Page 96 of Gift for a Demon

Dove had decided to stop questioning it months ago.

“For the millionth time, it’s not a sexual thing.”

“You’re only saying that so Melchom doesn’t castrate you or something.”

Beel glared at him. It didn’t last long before he was dissolving in laughter. Dove had to admit he needed to master the menacing tone.

“So what’s behind wanting to surprise our King?”

“It’s our anniversary. Obviously.”

Beel frowned. “It’s only been a year.”

“Exactly.”

“We don’t celebrate those.”

It was Dove’s turn to be confused now. “What do you mean you don’t celebrate anniversaries?”

“Some celebrate their decades together,” Beel conceded. He didn’t look too happy about it. “I find that tacky, personally. Most celebrate centuries. It’s a big thing.”

Dove frowned. He kept forgetting everyone in Hell was inherently immortal from the moment they were born. It was strange.

“Well, I’ve never had a relationship that lasted more than a month, so we’re celebrating years.”

“Okay.” Beel raised his palms in the air. “So what’s the plan?”

“I don’t know!” he protested. Wasn’t he listening? Ugh. Demons could be so self-absorbed sometimes. “Because I can’t keep it a surprise, and that’s important, Beel.”

“You’d better not hear anyone call me that.”

“Melchom does, too.”

“Yeah, but I can’t tell my King not to do something.”

“And you can tell his Consort?” Dove tsked, one hand on his hip ready to go off on his friend.

He’d quickly learned that demons needed to be held with a tight leash, and a scolding was needed every once in a while. The last couple of years working at a daycare had definitely prepared him for the latter.

It was hilarious, really. He thought even Melchom grew… not scared, exactly, but wary of him when he started lecturing someone.

“Fine. You win.” Beel shook his head. “I’ll even help you shield the surprise from Melchom if you promise no consequences.”

“I swear.”

The grin that overtook Beel’s features should’ve scared him, but it didn’t. Only Melchom got to scare him. He’d mastered the fine art of controlling the pheromones he released like that.

* * *

“Tell me.”

Dove fist bumped in his head. He knew Melchom would go all caveman on him the moment he realized there was a shield in place.

“Tell you what, Your Grace?”

“Don’t distract me,” Melchom growled.

“I’m not doing anything.” Dove even blinked at him in that innocent way that always made his demon more aggressive in his moves.

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