missed having a big event. But it had been special anyway, because Kitty and Anderson had done it, too—a double wedding filled with laughter and joy. They were planning on having a party sometime.
Leaving the scene of his horror, he went to the nearest stage and hopped onto it. He remembered, easily and happily, the first time he’d gone on the pole. His skill had been pretty pathetic, but he’d gotten better. Grabbing this one, he twirled around, imagining music and the sound of men clapping and cheering him on. He smiled, thinking that he’d gotten really good at it. For old time’s sake, he climbed up and hung upside down. Alex’s face came into view.
“Oh.” Quinn righted himself and gave one more twirl on the pole before jumping down in front of his husband. The alien blood made him stronger and more graceful. Most importantly, it would allow him to live longer with his beloved.
Alex pulled him in for a sweet kiss. “I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed watching you dance. It’s particularly nice now that other men aren’t here to covet you.” The man’s face fell. “I didn’t have this club for long, considering the many years I’ve been on this planet. It’s funny how I miss it so much.”
Quinn ran his fingers though Alex’s long, black mane. “That’s because it was home, the perfect place for you. We could reopen it,” he said tentatively, sensitive to how much this hurt his man.
Alex shook his head. “I’ve come up with another idea. Come over here.”
He led Quinn by the hand to the bar. The dark wooden structure had survived the attack for the most part. Alex let go of his hand to unroll a tube of paper. Quinn stared at it for a moment before he realized they were building plans and the building was the one they were standing in.
“What are you thinking of doing?”
Alex tapped at some words at the top. They read Logan’s House. “I’m going to transform this building into a homeless shelter for veterans.”
“Oh, Alex.” He hugged him. “That’s a lovely idea. I want to help.”
“I’m counting on it. Half the money going into it is yours.”
Quinn waved that notion away. He’d given up trying to make Alex take it all back. Like it or not, he was a freaking gazillionaire, and using the money to help others was exactly how he wanted to spend it.
“It’s a fantastic idea. Logan would have loved it.”
“I think so, too. Of course, I asked Emil what he thought before having the plans drawn. He and Jase will help out with the kitchen, but they’re busy with their new bakery. It’s Damien I’m counting on the most. He’s agreed to be the head chef and is going to split his time between here and Our Safe Place.”
“How about Kitty?”
Alex nodded. “When Mrs. Anderson returns from her honeymoon, I intend to offer her a management job.” He ran his palm along the surface of the bar. “I’m sure we can find a use for this lovely piece of furniture that doesn’t involve liquor.”
“It will be amazing, Alex.” He turned to hug him, pressing his face against his husband’s broad chest and listening to the steady beat of his heart. A thirst for blood welled up in his throat. It was no longer a strange or frightening experience. “You’re going to do such good in this world, and there is no more war to worry about.”
Alex rubbed his hand down Quinn’s back, sending sparks of pleasure and arousal. “I hope you’re right.”
“You’re worried about Annika.” It was a statement, not a question, because he knew there was a storm brewing out there. “We’ll figure something out.”
“You know, that’s the funny thing. I don’t feel as if I do need to get involved. Will and Damien are keeping her on a short leash, as her parents should. After that, I believe that a mature Queen will handle any problems that arise herself. That was the way it was always supposed to be. I’m a drone and was never meant to rule.”
Quinn snorted and pulled away. “Please. Alex, you were born to be in charge. I don’t care what your hive protocol is. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Alex looked dubious. “We’ll see. I’m not going to worry about it now. We have time, and with each passing year, humans seem to be getting better, not worse. I think at the point when everyone realizes that Annika is real