“Yes, Henry.”
Henry tucked his head beneath Loch’s chin and let the fae distract him as he’d intended. His thoughts still raced, but it was hard to be scared and anxious when your mate held you so tenderly and a pretty song filled the air.
“You’re very sneaky,” Henry whispered into the skin of Loch’s neck.
“I try.”
“Are you really not afraid?”
“That is a difficult question. I do fear what lies ahead, but I do not fear our mate’s brother. He does not deserve such an emotion from us. For what he did to you, I would make him suffer. That is what I feel for him.”
“But he’s the god of our element. What if he—”
“Henry, I gave one of my feathers to the lake, and she gifted me with some of her waters in return.”
“Yes?” For once, he really couldn’t follow Loch’s logic.
“Draco’s mother saved his scales along with those of herself and his fathers. She crafted him armor and gifted it to him, expecting nothing in return.”
“I’m not following.”
Loch paused and lifted Henry’s hand. He held it close to his chest. “A gift freely given is just that— a gift. The receiver may use that gift as they wish, with no expectations. When a magical gift is used wisely, both benefit. I gifted a feather to the lake. She understood my gift and gave me one of her own. Like for like. Our mate’s brother gifted us with powers. The gift was freely given. And now we must use it wisely, even if it isn’t for his benefit.”
“This is very philosophical.”
Loch shrugged. “Perhaps. But did you never wonder why the magic he attempted to steal did nothing for him? He thought the weakest of us, our children, would give up their powers willingly, or by force, and it would enrich him. But it did not. That is not how gifts of magic work.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I do not fear such a one as him. Our mate has chosen wisely, and we will prevail.”
Henry leaned his head back against Loch and stared at their hands where they rested together against Loch’s chest. His mark was clearly visible and he couldn’t help but tremble. “Are you sure?”
“I am. You do not have to be afraid, my mage. I will keep you safe.”
Henry heard Loch’s wings unfurl moments before the fae wrapped them around him. Henry raised his head and looked into Loch’s eyes, not surprised to find a mischievous gleam in them.
“You know your wings are sexy.”
“I know my mates think they are. That is all that matters.”
“You know, I used to think your eyes were your secret weapon. But no, it’s your wings.”
Loch moved and the feathers brushed against the bare skin of Henry’s leg. He trembled again, but this time it wasn’t from fear.
“Fuck,” Henry gasped.
“I’d be happy to,” Loch said.
Henry groaned and leaned his head in again. “I swear, I’m mated to a bunch of horndogs.”
“I was led to believe that was your favorite part of mating. Was I mistaken?”
Henry laughed. “Oh, you’re being funny now.”
Loch moved his wings again, gliding them up Henry’s legs.
“Perhaps.”
