Page 20 of Heart of the High King
“I know your father was an intolerant jackass but the moment we walked out of his court, we vowed we were a family. You don’t keep secrets from family, Aleksander, and especially not your best fucking friend.”
More than the temper flushing Brogan’s face, Aleksander could see the hurt he’d caused. “It’s difficult to set aside nearly a century of hiding in an instant—”
“Nice fucking try, Aleksander, but it’s been how many since? You’ve had ample opportunity to find your balls and tell me. You owed it to me as your best friend. I don’t know.…Do you value that friendship at all? Is it just a game for you?”
Whatever Aleksander might’ve said to try and defuse the situation in an attempt to heal the wounds he’d torn into Brogan was lost when Dra’Kaedan hopped to his feet and got right up into his mate’s personal space.
“You can stop it right now,” the Grand Warlock roared. “He owes younothing. A friendship—no matter how close—doesn’t entitle you to his secrets. When he’s ready to reveal something, then it’s the right fucking time. You don’t get to dictate terms; that’s not how relationships work. You’re being unfair to him, and this isn’t about you.”
With two fingers Aleksander rubbed the moisture from his eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Brogan.”
“I gotta shift,” Brogan finally said and stormed out.
Dra’Kaedan crossed his arms over his chest. “He’s got exactly one hour to get his act together, or I’m going to set his ass on fire again.”
“A discussion would be more productive than torching your other half,” his mother, Saura, stated emphatically. “Now let Aleksander speak, dear.”
“I’m sorry,” Aleksander managed with a sniff and lifted his hands helplessly. “The time never seemed right, or maybe I was too chickenshit. I don’t know.”
“I meant what I said,” Dra’Kaedan enunciated slowly. “Instead of us congratulating you as is appropriate when you meet your other half, you’re sitting there beating yourself up because Brogan’s not being reasonable. Don’t do that. Tell us how you’re feeling, why Rafferty left, and how we can help you.”
“Hold off on the congratulations for now. Rafferty’s not out either, and his family is apparently intolerant. He’s terrified of the entire situation, and that’s why he ran out. I’ve got his number though, and I’ll text him in a bit…maybe after the shock of this wears off.”
“Aleksander, my love, every relationship is frightening at the start, and even when things seem impossible, Fate usually gets it right,” Saura assured him.
“Yeah, look how I nearly fucked things up with Dre’Kariston forever,” Somerly pointed out.
“We all had to overcome things to find love,” Gavrael intoned quietly. “You will face obstacles but if it is right, it will be worth it in the end. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, guys. I’m scared too. Kendrick, are you going to be okay with Rafferty visiting? I know you don’t know him and only invited Sullivan.”
Kendrick’s expression was serious. “I’d never stand between two mates, and I hope you can find something that works, but I do feel the need to caution you. Take things slow. The Kestles are not like the D’Vaires. I left for a reason, and I don’t want to see you hurt. And you have my word I won’t give away Rafferty’s secret.”
“I appreciate that. I plan to take it very slow.”
“Not for anything, because Rafferty’s a handsome guy, but he certainly has an interesting clothing style,” Worth remarked.
“My mother used to say that Duke Rafferty had trouble with colors, but Sullivan told me that Rafferty likes confusing and startling people,” Kendrick responded carefully. “And that he relishes the attention his weird clothes get him.”
Aleksander let that wash over him as he was ordered to stand, and received hugs, words of encouragement, and congratulations from his family. Walking outside as everyone dispersed, he wondered how that fit with the skittish man he’d met, but it was much too soon to come up with any real conclusions. Sitting out on the deck, Aleksander patiently waited for Brogan to finish his flight. His best friend swaggered up to him after he’d used the changing room at the back of the house to redon his clothing.
“I’m sorry,” Aleksander said.
“No, Dra’Kaedan was right,” Brogan remarked, dropping heavily onto the chaise next to him. “I was being an asshat. I guess I was just shocked.”
“And that infamous temper of yours got away from you.”
“It does happen from time to time. I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
“Are we okay?”
“I can’t believe you’re fucking gay, Aleksander. Do you have any idea how badly I wanted to sleep with you?”
“You were my first crush. I onlysuspectedI was into guys until I rescued you that day.”
“Please tell me you’re joking. We were stuck isolated for centuries, celibate. We could’ve been tearing up the sheets for hundreds of years.”
Aleksander laughed. “And that wouldn’t have been awkward at all when that warlock you love showed up.”
