Page 99 of Beyond the Storm

Alastair:[slowly sinks into the chair with a steaming cup of tea in his hand] I’m supposed to care?

Baxter:Ah, come on. Ithasto ruffle Pride’s feathers just a little, right?

Alastair:[takes a sip]

Baxter:You’re no fun.

Alastair:Will you begin the interview? I have places to be.

Baxter:And a surly angel to do? [eyebrow wiggle] Tell me. How’s married life treating you?

Alastair:Just fine.

Baxter:What about life in the celestial realm?

Alastair:Also, fine.

Baxter:These short answers are annoying. Shouldn’t you be jumping at the chance to hear yourself speak? Even Daman had more to say than you, and he hates everyone. Think of your fans. You don’t want to disappoint them, do you?

Alastair:[another sip, then exhales] Go on, then. Ask your silly questions.

Baxter:That’s the spirit. [shuffles papers] Okay. Do you have any hobbies outside of reading?

Alastair:Aviation. I love to fly. With the war behind us, I’ve spent a little time in my private jet.

Baxter:Does your angel hubby accompany you on these flights?

Alastair:[soft smile] He does. Though, he snarls and asks why use a jet when I can just spread my wings.

Baxter:Fair point.

Alastair:[shrugs] Flying is freedom. He only complains because in the jet, I’m the pilot.

Baxter:Ah, so he has a problem with giving you control.

Alastair:[smirk before he takes another sip] Out of the bedroom, anyway.

Baxter:I could’ve gone the rest of my life without knowing that. Next question, before I throw up. Describe your brothers in one word.

Alastair:Noisy.

Baxter:[laughs] You answered that fast.

Alastair:Because it requires very little thought.

Baxter:They may be noisy, but you’d do anything for them. Which leads in to the next question. What do you love most about your brothers?

Alastair:Shall I discuss each of them?

Baxter:Yep.

Alastair:I admire Galen’s strength. Not only physical but his strength of character too. Castor’s humor might grate on my nerves, but he only wants to make people laugh, especially during dark times when we need it most. Daman is fearless, even if he doesn’t realize it. Gray can be rambunctious and mischievous, but he has a sensitive heart. Bellamy is loyal. Kallias seems indifferent, but beneath that stoicism is a gentle soul. And Raiden is the glue that holds our family together.

Baxter:What do you think they’d say about you?

Alastair:I’m not sure.

Baxter:Want to know my thoughts?