Page 70 of The Aether

As clever and willing as Alastair was, when it came down to it, he was no match for Morcant and would likely wind up a victim of that sonofabitch like countless others before. However, Castor had a terrible tendency to entice others in to what he deemed was an exciting fight.

With an irritated sigh and a shake of his head, Damian rose to his feet and shoved the chair under the table. “He’s a pain-in-the-ass drama queen and shouldn’t have involved you, Al.”

“We’re in agreement on the first, but total disagreement on the second.” Folding the paper in half, then half again, he casually set it aside and tugged his shirt cuffs below his suit jacket sleeves, playing with the link at his left wrist. “I’m hurt you didn’t seek my help right away. I thought we were friends.”

“We are.”

“Friends don’t exclude friends from all the fun.” Standing, Alastair took one last sip of his coffee, then placed the mug on the table and lifted a dark-blond brow. “Who are we smiting today?”

Regardless of how serious a situation was, Alastair’s dry wit always tickled Damian’s funny bone. Very little affected Al unless it was a direct threat to his family or person.

“Nathanial would be thrilled with how much you love trouble.”

“I learned from the best,” his friend replied.

His cocky grin was the spitting image of his great-grandfather’s, and bittersweet memories flooded Damian. Christ, he missed Nate so goddamned much it hurt. It was hard to believe he and Evie had moved on to the Otherworld for good.

Pulling himself back from his side trip to the past, Damian asked, “How much do you know?”

“The whole of it.” All humor left Alastair as he met Damian’s tired, gritty eyes. “You haven’t slept. Why don’t you nap for a few hours? Alex, Ronan, and I can keep watch over your family. I can call in my son-in-law if the need arises.”

“I’m not sure I’d be able to sleep, knowing my wife and daughter are in danger, Al. I wish I had a clue what the hell was going on and why the Authority is allowing Morcant to target us.”

“Have you summoned the Goddess?”

“No. I haven’t dared to leave here.”

With a decisive nod, Alastair strode toward the terrace doors. “I’ll go see what she knows, if anything.”

“For a man without a designation, he’s fearless,” Draven observed.

“Yes. He’s also come up against Morcant in the past and lived to tell the tale.” With a frown, Damian considered how long Draven had been alive. “It seems odd you’ve not run up against him. Morcant seeks out the powerful to steal their magic.”

“We’ve met in passing. But for an Arcane Devourer to feed, the energy must be negative. I feel nothing most days.” Shrugging, Draven finished off his pint.

“What do you know of him?”

“The man’s relentless in his quest for more. Energy, status, power. Once he targets some poor fool, they’re as good as dead.” His wise eyes locked with Damian’s. “But my money’s on you, friend. I’m betting Morcant bit off more than he can chew this time around.”

“Here’s hoping.” With a healthy sigh for the trials ahead, Damian gathered the glasses and mug. “You should go rest, Masters. Third floor, first door on the right. The bed has fresh linens.”

“Are you certain you don’t want me to remain on guard?”

“It’ll take you a good hour to feel a hundred percent. I’ll call if I need you before then.”

Left alone, Damian walked to the kitchen, checking for anything out of place. He was startled to see Vivian’s sisters at the prep table.

“Ladies.”

Taryn’s smile was strained, but Soleil was as open and refreshing as always. “Hi, Damian. We were about to start breakfast. Any requests?”

Glancing down, he noticed blueberries in whatever batter she was mixing. “It looks like you have my favorite covered, and I’m sure it’s going to be delicious. Thank you.”

She beamed under his praise, lighting her round face. Fuller-figured than her siblings, Soleil had a Rubenesque quality. He remembered a time when she would’ve been the woman men sought for her voluptuousness and unintentional bawdy laugh. Today’s men were fools to overlook her beauty.

“I’ll leave you to it.” He turned to go.

“Damian?”

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