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Lou smirked at Larkin. “Your demon sure is possessive of Teague, huh?”
She grunted, folding her arms.
The devil’s smirk didn’t whatsoever dim. “Still mad at me?”
“Yes.”
Teague narrowed his eyes at him. “What did you do?”
It was Larkin who explained, “The asshole picked a fight with me while I had the hiccups.”
Teague managed to stifle a smile. Barely.
Lou plonked himself on the sofa opposite them. “I could try to be a better person. But why bother? It’s not like I’m going to heaven. Been there. Done that. Wasn’t feeling the vibe.”
“So you chose to embrace evil instead,” muttered Larkin.
“I highly recommend it,” said Lou, completely serious. “There’s more fun to be had in the dark than in the light. Trust me on that.”
“I’d be a fool to trust you in anything.”
“That I will concede.” Lou glanced from her to Teague. “So, I’m guessing this is a result of Harper’s matchmaking efforts.”
Larkin squinted. “How do you know about the matchmaking?”
“I heard Harper talking to Knox about it when I last came to visit my delightful nephew.” Lou pouted as he looked down at Asher. “It’s a bummer that he’s asleep.”
“Don’t wake him.”
“I wasn’t gonna. I’m happy to spend some quality time with one of my besties.”
Larkin frowned. “We’re not friends.”
“You gotta stop fighting it, Lauren.”
“That’s not my name. And you’re not supposed to be breathing my air—we’ve been over this.”
Lou smirked at Teague. “I adore how bitchy she is. People concentrate far too much on being nice and approachable and smiley. Sounds exhausting.”
“I’m with you on that one,” said Teague.
Larkin grunted. “You two sing several lines from the same hymn sheet.”
Lou made a weird face. “Nah, I steer clear of hymns. So done with all that’s holy. Though I do have a beautiful singing voice. Want to hear it?”
“No,” she told him.
Lou shrugged. “Just as well. The only lyrics I know are downright filthy. It would be horribly awkward for Teague if I got you hot under the collar.”
“There is like zero chance of that happening,” said Larkin.
“Beelzebub’s consort said the same. And yet . . . ”
Larkin’s phone began to ring. She fished it out of her pocket and frowned at the screen. “I need to take this.” She carefully scooted out from under Asher and then left the room.
Lou leaned toward Teague, his eyes bright. “She doesn’t know the truth about you, does she?”
Teague tensed. “No.”
“Are you gonna tell her?”
“No. And neither are you.”
Lou straightened. “Honesty is the best policy. Or so they say. I personally think that lying your ass off is the best way to go. Makes things more interesting.”
“I mean it, you say nothing to her.”
Lou flicked a hand. “Don’t worry, I’m a whizz at keeping secrets. The friends I share them with? Well, that’s another matter.”
“You don’t have friends. You don’t want friends. You alienate as many people as you can.”
“It’s my calling.”
Asher stirred with a mumble, rolling onto his back. His eyelids flickered open, and languid dark orbs took in the room. Those eyes widened when he spotted the newcomer. “Lou!”
“Hello, my favorite nephew.” Lou caught the little boy who launched himself at him. “Have you been causing mischief and mayhem?”
Asher nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“Good, good.” Lou cocked his head. “So, when are you and I gonna get around to ending the world?”
Asher’s face scrunched up. “I wanna rule it for a bit first.”
Lou’s mouth spread into a wide grin that held a huge dose of pride. “That’s it, boy—think big.”
Just then, Larkin returned. Looking from Lou to Asher, she asked, “What are you two talking about?”
“Ice-cream,” they both replied in unison.
She narrowed her eyes. “Lou, if you’re trying to encourage him to destroy the Earth again, I swear . . . ”
Lou gave her a look of wide-eyed innocence. “You’re always so quick to think badly of me.”
“And there’s every reason in the world why I should,” she said, returning to her spot on the sofa.
“That hurts, bestie. But it’s fine. Whatever.” Lou held Asher a little closer. “As long as my nephew here loves me, all is well.”
A high-pitched, drawn-out toot rang through the air.
Lou grimaced at Asher, who burst into a round of giggles. “Jesus, kid, that reeks. What have you been eating?” Lou stretched his arms out fully, holding the kid away from his body. “Dan! We need air freshener in here! Pronto!”
Teague felt his mouth curve. “I’m starting to think he’s learned how to fart on cue.”
Lou’s lips flattened. “If he has, he probably learned it from Jole—” He cut off as another fart rang out. “No, Asher, no—Look lively, Dan, and bring us some air freshener!”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
One week later, Teague parked his bike outside his wagon and fluidly dismounted off it. As usual, with the exception of a sleeping Hugo, the dogs padded over for strokes as he removed his helmet.
The rest of the clan were gathered around the clearing eating breakfast and sipping from mugs. Well, all but Gideon—he stood in front of a bird box, his hands set on his hips.
