Page 81 of His Eternal Temptation

Nerves skittered down Rowan’s spine. “It’s about your mating bond.”

Onyx’s eyes became slits, his tone lethal. “What about it?”

“Nothing bad. Dammit, Onyx. I’m not criticizing you. I’d like your help. Please.”

Onyx looked like he’d been slapped silly. Then he smiled. “All right. Let’s go somewhere less obnoxious, if possible. I can’t stand the sound of these machines even when no one’s playing them.”

Rowan let the dig go. What Nico said earlier gave him an idea. “The men’s club is empty. We can chat there, and you can head on downstairs when we’re done.” This way, they could avoid his office and unnecessary reminders of everything Onyx disliked about him.

Onyx agreed, so Rowan led him to the second floor and flicked on the overhead lights.

“It’s like seeing behind the curtain.” Onyx sauntered through the deserted club and hopped onto the stage, sitting with his legs dangling over the side. “So what’s up?”

Rowan crossed and uncrossed his arms. “I’m curious about demons’ fated mates. How exactly do they work? What’s the magic behind it? And before you snap at me, can you please give me the benefit of the doubt? You and Nico are perfect together, and I’m not attacking you or your relationship.”

Onyx’s stunned expression returned. “Yeah. Okay. I won’t bite.”

Rowan allowed his posture to relax. “I know you’re not Nico’s sire. Demons’ mates don’t have sires as such, but is your bond similar to a vampire’s sire-bond?”

“In what way?”

“The power dynamic created by the connection. Do you hold power over Nico?”

Onyx’s eyes flared with blue fire, his jaw ticking as if he was holding something in. After a moment, he said, “Why are you asking? Do you think you’re a demon’s mate?”

“No.” Rowan almost laughed. “I’m in love with Lane.”

Onyx brightened. “I knew it!”

Rowan ignored him. “I want Lane forever, but I don’t want to be his sire. I’d hate having power over him, even if I never use it. I hate the nature of the sire-bond. The potential for abuse. The need for one-sided, blind trust. Part of me doesn’t want that for Lane with anyone, even my most trusted friends.”

Onyx seemed overwhelmed by Rowan’s outburst and took a moment to think. “I don’t have any sway over Nico. Our mating bond is equal. The magic is created between our souls. I feel his emotions, but he feels mine, too. It’s a link we share, and not about influence. I doubt I could force Nico to feel something he didn’t want to, like if he’s happy and I’m sad, the bond can’t force him to feel as I do. He’s aware of my state of mind.”

How utterly perfect. Rowan’s heart ached with longing to have such a connection with Lane. “I wish other beings could have mates.”

Onyx’s expression softened. “Me too. Couldn’t you treat a sire-bond the same way? Open yourself up rather than project. Granted, it will only go one direction.”

“And therefore remain unequal.”

“I assume Lane trusts you enough for it not to be an issue. And I know, you don’t like blind trust, but is it really blind? Doesn’t Lane know you? I doubt his trust is one-sided either. You must trust him.”

“Of course I trust him. It isn’t about reciprocation.”

“Then don’t you think you’d get used to sharing a sire-bond? You’re already used to being in charge. It’s like your safe space, right? This would be completely in your control, not a risk, unless you don’t trust yourself.”

“It’s not about that either. I’m in charge of my coven, yes. I can handle responsibility, but leading isn’t my only safe space. My relationship with Lane is different.” His face heated. “I’m not the domineering vampire you know in my private life, and don’t want to be.”

A sire-bond wouldn’t stop Lane from taking charge of Rowan when he needed it. Nothing would stop Lane from supporting him and taking care. But it felt wrong for them.

As Rowan’s admission sank in, Onyx’s lips formed a little O, and delight bloomed across his face. Curse him. Rowan tried not to be pleased by his reaction. Seemed he’d found the one thing Onyx wouldn’t sneer at.

“So you’re a submissive?” Onyx cocked his head. “Wait, if that’s the case, why have you never been with Nico?” His usual irritation returned, outrage erasing his momentary pleasure.

Rowan could hardly keep up. “Are you seriously upset I’ve never had sex with your mate?”

Onyx’s nose lifted into the air. “You should be so lucky. Is Nico not good enough for you or something?”

“No, I’m not enough of a brat for him.”