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

by Lark Taylor

Mori flashed me a smirk. “Your wards are shit. Remember Mexico?” I folded my arms across my chest and narrowed my eyes at my brother. “What’s the rule about Mexico?” “We can only mention it once per decade,” Mori muttered, annoyed at me for spoiling his fun.

Harlow moved swiftly until he was pressed against my back. I realised he was shorter than me as he went on tiptoe to peer at Cal over my shoulder. “Protect me from him, Oscar,” he squawked. “It’s your duty as my new best friend.”

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.”

I cuddled him closer, my chest hurting at how touch-deprived he was. 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.

“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.”

“Haven’t you had enough sex today? Cal, give the poor boy a break.” “Don’t give the poor boy a break,” I whispered in Cal’s ear.

“Dagon, at your service.” I eyed his hand dubiously, staying on the floor. “Prove it.” He scratched at his head. “Um…okay. Have you heard the story about Mexico?”