“I swear to God, I’m going to stake you in the sun if you disappear one more time, Winter!” Marcus snarled.
“What the hell! I’m your mate, man!” Fox joined in.
The soft shaking of Ronan’s chest and muffled rumble of laughter proved Ronan was still very much awake and listening to the chaos that he’d created.
Aiden lifted his head and shifted so that he could look down on Ronan. “Water guns. You had to get them water guns.”
Ronan cracked one eye open, his lips twitching as if he were fighting to hold in his grin. “They seem to be enjoying them.”
Yes, nine grown men were currently racing around all three floors of the house, squirting each other with ice water on Christmas morning. What had started as a simple game was quickly devolving as they began using their vampiric gifts against each other. God help them all if their resident witch decided to cast spells in the house.
But they did sound happy, aside from the shouting and slightly maniacal laughter. This was also something his sons had not had much of. Their childhood had ended far too quickly because of Julianna’s illness. He also knew they’d not had much hope of finding mates. Their lives had been dedicated to the protection and secrecy of their family. How could they dare to trust outsiders?
Lady Fate had shined her benevolence on them at last. They not only found mates but strengthened their family. He didn’t know what hard trials she had planned for them in the future, but Aiden was sure they were ready to handle whatever was waiting for them.
Leaning down, Aiden brushed a kiss across Ronan’s lips before putting his head on his lover’s chest. Ronan sighed happily and threaded his fingers through Aiden’s hair in a lazy caress.
“No using fire to stop the water!” Bel cried.
Both Aiden and Ronan sat up at the same time and shouted in unison, “Outside!”
Of all the gifts Ethan could have received as a vampire, he would have the power to conjure fire. Just the idea gave him nightmares. Aiden glared over at Ronan as if he were the culprit behind the gift selection.
“Tonight. I’ll resume working with him later tonight after he and Marcus hunt,” Ronan said, pulling Aiden onto his chest as he stretched out against the throw pillow again. “It’s good that he’s using his power. We don’t want him afraid of it, or he’ll never control it.”
Aiden grudgingly had to admit Ronan was right on that count. Ethan had to be comfortable with his gift if he was ever to learn control. But he’d prefer it if he didn’t practice until the new fire extinguishers arrived. And he’d definitely prefer if Ethan didn’t practice in the house.
It was also reassuring that Ronan had taken Ethan under his wing. While Marcus had been proud of his fledgling mate, he’d also been terrified of his gift. His son not only worried about Ethan’s safety, but also his tender heart if something should accidentally go wrong while wielding his new power. From the first appearance of Ethan’s ability, Ronan had not shied away for a second. He was there every moment, instructing Ethan on breathing techniques and focus. His mate was a wonderful, patient teacher, who had not only helped Ethan feel more comfortable with his gift but also helped him move past his misplaced guilt with regard to Julianna.
Placing his hand in the center of Ronan’s chest, Aiden propped his chin on it as he looked at Ronan. “Ronan, how did you know?”
Ronan blinked his eyes open again and smirked. “What, my king? That I would fit so perfectly in this madhouse of yours?”
Aiden barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes. That was not what he was asking. “How did you know that I was still the man you loved? From the first, you never seemed to hesitate. It’s like you knew. But a thousand years separated us. We both lived through and did horrible things. We’ve both watched people we knew changed into monsters. How did you know?”
There was a surprising softness that crept into Ronan’s expression as he stared at Aiden. One hand touched his cheek and then brushed the hair back from his brow. There was such love in his gaze that it stole Aiden’s breath away so completely.
“You smiled,” Ronan said simply.
“What?” Aiden breathed. It couldn’t be something so small.
“I was watching you so closely when you walked into the party, surrounded by your sons. Beautiful. Regal.