Page 101 of Beyond the Storm
Baxter:Ah, I have no doubts. To start off the interview, tell me how you’ve been since the war ended. You started working in the coffee shop on the island. I hear you’ve even been promoted to manager.
Kallias:Yes. I was honored by the promotion, if not surprised. My team and I work hard. For this past Valentine’s Day, I learned to make foam hearts in the lattes. We also baked heart-shaped sugar cookies using a recipe Raiden gave us. I made a batch for Elasus, and he quite enjoyed them.
Baxter:That’s endearing. Seriously. You’re this hardened warrior, yet you choose to make fancy lattes and pastries for a living.
Kallias:I believe it’s because of my years as a warrior that a job such as this appeals to me. The atmosphere of the shop is soothing. I enjoy the whirring of the machines and the aroma of fresh coffee beans. It calms my soul. Relaxes my mind.
Baxter:[nods] Raiden is the same when he cooks. Makes sense. I’ve asked your brothers this question and want to hear from you too. Are there any little Nephilim Spartans in your and Elasus’ future?
Kallias:Children? [smiles] I find it unlikely. Elasus and I are enjoying it being the two of us. Though, I look forward to each time I’m able to see Daman’s son. Sorin is precious.
Baxter:You and Elasus took a vacation recently, yes?
Kallias:We did. We visited Sparta. My heart ached seeing the ruins of what was once my home. Yet, the land was the same. The trees and fields. Mount Taygetus in the distance. While I was in the realm of the lost, I created my own vision of Sparta. I suppose as a way to survive the crushing loneliness. I used to sit on a hill staring at the mountain and toward the distant valley, waiting for Elasus to return home to me.
Baxter:You never stopped waiting. That hope kept you from losing your grip on your sanity.
Kallias:Yes. A year with Elasus by my side, and I still have moments where I fear I’m still in that realm. I find sleep difficult because of this. I fear waking and learning it was all a dream.
Baxter:Here. [lifts the snack tray and holds it toward him] I was saving this last cookie for myself, but you need it more.
Kallias:[raspy chuckle as he grabs it] I appreciate your generosity.
Baxter:Well, I appreciate you being here for the interview. One last question, and then I’ll let you get back to that sexy Spartan mate of yours. I asked Galen this question, and he nearly bit my head off. But I think it’s a good way to end our interview. What type of underwear do you prefer?
Kallias:[his lips twitch] What makes you think I wear them?
Baxter:Oh, damn. You’re a boy who goes commando, eh?
Kallias:A warrior must be ready at a moment’s notice.
Baxter:Did you just wink at me? You tease. I wouldn’t mind meeting this… warrior in your pants.
Kallias:I regret to inform you that this warrior only stands at attention for one male.
Baxter:How tragic.
Interview Notes:Kind of sad it’s over. Is that Melancholy’s influence over me or just because I won’t get to see Kallias’ dark brown eyes, sexy tanned skin, and muscles anymore? Spartans just do it for me. So do dragons. And fuck me, so do angels. Can I have my own harem of sexy males? Please and thank you.
Deleted Scene
The following is a deleted scene from Alastair’s book! It takes place shortly after they learned Lucifer and Belphegor were spotted in Tokyo. In the scene, the Nephilim brothers journey there to meet with King Tatsuya’s friend.
I cut it because I felt it took away from the flow of the plot, and I ended up summarizing what they learned by having King Tatsuya talk to his friend on the phone. However, I loved the scene and wanted to share it.
Also… the male they meet isverylikely to appear in future spin-off books. *winks*
I hope you enjoy!
-Jaclyn
Cut Scene:
Alastair POV
In the heart of Shibuya, surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, and clubs, the setting sun breathed life into a booming night scene. The colorful Tokyo district thrived, the lights from the neon advertisements and large video screens posted on the sides of buildings so bright it blocked the night sky, drowning out the stars.
“You okay?” Castor asked Kallias.
