Page 86 of Mystique of the Fallen
“Why did you not discuss it the night you agreed to be mates?” Albrecht asked.
“We were busy enjoying the romance of the night,” Roman defended, resting his palm on Grant’s thigh and squeezing it affectionately. They had both erred in not bringing the subject up, but Grant decided it didn’t matter. Soon, they would be mated. That was everything Grant wanted.
“It must have been very nice,” Brynnius stated, his usually gentle voice tight and clipped.
“B, you said you weren’t mad,” Samson exclaimed.
“Sentinels cannot lie,” Albrecht said. “He is not mad.”
“No, I am not,” Brynnius remarked, his tone still embittered. “I am sure Roman and Grant enjoyed their dinner cruise and lime-flavored popcorn.”
“You kinda sound mad,” Grant commented to the brown-haired sentinel.
“Why would I be mad?” Brynnius asked. “Sammy rushed me into creating a treat I was saving for your matebond ceremony. I am disappointed, not angry.”
“Plus, he gave Roman the idea for a night on a yacht that Sam had planned for the two of you,” Albrecht added.
Brynnius nodded. “Yes, I would have liked to see merpeople and try new desserts on a yacht.”
“Sentinels really do hold terrible grudges,” Grant said to Roman.
Samson crossed his arms. “How about you help me make it up to my mate instead of criticizing him?”
“Dude, I would totally love to, but we already established that Roman and I are totally lacking in the romance department. We didn’t even plan our fucking matebond ceremony. Do you really wantmyhelp?”
Brynnius glanced at Samson and gave him a small smile. “Perhaps they are not the best couple to aid us in planning a nice night.”
“Have a picnic,” Arvandus suggested, cupping Albrecht’s head and kissing him again. “Spread a blanket on the floor of your bedroom and have a nice, romantic meal with easy-to-eat finger foods.”
“Then strip and go wild with each other,” Grant added.
“Although I do not wish to sound like Bax and speak of my sex life, that is my favorite part of picnics,” Albrecht stated.
“I will make some chocolate chip cookies for our picnic, Sammy,” Brynnius stated firmly.
Samson grinned and wrapped an arm around Brynnius. “And I’ll find some new treats for us to taste, B.”
“Great, glad that is solved,” Grant said. “Now, do you guys want to help us with a project?”
Samson’s mouth curled in annoyance, and he glared. “I think at some point you’re going to have to figure out your own romance issues.”
“As soon as we get this matebond thing done, we’ll be golden,” Grant vowed with a wink for Roman. “No, it’s not of a romantic nature. We’re going to be sleuths. I want to investigate and discover what I can about the end of my life.”
“Are you sure you are prepared for the truth of your demise?” Albrecht asked. “Sometimes searching for answers does not bring you the peace you believe it will.”
“I think I’ll be fine whether we reveal the truth or not. There is no emotional connection for me. No matter what happens, I’m not that guy. I won’t relive it. I can’t. It’s impossible. But I’m a fallen knight who was human less than a year ago. What happened to me? Did someone end my life? Justice is unlikely, but I’m too fucking curious to accept it without exploring,” Grant explained. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m satisfied with my fate. Beyond satisfied. My life is wonderful, and it keeps getting better. I have an incredible partner who loves me exactly the way I am. We have a beautiful home, and I have a fulfilling career. But if someone murdered me, I at least want to know who the fucker is.”
“I would like to help you,” Brynnius replied. “I believe you deserve to know the answers. But we have no guarantee we can find the information you seek. The humans will not aid us.”
“You may count on my help too,” Albrecht promised.
“The six of us can do our damn best to get to the bottom of what happened to human Grant,” Arvandus added, giving Albrecht’s neck an affectionate squeeze.
“Where do you want to begin?” Roman asked.
“With the lawyer,” Grant said. “He knew me. Supposedly, I loved the guy, at least at some point. Wouldn’t he want to know what happened to me? Maybe he already does. He must have a connection somewhere with the private investigator named Grant. That’d be me. Then we can find out my old last name and use it to refer to my past self instead of calling himhuman Grant.”
“Hewasa human, Grant,” Brynnius pointed out.
