Page 60 of Wolves Always Bite

AshandDillonwere right on my heels as we followedJeremyinside the motorhome.

Gage’spower was a palpable entity in the small space.DillonandAshfroze once they cleared the top step.Dillon’smouth was open, and fire lit his eyes.ExceptforDavina, who must still be on assignment, my usual teammates were waiting for us.Gagesat on the swivel chair closest to the door, just as he had whenI’dfirst introduced him toJeremy.Nelsonlurked in the narrow shadow-filled hallway that led to the bathroom andGage’sbedroom.Isaachad one arm draped over the empty dining room chair beside him, taking up more space than one person should need.AndTeaguewas on the opposite side of the table, looking calm and composed.

“Holybubbling cauldrons,”Ashmuttered as he lunged forJeremy, wrapped his arm around his friend’s waist, and tried to retreat.

“Ash, what are you doing?Letme go.”JeremyswattedAsh’sarm.

“I’msorry, sir,”Ashsaid as he pulled a strugglingJeremytoward the door. “We’llgo.Sorryto bother you.We’llall just forget this ever happened.”

“WeneedMr.Dimples,”Jeremysaid. “Youshould have seen the wayBabetteran when she saw him.”

TeagueandIsaacsnickered.Gagegrimaced.

“Jeremy, shut up,”Ashwhisper shouted in his friend’s ear, then he forced a smile on his face and bobbed his head towardGage. “Sorry, sir.We’releaving, sir.”

“Gage?”Iurged him to setJeremy’sfriends at ease.Icould try, butIdoubtedAshwould believe me withoutGagebacking me up.

Thedemon cleared his throat.Ashfroze, like a rabbit sensing a predator nearby.

“Areyou a demon?”Dillonasked.Bythe breathy sound of his voice, the big hellhound had slipped into fanboy mode.

“Whatare you doing?”Ashkicked his boyfriend, who jerked in surprise and shot him a disbelieving look. “Move,Dillon.Weneed to getJeremyout of here.”

“But,Ash, he’s a demon.YouknowI’vealways wanted to meet one.”

“Youmust beAshtonAveryandDillonEmerson,”Gagesaid.

Ashwhimpered.Hisgrip onJeremytightened.

“Please, come in,”Gagesaid. “AsJeremysaid,Ican help with the goblin.”

Ashaggressively shook his head. “I’msure we can figure it out.Wedidn’t mean to bother you.”

“Ash, it’s fine.”Jeremypatted his friend’s arm, which was still banded around his waist. “Mr.Dimples…Imean,Gage, he’sAdrian’sboss.”

“Holyhellfire, it’s already too late.He’salready made a deal with you, hasn’t he?”Sparksshot from the fire mage’s free hand.Henarrowed his eyes atGage. “WhatdidJeremypromise you?Itdoesn’t count unless you explain everything to him clearly.Heonly just found out about supes.”

“Doesanyone smell smoke?”Jeremyasked, sniffing the air.

Fromwhere he stood, he couldn’t see the smoke billowing from the hellhound’s nostrils, which had started in response to his mate’s panic.Thissituation was getting out of control.

“Enough,”Isaid.Everyonelooked at me.ImetAsh’seyes. “Youare safe, andJeremyis safe too.Iwouldn’t let anything happen to him.”

Ashswallowed hard.

“AndJeremyis right:Iwork withGage,”Icontinued. “Vanwanted help retrieving some missing magical artifacts.Yes,Gageis a demon, but he isn’t here to steal your soul or whatever it is you think demons do.”

Ashglanced at his mate, butDillonwas back to eyeingGagewith unadulterated awe.

“Comeon in, guys,”Isaacsaid.Histoothy grin often put people at ease.Hepatted the chair beside him at the table. “Havea seat.”

“Theyhelped get me away fromBabette,”Jeremysaid. “Idon’t know what she would have done if they hadn’t been there.”

“Areyou sure?”AshaskedGage, who merely nodded.Ashheaved out a deep breath.

“It’sgood,”Jeremysaid. “Theseguys are like the supernatural sleuth squad.”

“God,IhopeI’mnot making a mistake,”Ashmuttered as he loosened his hold onJeremy, who immediately went over to the empty swivel chair and plopped down.