Page 84 of The War is Coming

“See what? Am I invited?” Zeus asked, joining them.

Battle smiled at him and took his hand. “Hey boo. Han has invited us to watch Sapphire and Steel.”

“You’re always welcome, old friend. You know that,” Han replied.

“Excellent, then I shall supply the treats. But first,” Zeus pulled Battle into his arms and kissed the stuffing out of him.

Battle wrapped his arms around his mate, not caring there were others around and happily kissed him back.

Slowly they drew apart. Zeus’ golden eyes looked tenderly at him. “I missed you today.”

Battle laughed and pulled back. “It’s not as if you didn’t come and see me.”

Zeus touched his cheek. “I know, but they weren’t long visits.”

“It’s good to see you happy, brother,” Hades said, appearing beside Frederick.

Zeus turned and looked at him. “How could I not be happy? Have you seen the mate I’ve been blessed with?”

“We’ve both been blessed,” Hades said, taking Frederick’s hand.

“But now, Battle and I need to leave; Athena has invited us to dinner.”

“She invited us as well, but I declined as,” he waved his hand around. “BBQ.”

Everyone laughed.

“Well, enjoy. We’ll catch you all later. Come, my love.”

“See you later,” Battle managed to get out before he and Zeus vanished.

They appeared in Zeus’ bedroom. Battle grinned. “Not that I’m complaining about being here, but what about dinner with your daughter?”

Zeus pulled him closer. “We have time.”

Battle smiled at Zeus and touched his cheek, overcome with emotions. “I love you, mate of mine.”

“And I you, my most beloved mate,” Zeus leant forward and kissed him. Using his magic, he stripped them both, and they appeared on the bed where Zeus made love to him.

A few hours later, they arrived at Athena’s apartment. Zeus shocked Battle when he knocked on the door.

“You know how to knock?”

Zeus laughed. “I do. It’s just quicker my way.”

Athena opened the door as he was talking. “Don’t believe him, Battle. He just turns up to see what we’re doing.”

“I just care so much,” Zeus said, looking perfectly serious.

Athena and Battle both looked at him, then burst out laughing.

“Sure, boo.”

“Come on in. I invited Hephaestus to join us.”

They walked in, and Battle saw a man standing by the sofa. He was holding a walking stick and wore strange, thick boots.”

Zeus saw him and smiled, walking straight over to him. “Hephaestus,” he said, pulling him into his arms.