Page 132 of Alastair

“I was kicked out of the meeting for talking too much,” he said before biting into the cold treat. “But Ray gave me this. It’s banana flavored. My favorite.” Another bite before he slapped a hand to his forehead. “Ow. Brain freeze.”

Kicking him out for talking too much had more than likely been an excuse just to get him out of the room. Raiden and Titan cared for Nico as if he was their own son. They didn’t want him anywhere near this battle despite his training over the past year to prepare him for the war.

“If you get bored, you can join Oliver and Dargan by the beach,” I told him. His hyperactive personality might help lift the angels’ moods. Because although he’d kept a cool composure, I knew Dargan was hurting too. Evangelos had been one of us. He’d fought beside us. Trained with us. Laughed and dined with us.

And then betrayed us. It cut deep.

Once inside the villa, I followed the sound of voices toward the study. The smell of fajitas lingered in the air. A melody of chicken, shrimp, and steak. Enough to feed an entire army. Or close to it.

Before I reached the door, Alastair stepped from the room, his expression lighting up upon seeing me. Wariness shone in his eyes, though, after taking in my appearance. He was so attuned to me.

“He was a spy,” I said. “The council voted to execute him.”

“I’m sorry.” Alastair stepped into my arms. I hadn’t known how much I’d needed him until he was against me, his body warm and his sweet cedar scent a comfort to my battered heart. “Did you learn anything from him, at least?”

“Yes.” I nuzzled his hair, then hid my face in it. “You were right about the black moon. Lucifer plans to use the power to summon Asa from the celestial prison.”

“Summon Asa?” he asked, trying to pull back. But I held him in place. I felt raw and didn’t want him to see that rawness in my eyes. He settled back against my chest and slid his hands to my nape. “Why?”

“To kill him. He knows we have Night Fall.”

“And he plans to kill Asa to prevent us from using the sword against him.”

“Clever boy.”

Alastair kissed the area beneath my jaw. Purrs rumbled in his chest. His sin enjoyed the praise just as much as he did.

“I also learned the location of the battle.” I reluctantly pulled away. “The others should hear it too.”

“Very well.” Alastair turned toward the doorway. “Let’s—”

I grabbed him by the wrist and spun him back to me, capturing his lips. The spontaneous kiss shocked him, but he soon pressed closer, teasing the seam of my lips with his tongue before pushing it into my mouth.

“I’m here for you,”he told me telepathically.“Lean on me if you need to.”

Yes. He knew me well. He had known I was hurting on the inside and needed his proximity. Needed his everything. After we pulled apart, he led me into the study to join the others.

Bellamy smirked at us. No doubt Lust had sensed the desire brewing outside the door. Desire for sex—for the escape it gave. But mostly for the comfort I only found with Alastair in my arms.

“Lazarus has news,” Alastair said.

“Do tell.” Baxter kicked his legs up on his desk and leaned back farther in the chair, tucking his hands behind his head.

“I hope you fall backward,” Daman told him.

“Kotya,” Warrin said with a light chuckle, bringing his mate closer and kissing his temple.

“Well, he flirted with you.” Daman glared at the pink-haired Nephilim. “I’ll chop off his dick.”

“For the last fucking time, I didn’t flirt with him,” Baxter said in an exasperated tone. “I only asked if the carpet matched the drapes. It was an honest question. That silver hair and faint blue highlight have always piqued my interest.”

Daman’s hand landed on the hilt of his sword.

Warrin promptly moved that hand aside and linked their fingers. A mighty dragon taming a feisty kitten.

King Tatsuya stood by the window and looked at me. “I’d suggest you share your news before they start up again.”

Without wasting any time, I told them what I learned from Evangelos: the reason for Lucifer waiting until the black moon and the location being at their mansion, or what remained of it, in Echo Bay.