He’s clearly teasing me, but the way his face lights up and those dimples pop out, I completely forget whatever nonsense the others are spouting. His smile wraps around me like a warm hug. I love when he smiles at me… or because of me.
Angel doesn’t call me out when I try to change the subject by asking why we have a round table. He just explains that it’s meant to symbolize equality, where every voice carries the same weight.
Soon after, a small group of elite warriors and elders joins us, and Angel smoothly transitions into Horsemen mode. The matter at hand is our visit toThe Forgotten Realm, where Visha’s right-hand warlock, Micah, is hiding.
To avoid any security risks during our absence, Angel alters the patrol routes near the portals to be safe. He’s not too worried because Papa Nakaya, our Horsemen of Famine, would be staying behind, and he’s more than capable of keeping things in check.
Once the plans are set and precautions are in place, the council begins to disperse. A few linger to chat, but soon, it’sjust our group and Khatri.
Angel starts scrolling through his phone, showing the guys pictures of August playing with building blocks. They all coo and fawn over how adorable he looks surrounded by wobbly towers.
“I want a kid,” Harvey blurts out. I barely stop myself from laughing when he turns his pleading eyes on Grace, all but begging Grace for a sign.
“I want kid-s,” Angel adds casually, still looking at his screen but subtly glancing at me to see if I heard him.
Seiji huffs, “Don’t be greedy, Anxo. You already have one. Nevaeh, your next baby is mine. Promise me your biological firstborn because you love me and you want me to be happy.”
What the actual fuck am I supposed to say to that?
Turns out I don’t have to say a word because Angel instantly shuts it down, yelling that he needs all our babies for his big family dream.
Wait, how many kids is he thinking about?
“Don’t be selfish, Anxo! I want my own little demons, too!”
“Why don’t you find your mate and make little demons with him instead of trying to stealmybabies?”
Is my mate seriously arguing over imaginary babies?
“We’ve got baby-hungry men in this group.” Grace shakes her head, trying to smother her grin.
I know she’d happily give in to Harvey’s request, but she’s holding back until she’s sure he isn’t high on baby fever because of spending so much time with August. But I’ve seen how he looks at Angel and my Monkey. That man is dying to be a father.
“And half of them are basically children themselves,” Hazel snorts.
Seiji shoves his back and stomps toward Hazel. “Give me one more side eye and I swear I’ll tornado your ass straight to Azure!”
“Away from you? Let me go pack a bag.”
I chuckle as another bickering fest kicks off between them.
My eyes shift to Khatri when he rises from his chair with a smile, ready to make his exit. “Anything you need before I go, Princess Nevaeh?”
“How many times have I asked you not to call me Horsewoman or Princess? Just say Nevaeh?Nuh-vay-ya.”
When I hold my ground, Khatri turns to Angel for support, who pointedly avoids eye contact, making it clear he’s not getting involved.
Khatri sighs in defeat. “Your father already insists I call him by name. Do you have to be just as stubborn, young lady?”
“I’m his daughter… so obviously, yeah.”
Khatri’s eyes suddenly soften with the same warm, adoring look I’ve seen on Papa Nakaya countless times. Maybe it’s a ‘dad’ thing.
“Okay, Pri—Nevaeh,” He corrects himself with a small smile. I can see it’s killing him, but it needed to be done. I can’t have people close to me using titles. It takes away the personal connection, and I don’t want that.
“That’s what I’m talking about.”
Before he can leave, I stop Khatri for a long-overdue chat. I barely know the man who’s been my father’s right-hand for years, and it’s high time I change that.
