“But you just said spouses…”
“Only certain gods and goddesses can reveal who they are, Fox. You’re not a god.” An expression crossed his face but Fox ignored it, he was more concerned about keeping a secret from Alistaire.
“Fuck.”
“I know it’s unfair, but it has to be this way. I have to make sure the balance between life and death remains intact. It’s the price you have to pay to keep living in the current life. And just like you, I have a price to pay for helping my sister out. Failure is not an option for me, it would cost me more than just my life. Who knows, maybe Crevan Hannigan’s soul was reincarnated and will live a life just as good as the one he had without the defect.”
“Was he? Did he get reincarnated?”
“I can’t tell you that. You don’t need to worry. Just know things have a way of working out when you least expect it. For now, simply live your life with no regrets. Take the chances you were afraid to take in your past life.”
Fox sighed, nodding. Nafri was right. It was time he let go of the old Crevan Hannigan and live his life. Holding onto any kind of guilt would keep dragging him down, and he’d make the same mistakes he did in his past life.
“Thanks, Nafri.”
Nafri waved him off. “I don’t want your thanks—just don’t go blabbing about the whole god and death thing, and we’ll call it even.”
“All right, let’s go back inside. I’m freezing my ass off.” He turned to walk away and jumped in shock when Nafri smacked him on his ass.
“It is pretty sturdy,” he whispered close to Fox’s ear, then kissed him on his cheek.
Fox raised his eyes, connecting with Nafri’s gaze. “God or not, you’re asking for trouble.”
“Listen to the little virgin flex his muscles.”
Fox went to respond but looked away from Nafri’s teasing gaze when a throat cleared loudly seeing Zev and, to his horror, Alistaire Vale standing at the door glowering at them.
“Genesis is hungry,” Zev announced, then walked away.
“Good luck,” Nafri mumbled and followed behind Zev, leaving him alone with Vale.
“Where’s Genesis?”
“She’s with your mom.”
“Oh.” Fox closed his eyes, hating the coldness in Vale’s green eyes. Fox didn’t have to wonder why the deputy was looking at him that way, he simply needed to know which part of the conversation was heard. “It’s not what you think. Nafri and I are just friends.”
“Why are you telling me that? Who you fuck is not my problem.” Vale walked off, ending their conversation.
Fuck, this is not how I planned on enjoying my first Thanksgiving with Vale.
* * *
Alistaire patrolledthe Vale Valley park as the annual Christmas tree lighting was in full swing—watching out for any suspicious activities taking place. Alistaire had been in a foul mood ever since Thanksgiving day, and everyone at work and home was keeping an arm’s length away from him. He wasn’t ready to admit seeing Crevan Hannigan flirting with Nafri, Odin’s grandson, had grated on his nerves. Alistaire wasn’t sure what the hell they were talking about, but their body language said:I will fuck you until you can’t walk.
Not what I think.Alistaire mentally growled.What the hell am I supposed to believe seeing you so close to another man when you almost kissed me just moments before?He hadn’t expected the move on Crevan’s part, but Alistaire was sure he wouldn’t have pushed him away.
Alistaire had spent the entire dinner ignoring Crevan, even when the man tried to talk to him. He couldn’t explain or understand his jealousy when they meant nothing to each other. He still hadn’t gotten over losing his càraid, but he couldn’t deny something was drawing him to Crevan Hannigan. The way his heart beat in his chest and his skin prickled whenever he scented or was near him made Alistaire want to pull Crevan into his arms and make the other man his. Alistaire had stood by the window with Zev watching Crevan and Nafri talk as if they’d known each other since birth, but all he wanted to do was walk outside and pull them apart.
Alistaire was pulled out of his thoughts, causing him to stop walking.Something feels off.The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
He scanned the large park knowing precisely who had set off his warning bells.
Euan Gillies had found his way to Vale Valley.
Fuck, I can’t confront him now. There are too many people around.
Vale Valley residents filled every inch of the park, from the skating rink to the food stalls and the outdoor restaurants set up around various parts of the park. Alistaire’s skin grew uncomfortable the more his senses heightened. His eyes connected with Euan, who had a cocky grin on his face.
