Page 177 of Commanding Flame and Shield
ALVARA
I closed the curtains tighter to buy August extra rest, and then tiptoed to the door, careful to close it with as silent a click as possible. The internal chatter of the warriors began to rush into my mind as I put distance between my body and my favorite shield, and I winced, blood going hot as I realized with absolute certainty there was no way their immortal ears had not heard our love making. My dread was confirmed as I came into the bright kitchen, the reflection of snow bouncing light everywhere.
Ajax and Alastair were sprawled on the bar stools at the small kitchen island, scrambled eggs steaming on their plates. Both men looked enormous in those thin modern stools, broad shoulders spread wide over the low backs. The brothers were almost naked, wearing only undershorts, their confidence oozing in waves with the amount of space they took up, coffees in their large hands. Ajax shared the shoulder length honey locks that donned Brody's head, tucked into Greek beads as they had worn it in their first life. Alastair was the literal black sheep of the brothers, sitting in his dark brunette waves.
Both brothers raised their eyebrows suggestively, lips twisted into teasing smirks as they sipped their steaming coffee in unison. Alastair’s dimples popped into place, the true proof of his amusement. My blood flooded into my face, and I scrunched up my expression before burying it in my palms. There was a gentle clink of ceramic on stone, and they began to slow clap, stoking the burning in my face.
“Oh shush, both of you!” I barked, raising my head and scowling at them. Alastair, feral grin on his beautiful face, stood and moved silently to stand only feet from me. His eyes were still teasing, but he cocked his head to the side and stretched his arms wide.
“It’s about time, second!” He boomed in that signature accent, not bothering to lower his voice. I felt the flush spread down my neck but accepted his hug.
“We’ve all been waiting,” Ajax added, clapping me on the back.
“Lost a good bit of money, you know.”
“We’d bet this would happen months ago.”
“You’re both so damn stubborn.”
“Thatreadingthough. Pretty God damned magnificent.”
“Worth the wait, by the sounds of it.”
I smacked the back of Alastair’s arm as we separated. He was all smiles, an enormous cat that ate the canary.
“Shussssh!” My scowl returned, and they both boomed their amusement, laughter shaking through my flushed body.
“Nowshe calls for quiet!” Alastair chortled.
“My dear, amortaltwo doors down could have heard that consummation.”
“Look at her blush. Do you think we can get her to a thirteenth shade of red?”
“Perhaps a reenactment for Ms. Goldman?”
“It’s Mrs. Porter now,” August’s amused voice cut through the clatter of dishes and the men’s teasing. They both grinned before falling silent, bowing their heads, and taking their food upstairs to the loft. He pressed against me in an instant, arm around my stomach, my body squeezed between his hips and the counter. August kissed my cheek, tucking my hair behind my shoulder, and kissing down the back of my neck. My eyes fluttered shut as I leaned into him.
“You know,” I breathed, “Aren will demand something more formal. A celebration, perhaps.”
He laughed, the shudder of his ribs against my own as welcome as his embrace. Someone upstairs—likely Alastair—turned on “Days Like This” by Van Morrison.
“Fine by me. You will be a Goddess in white.”
“I think her chance to wear white ended last night.” Freya laughed, slinking to the counter with the graceful prowl of a mountain lion.The Wraithwas about right.
I grinned and slipped from August’s grasp. She strode to meet me, and we wrapped our arms around each other, hearts beating against the other’s.
“Hello, old friend.” The words were a smile, and I pulled back to tuck a strand of short chestnut hair behind her ear. She wore it in a tight A-frame bob in this life, and it was strikingly fitting for her fierce energy. The bruises and cut across her face had almost vanished entirely overnight, only a thin white line and bar of blush remained. She had been not only my assassin, but my lady-in-waiting, and best friend in my brief life as Queen Saoirse. It had been lifetimes without each other, but it felt as though no time had passed. Her soul had followed August’s.Conn’s. And my gratitude was eternal for that.
“The others say you’re a reader in this life. The best they’ve ever seen. Makes sense given what you could do in mortal bones. I’ll book a time for you to take a deep dive someday soon.” She turned to August. “Brother,” she said as she threw her arms around his neck. “I have to say, I prefer King to brother, you obnoxious twit.”
August chuckled and crushed her in a bear hug that had her squealing in laughter. “Funny,” his voice was a growl in their embrace, “I preferyouas an assassin.”
I turned to the fridge as they continued their reunion and began pulling out what I needed. Someone had gone to the grocer while we slept. Eggs, milk, bread, vanilla and cinnamon. I was whipping together my batter when August returned to my side, a smile in his voice as he brewed a pod of coffee.
“Making French toast seems a little domestic for a Queen, doesn’t it?”
I flashed him a cheeky smile, and he grinned, tucking my hair behind my ear again. “Not more so than a King brewing his own coffee.”
