A stab of jealousy struck my heart for just a moment, but then I remembered that he was one of her mates. He belonged here just as much as any of us.
Goddammit.
“I was wondering why you’d been so distant and quiet,” she said.
I should have felt bad for eavesdropping, but that wasn’t who I was as a person. You have a conversation in a room full of people, expect to be overheard. If he wanted privacy, he should have found a locked door.
“It was my way of making amends for keeping you all to myself.”
Merri raised a brow. “I wasn’t aware you felt like you needed to make amends.”
“Yes, well. Consider it part of me proving myself. And perhaps earning some goodwill from the four musketeers.”
Merri squinted at him and leaned in closer. “Who are you and what have you done with Lucifer?”
“I contain multitudes, Merri.”
God, this guy.
He was fucking good. I’d give him that.
“Just remember, crabapple, if you find yourself in trouble, all you need do is call for me. I will be by your side.” He dipped his head and kissed her, and it was so tender I almost believed he was one of the good guys.
Almost.
“Okay, that’s enough of whatever this is.” I could’ve kissed Remi for breaking the moment so I didn’t have to.
Merri pulled away with a blush. “Sorry, I’m ready.”
“You should never apologize for being with your mate,” Lucifer chastised, adding a bit of extra bite to the last word.
With a roll of my eyes, I took Merri’s hand and tugged her close. Then I glared pointedly at Lucifer while my hand roamed over her ass.
He let out a nearly inaudible snarl, and I immediately felt better.
What’s good for the goose, buddy.
“Okay, how are we going to do this? As far as I recall, none of you have been to Blackthorne Manor,” Rosie said, pulling my attention back to the task at hand.
It was a struggle to contain my laughter. I glanced at Grim. “You’ve been there before, haven’t you?”
“Numerous times.”
“Really?” Rosie asked, her face painted in confusion.
Grim offered her a far softer look than he’d give most. “So many souls have been claimed on the grounds of your ancestral home. More than I can count.”
Rosie blinked at him, a delicate shudder running down her back. “That is surprisingly dark, but also accurate. I guess I never wanted to think about it in quite those terms.”
“Let’s get this over with,” Thorne grumbled. “I’m not overly enthused with the idea of seeing that place again. Not after everything.”
Rosie slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze, something private passing between the siblings that words couldn’t convey.
“Bonne chance,” Lilith offered the second before Grim pulled us through space and time.
It never failed to feel just a little weird when we materialized in a new place. It was second nature to me by now, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. Ben definitely didn’t. He was doubled over, breathing through his nose as he tried to keep from yakking.
“Ben, are you okay?” Rosie asked, rushing to him and rubbing his back.