The gentle question, unwittingly loaded with implications, hung between us. Three hours ago, I’d have told Dad everything. Finding out Lael was here complicated everything. Did it even matter how I felt? Orion had mourned his loss for seventy years and now, just as we meet, Lael reappears. And not just shows up, Lael is behind some shady stuff that’s happening.
But Dad’s expression was open and understanding—a silent assurance that no matter what I told him, he would accept it wholeheartedly. Pulling up my big boy pants, I met his gaze directly.
“If something romantic happened between us, would you be angry?”
To his credit, Dad didn’t so much as blink at the admission. He simply inclined his head thoughtfully. “Is there?”
Before I could answer, he waved his hand and shook his head. “That was wrong. You asked if I’d be angry. Not even a little. I’d be happy that my son and someone I love like a son found happiness. It wouldn’t matter that you found it in each other. I want you both to find the joy and love you deserve. Nothing less.”
I’d be lying if I said I expected the answer. If I had, it wouldn’t have stressed me out so much. Hearing it was a relief. “I carefor him, Dad. More than I should, if I’m being honest with myself. I’ve tried shutting those feelings down for the sake of the mission, but it’s been nearly impossible.”
A lump formed in my throat as I tried to get out the rest. I didn’t want to say the words out loud, but honesty required I be true to myself first.
“I’m not sure it matters anymore. Now that Lael’s back . . . It’s hard to compete with five hundred years of history.”
Dad watched me and I could hear his age-old gripe; halo conversations couldn’t compare to being in person. I used to roll my eyes when he said it, but at that moment, as weak as it made me feel, I wanted him to hug me.
He heaved out a sigh. “Sit down, Ezekiel.”
I blinked at the command but did as he said.
“Orion and Lael were together a long time, but they weren’t as good together as Orion remembers. They stopped being partners long before things got bleak. For the first hundred years or so they were good, but then Lael started to treat Orion as a possession, not as a lover. Outwardly they were happy, but beneath the surface there were major fault lines buckling under the stress.
“Lael’s a good fighter, but Orion is one of the very best. Despite that, Orion always shared credit for everything they achieved. Being with Orion fed Lael’s vanity and enhanced his stature. Yet in the quiet places of his heart, Lael knew it was a lie, and it fueled his jealousy.
“It wasn’t just his skill as a warrior. Orion has a kind heart. I like to think he got that from your mother. People loved him for his compassion and humility as much as his skill as a fighter. Lael is the son of Lucien. I’ve never hidden my feelings for Lucien. He’s a petty, vindictive, self-centered angel. I’m not alone. Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael do not like him, either. I can’tspeak for Michael, but from their lack of interaction, I’d say he shares his brothers’ feelings.
“Unfortunately, Lael inherited a lot of his father. When he was happy, it was dormant, but as his relationship grew and he saw more clearly who was the more loved, those negative traits emerged and slowly poisoned their relationship.
“Your mother and I saw this, but we couldn’t tell Orion. Not unless he asked, and he didn’t. Your brothers tried, but Orion didn’t listen.” He spread his hands and let them slap against his thighs.
“As much as it pained us, we couldn’t do anything. When Lael was injured, the power dynamic changed. Lael couldn’t hide behind Orion’s well-intended lies about them being equals. Jealousy ate up the last bit of restraint he had on his true nature, and he lashed out in terrible ways.”
The conversation we’d had in the car took on new meaning. “Orion said it felt like Lael was disgusted by how Orion loved him.”
“That’s a good description and I’m surprised to hear Orion saw it so clearly. Maybe he’s ready to move on.”
Judging by his reaction to hearing Lael was in the barn, I didn’t share his belief. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate you being so upfront with me.”
“Zeke, I told you this, so you knew what you were dealing with. I’m wise enough to know I can’t tell my children what to do, only give them full information. And to be there if they ever need me. You’re my son, and there are no limits to my love for you. I also care deeply for Orion. If I could have chosen someone for him, it would be you. You’re strong, compassionate, self-confident, and secure in your self-worth.
“Orion is a good man, but I don’t know if you can reach him. If you can, hold onto him because I’m certain he’d make you happy.”
Typical Dad speech. He gave me the good and the bad. I exhaled loudly. “That’s a lot to chew on.”
“I know, but I’m here if you need to talk more.”
I let out a rueful laugh. “I’m not sure I can take more brutal honesty.”
“You can, Zeke. You are your mother’s son. There’s strength inside you that you haven’t begun to tap into.”
I wanted to hug him in the worst way. “I love you, Dad. I’m beyond lucky to be your son.”
“Not half as lucky as I am to have you.”
Iemerged from my room emotionally drained yet strangely invigorated. One way or another, I needed to broach things with Orion. If not to pursue a romance, then at least to clear the air and reaffirm the steadiness of our partnership. We still had a mission to complete.
To my surprise, he was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a contemplative air. He glanced up as I entered, dark eyes unreadable.
