Page 41 of Cuddly Demon

Saint gulps. "I'm not sure I'm ready to go to Hell."

My eyes lock on Saint's. "You don't have to before you're ready, beautiful boy. Hell—this is a lot to take in even for me."

Azazel smiles at Saint. "I'd also imagine that the thought of marriage is a bit... much for you."

Saint nods. "I was a virgin before I met Onyx. He's my first real partner, and while I have real feelings for him, the thought of marrying him so soon is overwhelming."

Azazel nods in understanding. "I get it. Marriage is a big step, and it's not for everyone. But you have to understand, in order to break a curse like this, it requires a level of commitment and love that transcends physical attraction. It requires a bond that cannot be broken by death or distance."

I wrap my arm around Saint's shoulder, pulling him close. "We'll figure it out together. We have time."

Azazel nods, a small smile playing at his lips. "I'm sure you will. And hey, if you ever need a demon to organize your wedding, you know who to call. I'm something of a wedding planner here in Sardinia. At least, that's why the locals think I stick around."

For the first time in three thousand years, I feel hope. Hope that I can break my curse and be free to love Saint without any restrictions.

"There's one other option." I gnash my teeth. "I could track down my last's master's descendants."

Azazel sucks in a breath. "I'm not sure how you'd go about that. Three thousand years is a long time to keep a family line going."

"I know," I say, a determined glint in my eyes. "But I have to try. I can't just sit here and wait for something to happen. I need to take control of my own destiny."

Saint squeezes my hand. "I'll help you in any way I can."

Azazel nods in agreement, a serious expression on his face. "We'll figure this out together."

I smile, feeling grateful for their support. "I don't know what I'd do without you two."

We spend the rest of the evening talking and laughing around the fire.

But as the stars come out overhead, a throb pulses behind my temples.

I try to ignore it, but it grows stronger.

"Christ," I snarl, palming my forehead, tension splitting my brain in two. "This is getting worse."

Saint leans in and kisses me. "I hope this helps."

For a brief moment, the pain dissipates. I swirl my tongue around his, feeling a rush of pleasure that momentarily distracts me from the ache.

SEVENTEEN

SAINT

Poor Onyx.

I sniffle as I tuck him into bed, then head to the beach with Azazel. "I'm worried."

"This is a common plight for demons," Azazel explains. "That's why the ritual of marriage is so powerful. It binds them to their partner and helps alleviate the pain."

"But what if I'm not ready to get married? And we can't find his last master's descendants?" I ask, my voice trembling with fear.

Azazel puts a comforting arm around my shoulder. "Then we'll find another way. There's always a solution. We're powerful demons, after all. We just have to keep looking."

I nod, feeling a bit more reassured. "I hate seeing him in pain. He's changed my life in so many ways."

Tears well in my eyes as I think of the wonderful ways in which Onyx has impacted my life. Before I summoned him, I was a lonely college sophomore, studying English and wondering what to do with my life. Onyx showed me that love was real, that there was more to life than just studying and getting good grades. He taught me how to enjoy the little things, like playing video games next to someone who keeps you warm. And now, seeing him in pain, it breaks my heart.

"I know," Azazel says softly, squeezing my shoulder. "But we'll find a way to help him."