Page 142 of Devoted

Except the twins, of course. Murderous little twats.

“Thank you,” I said. “To all of you. I haven’t known you long, but you’ve shown me more care and consideration in the past few days than anyone else has…well, ever. Except Zeke, of course.” Zeke kissed my hair.

Micah smiled. “We all want you to feel welcome and safe here, Sam. Which brings us back to you, Ferry. Can you explain exactly what happened to Sam? And how you fixed it? None of us will compel him again, obviously, but?—”

“Damn fucking right we won’t,” Zeke growled from beside me, his muscles tensing at the mere suggestion.

“I’m sorry.” Benji’s voice had my head jerking around. The smaller man was stood in a shadowed corner of the room, pressing himself into the wall as though he was hoping to melt away into it. “I really am, Sam. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“It’s okay.” I put my hand on Zeke’s chest, warning him to not interrupt. “Really. I understand what you were trying to do, and I’m grateful.”

But Benji just hung his head lower. I frowned. Nope, I didn’t like that. First chance I got, I was going to sit him down and make sure he truly understood why I wasn’t upset.

I couldn’t do it now, because Micah had once again asked Ferry to explain.

Before he started speaking, his eyes darted to me. “From the conversation the two of you had outside the door, I’m assuming you know everything, Sam? About us not being human, I mean.”

I nodded.

“He knows the basics,” Zeke elaborated. “He found out in a rather…unconventional way and I haven’t had time to fill him in on everything.”

Ferry nodded in understanding. “Often happens that way. It did with my mate too. Both times, actually.”

“You have two mates?”

Ferry smiled at me. “Just the one, but…well, it’s a long story.”

Curiosity burned at me, but I didn’t need my intrusive thoughts to remind me it was impolite to ask further questions.

“You can speak as candidly as you like.” Zeke squeezed my thigh. “I don’t intend on hiding anything from Sam.”

“Something I approve of,” Ferry said, his cheery expression shifting as he sat forwards on his seat. “I know more than most about compulsion because it’s a torture technique used in Hell.”

Torture?

Nox frowned. “That’s true, but I didn’t realise what was happening with Sam, or how to help him. Still don’t, if I’m being honest.”

“That’s because of the rank you held in Hell. All higher demons, such as yourself, are taught to use it for basic torturing.”

Ferry caught my curious expression and elaborated. “Making people see their fears come to life before them, or relive their worst memories over and over again. That’s how Nox was taught to use compulsion as torture.”

“Hang on,” Nox said. “I was based in the ninth circle, literally dealing with the worst of the worst. Shouldn’t I have known whatever you did too?”

Micah snorted. “Are you pissed that you were left out?”

“A little,” Nox muttered. “I want all the skills in my arsenal, just in case they’re needed.”

“Trust me, they won’t be,” Ferry said grimly. “The souls who were sent to me, they were those deemed too evil for the ninth circle. It didn’t happen often, but enough that I have a better grip on compulsion than others.”

“Was it just you?” Nox persisted. “Or were there other demons?”

“A few others,” Ferry said. “I’m sure you can guess who.”

“The sons of Lucifer,” Micah said, understanding dawning. “That makes sense I guess.”

A bark of laughter escaped me before I could stop it. I slapped my hand over my mouth, mortified as every face turned to me. “Sorry. It’s just…I’m sat here listening to the Grim Reaper discuss Lucifer, literally Satan, who apparently has kids?”

Zeke studied me. “It is a lot. Do you need a minute?”

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