Page 175 of Heart of the High King
Chapter 66
Aleksander laughed as he tried to brush Nox but kept getting his hand butted by Mortis. The two wolves acted like puppies sometimes, but he did not doubt their deadliness should they believe someone was attacking, especially if Rafe was in any perceived danger. They followed him from room to room, and Aleksander knew it wasn’t only because his father and brother were somewhere unknown. Nox had told him again and again how much they loved Rafe, which didn’t surprise Aleksander in the least. Not only did he adore the man himself, but it was also impossible to miss how much care Rafe lavished on both animals.
“I don’t really care if you’re hungry,” Rafe told his wolf, sitting on the floor next to Aleksander. “I’ve already fed you twice, and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s eight in the morning.”
Aleksander kissed Rafe. “Thanks for cooking breakfast.”
“You shouldn’t have insisted we stay in here for meals. I’m not going to allow you to separate yourself from your family.”
“Ourfamily, and I just wanted a little bit more alone time with you. We’ll eat lunch in the kitchen as usual, okay?”
“Sorry I fell asleep for like fourteen hours.”
Aleksander set the brush down and rubbed Rafe’s back. “You needed it, and I got the chance to hang out with Nox and Mortis.”
“Nice job keeping them off the bed.”
“It’s okay if they curl up with us now and then.”
“They take up all the room.”
“I have something to say to you,” Aleksander told him seriously, which caused Rafe to frown.
“Okay.”
“I don’t hold anything against you. When you went home, I wasn’t thinking that you were abandoning me. Our relationship was growing, and I knew what was on your plate. You aren’t at fault for what happened or our separation.”
“I should’ve stayed with you. Everything would’ve been so different.”
“You weren’t ready to make that step yet. Stop taking any blame for what they did to you.”
“You know not everyone might see it the way you do. I still don’t think you should’ve told everyone off last night. I’ve made mistakes, and they should be free to pick who they like. It isn’t going to have any bearing on our future if they don’t want to be my friends. I love you and I love who I am.”
“Rafe, I’m not going to apologize.”
“I don’t want to fight with you about this. I’m just asking you to not alienate yourself from your family.”
“How am I ever going to get you to say ‘our family’ if they aren’t willing to make you feel like you belong?”
“I belong here with you. To me that’s the most important thing. I can deal with whatever shit comes along so that I can be with you.”
Aleksander bussed the corner of Rafe’s mouth. “I love you and your hard head.”
“Piss.”
“Mortis needs to go outside.”
“Nox is less eloquent. He has to piss. Why don’t you go get some work done, and I’ll take them out? And congratulations on your promotion and raise. That’s very kind of you to donate half your salary to the D’Vaire sanctuaries,” Aleksander said as he got up and took Rafe’s hand once he did the same.
“Thanks, I can’t believe Elf insisted on that.”
“I can. You’re awesome.” Aleksander kissed his mate again and patted his butt as he sent him on his way into the office. Without a word to any of the D’Vaires in the great room, he took the wolves outside. While they ran off to do their business, Aleksander grabbed two balls and was just past the deck stairs when Brogan appeared.
“Aleksander, the dukes and I need to speak to you privately.”
When Nox and Mortis trotted to Aleksander, he threw the toys in his hand. “I believe you meant to say that the dukes wish to meet with both their High Kings.”
“Look, just trust me, okay? Thisone timewe need to talk to you.”
