Page 191 of Wicked Bonds

But Aidan would be the one he’d mourn the most.

His father. His flesh and blood. The other half of his mind.

“I’m going to be all right,” he promised, his gaze on Balthazar.

“I know you are,” he replied, standing to pull his oldest friend into a hug. “And we’ll be waiting for you with open arms upon your return.” The words were low and breathed against his ear.

Then he clapped the man on the back, just like Jay had, and took a step back.

“I’m not hugging you,” Alik said. “But I’ll be actively restructuring our protective lines in your absence.”

“I’ll expect a full report on my return,” Luc replied.

Alik grinned. “I’ll give you a demonstration instead.”

The two males shared a moment of understanding, both of them having experienced great loss. However, Alik still allowed his residual anger to drive his will to live, while Luc desired a different path. He didn’t want to be motivated by a need for revenge. He wanted strategy and logic to be at the front of his mind again.

And he would succeed.

With time.

The four men shared another powerful silence, then each of them left with their tasks in mind.

Balthazar would address the island this evening after leading the funeral ceremonies.

Then he’d announce Luc’s temporary departure.

And he’d join his Hydraians in their mourning, offering his ability to soothe their emotions while embracing their thoughts and comments.

Camaraderie and morale were his specialties.

Which meant his powers would be needed tonight and for the foreseeable future.

Fortunately, he had someone to help him through it.

Leela.

His sensual challenge. His perfect mate. His other half.

She smiled up at him now as he led her away from Luc’s house, the home isolated at the top of the hill in the center of the island, and down the path toward his home.

“I suppose it’s a good thing Issac and Stas are staying with her parents for now,” Leela said conversationally as they walked.

“Oh? And why’s that?” he asked, already aware of her answer but wanting his vixen to voice it out loud.

“Because I’m not in the mood to share you today,” she replied.

“No group orgies on the beach?”

“Hmm, no,” she hummed, her blue-green irises swirling with salacious energy. “I’m too ravenous for that.”

He nodded, his arm sliding around her lower back. “I only have enough syrup for two anyway.”

She giggled at the pun, the sound one he rather enjoyed. “I never did show you what happened the morning you made me pancakes in Brazil.”

His mind recalled the memory with ease now that all the blocks had been lifted between them, but he played along anyway. “I hope it involves you licking syrup off my abdomen.”

“And your cock,” she replied without missing a beat. “Your balls, too.”