Devil's Mark (The Reckless Damned, #1)

by Lark Taylor

“Morning, my fellow fire-breathing bitch queens!” Harlow’s greeting was stolen from one of his favourite books. He loved how ironically it could be applied to the three of us. He swept in on a cloud of cologne that smelled of honey and oranges. “To what do I owe the pleasure of such an early morning—Oh, for fuck’s sake, not the rug again.”

Not like demons. Our love was rare but all-consuming. When we fell in love and marked another as our own, that was it for us.

Catching Mori’s eye over the top of the man’s head, I asserted my authority by mouthing the universally recognised code of siblings—even demonic ones. Dibs

Hell, if I had my way, Oscar would never leave the safety of my embrace again. Demons were very possessive when we found something we wanted.

Calling on my ancient well of power, I leaned forward and placed my lips on Oscar’s forehead. Marking him as mine.

“Oh, believe me, the second you give me the green light, I’ll have you naked and writhing under me. I’ll use my hands to erase the memory of any other man ever touching you. I’ll use my lips to make you forget everything except the pleasure I’m giving you. I’ll use my tongue to⁠—” “Okay,” he squeaked, trying to push me away so he could stand. “Forget everything else. Let’s do that.”

“Are you sure you’re a demon? Because I feel like a demon would be on board with railing me until I see stars.”

“Are you okay? I’m so sorry about Harlow. We’ve spent centuries trying to train him, but nothing seems to stick.” “I heard that.” Harlow’s indignant voice came from over my shoulder, but we both ignored him. “I’m okay,” I said. “For future reference, though, I prefer to be woken with tea rather than strange men breathing on my face.” Cal’s face darkened as his eyes shot over my shoulder. “You dared go near…” “Truce,” Harlow squeaked. “You wouldn’t hurt Oscar’s best friend, now would you?” Cal cocked an eyebrow. “Best friend, huh? And I thought I moved fast.” “You can’t fight fate, Cal.” Harlow gave him an innocent smile. “You of all demons should know that.”

“Nothing would please me more than to have you here. It’s already my favourite place, but knowing you love it makes it even better.”

“I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart. I’ll be by your side as long as you’ll let me.”

You don’t want to get off the sofa? I’ll sit with you. You’re having an anxiety attack? I’ll talk you through it. No matter what you’re thinking or going through, I’ll be at your side. Nothing about you can scare me away. That’s the good thing about demons. Your darkness cannot contend with mine.”

“Oh, sweetheart, if you ever learn how deeply you affect me, the whole world will be in trouble.”

If Oscar wanted me to carry him around like a baby koala all day, then you could bet your arse that was what I would do.

I may have given Oscar the option to walk away from me, but all of Hell wouldn’t be enough for me to walk away from him.

“That’s not it at all. None of us thinks you’re weak. For Satan’s sake, you teach teenagers. Willingly. If that doesn’t show you’ve got a core of steel, I don’t know what will.”

“I can share.” He pursed his lips as though considering it. “No, actually, that’s total bullshit. Sharing and demons go together like black pudding and chocolate ice cream.” I mock gagged. “Pigs blood and ice cream? What the actual fuck is wrong with your brain?” “Exactly! So, no, there will be no sharing you. Your Bailey will need to settle for second place. Don’t worry. I’ll explain it all to him when you introduce us.”

“Sweetheart, if you were in danger, the whole of Hell wouldn’t be enough to stop me from getting to you.”

“Bestie, time for another demonic boyfriend lesson. If Cal had his way, he’d chain you to his bedpost and wait on you hand and foot for the rest of eternity if that kept you safe. He’s trying to be more…human, for your sake.”

Everyone is always drooling over Chris Evans, but the truth is that Sebastian Stan is where it’s at.”

The final one, Unhinged by Onley James, had a Post-It on the cover with the same handwriting as the note. This series is one of my favourites. It’s a little darker than the other books, but something tells me it will appeal to you too.

“We just fucked in a closet. In The Closet. If we get caught leaving here, the irony might kill me.”

“I hate that I’m doing this, but I love you. I love you for offering. I love you for risking everything to save my brother. I love every fucking thing about you, and I don’t want to wait another second to tell you. I love you, Oscar, and once this is over, I’m going to tell you every minute for the rest of eternity.”

“I love you, Cal. Before you, I was living half a life, but you have made me whole again. You’ve given me the confidence to embrace everything I once loved and the courage to be the person I want to be.” I took a deep breath, unsure if there was a protocol or something I should be following. Fuck it, I was just going to go with what felt right. “I’m honoured that you chose me to give your mark to, and nothing would make me happier than accepting your bond.”

“I’m sure there’s another reason…ah yes! You should move in with me because I’m desperately in love with you and the thought of you sleeping in a different bed makes me want to peel my skin off.”

“I didn’t think I could love you more,” Cal rasped against my lips as his pace increased. “But seeing you there, on your knees, choosing me, I think you stole my heart all over again.”

“I will choose you every day for the rest of eternity.”