Only Skin Deep: Paranormal MMM Romance, page 24
Ash nodded. “Choose it or not. You and Daniel can remain here as long as you need to get back on your feet.”
You never have to leave hung in the air between them.
Colby came up for air, turning, his cheek resting on Luca’s chest. “How do I get back on my feet without my studio?”
A slight smile played over Ash’s lips. Luca cocked his head to the side, frowning. What does he have up his sleeve?
Ash’s smile grew a bit more before it disappeared.
“I’m sure we can get you a job at a shop downstairs,” Ash said. He ran his palm over Colby’s back. “You can save up for a new studio.”
“I suppose I could rent time at the local pottery guild later. Thank heavens I shut down orders on my website before the fire.”
“Why’d you do that?” Ash asked.
“My hand doesn’t work. Remember?” Colby asked, showing off his wrecked hand. “There are a couple of commissions I hadn’t gotten to, and we lost all the pieces we’d recently made but hadn’t finished firing. I’ll have to contact my clients… and repay their deposits.” Colby sighed. “I don’t know how I recover from this.”
“You had homeowner’s insurance, didn’t you?” Ash asked.
Colby winced. “The premiums were too high. I didn’t have health insurance for the same reason.”
“Daniel?”
“Oh, the state helps with his health insurance. He’s covered, thankfully,” Colby said. He gasped and sat upright, his gaze searching between them. “If I can’t provide a home for Daniel, the state might put him in a home for the disabled.” He sat up straighter. “They could take him away from me.”
Panic shone in Colby’s eyes.
“No one’s taking anyone anywhere,” Ash said. “We’ll make sure of that. I understand red tape and how to get around it.”
“And we have witches who can keep government agencies at bay,” Luca said, grimacing. “Since it clearly can’t be me right now.”
Colby lifted his gaze to Luca. “I robbed you of your power. I’m sorry.” Tears shone in his eyes once more. “I’m so sorry.”
Luca wiped them away. “You robbed me of nothing. I gave to you freely, and I’d do it all over again. For you.” He shook his head. “I was just voicing my frustration. I wasn’t trying to make you feel worse.”
Colby slid back into Luca’s arms.
“I wish I could give it back to you. Your magic.”
Luca closed his eyes for a moment. When he reopened them, he saw the love in Ash’s eyes and fought the sting to his own. “If only it were that simple.”
When Colby nuzzled against the side of his neck, Luca froze. Turning his attention to their human, he saw the panic had morphed into something just as primal. Lust burned bright in the depths of his eyes.
“You said… sex magic was healing,” Colby said. He pressed his palms to Luca’s chest. “Maybe we try again?”
“I’m not sure it’ll help,” Luca replied, jaw tight. Need had slammed into him the second Colby’s lips had nipped at his skin.
“Although it could help Colby,” Ash murmured. “Release the negative emotions the spell bottled within.”
Luca nodded. “It might.”
“And if it helps you, too?” Ash asked, shrugging. He grinned.
“I need,” Colby whispered as he rose to his knees. He kissed Luca’s neck again, trailing his lips upward. “I want you both.”
Luca sat back and searched their human’s face, desire rising. He cupped Colby’s cheek. “Is this your way of accepting us?”
Colby’s smile faded.
Luca’s jaw tightened.
“How can you expect me to make a life-changing decision within days of meeting you?”
Luca scowled. “It’s the way of things in our world. Ash moved in here the day after we met. We belonged to one another and accepted Fate’s choice.”
“I’m not a witch nor a familiar. It’s not the way humans are built.”
“Which we realize,” Ash murmured, leveling a glare Luca’s way. “We’ve always known bringing him into our world would take time and understanding. We’ve discussed it, Luca. Patience.”
“While I'm aware you’re normally the calm, patient one,” Luca told Ash. “Considering you were the one who couldn’t allow Fate to run its course, don’t talk to me of patience.”
Ash sighed, looking away.
“What are you talking about?” Colby asked. “What did you do, Ash?”
Luca scoffed, unsettled. Ire rose within him. Uncontrollable anger. Where it was coming from, he wasn’t sure. “I told him Fate would bring you to us. He was impatient and took it upon himself to find you.”
“You don’t get to decide, Luca! We should’ve discussed it together, but no.” Ash glared at him, eyes wide with anger. “Just because you’re the one with magical powers doesn’t mean you run roughshod over the two of us! Maybe it’s a good thing you’ve lost them.”
As soon as the words were out, Ash slapped a hand over his mouth. Tears shone in his eyes. Colby gasped. Luca slipped off the bed, eyes wide.
“I’m sorry, Luca. I don’t know where that came from,” Ash whispered, frowning. “I don’t mean it.”
Luca’s chest ached, anger churning within. A thought occurred. He turned to Colby. “What emotions have you experienced tonight? Since the spell wore off?”
Colby cocked his head to the side, confused. “Why?”
“Just… tell me. Please.”
Colby contemplated an answer. “Sorrow, mostly. Anxiety.”
“Nothing else?”
Colby shrugged. “It's been a lot. Sadness. Worry. Anger at the demons for destroying my life?”
Luca sighed. “Anger. That’s it.” He focused on Ash. “His anger… we’re experiencing his emotions.”
“That’s why I’ve been on the verge of tears,” Ash said. He met Luca’s gaze. “I did not mean what I said. I love you, and I don’t revel in the loss of your magic. You know that.”
“I do.” It still stung a bit. He cocked his head and glanced at Colby. He’d heard of some mates sharing potent emotions. The spell had bottled Colby’s and dumped them in his lap, overwhelming him. He and Ash had suffered a residual part of them.
“I caused this. I’m sorry,” Colby muttered.
“No, Delilah’s spell caused this. She and I will have a talk in the morning,” Luca said, sliding back onto the bed. “Let’s get some sleep.”
“Luc…”
Luca eyed Ash, still sore.
“I love you.”
“I know,” Luca whispered. “Just… let the emotions pass before making it worse.”
Ash scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yeah. Okay.”
After getting back into bed and flipping off the light, Luca lay back against his pillow, staring at the ceiling, sensing he wouldn’t find sleep any time soon. His chest was heavy, his mind racing, and he sensed his mates struggled with the same.
Colby was the first to fall asleep. He curled against Luca, nuzzling close.
He smiled to himself before closing his eyes and searching for sleep himself.
Ash jumped at the blaring sound of the alarm on his phone. He snatched it quick and shut it down before turning to a grumbling Colby. “Go back to sleep.”
Colby mumbled something incoherent before turning to the other side and snuggling into the bedding—one bare ass cheek slipping out from under the sheet.
Luca? Luca wasn’t there. After drawing on his discarded briefs from the night before, Ash found him in the kitchen, leaning on the counter, sucking down coffee. There was something in the way he held his body that caused Ash to tense.
“Hey, babe. Are we okay?”
Luca’s gaze met his and, in that instant, he sensed they weren’t quite okay.
“I’m sorry. I truly am.”
“Is there a fraction of truth to what you said, though?”
Ash sighed. “Do I think there are times you make decisions we both should’ve made together? Occasionally, yes. Do I want you to lose your power to prevent that? Hell no.”
Luca stared a few seconds, silent. “I can accept that.”
“Me seeking Colby out—will you continue to hold it over my head for the rest of our lives?”
Luca shook his head. “No. While it rubbed me raw, I realize it was likely for the best that you found him when you did.”
Ash opened his arms, and Luca slipped into his embrace, somehow seeming smaller.
“I’m sorry,” Luca whispered.
Ash brushed his hand over the back of Luca’s head, nudging him ever closer. “I am, too, babe.”
Luca squeezed him harder, inhaling at his neck. “You smell good this morning. Different.” He stepped back, searching Ash’s face. “What is it?”
Ash frowned. “No idea.”
“Maybe it’s just having Colby in our bed. His scent on you.”
“Could be. I scent him on you, too.”
Luca returned to a mug on the counter and took a sip. “I made coffee. Sorry, it’s not as good as yours.”
Ash collected a mug off the holder and poured himself a coffee. He almost joked that Luca wasn’t accustomed to making it without magic but thought better of it, considering his faux pas the night before. After adding his sugar and a hint of cream, he took a sip. “Not bad.” It wasn’t, but his was definitely better. “I’ve got to go to work today. You guys gonna be okay without me?”
He hated the thought of leaving them alone, but he needed to keep an ear out for more demon activity.
“I think we can handle ourselves for a few hours.”
Colby beelined to the coffee maker, wearing one of their t-shirts that hung well below his bottom, not saying a single word to either of them. He made his cup and took a long sip, sighing with pleasure when he was done. Ash and Luca had heard similar moans the night before, and the sound made Ash’s cock jerk. He turned, cupping the mug in his hands. “Morning.”
The sleepiness in his voice was endearing, and Ash couldn’t help the smile spreading across his face.
“Are you early morning people? Please tell me you aren’t early morning people.”
“Early? It’s eight.” Luca snickered.
“That’s early enough,” Colby complained.
“No. Early is six, which is when I got out of bed.”
“Why so early?” Ash asked.
Luca shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Because of me?” Colby asked. “I’m sorry.” Colby froze, holding out a hand. “Eight? Is Daniel up?”
“Already fed and in his bedroom, going through all my old X-Men comics,” Luca murmured.
“Is there breakfast?” Colby asked, looking around.
“I can call down to the café,” Luca replied. “Order anything you want.”
“Um… if you’ve got eggs and bread, I can scramble some and make toast,” Colby said, walking to the fridge. He peeked inside and scowled. “Beer, wine, and bottled water.” He lifted his head and pegged Ash with a glare. “I know you can cook. Where’s the food?”
“We pick up what we need as we need it,” Ash said. “My schedule is ridiculous, and Graham feeds us most of the time.”
“Graham?”
“Owner of the café,” Luca murmured. “He was here last night.”
“Ah,” Colby said. “Well, if I’m going to be living here, I suppose I should get a job and contribute with food. Especially considering my brother has a healthy appetite.”
“Text me a list. I can pick up some groceries on my way back from work.”
Colby’s gaze flicked to his. “Work? You’re leaving?”
“I need to stay on top of things… and keep an eye out for anyone else the demons harm.”
Colby moved closer. “Is there really such a thing as a ride along? Where you ride around with a cop all day?”
“It’s been known to happen.”
Colby lowered his mug to the counter. “I want to go with you today.”
Ash frowned. “I’m not sure how safe that would be.”
“You’re strong and can protect me.”
Ash considered it for a moment. “If you think you’ll find out anything about the fire, I seriously doubt it. Those were Boston cops on the scene, not Salem. I won’t have access to much of anything.” He was already planning on doing some digging of his own. Colby didn’t need to know that.
“I understand. I just want to get out of this place for a little while.”
“Already stir-crazy?” Luca asked before taking a sip from his cup. “It’s been less than a day.”
Colby glanced his way. “A little.” He turned his focus to Ash. “While I realize this isn’t a prison, knowing I can’t safely leave without one or the both of you with me makes me cagey. I’d just like to get outside and stand under the sun for a while. It doesn’t even have to be all day. A few hours and then drop me back here.”
“It’s not going to be very exciting,” Ash replied.
“We haven’t had as much alone time as I’ve had with Luca.”
Ash fought the smile that pulled at his lips and lost the battle. He glanced at Luca, who shrugged, grinning.
“That is…” Colby added, watching Luca. “…if you’d be kind enough to keep an eye on my brother.”
“Of course,” Luca said. “Daniel and I could use a little bonding time, too.”
Colby grinned, turning to plead with Ash with his eyes. His gorgeous, sensual eyes.
“Fine. But we need to hurry and get showered. We can stop on the way and grab something to eat to-go.”
“Yes!” Colby said, racing toward the bedroom.
“Ash and Colby, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”
Ash grabbed a towel from the counter and snapped it at Luca. “Shut up.”
“He wants alone time with you,” Luca said, making kissing sounds after.
Ash inhaled, puffing out his chest. Ribbing or not, their mate had pleased him with the request. “Jealous?”
“Nope,” Luca said. He closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to Ash. “I spent some quality alone time with him in his studio. It’s your turn for some Colby-time.”
“I love you,” Ash whispered.
Luca stole another kiss. “I know you do.” He grinned wickedly.
Ash playfully punched him in the gut before padding back into the bedroom to get ready for work. Colby had already commandeered the shower, but that didn’t stop him. He dropped his briefs on the bathroom floor and slipped in beside their naked mate.
Colby soaped himself, watching Ash closely. Ash grabbed another washcloth and did the same. “Too bad we don’t have more time this morning.”
Colby’s face reddened. “There’s always later.”
Ash chuckled, making a mental note to bring that comment back up.
Later.
Chapter
Eighteen
Colby rode in the passenger seat of the unmarked police car and swallowed the last bite of the egg sandwich Ash had picked up in Bewitched Bites on the way to work. Whoever Graham was—who he’d supposedly already met and wasn't able to recall, there had been too many names and faces the night before—well, Graham was a wonderful cook.
“Is this a witch thing with cooking? Although, I suppose I might be a skilled cook if I had magic, too.”
“I’m not a witch,” Ash mentioned.
“Oh, yeah—but you’re a familiar, so you’ve got some juju in you, too.”
“Juju?” Ash asked as he pulled into the Salem Police Department’s parking lot and parked behind a sign that said ‘Detective.’
“You’re—what—supernatural?” Colby laughed. “Oh, my god. I’m living in a Supernatural episode.” He sighed. “Jensen Ackles. That’s how I realized I wasn’t straight. From watching that show. I think I was eleven or twelve. My mom was addicted and was a Sam fan.” He cocked his head to the side. “You’ve got some Dean energy going now that I think of it. Maybe that’s why I…”
Ash grinned, cocking his head to the side. “Why you?”
Why I think you’re fine as fuck with a cherry on top. No, wait. Cherry pie. Dean loves pie. “Nothing.”
“Liar,” Ash whispered with a grin, tossing the car into park. He surveyed the building. “I’ve got to go inside and check in, check messages and emails, and get any new assignments. Under normal circumstances, I’d leave you out in the car, but all things considered, come inside with me.” He groaned. “Expect to hear a lot of bullshit in there. Humans can be…” Ash cast a look his way. “Human males can be… assholes.”
“White cis conservative males can be assholes—which most cops are.”
Ash shrugged. “Not all, but yeah, there are an uneven amount of them inside that building. Gird your loins.”
Colby wasn’t sure what to expect. His only knowledge of a police station was what he’d seen on television, swarming with hardened criminals and burly cops in uniforms and ill-fitting suits. What he witnessed differed greatly from that. It wasn’t all that loud—but there sure was a lot of coffee drinking and bullshitting going on.
“Montgomery!” one cop called out, waving.
“Hey, Hank,” Ash replied. He ushered Colby through the swinging gate. “Follow me.”
Colby scanned the rows of desks in various stages of clutter, some manned and others empty. Phones rang incessantly, the cacophony mind numbing. “Do you ever get used to that ringing?”
“Ringing?” Ash asked. He paused for a second. “Oh, the phones. Yeah, I guess you tune it out. Except your own.”
Ash stopped at what appeared to be his desk. When Colby noted the photo of him and Luca on the surface, it was confirmed. His was much neater than most, but then Ash always seemed neat in his appearance. Made sense.
“Take a seat. I just need to catch up and we can get out of here.”
Colby settled in the chair at the side of Ash’s desk. The chair most perps sat in when they were in trouble on television. He watched as Ash sorted through a stack of messages on his desk, all while listening to voicemails. About thirty minutes in, he realized Ash had warned him it wasn’t glamorous.
Another detective walked past. “Montgomery! You still work here? Haven’t seen you in an age.”
You never have to leave hung in the air between them.
Colby came up for air, turning, his cheek resting on Luca’s chest. “How do I get back on my feet without my studio?”
A slight smile played over Ash’s lips. Luca cocked his head to the side, frowning. What does he have up his sleeve?
Ash’s smile grew a bit more before it disappeared.
“I’m sure we can get you a job at a shop downstairs,” Ash said. He ran his palm over Colby’s back. “You can save up for a new studio.”
“I suppose I could rent time at the local pottery guild later. Thank heavens I shut down orders on my website before the fire.”
“Why’d you do that?” Ash asked.
“My hand doesn’t work. Remember?” Colby asked, showing off his wrecked hand. “There are a couple of commissions I hadn’t gotten to, and we lost all the pieces we’d recently made but hadn’t finished firing. I’ll have to contact my clients… and repay their deposits.” Colby sighed. “I don’t know how I recover from this.”
“You had homeowner’s insurance, didn’t you?” Ash asked.
Colby winced. “The premiums were too high. I didn’t have health insurance for the same reason.”
“Daniel?”
“Oh, the state helps with his health insurance. He’s covered, thankfully,” Colby said. He gasped and sat upright, his gaze searching between them. “If I can’t provide a home for Daniel, the state might put him in a home for the disabled.” He sat up straighter. “They could take him away from me.”
Panic shone in Colby’s eyes.
“No one’s taking anyone anywhere,” Ash said. “We’ll make sure of that. I understand red tape and how to get around it.”
“And we have witches who can keep government agencies at bay,” Luca said, grimacing. “Since it clearly can’t be me right now.”
Colby lifted his gaze to Luca. “I robbed you of your power. I’m sorry.” Tears shone in his eyes once more. “I’m so sorry.”
Luca wiped them away. “You robbed me of nothing. I gave to you freely, and I’d do it all over again. For you.” He shook his head. “I was just voicing my frustration. I wasn’t trying to make you feel worse.”
Colby slid back into Luca’s arms.
“I wish I could give it back to you. Your magic.”
Luca closed his eyes for a moment. When he reopened them, he saw the love in Ash’s eyes and fought the sting to his own. “If only it were that simple.”
When Colby nuzzled against the side of his neck, Luca froze. Turning his attention to their human, he saw the panic had morphed into something just as primal. Lust burned bright in the depths of his eyes.
“You said… sex magic was healing,” Colby said. He pressed his palms to Luca’s chest. “Maybe we try again?”
“I’m not sure it’ll help,” Luca replied, jaw tight. Need had slammed into him the second Colby’s lips had nipped at his skin.
“Although it could help Colby,” Ash murmured. “Release the negative emotions the spell bottled within.”
Luca nodded. “It might.”
“And if it helps you, too?” Ash asked, shrugging. He grinned.
“I need,” Colby whispered as he rose to his knees. He kissed Luca’s neck again, trailing his lips upward. “I want you both.”
Luca sat back and searched their human’s face, desire rising. He cupped Colby’s cheek. “Is this your way of accepting us?”
Colby’s smile faded.
Luca’s jaw tightened.
“How can you expect me to make a life-changing decision within days of meeting you?”
Luca scowled. “It’s the way of things in our world. Ash moved in here the day after we met. We belonged to one another and accepted Fate’s choice.”
“I’m not a witch nor a familiar. It’s not the way humans are built.”
“Which we realize,” Ash murmured, leveling a glare Luca’s way. “We’ve always known bringing him into our world would take time and understanding. We’ve discussed it, Luca. Patience.”
“While I'm aware you’re normally the calm, patient one,” Luca told Ash. “Considering you were the one who couldn’t allow Fate to run its course, don’t talk to me of patience.”
Ash sighed, looking away.
“What are you talking about?” Colby asked. “What did you do, Ash?”
Luca scoffed, unsettled. Ire rose within him. Uncontrollable anger. Where it was coming from, he wasn’t sure. “I told him Fate would bring you to us. He was impatient and took it upon himself to find you.”
“You don’t get to decide, Luca! We should’ve discussed it together, but no.” Ash glared at him, eyes wide with anger. “Just because you’re the one with magical powers doesn’t mean you run roughshod over the two of us! Maybe it’s a good thing you’ve lost them.”
As soon as the words were out, Ash slapped a hand over his mouth. Tears shone in his eyes. Colby gasped. Luca slipped off the bed, eyes wide.
“I’m sorry, Luca. I don’t know where that came from,” Ash whispered, frowning. “I don’t mean it.”
Luca’s chest ached, anger churning within. A thought occurred. He turned to Colby. “What emotions have you experienced tonight? Since the spell wore off?”
Colby cocked his head to the side, confused. “Why?”
“Just… tell me. Please.”
Colby contemplated an answer. “Sorrow, mostly. Anxiety.”
“Nothing else?”
Colby shrugged. “It's been a lot. Sadness. Worry. Anger at the demons for destroying my life?”
Luca sighed. “Anger. That’s it.” He focused on Ash. “His anger… we’re experiencing his emotions.”
“That’s why I’ve been on the verge of tears,” Ash said. He met Luca’s gaze. “I did not mean what I said. I love you, and I don’t revel in the loss of your magic. You know that.”
“I do.” It still stung a bit. He cocked his head and glanced at Colby. He’d heard of some mates sharing potent emotions. The spell had bottled Colby’s and dumped them in his lap, overwhelming him. He and Ash had suffered a residual part of them.
“I caused this. I’m sorry,” Colby muttered.
“No, Delilah’s spell caused this. She and I will have a talk in the morning,” Luca said, sliding back onto the bed. “Let’s get some sleep.”
“Luc…”
Luca eyed Ash, still sore.
“I love you.”
“I know,” Luca whispered. “Just… let the emotions pass before making it worse.”
Ash scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yeah. Okay.”
After getting back into bed and flipping off the light, Luca lay back against his pillow, staring at the ceiling, sensing he wouldn’t find sleep any time soon. His chest was heavy, his mind racing, and he sensed his mates struggled with the same.
Colby was the first to fall asleep. He curled against Luca, nuzzling close.
He smiled to himself before closing his eyes and searching for sleep himself.
Ash jumped at the blaring sound of the alarm on his phone. He snatched it quick and shut it down before turning to a grumbling Colby. “Go back to sleep.”
Colby mumbled something incoherent before turning to the other side and snuggling into the bedding—one bare ass cheek slipping out from under the sheet.
Luca? Luca wasn’t there. After drawing on his discarded briefs from the night before, Ash found him in the kitchen, leaning on the counter, sucking down coffee. There was something in the way he held his body that caused Ash to tense.
“Hey, babe. Are we okay?”
Luca’s gaze met his and, in that instant, he sensed they weren’t quite okay.
“I’m sorry. I truly am.”
“Is there a fraction of truth to what you said, though?”
Ash sighed. “Do I think there are times you make decisions we both should’ve made together? Occasionally, yes. Do I want you to lose your power to prevent that? Hell no.”
Luca stared a few seconds, silent. “I can accept that.”
“Me seeking Colby out—will you continue to hold it over my head for the rest of our lives?”
Luca shook his head. “No. While it rubbed me raw, I realize it was likely for the best that you found him when you did.”
Ash opened his arms, and Luca slipped into his embrace, somehow seeming smaller.
“I’m sorry,” Luca whispered.
Ash brushed his hand over the back of Luca’s head, nudging him ever closer. “I am, too, babe.”
Luca squeezed him harder, inhaling at his neck. “You smell good this morning. Different.” He stepped back, searching Ash’s face. “What is it?”
Ash frowned. “No idea.”
“Maybe it’s just having Colby in our bed. His scent on you.”
“Could be. I scent him on you, too.”
Luca returned to a mug on the counter and took a sip. “I made coffee. Sorry, it’s not as good as yours.”
Ash collected a mug off the holder and poured himself a coffee. He almost joked that Luca wasn’t accustomed to making it without magic but thought better of it, considering his faux pas the night before. After adding his sugar and a hint of cream, he took a sip. “Not bad.” It wasn’t, but his was definitely better. “I’ve got to go to work today. You guys gonna be okay without me?”
He hated the thought of leaving them alone, but he needed to keep an ear out for more demon activity.
“I think we can handle ourselves for a few hours.”
Colby beelined to the coffee maker, wearing one of their t-shirts that hung well below his bottom, not saying a single word to either of them. He made his cup and took a long sip, sighing with pleasure when he was done. Ash and Luca had heard similar moans the night before, and the sound made Ash’s cock jerk. He turned, cupping the mug in his hands. “Morning.”
The sleepiness in his voice was endearing, and Ash couldn’t help the smile spreading across his face.
“Are you early morning people? Please tell me you aren’t early morning people.”
“Early? It’s eight.” Luca snickered.
“That’s early enough,” Colby complained.
“No. Early is six, which is when I got out of bed.”
“Why so early?” Ash asked.
Luca shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Because of me?” Colby asked. “I’m sorry.” Colby froze, holding out a hand. “Eight? Is Daniel up?”
“Already fed and in his bedroom, going through all my old X-Men comics,” Luca murmured.
“Is there breakfast?” Colby asked, looking around.
“I can call down to the café,” Luca replied. “Order anything you want.”
“Um… if you’ve got eggs and bread, I can scramble some and make toast,” Colby said, walking to the fridge. He peeked inside and scowled. “Beer, wine, and bottled water.” He lifted his head and pegged Ash with a glare. “I know you can cook. Where’s the food?”
“We pick up what we need as we need it,” Ash said. “My schedule is ridiculous, and Graham feeds us most of the time.”
“Graham?”
“Owner of the café,” Luca murmured. “He was here last night.”
“Ah,” Colby said. “Well, if I’m going to be living here, I suppose I should get a job and contribute with food. Especially considering my brother has a healthy appetite.”
“Text me a list. I can pick up some groceries on my way back from work.”
Colby’s gaze flicked to his. “Work? You’re leaving?”
“I need to stay on top of things… and keep an eye out for anyone else the demons harm.”
Colby moved closer. “Is there really such a thing as a ride along? Where you ride around with a cop all day?”
“It’s been known to happen.”
Colby lowered his mug to the counter. “I want to go with you today.”
Ash frowned. “I’m not sure how safe that would be.”
“You’re strong and can protect me.”
Ash considered it for a moment. “If you think you’ll find out anything about the fire, I seriously doubt it. Those were Boston cops on the scene, not Salem. I won’t have access to much of anything.” He was already planning on doing some digging of his own. Colby didn’t need to know that.
“I understand. I just want to get out of this place for a little while.”
“Already stir-crazy?” Luca asked before taking a sip from his cup. “It’s been less than a day.”
Colby glanced his way. “A little.” He turned his focus to Ash. “While I realize this isn’t a prison, knowing I can’t safely leave without one or the both of you with me makes me cagey. I’d just like to get outside and stand under the sun for a while. It doesn’t even have to be all day. A few hours and then drop me back here.”
“It’s not going to be very exciting,” Ash replied.
“We haven’t had as much alone time as I’ve had with Luca.”
Ash fought the smile that pulled at his lips and lost the battle. He glanced at Luca, who shrugged, grinning.
“That is…” Colby added, watching Luca. “…if you’d be kind enough to keep an eye on my brother.”
“Of course,” Luca said. “Daniel and I could use a little bonding time, too.”
Colby grinned, turning to plead with Ash with his eyes. His gorgeous, sensual eyes.
“Fine. But we need to hurry and get showered. We can stop on the way and grab something to eat to-go.”
“Yes!” Colby said, racing toward the bedroom.
“Ash and Colby, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”
Ash grabbed a towel from the counter and snapped it at Luca. “Shut up.”
“He wants alone time with you,” Luca said, making kissing sounds after.
Ash inhaled, puffing out his chest. Ribbing or not, their mate had pleased him with the request. “Jealous?”
“Nope,” Luca said. He closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to Ash. “I spent some quality alone time with him in his studio. It’s your turn for some Colby-time.”
“I love you,” Ash whispered.
Luca stole another kiss. “I know you do.” He grinned wickedly.
Ash playfully punched him in the gut before padding back into the bedroom to get ready for work. Colby had already commandeered the shower, but that didn’t stop him. He dropped his briefs on the bathroom floor and slipped in beside their naked mate.
Colby soaped himself, watching Ash closely. Ash grabbed another washcloth and did the same. “Too bad we don’t have more time this morning.”
Colby’s face reddened. “There’s always later.”
Ash chuckled, making a mental note to bring that comment back up.
Later.
Chapter
Eighteen
Colby rode in the passenger seat of the unmarked police car and swallowed the last bite of the egg sandwich Ash had picked up in Bewitched Bites on the way to work. Whoever Graham was—who he’d supposedly already met and wasn't able to recall, there had been too many names and faces the night before—well, Graham was a wonderful cook.
“Is this a witch thing with cooking? Although, I suppose I might be a skilled cook if I had magic, too.”
“I’m not a witch,” Ash mentioned.
“Oh, yeah—but you’re a familiar, so you’ve got some juju in you, too.”
“Juju?” Ash asked as he pulled into the Salem Police Department’s parking lot and parked behind a sign that said ‘Detective.’
“You’re—what—supernatural?” Colby laughed. “Oh, my god. I’m living in a Supernatural episode.” He sighed. “Jensen Ackles. That’s how I realized I wasn’t straight. From watching that show. I think I was eleven or twelve. My mom was addicted and was a Sam fan.” He cocked his head to the side. “You’ve got some Dean energy going now that I think of it. Maybe that’s why I…”
Ash grinned, cocking his head to the side. “Why you?”
Why I think you’re fine as fuck with a cherry on top. No, wait. Cherry pie. Dean loves pie. “Nothing.”
“Liar,” Ash whispered with a grin, tossing the car into park. He surveyed the building. “I’ve got to go inside and check in, check messages and emails, and get any new assignments. Under normal circumstances, I’d leave you out in the car, but all things considered, come inside with me.” He groaned. “Expect to hear a lot of bullshit in there. Humans can be…” Ash cast a look his way. “Human males can be… assholes.”
“White cis conservative males can be assholes—which most cops are.”
Ash shrugged. “Not all, but yeah, there are an uneven amount of them inside that building. Gird your loins.”
Colby wasn’t sure what to expect. His only knowledge of a police station was what he’d seen on television, swarming with hardened criminals and burly cops in uniforms and ill-fitting suits. What he witnessed differed greatly from that. It wasn’t all that loud—but there sure was a lot of coffee drinking and bullshitting going on.
“Montgomery!” one cop called out, waving.
“Hey, Hank,” Ash replied. He ushered Colby through the swinging gate. “Follow me.”
Colby scanned the rows of desks in various stages of clutter, some manned and others empty. Phones rang incessantly, the cacophony mind numbing. “Do you ever get used to that ringing?”
“Ringing?” Ash asked. He paused for a second. “Oh, the phones. Yeah, I guess you tune it out. Except your own.”
Ash stopped at what appeared to be his desk. When Colby noted the photo of him and Luca on the surface, it was confirmed. His was much neater than most, but then Ash always seemed neat in his appearance. Made sense.
“Take a seat. I just need to catch up and we can get out of here.”
Colby settled in the chair at the side of Ash’s desk. The chair most perps sat in when they were in trouble on television. He watched as Ash sorted through a stack of messages on his desk, all while listening to voicemails. About thirty minutes in, he realized Ash had warned him it wasn’t glamorous.
Another detective walked past. “Montgomery! You still work here? Haven’t seen you in an age.”
