[large portions of this book may be changed in the final revision I will let people know when I publish the complete story :) ]

Varick stood beside his mate starting at the gate. They’d waited for word from any of Dio’s demon spies but so far nothing. The ring of rocks didn’t look any different than any other spot, almost as if campers had made a fire ring and abandoned it long ago. The smell told Varick the place could be the spot of their doom. There must have been a spell on the rocks for it to be overlooked for so long by the entire pack. Varick longed to ask but Dio shifted nervously beside him and he didn’t want to make an issue about it. Dio had enough worries without Varick interrogating him.

“Do you think she can break through?” Varick asked.

“Not on her own but if I start acting weird take me down.” Dio’s expression didn’t show any of the nervousness emanating from his mate. If he didn’t have enhanced senses he’d never. It couldn’t be easy knowing your own parent might try to kill you in order to gain more power. From what he could tell Dio was used to his mother bartering him away.

If he ever got hold of the bitch Varick would teach her the error of her ways. For now he hoped to keep his pack from becoming demon fodder.

A wave of energy flared from the ground and knocked them both on their asses.

Smoke drifted up from the middle of the circle. Slowly as if in a creational strip tease a body formed until a demon created from grey smoke floated two inches above the ground. He eyes were empty holes and a pair of horns jutted from his head.

“Greetings Diomedes.”

Varick watched as his lover quickly settled on his knees and bowed low. “Greetings Master.”

A low growl rolled up Varick’s throat at his mate’s words. Dio should never have to bow to anyone.

“Hush pup.” The energy emanating from the smoky demon rolled over Varick like a series of porcupine pricks across his skin. He wisely shut up.

The demon drifted close but didn’t leave the confines of the stone ring. “You’ve done well Diomedes. I didn’t think you had it in you. In case you’re wondering your mother is dead like you obviously planned. It was a diabolical, underhanded thing you did and I couldn’t be prouder if I’d planned it myself. Your mother had become a problem for me. To reward you I will free you from your regular demon realm obligations and seal this gate so you no longer have to worry about your puppy and his friends.”

“Thank you Master.”

Varick could almost feel Dio’s urge to say more but his mate remained silent.

The demon’s eyes passed over Varick and he couldn’t hold back a shudder. Pure evil poured from the creature and it took all of his control to keep his wolf from flinging itself between Dio and the monster.

“Because you’ve been a loyal servant I’ll let you keep your demon pets, they irritate me anyway. But if I have need of you I’ll expect you to answer my call,” his voice dripped with evil and Varick knew the consequences of Dio not responding would be deadly.

“Of course Master.” Dio didn’t look up the entire time and after another pass of those empty eye sockets Varick decided his mate had the right idea.

“Good evening sweet Dio. I’ll miss you in my halls.” A pop of pressure in the air signified the demon’s departure.

Dio let out an audible sigh. He climbed to his feet and held out his hand to Varick.

Varick let his mate pull him to his feet.

“Is that it? Is it over?” Varick frowned at his mate.

Dio laughed. “Are you upset you didn’t get a giant showdown between good and evil?”

Varick shrugged, a blush burning his cheek. “Kinda.”

Dio hugged Varick tight. “Sometimes a subtle knife works better than a war hammer, my love. Come, let’s get home we’ve got a victory to celebrate.”

Gripping tighter Varick asked the one thing on his mind. “What happens if that demon wants you back in hell?”

“Then we do everything we can to convince him it would be a bad idea.” Dio’s eyes met Varick and he could see the determination in his mate’s beautiful face “I can’t go back there. I won’t survive. Your bond has made me stronger but in the demon world I’m only a fraction as strong as some of the lords.”

Varick kissed his mate on the forehead. “Don’t worry love. If there’s one thing a pack knows about is protecting its own and you’re mine.”

The temporary victory over Dio’s mother still gave him a flush of satisfaction. They’d taken down the demon bitch. Everything else could wait until tomorrow.

The End