Pan's Salvation (Dueling Devils 5)

They entered the hall and all she saw was pink. Pink table clothes, balloons, streamers and gift writing.

“Holy crap,” Pan whispered.

Lark giggled. “Daddy’s little princess?”

“Ya think?”

“I think it’s sweet,” she said.

“You would. Girls all stick together.”

Lark punched his arm playfully. “Hey, I’m not that girly.”

“Little bird…are you lying to me or yourself?”

“Humph.” She turned her head away.

Pan kissed the side of her head. “Come on, I see my brother.”

She liked Monster and his wife, Symone. They were down to earth, non-judgmental and laid back. She waved at Symone, who welcomed her over. She stepped away from Pan to hug

Symone. The dynamics between Pan and Monster was still rocky, but it was much better than it’d once been. Symone credited her. She didn’t think she deserved that much recognition.

“Welcome to the circus,” Symone whispered into Lark’s ear. She swayed slightly, rocking the sleeping, Tate in the black carrier she had strapped to her chest. His wavy black locks slipped over his forehead. With his chubby cheeks and pouty pink lips, he was a vision.

Lark laughed. “You’re supposed to be putting me at ease.” She ran a knuckle over the apple of Tate’s cheek, enjoying his soft flesh.

“You’re laughing aren’t you?” Symone arched an eyebrow.

“Touche.”

“Come on, they won’t bite. Especially not with Pan lurking over your shoulder like an oversized bodyguard. Trust me, I know. I have one of my own.”

They glanced over at the brothers talking together.

“That might be one of my favorite parts,” Lark admitted softly.

Symone smiled. “Mine too. But don’t tell him I said do.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

“I don’t like the way they’re plotting right now,” Pan interjected.

“Plotting? I’m wounded,” Lark said in mock offense.

“I’m not touching this with a ten-foot pole.” Monster shook his head.

“That’s why you’re the married one,” Pan said.

Lark snickered. She loved seeing them like this, the way twin brothers should be. When they saw past all the bullshit from the past, they had epic moments of happiness. After what happened to Robin, it’d become a semi-obsession. Pan allowed her to gently nudge him, but he had no problem letting her know where his line in the sand was. They were a work in progress. It was a position she felt comfortable with.

“I’d say Demon and I are proof an old dog can learn new tricks.”

“You talking shit about my boys?” Demon drawled coming up from behind them with a

huge grin. “Good to see you at a function, Lark.”

“Good to be here,” She said softly, trying not to shift her weight. He had a silent authority. It made her nervous, but she was working on it. True to Pan’s words, the Dueling Devils were nothing like Hell’s Minions. It was a mantra she chanted mentally when she was among them.