Shock killed all expression on Aethan’s face. Then his head lowered, he stared at the ground.
Hell, wasn't he the bringer of cheerful tidings? “One more thing, Aerén now lives with me.”
Aethan’s gaze snapped back to him. “He’s here? On this realm?”
For a second, there was such yearning in his friend’s expression, Reynner almost called Aerén to get his ass here, only to recall he’d ordered him to Ground.
“Yeah. He took on the rebels to find your parents. Daén wants him safe. In Empyrea, he wouldn’t be. Nor could I keep him caged in Exilum. Far better he’s part of the detail in Eve's protection, it gives him something to do.”
Aethan nodded, but didn’t say anything. Reynner waited for his decision. Which came after a long time.
“Don’t—” he broke off, then took a deep breath “—don’t let Aerén know I'm here. He must go back to Empyrea.” Another pause. “If it’s not too much trouble, keep me posted on my parents?”
Reynner nodded.
“I'm glad you told me and that you're back,” Aethan said. And that easy smile he’d sported in another life reappeared, brought back sharp memories of an old friendship torn apart but never forgotten. Reynner simply reached out and hugged Aethan as three thousand years of separation and guilt dropped away.
***
Eve stared anxiously out the French doors. Reynner had been gone for so long. She hoped he’d worked things out with his friend.
Easing her tight hold on her mug, she set it on the counter.
Soft voices drew her attention back to the massive kitchen, separated from the casual dining section by an island counter. Echo spoke with Hedori, who worked in the prep area.
Hedori looked nothing like Eve’s idea of a butler. Older than the other Empyreans she’d met, with his erect bearing, he appeared more like a bodyguard. His long hair hung down his back in a plaited steel-colored rope.
The door swung open. Aethan walk in, followed by Reynner. The easy camaraderie between them loosened the knot in her stomach. They’d worked things out.
Midnight blue eyes found hers.
Eve hurried over. “Are you okay?”
He cupped her face with gentle, callused palms and kissed her in answer.
She smiled. “I'm glad.”
He slipped his arm around her waist and introduced her. “Eve, this is Aethan. My old friend.”
“I'm so pleased to meet you,” Eve said.
Aethan smiled as he gave her that half bow. “And I, his mate.”
“Sire?”
Reynner pivoted, his shock soon replaced by a grin as the butler approached.
“Hedori, it has been far too long. I'm glad to see you're damage free.” He slapped the other man on his back, showing Eve glimpses of who Reynner had been in another life.
Aethan snorted and helped himself to coffee. Echo stopped at his side and spoke softly. He bent his head, listened to whatever she said. Then he brushed the shallow dimple on her chin and nodded. She left the kitchen.
Reynner drew Eve back to him and explained about the disasters Aethan had caused when he came into his unexpected abilities during his teens. “He couldn’t lose his temper without casualties. Hedori, as his bodyguard, often ended up with no hair and his clothes singed to ash until Aethan learned control.”
Hedori chuckled. “Damages like that are now non-existent, have been for centuries. Aethan’s finally settled down, like you have, as my lady Echo informs me.”
Reynner nodded, his fingers caressing Eve slowly up her sides. “Yes, that I have.”
“I’m happy for you, and congratulations. Coffee, or something stronger?”
