Page 48 of How Not to Date a Demon

“Yes, you mentioned that,” Maeve responded dryly.

Galen ignored her, grabbing her hand again and ushering her along with his wing. If it wasn’t so cute, she probably would have been annoyed.

“So does everyone know you’re the big boss now?” she asked as another demon passed, nodding respectfully at Galen. None of them seemed alarmed that a human was walking amongst them.

“Yeah, it’s been announced. That’s actually why… why I had to leave last night,” he admitted, squeezing his fingers around hers. “Lucifer requested my presence, and I couldn’t say no. I just didn’t know it was because he was going to shake my hand and congratulate me.”

Maeve arched a brow. “Is it a big deal to see Lucifer?”

“Of course! He’s my boss. He just rules from… afar. Very afar. It’s rare that we actually see him. And if he requests your presence for anything other than a promotion or a marriage… good luck.” Galen winced, and Maeve wondered just how scary Lucifer had to be to make Galen nervous. He seemed pretty damned invincible with his golden skin and fancy horns and huge wings.

She didn’t like the idea of anyone hurting Galen, devil be damned.

Galen led her around Hell, down hallway after hallway, room after room. She met a few demons and expended enough blood from blushing that it was a miracle she didn’t pass out. They were all so fucking polite. All ‘yes ma’am,’ and ‘you take care of him’ and the newest one…

“Wow, surprised Galen could talk to women after all,” a deep voice teased.

She arched a brow at the brave words, gaze flitting between the two demons.

“You made for good practice, Julian,” Galen responded dryly.

Which was just hilarious. Apparently, as the two of them broke out into chuckles before hugging. Galen’s wing left her side for a split second, and she felt utterly exposed.

“This is Maeve,” Galen announced as he stepped back. His wing curled right back around her, and Maeve inched closer to Galen’s side while trying to look like the super tough cool human girlfriend she was.

“Lovely to meet you, Maeve. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Julian greeted, tipping his head at her with a smile. He was handsome, with hair cut close to his head and just as tall as Galen. His horns were curved straight up. No hiding those.

Maeve racked her brain. Something about the name Julian rang a bell, but she couldn’t quite pin why—

It hit her.

“Julian! The one who recommended you for the promotion?”

“That’s me,” Julian claimed with a proud smile. “Glad to see he’s taking advantage of the benefits.”

“Har, har,” Galen interjected. “I’m pretty sure Julian has somewhere to be, doesn’t he?”

Julian’s chuckle was silky smooth. “For once, you’re actually right. I have a summons to deliver.”

Galen blinked at that. “From—”

“Yep. The king himself,” he answered wryly.

“Why?”

Summons weren’t good, right? That was what Galen had said. So if it wasn’t a wedding or a promotion…

“Dunno. Just following orders.” The demon suddenly turned his attention to Maeve. “It was lovely to meet you, Maeve. See ya!”

“Bye… Julian,” she answered, frowning at the sudden tension in Galen.

Galen urged her along and patted Julian on the shoulder before whisking her away.

“Should we talk about that?” she suggested, but Julian’s chuckle echoed down the hall, and Galen distracted her with a painting.

Yeah. In Hell. Hanging in the hall like a decoration.

The only decoration. Maeve was getting kind of tired of Hell. It was all the same. How did they not get bored here? Were they just accustomed to it?