Killian smiled at him over the top of her head. "Now I don't know if I should hug you or punch you."
"Hugs. All the hugs," Lachlan said, and Killian wrapped an arm around him.
Bron snuggled in on the other side. "You had us all worried, little cousin. How's everything with Apollo?"
"Good?" Lachlan said, a hot blush creeping over his ears. Killian laughed, and Bron grinned. He whispered, "Don't say anything. I'm trying not to overwhelm him."
"Where the fuck are my hugs? I was the one who was kidnapped after all," Apollo declared and pushed his way in between Lachlan and Killian. He put his hand on Lachlan's chest and pushed him out of the hug, so Killian could get both arms around him. "Much better. Squeeze me, big, sexy fae. I've been in distress."
"And what a fine damsel you make," Killian said, cupping his golden head to his chest with a big hand. Lachlan's eye twitched. Killian only grinned wider and made soothing sounds. "There now, little dragon. Everything is going to be all right. We will sort out these alchemists, and no one will dream of hurting our golden boy again."
Lachlan wondered just how long Killian would take to heal if he stabbed him with something.
"Easy, bro. They are family," Ciara said softly, and Lachlan quickly looked away.
Gods. Only Apollo could make him so stupid.
"Where do you want all this stuff, Apollo?" Ciara asked to break up the hugging.
"In my room. I can mix stuff in the bathroom. Lachie, carry that thing for me. It looks heavy," Apollo said, pointing to a large suitcase and batting his eyelashes.
Yeah, he was completely stupid over Apollo. Lachlan leaned down to pick it up anyway. Apollo poked him in the bicep and giggled before grabbing the other bag. Lachlan smiled bashfully and then noticed his sister watching.
"I almost feel embarrassed for you," she said as she took her own bag from the luggage trolley. "I'm going to put this in my suite, and then you and I are going for a walk about the nearby streets. I need to stretch my legs."
"Give me five," Lachlan said, carrying the heavy bag through the lounge to the bedroom.
Valentine was yet to emerge from his rooms for the morning, but it was still early. Killian went over to his door and banged on it.
"Get your ass up, Val. You dragged me to this city. You can at least tell me what magic you're planning in there," he said through the door.
Lachlan left them to it and got Apollo's gear into the room.
"Put it over there and be gentle. I don't know what they have packed in that one," Apollo said, pointing to the luggage rack beside the bathroom.
Lachlan lifted it and placed it gently in its spot. "Do you need me for anything else?"
"Loaded question. So many answers," Apollo replied, a cheeky little grin on his face.
It was good to see him so perky after yesterday. He had collapsed into Lachlan's arms the previous night and had slept until morning without moving. It had been worrying seeing him so quiet.
"You're in a good mood," Lachlan noted.
"I've got all my things and don't feel useless. Of course I'm in a good mood."
"You've never been useless. Fuck, I watched you pick up a live smoke bomb yesterday and toss it back out of a window. I've never been so horny and terrified at the same time," Lachlan admitted.
Apollo waggled his eyebrows at him. "Did something for your sexy bits, did it?"
"Everything about you does something for my sexy bits. It's ridiculous," Lachlan replied with a sigh.
Apollo grabbed him unexpectedly and pulled him into a hug. He ran his hands through his hair and down his back.
"Ahh..." Lachlan said uncertainly as Apollo rubbed himself up against him.
Apollo's eyes were glowing. "I don't want other male scents on you," he grumbled.
Lachlan's face broke into a grin, glad he wasn't the only jealous one. "They are both mated males."
