"He's a living example of that," Gabriel remarked wryly. "Life lessons from a sociopathic demon lord. I never expected him to be capable of treating you well."
"He does, in his own way," she replied. "Can I get your soul from the underworld?"
"A demon of human origin?" he shook his head. "Neither humans nor demons are permitted entry to the underworld."
She gave a sound of frustration.
"It would take all of five seconds," he said. "I'll accept all risk and if Darkyn is angry, I'll take you with me."
"Let me figure it out," she repeated. "Thank you for checking up on me and for the offer to protect me."
"It's the least I can do."
Troubled, Deidre nodded. She nibbled on her lower lip with the tiny fangs. Gabriel sensed someone else join them and tensed. He knew who it was without looking.
"Romantic setting for two former lovers." The Dark One's low growl made Deidre blink.
"We're just talking. No need to be jealous," Gabriel said. Any gentleness he felt with Deidre dissipated at the arrival of her mate.
"One might ask why you're distressing my mate," Darkyn said.
Deidre sighed. "I'm not distressed. He didn't do or say anything bad."
Gabriel watched her, wanting to verify that she didn't fear the creature she was trapped with. Deidre crossed the short distance to her mate and paused in front of him. Darkyn appeared unwelcoming as usual, his frame rigid and his growl loud enough for Gabriel to hear. He half-expected Darkyn to snap or scream at her. As confused as he felt, Gabriel would never let anyone hurt either Deidre, no matter whose mate she was.
The demon lord did neither. Deidre leaned forward until she was resting against the demon, who didn't move away. She nudged his chin with her cheek. Darkyn lifted his head in what Gabriel took to be disapproval.
He almost smiled. In that moment, the demon lord reminded him of Rhyn when the half-demon was trying not to let his mate soften his mood. Darkyn wasn't happy, but Deidre wasn't scared, a sign Gabriel took as good. His only hope was that Deidre didn't share what he revealed to her with the Dark One, who would do whatever it took to beat Gabe to his soul.
She nudged him again. Without taking his eyes off Gabriel, the ruthless demon lord that knew no mercy bowed his head to his mate and nudged her gently in return. The subtle nonverbal exchange was intimate and powerful, enough to tell Gabriel that there was a side to Darkyn only his mate knew. It was also a warning, one Gabriel understood innately, that Deidre belonged to the Dark One. Darkyn was claiming his territory with one small touch.