There wasn’t a single chance in hell Shepherd could sleep in a stranger’s home. He’d spent close to an hour migrating from room to room, trying to find peace. There was none to be had. The whole house looked like something out of a magazine or a storybook. There was china in the dining room that looked like it cost more than Shepherd’s entire life. The living room looked more like a study with its countless books. There wasn’t a TV or a computer. As far as Shepherd could tell, there was no access to the outside world whatsoever. That included the outside of the house as well.

When Shepherd had tired of searching for comfort indoors, and the sun began to rise, he’d started a tour of the grounds. There were paths that led to more paths, which led to outbuildings. Not a single trail led to a road. With each passing minute, Shepherd’s frustration grew. Just when he almost lost all hope, he spotted Stryph. The man or demon or whatever he was drew a line in the brush with his foot. He never looked Shepherd’s way as he approached. Stryph’s dark gaze wasn’t dark in the daylight. His eyes were the lightest gray Shepherd had ever seen. Stryph looked in every direction, as if seeing something Shepherd couldn’t before making the line in the brush and grass longer. Shepherd stopped feet away and watched while waiting for Stryph to acknowledge him.

“I can’t see you,” Stryph finally said. “This place is surrounded by a bubble of strong magic. Here,” he said, toeing the ground and making the line even longer. “Even though I can’t see you, I know you’re there. I can feel you just out of reach.”

“That’s odd. I can see you.”

Stryph’s face lit. “Ah. I knew you were there.”

“Funny that you can hear me, but you can’t see me.”

“I don’t know,” Stryph said, sounding thoughtful. “I suppose whoever the voodooist was that created this bubble thought there was no harm in chatting with demons as long as they couldn’t touch. In truth, it’s a smart move. If you don’t like what you hear, you can move along. They can’t chase you or harm you inside your magic ball.”

Shepherd found it odd that Stryph kept talking about demons as if they were a group he didn’t consider himself a part of. Everything was “they” and “them” rather than “we” and “us.” “What are you doing?”

Stryph kept making his line longer. “I’m mapping the edge of the magic. That way, you’ll know where you’re safe and how to get to me.”

“Are you saying I’m not safe if I cross the line?” For some reason Shepherd couldn’t explain, he was enjoying himself. Maybe it was because he could do whatever and Stryph couldn’t harm him, or maybe his mind had finally snapped. Either way, he didn’t have the slightest desire to return to the house.

Devilry lit Stryph’s eyes, making them iridescent. “I guess you won’t know until you do. Come on, Shepherd. Be bad with me. Aren’t you tired of behaving? All you have to do is step over the line and I’ll set you free.”

He was exhausted. Even Shepherd’s stress had stress. He didn’t want to be good anymore. What had that ever gotten him? Exactly nothing. Shepherd stepped over the line before he could talk himself into being the goddamn adult another day.

Stryph’s smile turned wicked as he caught sight of Shepherd. “Are you ready to be someone new?”

“Tell me why you want me first.” Fuck. It was like he was incapable of letting go.

“You’re perfect.” Those two words were like a healing balm on Shepherd’s wounded soul. Stryph didn’t stop there. “Not only are you beautiful, you don’t care about color or genders. You’re intellectually and sexually appealing in every way. Let’s have some fun.”

“Okay.” God help him. His agreement was out there before he could change his mind.

Stryph’s smile alone made the agreement worthwhile. Shepherd wondered what it said about him that a demon was the only person he’d made happy in a long damn time. Stryph turned to smoke. “You won’t regret me.” The smoke overcame him, stealing Shepherd’s breath. Then it was over. He was there, but he wasn’t. Shepherd still had all his senses, but he wasn’t in the driver’s seat. “Mhmm. I can’t wait to get you home.” The words came from Shepherd’s mouth, but they didn’t come from him. His hands lifted and ran down his body. “Oh, we’re definitely going for a test drive very soon, but first, let’s stop by and see that naughty alpha.”

What? Raff? Why are we going to see Raff? I thought you said you’d remove the mating thing or whatever.

“Oh, sweetie. That’s not what I said. No one can undo fate. That’s a whole other department from mine. Remember what we discussed about prose? I said I could make all your dreams come true, and I will. Just let me put my expertise to work. Relax. Enjoy the ride. Papa Stryph will make your life aces.”

A growl sounded in Shepherd’s head, but Stryph used his lips to chuckle. His feet moved. It was as if all Shepherd could do was watch as everything happened to him. He concentrated on breathing. They had a deal. Shepherd would honor his half and pray Stryph did the same. It seemed as if they walked forever before coming to a road. On the shoulder sat a black Bugatti Chiron. The windows were tinted too dark to see inside. The doors unlocked as they approached and Stryph slid behind the wheel. Shepherd realized he still had some control as he eyed the inside of the car in awe. It was obviously new. Shepherd hadn’t owned anything new or nice in as long as he could remember. He’d certainly never been inside a car that cost more than he’d ever made in all his years of working put together.

“I’ve got you, sexy. Royalty has its perks.”

Did you say royalty?

“Does it matter? I only meant I can afford to show you the best time you’ve ever had, but first things first. Let’s make Raff sweat.” Stryph floored it, hitting speeds that should have terrified Shepherd, but he was fairly certain he couldn’t die as long as Stryph was in control. The car hugged the curves. Laughter filled the car. Shepherd didn’t know if it came from him or Stryph. It didn’t matter. He felt... free. It was like air fully inflated his lungs for the first time in years. Shepherd hadn’t realized how bad things were until Stryph released his chains.

At Raff’s Pool Hall, Stryph backed into a parking space a distance from the door. It seemed an odd choice to Shepherd, but he assumed Stryph didn’t want his car to get dinged.

“Let’s stir this shit pot,” Stryph said, leaping from the car. As they cleared the door, Shepherd could feel the eyes upon him. He wanted to look for Raff. The desire was crippling. Stryph intentionally kept him from doing so. Instead, he headed for the first empty pool table. Before he could feel Shepherd’s pockets and discover exactly how broke Shepherd was, Raff’s chest collided with his back. Shepherd felt Stryph’s satisfaction roar.

“What are you doing here, Shepherd?”

His head didn’t turn. “Killing time.” Damn. Shepherd was impressed with how unconcerned he sounded.

Raff’s nose touched his throat. “Why do you smell different?”

Fucker. He doesn’t want me. Why is he sniffing me? Since Stryph was in control, Shepherd’s mouth didn’t say any of the things he wanted. Instead, his shoulders lifted in a careless shrug. “Probably because I’ve been out in the swamp, staying with Risk.”

Raff’s hands found Shepherd’s hips, as if he couldn’t resist touching him. He massaged. Shepherd got the impression the move was an unconscious one. “Seriously, Shep. Why are you here? I thought you were doing your best to stay away. Hell, you even quit, knowing you have no way to pay your bills, just to get away from me.”

“I came to tell you I’m going away.” He turned and finally met Raff’s sexy amber gaze. Inside, Shepherd whimpered. Outside, Stryph slayed.

“Promise me you’ll do your damnedest to win Dante back, and you’ll never see me again.”

Raff didn’t smile. In fact, he looked pinched, as if there wasn’t enough air. “Where are you going?”

Shepherd shook his head. “Just away. You haven’t claimed me, so there’s nothing binding us, right? I want you to be with Dante. It’s best if I go.” Without another word, Shepherd gave Raff a sharp nod and stepped around him, headed for the door. He felt Raff follow. Stryph’s satisfaction grew.

“I’d feel better if you would at least tell me where you’ll be.”

Shepherd didn’t look back. “Bye, Raff.”

As they made their way to the car, he could feel Raff’s stare. The car started and Stryph hopped into the passenger side.

What are we doing?

Stryph cackled as he twisted and climbed over the console and into the driver’s seat, impressing Shepherd with a dexterity he never would’ve believed he possessed. “The windows are too dark for him to see. He thinks you just got into some rich dude’s car. Technically, you did, but still.” Stryph pulled from the lot, still laughing. “Oh, babe. I don’t know what you’re thinking. He wants you. In fact, he wants you so bad it’s eating him alive. Now you’ve added some mystery and jealousy to an alpha’s pot. Pretty soon, he’ll come running.”

I don’t want him to come running. He’s supposed to be with Dante.

“All good things in time, sexy. Have a little faith in me. Now I first intend to spoil you a little and then I plan to soil you a lot. Let’s hit the town.”

Shepherd settled in inside his own mind while Stryph drove. The incident with Raff felt different. Maybe it was because he’d gotten to experience the moment as an outsider. Raff had wanted him. Shepherd felt it. He wished that made things less complicated. Instead, the knowledge simply mixed with his confusion to further muddy the waters. By the time Shepherd let the topic go and looked around, he no longer recognized the scenery. Everything was upper class. Every building was close together and at least five floors high, but all the buildings looked to be made of old stone—like they’d slid into a place filled with old money. It was odd. They hadn’t been driving that long, yet Shepherd didn’t have a clue where they were. He’d grown up in New Orleans. He’d never been here.

Where are we?

“This is my town.” He parallel parked in front of one of the buildings. Someone opened the door for them. Stryph headed for the door without looking back. Once again, the door to the building opened ahead of them, anticipating Stryph’s every move.

A small elderly man bustled their way. “Mr. Stryph. It’s always a pleasure.”

How did he know that you’re you?

Stryph ignored Shepherd. “Hello, Dagon. You’re looking well. As you can see, I’ve acquired a new playmate. He’s the casual sort, so I hate to change what makes him so handsomely unique. So I’ll be needing something expensive yet unfussy. I’d say ten outfits should do it. The works, please.”

“Of course, sir.”

Stryph stood still while the old man took quick measurements. Shepherd couldn’t stop trying to look in every direction. Everything was dark wood and marble with shitty but expensive-looking lighting. There were mirrors, but they were empty of reflections, which was surreal as fuck since there was literally not a single reason for Shepherd not to have a reflection.

With the measurements out of the way, Stryph headed back toward the door. “Have everything delivered by the end of the day, please. I’m eager to get this one home.”

“Of course, Mr. Stryph.” The words were called at their back as Stryph made his way back to the car. The door stood open and waiting.

Shepherd didn’t bother with more questions. He was too busy trying to see everything that Stryph refused to look at. After two blocks, Stryph turned down a drive between two buildings and circled the gray stone townhome before parking in the back.

“This is my home.”

It’s fucking amazing. Shepherd couldn’t contain his reaction and they hadn’t even gone inside yet. The place was five floors—like every other building. Even the windows looked expensive. As they cleared the door, all Shepherd smelled was wood. Polished wood. Everything had an odd hue. The same as the shop—like every place was badly lit. Shepherd didn’t think it was due to being possessed. Raff’s hadn’t looked like this. The oddness of the lighting lost its importance under the disbelief of how beautiful everything was everywhere he looked. Shepherd didn’t know much about antiques, but he could tell every stick of furniture was made of real wood, obviously made in the days when things had been built to last. No particle board bullshit here. He didn’t get to inspect much of anything before Stryph jogged up a flight of stairs and stepped into a bedroom that took up one entire floor of the building. It was open. One wall was solid wood shelves and rods—like an open closet. A gigantic four poster bed was the focal point of the room with deep maroon coverings. He could see a bathroom through the only doorway.

Jesus. This place is... wow.

Stryph chuckled. “Don’t bring Jesus into it. He was a pauper, and a bit of a hippie. There’s nothing inexpensive about this place.” Stryph walked to a full-length mirror and stared at Shepherd’s reflection. “But nothing I own compares to the prize I just brought home. Look at you.”

Shepherd saw himself all the time. That was nothing new. He wasn’t impressed. Why can I see my reflection here while I couldn’t at that shop?

Stryph took off his shirt. “Not every mirror is a mirror. Sometimes, they are doors. Damn, Shepherd. You’re gorgeous.”

The heat in Stryph’s tone had Shepherd focusing on the moment. He really looked at his reflection. His eyes were different. It was Stryph staring back at him. He felt the man’s desire.

Thank you. He meant it. No one had truly made him feel sexy in a long time.

“It’s time for that test drive. I like to know what I’m buying. How much can you take?”

Um. Shepherd suddenly felt in deep. How do you mean?

His hands went to the button of his jeans. “I need to know what this body can endure. What brings you pleasure? At what point does ecstasy turn to pain for you?”

It was insane. Realistically, Shepherd understood he was looking at himself, but he couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt so desired. He wanted to be touched. Shepherd watched as Stryph stripped the clothes from him. He was hard, and even Shepherd didn’t know if it was his lust or Stryph’s driving him.

“Do you even know yourself, Shepherd? Look. See how strong you are all on your own. Your worth has never been defined by others.” He stroked his cock. Pleasure rocked him. “Do you really believe you need an alpha to make you whole? You’ve always already been complete. Let me show you.”

Shepherd’s chest felt full. It had been ages since anyone made him feel important. Life had been one huge blow to his ego and heart for too long.

“I should show you my bathroom. Let’s do that. It’s pretty badass.”

It wasn’t as if Shepherd had much choice. His feet moved, carrying him inside the bathroom. The room was badass. He’d never seen a shower with so much stuff. It didn’t even look like a shower any longer. The large area with all the shower heads, nozzles, massagers, and spouts looked like some sort of specialized power cleaning device. Shepherd was used to a regular shower, one where he stepped over the edge of the bathtub and it had one head. He was tall, so those kind of sucked, but it had been that way his whole life. This bathroom had a separate tub that looked like it would seat eight people.

I’d hate to pay your water bill.

Stryph laughed. “You worry over the oddest details. Someone like me doesn’t pay for anything. I take what I deserve. What would you have if you could reach out and take it without restrictions?”

Happiness. Shepherd didn’t even need to think about it. If life gave him one wish, no limitations, he’d choose happiness every time.

“You already have everything you need to reach out and grab that one,” Stryph said as he turned the water on in the bathtub. “Take what you want, Shepherd. Don’t wait for anyone to give you what you’re owed.” Steam filled the air. Stryph started the jets on the tub and poured something sweet-smelling into the water. Shepherd’s hands moved down his body, caressing every line. “This is your weapon. Use it.” Stryph stepped into the tub, sinking into the water. The jets hit at all the perfect angles. A groan escaped Shepherd, sounding loud as it vibrated off the walls of the bathroom. Shepherd didn’t know if it came from him or Stryph. “Humans feel everything so much stronger than immortals. We’re more immune to injury, but some sensation is lost to us in the process. But humans, fuck,” Stryph said, using Shepherd’s hands to stroke him. “You feel everything.”

After leaning his head back against the tub’s edge, Stryph closed his eyes, blinding Shepherd. He was trapped inside the darkness with nothing left to him except the sensation of Stryph’s touch. It was truly as if someone else was touching him. Shepherd tried opening his eyes. Nothing happened.

“Don’t watch. Just enjoy. I’ll take care of you.”

Shepherd tried to relax, but an odd pang of guilt tried sneaking in. Stryph wasn’t Raff or Dante. He didn’t think anyone else should be touching him.

“Technically, you’re touching yourself. Stop overthinking things, sexy. But it’s funny how you included Dante in the equation, don’t you think?”

Not really. Shepherd didn’t even have to think it over. He was the intruder in the Dante and Raff equation.

“If you’re the intruder, then I’m not trespassing.” This time, the words came from Stryph’s lips and caressed Shepherd’s ears. A solid weight settled across his hips a half second before a hot mouth covered his. Shepherd’s thoughts scattered. He automatically opened, oddly desperate to taste the man who’d occupied him only seconds earlier. Their kiss was deep and filled with madness. Shepherd tugged Stryph’s hair, dragging him closer and manhandling him in his crazed haze. Stryph’s fingernails scored Shepherd’s skin, digging deep. He bit hard enough to draw blood from Shepherd’s bottom lip. Stryph sucked. Shepherd’s cock jumped as if it was happening to his dick.

Stryph’s voice filled his head. Sleep, Shepherd. You won’t want to see what comes next.

“What?” Everything went black before his question was answered.

Shepherd’s eyes popped open. He stood at a bar, eyeing a large man nearby.

“You’re so defiant. Sleep, Shepherd.” He tried, but the noise kept him from completely detaching. Music thrummed in his ears. Light flashed like a strobe, even with his lids closed. His clothes felt soft. He opened his eyes and looked down at himself. The jeans and t-shirt covering his body didn’t look familiar. Whose clothes am I wearing?

“The new ones I bought for you. Now sleep, Shepherd.”

His eyes opened again without thought. Leather filled his hand. A whip zipped through the air before biting into the flesh of the nude man who was chained spread eagle in the center of the room. Blood pooled across the man’s back.

“Sleep, Shepherd.”

Once again, his eyes felt too heavy to hold open. Music and moans cut through the darkness. More flashes of light brought his vision to life again. Sweat coated his skin. Pain and ecstasy collided as bodies writhed around him. He pumped inside someone. Shepherd couldn’t see their face.

“Sleep, Shepherd.”

This time, at Stryph’s commanding tone, there was nothing but an inky void of blackness and peace.