just inside the room and looked it over before going inside any farther. He wasn’t about to step into a room he knew nothing about without checking it out. It was surprisingly easy. The room was empty. There wasn’t even any furniture. It was just an empty room.

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The lack of anything in the room sent a chill down Storym’s back. There was something that just wasn’t right about it. Storym walked over to the window to try and get an idea of where the room was located by seeing what was directly outside. “Tehmper, I think I found your fountain.” Located just below the window they were looking out was a small enclosed courtyard. Centered directly in the middle of it was a fountain. The fountain itself was quite beautiful—three large dolphins seemed to be jumping out of the round pool. Water spurted up into the air out of their mouths and back into the shallow pool. Tehmper appeared beside Storym and looked out the window. “That certainly looks like it.” “Do you suppose the room the arrow had pointing to it was this one?” “That might be very true,” Tehmper said as he turned away from the window and began walking around the room, close to the wall. Storym frowned when Tehmper began pounding on the wall every few steps. “What are you doing?” “I’m checking for hidden passages. What else? If the walls are solid, then there should be no change in the sound when I thump on them.” “But how would you know if the walls are solid or not?” Storym asked. “They could be made of timber or clay or anything.” “I know the walls should be solid because my father told me of the building of the palace. He heard of the story from his father. That’s how I knew about the fountain. My father showed it to me as a child when he was teaching me about the building of the palace.” Storym frowned then walked over to the opposite side of the window and began thumping on the wall as he walked. “Did your father tell you anything else about this great palace of ours?” “Yes.” Tehmper chuckled. “He told me that the man that built it was a genius.” Storym arched an eyebrow as he glanced over at Tehmper. “Oh?”

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“Yes. Apparently, the clan that ruled at that time was much loved by the people of Jinnistan, and this architect wanted to build them a home that would show the people’s thanks for the clan’s dedication.” “Well, this place is certainly ostentatious enough.” “It kind of makes you miss home, doesn’t it?” Storym nodded. He never really thought he’d miss their small clan compound. It had just been a place to sleep and train. Now, living in the huge palace, he missed bumping into everyone whenever he turned around. “Yes, I guess it does. It’s too bad that we have to serve our people living here.” “It will get better once we settle in.” “I hope your ri—hey!” Storym stopped walking and tapped the wall where he had just seconds ago. He tapped the wall on either side and noticed a distinct difference in the sound he heard. “Tehmper, I think I found something.” Storym continued knocking on the wall around the area he was searching. The hollow sound went all the way to the floor. Tehmper tapped on the other part of the wall. Finally, Storym stood and stared at the wall. “Any ideas now?” “Well, if this is a secret passage of some sort, then there has to be a way to open it.” “I’m open to suggestions.” Storym stared at the wall. Tehmper stared at the wall. Tehmper grinned. Storym grew nervous. “What?” “Doorways into secret passages have to have air cracks, right?” “Right.” “What better way to find a secret entrance to a secret passageway than smoke?” “Smoke?”

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“Fire.” Tehmper gestured to himself then to Storym. “And air.” Storym grinned and blew into the palm of his hand. He twirled his fingers around and a small tornado began to form in his hand. “Nicholas loves these things.” “I have no doubt.” Storym watched Tehmper produce a small fireball in the palm of his hand. “Don’t burn me.” Tehmper just rolled his eyes. “Just blow.” “Sorry, I’m taken.” Storym chuckled then sent the mini tornado toward the fireball. The two elements mixed together, creating a cloud of smoke. Storym blew out a deep breath, blowing the smoke toward the wall. To his utter astonishment, the smoke billowed up in the air and seeped into cracks along the wall, outlining a doorway. He blinked up at Tehmper, rolling his eyes when the man just snickered at him. “I told you it would work.” “So, we know where the secret door to the secret passageway is located. Do you have any bright ideas how to open said secret door?” “Kick it in?” Storym stared at Tehmper for a moment then turned and kicked at the wall. Tehmper started kicking the wall with him. Together, they took turns until the wall began to give. Wood splintered, and a loud cracking noise filled the room. “Damn, there is a secret passageway here,” Storym snapped. He hated the idea that someone could be using the passage to come in and out of the palace unnoticed. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was how the rogue demon got inside. Storym kicked harder until enough wood gave way that they could look inside the room on the other side of the wall. He bent down and peered through the broken wall. “Tehmper, I need a little light in here.” Storym jumped back when a small fireball suddenly appeared next to his head. “Hey, watch it.”

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“What do you see, Storym?” “A hallway.” “Anything else?” “No, just a hallway.” Storym stood up straight and looked at Tehmper. “But it’s a clean hallway.” “Clean hallway?” Tehmper asked. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “If this thing hadn’t been used in years, then it would have cobwebs and dust covering it, right?” Tehmper nodded. “It doesn’t. This hallway is very clean, almost as if someone had swept it clean.” “Or blew it clean.” Tehmper had a perplexed look on his face as he rubbed his chin. “Wasn’t the demon that attacked Nick an air demon?” “I believe so, yes.” “Then it stands to reason if this passageway is so clean that this guy is most likely using this passage to gain entry into the palace.” Storym waved his hand toward the secret passage. “There’s only one way to find out, Tehmper. We need to discover where this passage leads then set a trap for our unwanted visitor.” The thought of going into the narrow hallway gave him chills, but he had never let his fears stop him before. He wasn’t going to let them stop him now. Finding the man that continued to go after Nick was more important. “I think we need to gather Clagh and Zayne together before we venture anywhere, though,” Storym said. “We don’t know what might be waiting for us in there. We should get the others before we go exploring.” “Agreed.” “You watch the door. I’ll go round everyone up.” Storym started for the door, but Tehmper stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Was there something more?”

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“You know Gabriele and Nick will insist on joining us.” Storym sighed. “Yes.” “Make sure that they are appropriately armed first. Their surface weapons really have no effect.” “I’d prefer that they stay locked up in a safe room, surrounded by every sentry I can locate, but we both know that will not happen.” “Nope.” Tehmper chuckled and let go of Storym’s arm. “On the up side, having Demonas Amaté that understands the need for battle is a plus. Gabriele never argues with me when I need to go on missions, and he’s very appreciative when I return safe and sound.” “That, too, would be a plus for me if Nicholas didn’t try and go on my missions with me. At least you have the peace of mind knowing that Gabe has to stay here in Jinnistan. My Demonas Amaté does not.” Tehmper frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that.” “Believe me, it’s almost all I think of.” “There has to be a compromise you can find with your Demonas Amaté.” “There is,” Storym said as he walked toward the door. “I need to teach Nicholas how to kill Shayatin.”

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Chapter 9 “Take that, shithead,” Nick shouted as he blew across his hand and then flicked his wrist, tossing the mini tornado at Gabe. It twirled around, lifting Gabe off of his feet and depositing him on his ass. Nick’s hands landed on his knees as he laughed his ass off until Gabe rolled over onto his back and tossed a fireball at him. Whoops. Nick shot around the fountain, behind Jack, and then around to Clagh. “Not fast enough, Gabe. Maybe you’re getting too old for this,” Nick taunted, and then his eyes widened, ducking as Clagh shouted, a fireball whizzing past both of them. “You should not be behaving in such a manner,” Clagh growled. “These powers are to protect you, not for you to toss at one another as weapons.” “He started it!” Nick snarled as he crept to the other side of Clagh’s legs and then blew in the palm of his right hand, then his left, then the right one again. He snapped his wrists, whipping the micro wonders at Gabe. Gabe yelped and ran behind two sentries, diving to the ground as the two sentries were lifted and tossed a few feet. “Sorry, my bad,” Nick called out to the two sentries who were muttering as they got back on their feet. “Can’t you hold him down for me?” “You wish. What’s wrong, Nick? Can’t handle me on your own?” Gabe chuckled as he whipped two fireballs at Nick as he raced across the courtyard, the twin blazes hot on his heels.

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“Oh, I can handle you all right. Bring it on, baby.” A slew of fire and wind shot back and forth, both running for cover as sentries, Clagh, and even Jack shouted at the pair. “I agree with Clagh. You two are acting like idiots!” Jack shouted when a fireball shot past his shoulder. “You agree with me?” Clagh asked Jack in astonishment. “Don’t let it go to your head, buddy.” Jack rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I think he likes you, Clagh,” Nick teased as he tossed two more mini tornadoes at Gabe. “I don’t do men!” Jack face turned a bright red as his hands fisted at his sides. “I only said that you two were acting like jackasses!” “What’s your power, Clagh?” Nick asked as he dodged another fireball missile attack. “Earth,” Clagh boasted proudly. “I mix potions, grow things from the earth, heal, and I am an empath.” “Impressive,” Nick said as he ran around the fountain. “See, Jack. If you let Clagh fuck you, then you have the ability to feel sorry for Gabe. If that doesn’t work, mix a potion that gives him gas for a week. Of course, chili will do the trick.” Nick laughed as he squatted down behind the fountain and waited for Gabe to stop hiding behind the sentries. They didn’t look too happy about it. A couple of them looked pissed while a few looked scared as hell. But they all stood their ground, as if proud to serve the Demonas Amaté. Nick chuckled. Suckers. “That is not what it is used for!” Clagh growled as if offended by such a blatant disrespect to his powers. “Yeah, yeah. I—oh shit.” Nick dove away from the fountain as three fireballs slammed into the granite structure. Nick rolled a few times, got to his feet, and then lifted his hands—only to be stopped by Storym.

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“Enough practice,” his demon said as he grabbed Nick’s hands. Zayne stepped in front of Gabe across the courtyard, blocking any more attempts to throw things. “But, Dad, I was only playing around.” Nick pouted as he glared at Gabe. “You’re mine,” Nick mouthed to Gabe. “Bring it,” Gabe mouthed back at him. “We have found a secret passageway and need to investigate it,” Storym informed Nick as he circled his wrists and pulled him along. “Good. I could use some police work around here,” Nick growled as he followed his mate. Gabe and Jack were close behind with Clagh and Zayne taking up the rear. “What do we have?” Storym chuckled. “Now I see how you caught so many bad surface dwellers. You are quite the warrior at heart.” His mate’s face grew serious in his next breath. “You will not put yourself in harm’s way. That is for the Djini.” “This is detective work. Something Gabe, Jack, and I have been trained to do.” “Good. I was tired of sitting on my ass,” Jack complained. Why did the rookie have to make it so easy? There was no way in hell Nick could pass this one up. “If you gave that ass up to Clagh, you wouldn’t have to worry about sitting on it.” Nick snickered along with Gabe, the two highfiving each other. Jack swung around and pointed up at Nick, his eyes murderous. “I don’t do—” “Yeah, yeah. We heard you the first couple hundred times,” Nick taunted as he sidestepped Jack. Jack glared. “Here, you will need this, Demonas Amaté,” Storym said as he stopped near the door leading into the small courtyard. He grabbed one of the sheathed swords leaning against the wall and handed it to Nick.

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“Uh…” Nick stared at the sword. He didn’t have a clue what to do with it. “You cannot kill shadow demons with a gun, Demonas Amaté. You must separate their heads from their bodies.” “I’ll be honest here, I’m more likely to cut off my hand than someone’s head.” “I will train you, Demonas Amaté.” Storym grinned and rubbed the back of his hand over Nick’s cheek. “If you are to go with me on my missions, you must be properly armed.” Nick’s mouth dropped open. “You’re going to let me go on missions with you?” “I’d prefer to keep you locked away in a room surrounded by sentries to keep you safe, but I doubt you will allow that. Thus, I must teach you how to properly protect yourself.” Nick was stunned. Storym had fought so hard and so long to keep him safe, and now he was not only saying Nick could go into dangerous situations, but he would teach him how to protect himself. Did anyone ever have a more wonderful demon? “I’ll be careful, Storym, I promise,” Nick whispered. “I know, Demonas Amaté, and I will be there to guard your back as you guard mine.” Something tender flickered in Storym’s eyes. It was enough to make the air catch in Nick’s throat. He swallowed hard and wished he had the courage to tell Storym how much the man was coming to mean to him. He was chicken, he knew it. “Come, Demonas Amaté, we must investigate this secret passage. Your lessons begin tomorrow.” Nick nodded as he watched Storym hand a sword to Gabe and Jack. He chuckled at the stunned, and slightly confused, looks on their face. “School starts tomorrow.” He grinned at Gabe. “I get to be teacher’s pet.”

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Jack still looked confused. Gabe just rolled his eyes. Nick nearly jumped out of his skin when Storym suddenly dropped to his knees and grabbed his thigh. “Storym!” Storym smirked as if he knew what effect his touch had on Nick then went about buckling the sheath around his waist and the tie around his thigh. When Storym stood, Nick glanced down. “Geez, I look like a pirate.” “You look hot!” Gabe wiggled his eyebrows. “I look hotter.” “Why can’t I use my gun?” Jack asked. Nick rolled his eyes. “Because surface weapons don’t kill Shayatin.” “I need a bigger gun.” “Come, Demonas Amaté, Tehmper is waiting.” Nick held the hilt of the sword with his hand and followed Storym inside the palace. They walked down a hallway then up some stairs, then down another corridor until they approached a very quiet hallway. “No one comes down here?” Nick looked from one demon to the next. Not a soul was seen in this part of the palace. It seemed really odd. “It is the same thing I observed, Demonas Amaté.” Storym seemed proud of Nick’s observation. In a small way, that pleased Nick. He wasn’t a total jerk. Nick did have feelings for Storym after all. The smug smile on Storym’s face caressed Nick’s ego better than any commendation would have. Nick cleared his throat, feeling his face flush. He needed to stop mooning over his boyfriend and get back to the job at hand. “In here.” Storym waved his hand at the door as he led the group into the room. Nick felt a cold chill travel down his spine as he walked into the empty room. Something was off. He could feel it in his bones. “You feel that?” Gabe asked Nick as they stopped in the middle of the empty room.

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“Feel what?” Jack asked when he joined them. Nick was about to say something smart, but in all actuality, he didn’t want to embarrass Jack in front of Clagh. Jack was a rookie and needed to learn the ropes, even if they stayed down in Jinnistan. Crime happened everywhere, even in the cities below the surface. It was true that Jinnistan didn’t have the crime rate of the human cities, but greed, lust, envy, and all that jazz still existed everywhere. “Close your eyes, rookie, and feel.” It would take more than that, but Jack needed to get in the habit of using his instincts. He was a bythe-book kind of guy, one hundred percent, which wasn’t good. A good detective learned to listen to his gut. “I’m not feeling anything,” Jack whispered to Nick. Nick chuckled and clapped Jack on his shoulder. “You’ll get the hang of it. It takes years of experience to get it down to a science, and then it may never happen. It all depends on the detective.” Nick turned to Tehmper. “Has anyone been down in that passageway yet?” Nick jerked his head toward the big gaping hole in the wall on the other side of the room. It looked like the demons had forced it open. Wood splinters lay on the floor, and the frame was in total ruins. Tehmper shook his head as he stared from Nick to Storym, a look of total confusion on his face. “I was waiting for the rest of the Djini.” Nick saw the smirk but chose to ignore it. It didn’t matter to him. It was his life that was being threatened, and Nick wanted to get to the bottom of things. Nick walked over to the window to see a small courtyard with a fountain down below, but it wasn’t the same one they were just messing around in. This one was deserted, and the fountain was dry. “I take it this side of the palace isn’t used too often?” Nick turned to look at Storym. His mate shrugged as he stood there with his fellow Djini. “We haven’t been here long, you know this.”

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“Are we going to see where this passage leads to or talk all afternoon?” Zayne asked the other Djini. “The passageway isn’t going anywhere, and we need to look for clues. Haven’t you ever investigated anything?” Nick asked. Zayne stood next to Storym looking bored and irritated. Too bad for him. Nick was on a mission to figure this puzzle out, and everyone needed to be patient. When the Djini stood there with their hands on their hips or arms crossed over their chests, Nick rolled his eyes and tossed his hand toward the passageway. “Fine, lead the way. But don’t touch anything,” “I don’t think we’ll be dusting for fingerprints,” Gabe said as they entered the dark, drafty tunnel. “Is it me or is this place a little too clean?” Gabe asked. “My Demonas Amaté seems to be just as smart as yours.” Tehmper chuckled as he bumped his elbow into Storym. Nick couldn’t really be hearing this. Did demon’s one up each other? Probably not. They descended farther with a few twists and turns before coming out into the deserted courtyard. Nick placed his hands on his hips as he scanned the area. There was nothing but open meadows as far as the eye could see, with a forest off to one side. It was a shitty-ass defense back here if you asked Nick. Anyone could creep through the outlining forest and gain entrance. “There is no defense back here.” Storym made the same observation. “I say once we lay a trap, we seal this entrance to stop any further invaders,” Gabe suggested as he walked a little farther around the fountain. “Now, how do we catch this crazy ass demon?” “That is where Clagh comes in.” Storym winked at Nick. “Not only can he make things grow from the earth, but he can also make the earth a prison.” “How?” Nick, along with Gabe and Jack, asked at the same time. “Simple,” Clagh answered but was only looking at Jack.

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The poor demon was so damn love struck, and Jack wouldn’t give him the time of day. It made Nick want to walk over there and smack Jack on the back of his head. Clagh looked like he was suffering because he couldn’t touch Jack. Dimwit. “I can have the vines that are growing along the wall”—Clagh pointed over his shoulder, a look of genius in his eyes, and Nick chuckled at the way Clagh was showing off to Jack—“grow over the entranceway once someone has stepped through it. It will grow so thick that no amount of mini tornadoes would penetrate it.” “Then how will we know when someone is in there?” Jack asked Clagh. The rookie took a step back when Clagh tapped Jack’s temple. “You ask the correct questions, Demonas Amaté. A sentry will stand guard in the upper room and will alert us when someone has entered. If it is indeed another air demon, he will make quite the noise.” “Too bad you guys don’t have cell phones or walkie-talkies. That would make our job a whole lot easier,” Nick said. “What is this walkie-talkie?” Storym asked as he stepped up next to Nick. Nick rolled his eyes and grinned. “A two-way radio that allows people to communicate over great distances.” When Storym still looked confused, Nick dropped it. He’d show Storym what he was talking about when they returned to the surface world—that, and chocolate. “Do your thing, Clagh. We’ll wait for you upstairs,” Gabe said. Nick noticed Jack wasn’t following them. He shook his head as he trailed behind everyone else, leaving the two alone. Maybe that’s what they needed. Some time to share with each other and get to know one another. It certainly couldn’t hurt. Nick thought of the incident in the library and changed his mind. It could hurt a lot. Luckily there weren’t bound books or paperweights by the fountain. Clagh should be relatively safe.

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“I don’t understand why this guy is so obsessed with me. I mean, I get the whole mate thing, but he’s gone past normality with his need to get his hands on me,” Nick said to Storym as they climbed up through the passageway. “He’s crazy.” “You must remember, demons can scent blood. Demons do not desire people by their looks alone, as you humans do, but by their blood scent. A human could be beautiful by your human standards and be ugly by demon standards. And you smell very good. If he has caught your scent, it may be hard for him to deny the need to try and claim you.” “That still doesn’t explain things. You sure as shit didn’t act that way.” Nick held his hands up to stop Storym’s argument. He could see one coming. “I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. This guy just isn’t normal. Jinnistan should have some kind of mental facility for wacko’s like him.” “We do not need this mental facility. He will be dealt with according to Jinnistan law.” “I don’t even want to know,” Nick grumbled as they walked back into the upstairs room that led to the secret passageway. Nick got that strange chill again the second he entered the room. It couldn’t be coincidence that he and Gabe felt it or that he was feeling it again when they entered the room. Nick circled around the room, his eyes scanning every inch of the walls when he spotted a pair of eyes watching him from a peephole in the wall. Son of a bitch. Nick ran across the room and snatched the door open. He could hear it reverberate against the wall as he ran down to the next room. “Nick!” Storym shouted as he chased after Nick. Nick kicked the door in, looking at the wall the perp would have been watching through, but no one was there. He spotted a chair against the wall. Nick walked over to see that whoever was watching them had to use the chair to see. That meant they were shorter than Nick.

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“What is it?” Storym asked as he slammed into the door then ran into the room, stopping next to Nick. Nick pointed to the chair and then up at the twin holes in the wall. “Someone was watching us in this bedroom. He or she was standing on a chair looking through those holes.” “What is going on here?” Storym asked as he walked over to the chair, pushed it aside, and then peered through the holes. “I can see right into the other room clear as day.” “I’m not sure. But I’m thinking that wacko demon has an accomplice. Someone is watching out for him, maybe even alerting him when I’m alone.” Storym turned away from the wall as a roar vibrated from his chest. “Someone is spying on you?” “It would seem so. I’m guessing it’s one of the servants, because no sentry is small enough to need a chair to see through those holes.” Nick pointed up to the wall. The doorway filled with Gabe, Zayne, and Tehmper. “I want the servants rounded up. Someone is going to talk, or they are all going to prison!” Storym shouted as he left the bedroom in a rage. “You heard the man. It’s time for a roundup,” Nick said as he walked out of the room behind Storym. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. He didn’t like the idea that someone might be spying on him. He wanted this demon caught and dealt with, even if it was Jinnistan justice. “Storym?” “Yes, Demonas Amaté?” “How are we going to be able to tell if the servants are telling the truth? Truth serum? Beat it out of them? Bamboo shoots under the fingernails?” Storym’s eyebrows were up near his forehead when he turned to look at Nick. “You are very bloodthirsty, aren’t you?” Nick flushed. “No, I just don’t like someone spying on us. It rubs me wrong.”

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“I have a suggestion,” Gabe said. Nick arched an eyebrow and turned to look at his former partner. “What?” “Let’s talk to Brayan.” Gabe jumped when Zayne growled. Nick snickered. “He lived in the palace for quite some time and might be able to steer us in the right direction.” “He lived in the harem, Gabe, not the regular part of the palace.” “True, but he has ears, doesn’t he? And people talk, especially when they think no one is listening.” Nick couldn’t fault Gabe’s logic. They had solved more than one crime from conversations accidently overheard by someone. And he knew from personal experience that it never hurt to track down every lead, no matter how odd they were. “That sounds good,” Nick admitted as he started walking again. “Let’s go talk to Brayan.” “You will not involve Brayan in this,” Zayne snapped. “I believe that is up to Brayan,” Nick said. “No!” Nick stopped and turned to look at Zayne. He understood where the man was coming from. Brayan had been horribly scarred by the Amir’s personal guards. He was shy and quiet, hiding from the world. And he was Zayne’s Demonas Amaté. Zayne was even more protective than any of the other demons. Nick didn’t even want to think about how obsessive Storym would be under the same circumstances. “Look, Zayne, I know you want to protect Brayan, but you can’t wrap him up in cotton wool. He’s never going to come back to the land of the living if he doesn’t get out and experience the world.” “I don’t want to wrap him up in anything,” Zayne snapped. “I want to keep him safe.” “It means the same thing, Zayne. You want to keep him wrapped away from anything that can harm him.” Zayne frowned, looking confused. “Yes.”

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“You can’t.” Nick quickly held up his hand when Zayne’s face started to darken. He could see where this conversation was going. “Just answer one question for me. Since he was freed from the harem, and we all moved here, has Brayan even been out of the palace?” “No, of course not. It is too dangerous for him.” “Has he been out of his room then? Explored the palace? Gone for a dip in the pool?” “No, he doesn’t like leaving his room.” “And he never will if you don’t let him.” Nick spun back around and started down the hallway again. He knew Zayne was just trying to protect Brayan, but he also knew he was right. If Brayan was allowed to languish in his room, he’d never rejoin the world. Gods, save them from overprotective demons.

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Chapter 10 Storym could feel Nick’s agitation coming off of him in waves. He was trying to understand how Nick felt, but he was more on Zayne’s side. He wouldn’t wish what happened to Brayan on anyone. It had been brutal. But Nick’s need to save the world was driving him nuts. He was proud of his Demonas Amaté. Nick was the perfect mate. He was just a little too aggressive for Storym’s liking. He’d prefer that Nick stayed safely in his room like Brayan did. He knew it wasn’t going to happen. His mate might be the perfect Demonas Amaté, but he was definitely not like any Storym had ever met. Storym wasn’t exactly sure that was a bad thing. Nick was feisty enough to fight him but also brought him the solace ingrained in a Demonas Amaté. It was like having the best of both worlds wrapped up in one gorgeous little body. Just thinking how sexy Nick looked was enough to make Storym groan and readjust himself when his cock hardened. Now was not the time to become aroused. Storym nodded to the two sentries outside Brayan’s door when he stopped. They both closed their fists and smacked them across their chests. Storym pressed his lips together and repeated the gesture. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to being one of the ruling clan. All the pomp and circumstance grated on his nerves. Storym opened the door and stepped inside, quickly scanning the room before moving out of the way and allowing anyone else to come in. If there was anyone waiting for them besides Brayan, he wanted to be able to protect those behind him.

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“Brayan,” he said softly when he spotted the man sitting by the window. Brayan turned and quickly climbed to his feet to give Storym a slight bow of his head. “Djini.” “You are family now, Brayan,” Storym replied. “You must call me Storym.” A small smile lifted the corners of Brayan’s lips. “Storym.” Storym saw Brayan’s eyes move beyond him and knew he was looking for Zayne. Storym smiled and gestured behind him when he heard everyone else file into the room. “We have a mystery that we hope you can help us solve.” Brayan’s eyes snapped back to Storym. “Yes, of course, if I can help.” “We’ve discovered a secret passage in one of the rooms in the south corridor. It leads to an abandoned courtyard on the south side of the palace facing the woods. Do you know anything about it?” “I know of some of the secret passageways inside of the palace. That is how I snuck out of the palace to warn Tehmper what was happening in the harem. However, I am not familiar with the passage in the south corridor.” “Do you know if anyone else is aware of these other secret passages?” “Amado and Galan, certainly, but I am not aware if anyone else knows of them.” “Do you trust these two men?” “With my life.” That was good enough for Storym. “Could you show us where these other passages are located?” Brayan visibly shivered. “Could I draw you a map? There is only one way to enter the passage that I know of and that’s from inside the harem. I’d rather not return there if I can help it. My… err… memories of there are not pleasant.”

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“Actually,” Nick said as he stepped forward, “Tehmper kept his word and had the harem done away with. It has been converted into a pool area complete with courtyard and individual lounging areas. I think you’d like it.” “It is no longer a harem?” “Nope.” Nick grinned as he leaned against Storym. “Our demons have no need of a harem.” Storym grunted when Nick’s elbow jabbed back into his side. “Right?” “Of course not, Demonas Amaté,” Storym wasn’t stupid. He answered Nick’s question as fast as he could. Pissing off his Demonas Amaté was not something he looked forward to. He still hoped to have sex tonight. “Come with us, Brayan, and see that the harem no longer exists.” Nick gestured to Zayne, who was standing close by, eating Brayan up with his eyes. “Zayne will keep you safe.” Brayan hesitated until Zayne held out his hand, and then he ran into Zayne’s arms. He grabbed a hold of Zayne’s hand so tightly his hand turned white. Zayne wrapped his other arm around Brayan’s shoulder and whispered something into Brayan’s ear that drained the tension from his shoulders. Storym could feel the satisfaction rolling off of Nick in waves as he pulled him toward the door. “Proud of yourself, Demonas Amaté?” Nick chuckled. “Yes, yes, I am. Brayan needs to come out of hiding, and Zayne needs to let him, but he also needs to be there to support Brayan, because it’s not going to be easy for him. It might be the hardest thing either of them has ever done, but it will be worth it in the end.” “How do you mean?” “I’ve seen this in my work as a detective. Victims of assault can’t bottle everything up and hide from the world. That just lets the bastards win. They need to live their lives to the fullest. It’s the best revenge.”

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“Revenge?” Storym’s eyebrows drew together as confusion filled him. “Bringing the captain of the guard to justice is the best revenge.” “For who? Brayan or you?” Storym’s frown deepened. “Say what you mean, Demonas Amaté.” Nick huffed and stopped walking to look at Storym. “Yes, bringing the captain of the guard to justice will help Brayan, but in the long run, what will it do for him? Will it make him feel safer? Will it strip the scars from his body or make him comfortable being around people? Will it bring him happiness?” “I do not know this.” “The Amir and the captain of the guard abused Brayan to punish him and keep him under control. They wanted to break down his self esteem and destroy the person that he was. They did this for their own perverse pleasures.” “This is true.” Storym nodded his agreement. “By living his life to the fullest, finding love and happiness, Brayan is spitting in their faces and telling them what they did to him will not break him. He might be slightly bent, but he is not broken.” “And this is better than the captain of the guard facing Jinnistan law for his crimes?” “I believe so, yes. Jinnistan law will sentence this man to prison or death, but what will it do for Brayan? Wouldn’t it be better for Brayan to come back to the land of the living, fulfill his role as Zayne’s Demons Amaté, and be happy?” “Are you saying you do not wish this man to see justice?” “Hell, no!” Nick snapped. “I think he should be drawn and quartered. He deserves everything that is coming to him. I hope he rots in hell. But my main concern is for Brayan and the other men tortured by this monster rather than what kind of justice he deserves.” “I will have to think on what you have said, Demonas Amaté. I am used to meting out punishment as dictated by Jinnistan law. I am not used to dealing with the victims of those crimes.”

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Nick gestured over his shoulder to where Brayan and Zayne were walking. Zayne had his arm wrapped around Brayan’s shoulders and practically hovered over him. Brayan didn’t look like he had any intention of going anywhere without the man glued to his hip. “You’d better get used to it, because I do not think Brayan is going anywhere. As you said, he’s family now.” Storym nodded but didn’t say anything. He cast one more glance at Brayan and Zayne then looked ahead. Nick seemed to know a lot more about what occurred during a crime than he did. He was used to fighting a battle, bringing the rogue demon to justice, then moving on. He never really gave thought to the victims that had been left behind. It took the large group a few minutes to reach the refurbished harem, which was located on the third floor of the palace. Storym could feel the excitement building in Nick and knew the man was anxious to show off the new rooms. Tehmper had come through, just as Nick said. The old harem was gone, replaced by a large swimming pool, two large, square soaking tubs, and several small, curtained-off lounging areas for those that wanted privacy. At Gabe’s insistence, a fire pit with built-in seating had also been added, and the skylight opened to create an open courtyard over the pool. It was quite stunning. A small whimper sounded behind Storym when they reached the large harem doors. Before Storym could turn around, he heard Zayne whispering to Brayan. Storym hurried to open the doors knowing that the faster Brayan saw the new area, the faster he would lose his fear of the place. “Gabe and I spent a lot of our nights off sitting on his back deck, having BBQ’s and relaxing in his hot tub. When Tehmper started refurbishing this place, we wanted something like that built here, something where we could all get away and just relax.” Nick pointed out the new doors to Brayan. “We started out by taking the locks off the doors.”

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Storym pushed the doors open and stood back while Nick walked in with Brayan and Zayne. Gabe and Tehmper followed quickly behind them. Brayan’s steps faltered as he slowly walked into the large enclosure and looked around. “It looks so different,” he whispered. “It doesn’t even look like the harem anymore.” “That’s the general idea.” Nick chuckled. Storym tried to see the place through Brayan’s eyes—the separate little rooms with curtains drawn over the large archways, the large pool in the middle of the room, the courtyard that had been made out of sleeping rooms. He couldn’t. To him, it just looked like a room. Of course, he hadn’t seen the harem from Brayan’s point of view either. Storym gave Brayan several more minutes to explore his new surroundings then cleared his throat to get the man’s attention. “Where is that secret entrance, Brayan?” Brayan paled and pointed to the far wall at the back of the courtyard. “I am unsure if it is still there, but it was located back in that corner in the ready room.” “The ready room?” “It’s where they prepared you for your night with the Amir,” Gabe said, grimacing. “It wasn’t a fun place.” “It is also where the guards carried out your punishment if you got into trouble,” Brayan added. “And you, Galan, and Amado are the only ones that knew of this secret passage?” Storym asked. Brayan nodded. “As far as I know. We did not use it often because it leads down to the dungeon.” Brayan shivered. “Not a place I like to go if I can help it. I do not have fond memories of either place.” “I know of a passage out of the dungeon,” Tehmper said. “It is how I reached Gabe when the Amir was holding him for trial. It is seldom used because of the need for secrecy. If this passage leads to the dungeon and there is another passage that leads out of the dungeon, then there is more than one way in and out of the palace.”

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“I’m liking this less and less,” Nick said as he stepped closer to Storym. “Someone is obviously coming and going from the palace. The question is who and why. Is it some crazy-ass demon after me, or is it someone working to take down our clan?” “Or all of Jinnistan,” Gabe added. “Not everyone has been thrilled that the Amir was removed from the throne. Someone could be trying to take down the clan from the inside.” Storym shook his head. “No, I do not believe that. The citizens of Jinnistan suffered under the Amir’s rule. They have been nothing but supportive since he was removed from the throne.” “Who said it was the citizens?” Nick asked, one of his perfect eyebrows arching up on his forehead. “The Amir gave a lot of people positions of power when he was ruling. I seriously doubt they want to give those positions up. The captain of the guard, for instance.” “He’s locked up in the dungeon,” Storym said, but a funny feeling came over him as he said the words, and he began to wonder. If people were coming in and out of the palace, how could he be sure that the man was staying locked up? Storym pointed toward the back wall. “Tehmper, you and Gabe take Brayan and Zayne and go that way. Nick and I will go the normal route down to the dungeon and meet you there. If this fucker is walking about free, I want to know.” Storym grabbed Nick’s arm and started dragging him toward the door. “Under no circumstances are you to run into a battle if we get into one. Defend yourself if you have to, but do not look for a fight. Understood?” “Yes,” Nick said as he ran down the hallway beside Storym. “Believe me, I get it.” “Until I can train you on the use of a sword, you could be a liability in a fight.” Storym quickly held up his hand to stop the argument he knew was coming. “I do not say this to downplay your abilities, Demonas Amaté, but you know I am correct. You have the

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spirit of a warrior, but you do not have the experience or training. Until you do, I would prefer that you just keep yourself safe.” “I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble, Storym, but I will not stand by while someone tries to kill you. If you want me to stay out of trouble, keep your own ass out of trouble.” Storym smirked. That wasn’t much of a deal, but he’d take it for now. Tomorrow, he’d start teaching his mate how to use a sword for more than an ornament on his hip. After fifty or sixty years of training, he might let Nick out into the field. When they reached the bottom of the stairs that led to the corridor heading into the dungeon, Storym paused. There was something off. He couldn’t quite place what it was, but he could feel it in his bones. That instinct had saved his head from being separated from his shoulders more than once. Storym held his finger up to his mouth to indicate that Nick needed to be quiet then pulled his sword from its scabbard when the man nodded. Nick paled and quickly did the same. Storym turned back and stepped down into the corridor that led into the dungeon. It wasn’t until Storym was several feet down the corridor that it suddenly dawned on him what was so wrong. There were no sentries posted at the bottom of the stairs. There were always sentries guarding the dungeon, both from people getting out and from people trying to get in. Storym stopped and waited for Nick to catch up with him. Once he did, Storym leaned over until he felt his lips brush against Nick’s ear. He took just a split second to enjoy the small shiver that rippled through Nick’s body when their skin touched then put his mind back on the task at hand. “There are no sentries standing guard,” he whispered as quietly as he could. “They are missing.” Nick gulped and nodded. “Stay focused,” Storym warned then started down the corridor again. He knew when he reached the end of the corridor that it would

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open into a large room where the sentries usually gathered while on shift. The individual cells, including the one the captain of the guard was being held in, were on either side of the corridor past that room. When he reached the large room, Storym flattened himself against the wall and scooted the last few feet to the edge of the wall. He quickly peered around the corner then leaned back against the wall as he tried to remember what he saw. Nick rolled his eyes and peered around him for a split second then leaned back just like he had. Nick leaned up on his feet to reach Storym’s ear. “I have a photographic memory, sweetie. I remember everything I’ve seen. The room is empty except for a large table in the center and several chairs. There is no one in the room, but the cup on the table has spilled over. Whatever was in it is dripping all over the floor. To me, this suggests either someone left in a hurry, or they got taken.” “I agree.” “What’s the plan?” Nick asked. Storym grimaced. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to stay here, could I?” “Not happening, sweetie.” Nick snickered. “I didn’t think so.” Storym drew in a deep breath. “Okay, we’ll go in together. I want you to go to the left. I’ll go to the right. Stay alert. If the sentries have been neutralized, then I suspect whoever did it is still here.” Storym started to turn away, but Nick grabbed him by his chin and pulled him back. Storym cocked an eyebrow in query until Nick leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Storym let out a small groan and pressed back, the sweet taste of his Demonas Amaté consuming him. He was panting heavily by the time Nick pulled back. There was something misty in Nick’s beautiful, pale-blue eyes as he looked up at Storym, something that Storym had never seen before. His skin tingled when Nick stroked the mating mark on his neck.

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“You get hurt, and I will be very upset,” Nick whispered. “I want my demon in one piece.” “The same goes for you, Nicholas. You are my heart, mind, body, and soul. You are my everything. To lose you would be to lose myself.” “You say the sweetest things.” Nick winked before heading off to fight the unknown.

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Chapter 11 Nick wasn’t too sure about this splitting-up plan of Storym’s. He wasn’t used to wielding a sword. Give him a gun and he was selfconfident. This sword business had his arms feeling a little heavy and awkward. He crept around a corner to see empty cells. All the cells were empty. This was so not good. They should have been filled with prisoners. Nick peeked into every cell he passed, each one lacking a prisoner. When he heard a noise coming from the far side of the dungeon, Nick walked cautiously toward the voices. Where was an earpiece when he needed one? There was no way to tell Storym what was going on without leaving his hiding spot and going in search of his mate. Nick was beginning to fall in love with Jinnistan, but the lack of technology was frustrating at times like these. “I do not care that the Djini now live here. This was our palace before they stole it right from under us. They are not worthy enough to bow at the Amir’s feet,” someone said angrily from a few feet away. Nick did a quick head check, cursing under his breath when he saw the captain of the guard standing there arguing with someone else. So the fucker got free. Nick was going to make sure that status changed real soon. The captain was one sick son of a bitch that didn’t deserve to breathe the same air as the citizens of Jinnistan. Hell, especially not the same air as Brayan.

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“We must be cautious. They are becoming wise to us. They were investigating the courtyard on the south side of the castle. I saw this with my own two eyes” Well, at least Nick knew who the Peeping Tom was now. He’d remember him by face if the demons did a lineup. The only person missing from the equation was the nutty-ass demon trying to claim him. All the pieces were starting to fit together. Nick just needed to wrap it all up in a pretty bow and kick all their asses. “Caution? I have been waiting too long to exact my revenge against those over-inflated Djini. Who do they think they are, moving into my palace and ruling it as their own? Ruling clan, bah!” So the guy was an egomaniac. This may work in Nick’s favor. People like that made mistakes all the time in their need to rise to power. They were so self-assured that they became lax. “What do we have here?” Nick spun around to see someone standing behind him. Shit, this was not good. He raised the sword to shish kabob the fucker, but his sword was quickly removed from his hands. So much for Storym’s way of doing things. Nick should have brought his gun. “I know you,” the captain snarled when he spun around. “You were in the arena.” “Yeah, and you should have been killed just like the Amir.” That gained Nick a good open-handed smack across the face. If he could get his arms free, these fuckers were going to be airborne. Nick turned back to look at the captain and spat the blood inside his mouth in the man’s face. “Fuck you!” “No one speaks to me like that,” the captain snarled. “You will die for your insolence.” “Cry me a river, asshole.” Nick winced as the captain smacked him again. Wow, he was racking up a lot of points here. He’d have to remember to arm himself with a few other weapons. A bazooka came immediately to mind. “You are Demonas Amaté, are you not?”

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Uh-oh. The captain grinned, and a cold chill ran down Nick’s spine. He was in trouble. “Who is your demon, surface dweller?” “Bite me!” Instead of smacking him across the face again, this time the captain doubled up his fist and slammed it into Nick’s stomach. Nick groaned as unbelievable pain filled him, radiating out from his gut. He coughed several times as he tried to get air back into his lungs. His head was suddenly yanked back by the hand gripping a large handful of his hair. The captain grinned and leaned in closer. “I will make you talk.” “Wow, you’d make a really bad mobster. The phrase is we have ways of making you talk, and you have to use a really heavy Italian accent.” “What?” Nick snickered. He felt the captain’s hold on his hair loosen and drove his head forward, smashing it into the captain’s face. Blood spurted everywhere. The captain shouted and pulled back, grabbing his nose. Whoever held his hands behind his back shoved Nick toward the wall and stepped over to assist the captain. Nick took the opportunity to pull his hands free. He was already creating a tornado by the time he had them out in front of him. Nick wasted no time. He started throwing tornados at the three men as fast as he could create them. They weren’t big tornados by any means. They certainly were not on the level that Storym could create. But they kept the captain and his goons ducking long enough for Nick to back up and put some space between them. “Storym!” Nick shouted at the top of his lungs. “Storym, I need help!” “Demonas Amaté!” Nick froze when a set of strong arms wrapped around him from behind and lifted him up into the air. That wasn’t Storym’s voice.

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Nick started struggling. He had a really bad feeling that the mad demon held him. “Let! Me! Go!” “My Demonas Amaté.” “No!” Nick screamed. “I belong to Storym.” “Storym, is it?” The captain chuckled evilly. “Is that your demon, surface dweller?” Shit! “Uh…” “Bring him to me, demon,” the captain ordered. “No, he is my Demonas Amaté.” “I said bring him to me!” “You will not take him from me!” the demon shouted. Nick’s head spun as the demon suddenly flipped him over his shoulder and took off running. Nick could see the captain and the other two men giving chase as he bounded up and down over the demon’s shoulder. “Let me go!” Nick screamed. “Mine!” Nick rolled his eyes and started beating on the demon’s back. It had no effect. The demon kept on running. He needed another plan. Nick started looking around as much as he could while being flopped around. His eyes darted left and right trying to find something to defend himself with and settled on the sheath attached to the demon’s side. Nick reached for the handle of the knife just as the demon stumbled and dropped to the ground. Nick grunted as pain filled his entire body when he was slammed down onto the ground, the demon landing on top of him. He couldn’t breathe. He felt like a thousand pounds of demon sat on his chest. He panted heavily until air returned to his lungs. Nick heard the demon grunt and looked up just in time to see the captain of

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the guard pulling a bloody sword from the demon’s back. Nick’s eyes darted over to the demon’s. “I am sorry, Demonas Amaté,” the demon whispered. Pain and regret filled the demon’s eyes as he stroked the side of Nick’s face. “I would have been a good mate for you.” Nick was speechless. He didn’t know what to say to the demon, not when he could see the life draining from his eyes. The demon was crazy, obsessed, but Nick didn’t wish him dead. Things might have been different if he hadn’t met Storym, but he had and he was mated. That was the end of it as far as Nick was concerned. No one else had a chance once he mated Storym. “I’m sorry, too,” Nick whispered back. “Run, Demonas Amaté.” Nick blinked. How was he supposed to run with a million pounds of demon lying over the top of him? The answer came a moment later when the demon suddenly rolled to his feet and started fighting the captain and his thugs, throwing tornado after tornado at them, each tornado growing in size until the entire corridor was screaming with whirling wind. “Run!” the demon shouted. Nick jumped to his feet and took off running as fast as he could. He had no idea where he was going, but he didn’t care, just as long as he was going in the opposite direction than the fight behind him. Nick heard the demon roar and glanced over his shoulder just in time to see the man crumble to the ground. Something told him the demon was dead. It could have been the evil grin the captain sent in his direction as he started running after him. Nick put on the speed, running faster. He wasn’t going to let himself get caught again. Nick’s eyes widened when he looked up and saw the corridor coming to an end. He was going to be so pissed if he had run into a dead end. Just as he reached the end of the hallway, Nick noticed a small opening off to one side. It didn’t look like a doorway but rather as if a

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section of the wall had been pushed aside. He darted toward it, sucking in his stomach and squeezing through the small opening. The moment he was through the small space, Nick turned and started pushing on the heavy stone door. He could hear the captain shouting, and quick footsteps, and knew he had just seconds to get the doorway closed before they reached him. Using every last bit of strength he had, Nick pushed on the stone partition until he felt it start to close. Nick pushed the door closed the rest of the way just as he saw a flash of fabric the same color as the captain’s shirt. The muffled yelling from the other side of the thick stone door when he slammed shut made Nick snicker. He leaned against the wall for a moment as he caught his breath then turned to see where in the hell he was. It was a small room made of the same stone that the palace walls were made of. A small table sat in the middle of the room, a chair on either side of it. Smack in the middle of the table was a candle—a lit candle. Nick stilled his body and quickly scanned the rest of the room. A lit candle meant someone was recently inside the room. Except for what he had already seen and a small archway on the far side of the room, the place was empty. He’d give just about anything to know where he was. Nick pushed himself away from the wall and started walking around the edge of the room toward the archway. He took small, measured steps, walking as quietly as he could. If someone else was around, he didn’t want to broadcast his presence. Nick paused at the edge of the archway and glanced around the side of it. Beyond it was another room about the same size as the one he was in, only this one was filled with stuff. Nick frowned when he looked closer. It was filled with his stuff. He crossed the room to a pile of items stacked neatly on a table against the far wall. He started looking through them, recognizing his

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shirt, a pair of shoes that had gone missing, even a pair of white boxers with red hearts all over them. Nick turned and scanned the rest of the room. Everything was neat as a pin. The bed was made. The dishes stacked neatly on a shelf. Even the chair sitting at a reading desk was pushed in and the books stacked on top of the desk were in perfect symmetry. Whoever occupied this room had a serious case of OCD—and stealing. Nick jumped when he heard the stone partition in the other room being pushed open. He frantically searched the room for a place to hide, his eyes settling on the bed. Nick scrambled across the room to the bed and dropped down to the ground. He pushed himself under the bed and as far back against the wall as he could possibly get. He reached the other side just as a set of boots came into view. Nick held his breath and watched. He brought his hands up, ready to create a tornado if he was discovered, and prayed he went unnoticed. “I can smell you, Demonas Amaté. I know you are in here.” The air rushed out of Nick’s lungs in a huge whoosh as he recognized Storym’s voice. He started pushing himself back across the floor, trying to reach his mate, when the bed was suddenly lifted out of the way and Storym stared down at him. “Are you done playing for today, Demonas Amaté?” “Playing, my ass,” Nick snapped as he climbed to his feet and moved out of range of the bed. He glared over at Storym as the man dropped the bed back into place. “I was running for my life, thank you very much.” “And if you would allow me to keep you safe instead of running off to do battle, that would not be the case.” “Dream on, demon boy.” Nick watched Storym’s swirling blue eyes run up and down his body. He knew the demon was looking for any sign of injury. “You are unharmed, Demonas Amaté?” Nick smiled. The fear in Storym’s deep voice was evident by the slight tremble in its deep tone. Storym was trying very hard to come

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off as a tough guy, but he was worried to death. His hands were even shaking, although they were clenched into fists. “I’m totally unharmed,” Nick said. “Not a scratch on me.” Storym breathed deeply. “This is good.” “Yes, well.” Nick grimaced. “I seriously doubt that would be the case if that crazy-ass demon obsessed with me hadn’t rescued my ass.” “He… rescued you?” Storym’s eyes quickly darted around the room. “Where is he?” “Dead.” Nick swallowed hard. “He gave up his life to save mine.” Storym’s eyes widened. “Tell me who this demon was so that I may give my thanks to his family.” “I don’t know.” Nick shook his head. “He died before he could give me his name.” “Where is his body?” Nick waved his hand back toward the other room. “He’s back that way somewhere. I’m afraid I don’t know exactly where. I was too busy trying to get away from the captain of the guard and his goons.” “The captain of the guard?” Storym roared. “Is he the one behind all of this? Is he working with that demon?” “No, that’s not the impression I got. I think they were two separate things. The captain of the guard is certainly dangerous, and it’s clear he is out of his mind, but he had nothing to do with that demon coming after me. That was all the demon’s idea.” “We must find him,” Storym snapped. “Which way did he go?” Nick grimaced. “I couldn’t tell you that either. I don’t even know where I am.” Storym started to chuckle. “Neither do I.” “Well, at least we’re lost together.” “If we go back the way you came, we may be able to find us way out. The way I came is blocked.” “Blocked?”

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Storym nodded as he walked into the other room. He pointed to the wall next to the one Nick had come through. “The door seems to only open in, not out.” “I came through there.” Nick pointed to another wall. “I climbed under the bed when I heard the rock wall being pushed open. I assumed it was the captain getting inside here. I didn’t know it was you coming through a different doorway.” “I am not liking all of these secret doors and winding passageways. It does not make the palace a very safe place to be.” “Maybe we should consider turning it into some sort of hotel or something. Or just close it down and move back to the clan compound. I’m sure you guys are perfectly capable of running Jinnistan from home.”

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Chapter 12 Storym felt something warm and tender move through him when Nick called the clan compound home. He wanted nothing more than to move back there—a place he knew for sure was safe. He hated living in the palace. “Maybe that is something we can discuss with the others when we find our way back.” “If, don’t you mean,” Nick snorted. “If we find our way back, and I’m quickly wondering if that will ever happen. I’m not even sure we’re in Jinnistan anymore. We could be on the moon for all I know.” “Not to worry, Demonas Amaté, we will find our way back. I will allow nothing else.” “I love how confident you are.” Nick chuckled and waved his hand toward the door he had come through. “Lead the way, oh gorgeous one.” Storym frowned. Nick’s words said one thing, but his tone said something else. Nick was scared and didn’t think they were going to find their way out. Storym knew they would. Like he had said, he would allow nothing else. His Demonas Amaté’s life was at stake. “Come.” Storym walked over to the wall Nick indicated and began studying it. He knew there had to be some sort of lever that would open the door. That was how he found his way into the room. It made sense that there was a way out of the room. Storym felt his way along the creases made in the stone until he felt a small pressure plate. “Stand back,” he said to Nick then pushed the plate. To his delight, the stone partition began to swing open.

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Storym grabbed his sword out of the scabbard strapped on his back and held it in his hands as he placed himself between Nick and the doorway. Anyone on the other side would have to go through him to reach his Demonas Amaté. When no one appeared in the doorway, Storym stepped through into the corridor beyond. He could see that they were at the end of one long hallway, and he couldn’t see anyone at the other end, so he gestured for Nick to follow him. “Stay close, Demonas Amaté.” “Yeah, not a problem.” Storym studied the floor as they walked down the long hallway. He could see footsteps in the dust here and there, but he couldn’t tell who they belonged to or in what direction they were going. There were too many of them. “Does any of this look familiar, Demonas Amaté?” Storym asked as the rounded a corner. “Yeah, that.” Storym followed the direction Nick was pointing to and gasped when he spotted the dead demon lying in the middle of the corridor. And it was obvious that the demon was dead by the large pool of blood under his body. “Is this the demon that saved you?” Nick nodded. “Stay here.” Storym could see how upset Nick was as he looked at the dead man. His face was ash white. He didn’t want to subject Nick to any more horrors than he had to. Storym walked over to the demon and turned him over. He recognized the man as the one that had attacked Nick on the balcony, but he did not know him personally. It really was too bad. If the man hadn’t been obsessed with having Nick, they might have been friends. “Storym!”

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Storym spun around when he heard Nick’s desperate cry. He felt the blood drain from his face when he saw the captain of the guard standing behind Nick holding a sword across his mate’s throat. “Hurt him and you will die a very painful death,” Storym growled as he stood to his feet and took a couple of steps toward the captain. “Uh uh uh, put the sword down, Djini,” the captain said. Storym immediately dropped the sword. “Keep your hands where I can see them and no funny business.” No funny business? Storym cocked his head to one side as a thought suddenly entered his head, one he had not previously considered. “You are a surface dweller, aren’t you?” “I am the next Amir!” the captain snapped. “I will see you all in prison, and then I will rule Jinnistan as it was meant to be ruled.” “You and the former Amir, you had this planned all along, didn’t you?” Storym couldn’t understand why he hadn’t seen it before. The captain of the guard worked so closely with the former Amir, who was also a surface dweller. They had to have come from the same place. They were too much alike. “We found a way into your little world years ago,” the captain sneered, “followed you demon hunters right in. The last Amir was a fool, but he was an easily controlled fool. He wanted a son so badly that he was willing to adopt the Amir, make him the heir to the throne.” “And that makes you next in line how?” “The only thing stopping me from taking over is you. Once I rid this world of the Djini, I will put myself on the throne and rule for a thousand years.” Storym tensed, growling low in his throat when the captain licked the side of Nick’s face. He was going to rip out that tongue and burn it by the time he was done with the captain. No one touched his Demonas Amaté. “I’m not as dumb as the Amir,” the captain said. “I understand that this world is governed by prophecy. I know of your Demonas

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Amaté. Nicholas, Brayan, Gabriele, and that other one. What was his name? Jackson?” Storym’s blood ran cold when the captain named off every one of the clan’s mates. He had to have more spies than they had originally thought to know that much. The name of a Demonas Amaté was a closely held secret just for this reason. “All surface dwellers, just like me,” the captain continued. “Once I have them all, I will be Amir.” “Over my dead body,” Storym growled. “That can be arranged.” The captain’s vile laughter filled the corridor as he gestured to someone standing behind him. Storym’s heart sank when two men stepped around the captain. He recognized one as one of the men rescued from the harem. The other one was dressed as a surface dweller, so Storym assumed that was what he was. The captain yanked back on Nick’s head. “I want his little Demonas Amaté to watch while you cut out his heart.” Storym heard Nick whimper as the two men advanced on him, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the threat to look at his mate. He racked his brain as he tried to come up with a plan of attack as quickly as he could. “Remember, Djini,” the captain said just as the two men reached Storym, “I have your Demonas Amaté’s life in my hands.” Storym growled as he was forced to his knees. He couldn’t fight them while Nick had a sword to his throat, and he knew it. Someone grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked his head back. Storym’s eyes snapped up to meet Nick. His heart tore in two when he spotted a single tear rolling down Nick’s cheek. This wasn’t right. They were meant to be together for all eternity, not just a number of days. He had fought too long and too hard to lose what he had now. There had to be a way out of this mess without either of them dying. He just couldn’t think of one. “Heart, mind, body, and soul, Nicholas.”

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Nick nodded, and Storym knew his mate understood his words. He wanted to say he loved Nick, but he wouldn’t allow the captain or his goons to use that against him or Nick. By using Nick’s true name and not Demonas Amaté, Storym hoped to convey to Nick all that he felt toward the man. Storym tried not to swallow past the lump building in his throat when he felt a sharp blade press against his skin. He could see horror building in Nick’s eyes. Storym didn’t want Nick to watch him die. He didn’t want that memory for his mate. “Close your eyes, Demonas Amaté.” “No!” the captain started shouting when Nick instantly closed his eyes. “You will watch him die. Open your eyes at once. I command you!” Nick kept his eyes tightly closed no matter how much the captain yelled at him, and Storym was grateful for that. There were just some things that no one should witness. “You may kill me now.” “No, no, no!” the captain shouted again. “This is not the way it will go. I want your Nicholas to watch you die like I had to watch the Amir die. You must all pay for his death.” “Is that what this is about?” Storym laughed harshly. “Revenge?” “You deserve to die for killing him.” “So do you!” Storym blinked in surprise when Tehmper suddenly appeared behind the captain and ripped the sword away from Nick’s neck. Storym reacted instantly. He shot his arm out and threw a tornado at Nick, sending him flying through the air and away from danger, with the hopes that he would land softly. The corridor suddenly filled with Djini, some Storym recognized, and some he did not. The sword held to his throat was pushed away, and the fight was on. Storym jumped to his feet and began throwing tornados as he ran toward Nick.

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He dodged fireballs and tornados and balls of water and vines growing up out of the ground. For a moment, chaos reigned as Djini threw every element possible at the captain and his goons. By the time Storym reached Nick’s side, the room had fallen into silence. He glanced over his shoulder to see the captain lying on the ground along with his two thugs, large gaping holes in their chests. They would be a threat no longer. Storym dropped to his knees beside Nick’s still form and gently touched his back. “Demonas Amaté?” he whispered softly, afraid that Nick would not answer him back. “Nicholas?” Joy unlike anything he had ever felt filled Storym when Nick groaned and rolled over to his back. He grabbed Nick and hauled the man into his arms. “Nicholas!” “Oh, don’t squeeze,” Nick groaned. “I think I cracked a rib.” Storym laughed through the tears that were starting to climb up his throat and loosened his arms just enough to let Nick breath. “I changed my mind. I am locking you up and surrounding you with sentries. No more missions.” Nick chuckled and nuzzled in under Storym’s chin. “I’ll think about it.”

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Chapter 13 “So, this tornado thing,” Jack said. “Once you were claimed by Storym you could create them?” “Yep.” Nick twirled his finger, and the mini tornado in the palm of his hand began to swirl faster. Jack’s forehead creased as he frowned. “How?” “Got me.” Nick shrugged. “It’s just something I can do, just like Gabe here can create fireballs.” Nick snickered when Gabe created a fireball in the palm of his hand and sent it flying past Jack’s head. “Better watch it, Gabe. Tehmper is still pretty pissed at you for the holes in the study wall. It took the carpenters two weeks to fix them all.” Gabe pouted. “Well, he shouldn’t have told me I couldn’t keep my sword then, should he?” “What are you going to do with a sword? It’s not like you can return to the surface to fight.” “As we have all recently discovered, fighting is not restricted to the surface world, and I refuse to be locked up in a padded cell.” “True. I wouldn’t mind the training so much if Storym didn’t have a panic attack every time I stubbed my toe. Do you know how embarrassing that is? I mean, seriously, we train with all of the other demons, and he totally freaks out if one of them goes a little tough on me. They’re all afraid to train with me.” “Be lucky you get to train,” Gabe said. “Tehmper and I are still discussing it.” “Talk to him about it while you’re giving him a blow job,” Nick said. “He’ll never be able to say no with his dick in your mouth.”

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“Eeewww,” Jack groaned. “TMI, guys.” “Oh please.” Nick snickered. “I’ve seen you eyeing Clagh’s package more than once, and if I’m not mistaken, someone had swollen lips when they left the study the other night.” Jack’s face flushed, and he quickly glanced away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Right.” “I don’t do men.” “Yes, but do you do demons?” Jack suddenly laughed even though his face was turning even darker. “Maybe.” Nick tilted his head back and grinned over at Gabe. “That just leaves Brayan.” “Brayan?” Gabe looked confused. “What about him?” “Well, we’ve all moved back into the clan compound, except for Brayan. With the three of us here, we need to move Brayan here as well. He’s one of us.” “You heard him as well as I did. He doesn’t want to move out of the palace.” “No, he’s afraid of moving out of the palace. Big difference.” “Why do you think that is?” “A hundred reasons, I’m sure, but the most important one is that he’s ashamed of the scars on his body. He needs to be here with us where we can teach him that he has nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, Zayne is here, and what better way for Brayan to come back to the land of the living than with his demon by his side.” “Plotting again, Demonas Amaté?” Nick jumped when he heard Storym’s amused voice behind him. The tornado in his hand got away from him when he lost concentration and flew across the room to smash into the bookcase. Books crashed to the floor with a loud thud. Nick just sat there for a moment and stared, stunned, as silence filled the room. The quiet was shattered by a small snicker from Jack,

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and then Gabe joined in. Pretty soon, both men were rolling on the couch, laughing their asses off. “You need more practice, Demonas Amaté.” Nick chuckled as he turned to see his demon lounging against the archway. “Practice?” Nick had a sudden vision in his head of mini tornados holding his big demon down to the bed as he ravished the man’s naked body. Nick wiggled his eyebrows. “I like practice.”

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stormy believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two or three men in cowboy boots. She also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings. Stormy lives in the great Northwest region of the USA, with her gorgeous husband and soul mate, six very active teenagers, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cat, and one fish. You can usually find her cuddled in bed with a book in her hand and a puppy in her lap, or on her laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of her stories. Stormy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website at www.stormyglenn.com

Also by Stormy Glenn Siren Classic ManLove: Blaecleah Brothers 1: Cowboy Easy Siren Classic ManLove: Blaecleah Brothers 2: Cowboy Keeper Siren Classic ManLove: Blaecleah Brothers 3: Cowboy Way Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 2: Just a Taste of Me Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 3: Tasty Treats, Volume 3: Man to Man Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 4: Blood Prince Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 5: Love, Always, Promise Ménage Amour ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 6: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 7: Pretty Baby Ménage Amour ManLove: Tri-Omega Mates 1: Secret Desires Ménage Amour ManLove: Tri-Omega Mates 2: Forbidden Desires Ménage Amour ManLove: Tri-Omega Mates 3: Hidden Desires Ménage Amour ManLove: Tri-Omega Mates 4: Stolen Desires Ménage Amour ManLove: Tri-Omega Mates 5: Unspoken Desires Ménage Amour ManLove: Tri-Omega Mates 6: A Hunter’s Desires Ménage Amour: Lovers of Alpha Squad 1: Mari’s Men Siren Classic ManLove: Lovers of Alpha Squad 2: The Doctor’s Patience Siren Classic: Lovers of Alpha Squad 3: Julia’s Knight Ménage Amour ManLove: Lovers of Alpha Squad 4: Three of a Kind Siren Classic ManLove: Sweet Perfection 1: Sweet Treats Siren Classic ManLove: Sweet Perfection 2: Mr. Wonderful Siren Classic ManLove: True Blood Mate 1: Heart Song Ménage Amour ManLove: True Blood Mate 2: Alpha Born Siren Classic ManLove: True Blood Mate 3: Love Sexy Siren Classic ManLove: True Blood Mate 4: Redemption Siren Classic ManLove: Katzman 1: The Katzman’s Mate Siren Classic ManLove: Katzman 2: Dream Mate Siren Classic ManLove: Katzman 3: Pride Mate Ménage Amour: Love’s Legacy 1: Cowboy Legacy Siren Classic ManLove: Viking Lore 1: Honor Bound

Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: Scales and a Tail Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: Fang and Fur Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: White Paws and a Dream Ménage Amour ManLove: Tasty Treats 5: Cowboy Dreams Siren Classic ManLove: My Lupine Lover Siren Classic ManLove: The Master’s Pet Siren Classic ManLove: Fire Demon Siren Classic: Wolf Queen Siren Classic ManLove: His Gentle Touch Ménage Amour: Mating Heat Siren Classic ManLove: Shake, Rattle, and Roll

Also by Stormy Glenn and Joyee Flynn Ménage Amour ManLove: Delta Wolf 1: Chameleon Wolf Ménage Amour ManLove: Delta Wolf 2: Mating Games Ménage Amour ManLove: Delta Wolf 3: Blood Lust

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