Page 127 of Alastair

When Lazarus and I first kissed, that was when the warding shattered completely. Our fated mate bond obliterated the magic meant to keep us apart.

“Love,” I whispered. “It has the power to break any spell.”

“You’ve always been such a romantic at heart,” Konnar told me. “And in this, I do believe you’re right. Love is irrational, unpredictable, and one of the strongest forces in all the realms. Capable of turning enemies into lovers, breaking hexes, and—” His gaze flickered to Lazarus. “—even bringing an angel to his knees.”

Lazarus glowered at him. “I prefer bringing him to his.”

“Who are you?” Michael threw his head back against the couch as his large body quaked with a laugh. “And what have you done with my pure friend?”

Ignoring him, Lazarus threaded our fingers together. “All of the boys have found their fated mates. It’s a connection that runs much deeper than love. Does this increase the likelihood of the spell breaking?”

Maybe it was because of the mark I’d placed on him, but I was attuned to the way his breathing hitched. How his heartbeats quickened.

Hope.

“I’m no expert on the matter, but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility.” Konnar reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and withdrew a glass vial filled with a thick dark-red substance. His blood. “For you.”

So much for him needing to consider it first. He’d had the vial ready to go before I even got to the club.

I accepted it from him, my heart warming. “Thank you.”

“Of course. You’re my family. There’s little I wouldn’t do for you.” He rose from the chair and buttoned his jacket before smoothing his hands down the burgundy material. “Though, we will forget all of that ancient-one nonsense. That word, along with old, should be banned.”

Smiling, I stood and pocketed the vial. “I’m in your debt, my friend.”

Lazarus got to his feet as well.

“Return the favor by joining me for tea one week from today. We have crumpets and gossip to indulge in.”

I knew what he was really saying:Don’t let this battle be your last.

Soul magic was unpredictable. With my brothers being bound to their mates, their wills to return to those mates would be stronger than anything in this entire universe. As I held Lazarus’ hand, I knew my will to return to his arms was just as strong.

Hope blossomed in my chest, like a drop of ink falling from the end of a quill and landing on paper, starting small but quickly spreading out.

“We will win the battle,”Pride whispered.“And return to our angel.”

Our angel. It was the first time my sin had referred to him like that. Proof I wasn’t the only one who’d fallen for the white-haired angel with the icy exterior but warm touches and gentle heart—even if he claimed otherwise.

When we left the private lounge and returned to the main part of the club, my gaze roamed the room.

Bellamy and Phoenix stood talking to Evelyn, a female vampire Bellamy used to hook up with prior to being mated. She had her own harem of males, though, and only wanted his friendship these days. Which was fortunate because Phoenix would’ve undoubtedly set her on fire.

Gray had dragged Mason to the dance floor. Seeing the former Marine so awkward and stiff while Gray twerked in front of him was enough to make me chuckle out loud. Castor and Kyo danced beside them. The water dragon linked his hands behind Castor’s neck. Their chests pressed together as they moved to the beat.

Daman danced on a raised platform before spinning around a pole while Warrin watched him. Their eyes locked before a smile broke across Daman’s face. A rare sight—him being so expressive. Because he knew the days were passing quickly. Time was running out.

Konnar believed the spell could be broken.

“Should I tell them, Laz? Or will it be cruel to give them and their mates hope only to have it not work?”

“That’s a tough decision,” he responded. “Yet, I know you’ll make the right call. You always do.”

I beamed over at him, pleased by the compliment.

His eyes narrowed. “Well, almost always. Sometimes your ego gets in the way.” He rested a hand on my lower back as a werewolf walked by who had been checking me out—something I’d noticed too. His possessiveness thrilled me.

“Worried someone will steal me away?” I asked.