Page 136 of Alastair

Gray ran around the backyard, chasing Simon with a bug. The smaller male then lost some of his energy and dropped down to the grass with a yawn.

The boys and their mates were there, along with Clara and Sirena, Nico and two of his friends from his unit, Baxter, Daichi, King Tatsuya, Penemuel, and Lev and the twins. Prince Viktor had returned to the ice kingdom and would journey to the island the following day.

To march for war.

Michael arrived with Oliver and Dargan not long afterward. My friend’s grim expression made my chest ache. He had been the one to execute Evangelos days ago—one of the responsibilities that came with his position—and he had been in the celestial realm ever since dealing with other council affairs, as well as preparing the military for the fight with Lucifer. I hadn’t had a chance to speak to him.

Alastair followed my gaze. “I never thought I’d say it, but I miss his stupid shit-eating grin.”

“As do I.” I touched the small of Alastair’s back. “War takes its toll on everyone, even those who live and breathe combat like him. Taking a life is never easy.”

“Welcome to the party, boys,” Clara greeted the angels. “Grab a drink and have a seat.”

“Gratitude.” Dargan nodded to her before sitting beside Baxter, who handed him a beer.

Oliver joined Daichi and King Tatsuya at the table while Michael made his way over to us.

“Evening,” I said to him. “I hope you brought your appetite. From the smells coming from the kitchen, I imagine Raiden has cooked a feast befitting the gods.”

Finally, Michael smiled. It wasn’t quite at his normal level, but it caused a familiar sparkle in his brown eyes. “I look forward to it.”

I didn’t ask him about the state of the celestial realm or the battle strategy he’d put into place. I kept all talk of war where it belonged—out of this moment.

“We made a little bit of everything,” Raiden said, beaming with a smile as he stepped onto the back porch. He wore an apron that said Got Meat? and had a picture of a smirking animated sausage on it. “Pork roast with brussels sprouts. We also have pepperoni pizza, enchilada casserole, grilled chicken with mango, and teriyaki and pineapple-glazed drumsticks.”

“There’s also a ton of sides,” Titan added. “Too many to name. Come make your plates.”

Raiden approached me and Alastair. “Guess what I made for dessert? Apple pie.” His eyes shifted to me. “You’re gonna eat, right?”

So many times I had turned down his offer. But not today. “Yes.”

“Sweet.” His smile widened. It then fell just a little. “I know me and my brothers haven’t always seen eye to eye with you, Laz. But I want ya to know I consider you one of us now. You’re Al’s mate, and that makes you family.”

“Thank you.” My throat was tight. “That means a lot to me.”

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Alastair told him. “When you said dinner, I should’ve known you meant feast.”

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t be me otherwise. Besides…” Raiden looked at everyone around the outside table. They had filled their plates and sat anywhere that was available, laughing, eating, and drinking. “I wanted one last night like this, ya know?”

It was the evening before the battle. Come tomorrow, the boys I had grown to care for would give everything to save the world.

Would I be able to let them?

Michael watched me for a moment before looking toward the group. Did he know my thoughts? By the tenderness in his stare, I wondered if he shared my same struggle. He’d grown to care for them too.

“Where’s that apple pie?” I asked.

“Having your dessert first.” Raiden’s smile returned. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

Laughing under his breath, Alastair grabbed my hand and led me into the house. He cut me a slice of the pie but insisted on having the first bite. Mainly to taunt me, the brat.

“So good,” he said, licking his lips. “I think I’ll just eat the whole thing.”

I backed him up against the counter in the kitchen. “Is that so?”

He only smiled at me. A devious little smile.

I kissed him and pushed my tongue into his mouth, tasting him and the pie he’d stolen. “You were right. It’s good.”