Chapter 6

C hieftain Kalthekor Valzadari grinned as the roller coaster whipped around the track. He lifted an arm to wave at his mate, Chieftain-mate Aristos Centaurus-Valzadari, and their son, Pyxlevir. Although they'd opted to travel around the amusement park with the gargoyle family of Hawthorne-Stones to keep the numbers even, Kalthekor had sat out each ride thus far.

A few years ago, Kalthekor imagined Pyxlevir would've been laughing as they barreled down hills with his former best friend, Gramlithyn Verdanyth. But Pyxlevir no longer talked to the elf-zebra hybrid who'd become his constant companion at age six.

Immediately following their graduation from Spectra Academy, Gramlithyn had set off for a trip. It was supposed to last three weeks. But the young hybrid had yet to return, and Pyxlevir had quietly mentioned months ago that he no longer bothered texting his pal. Pyxlevir had grown weary of waiting for Gramlithyn to respond, and Kalthekor didn't have to ask his only child if he was angry that the friendship he'd invested so much of himself into had ended.

Not that Kalthekor questioned Pyxlevir about anything regarding Gramlithyn any longer. His normally easy-going son had grown up far too fast and was about a year from finishing his business degree thanks to his incessant need to take classes every semester including summer sessions. He had grown tight-lipped and annoyed if anyone dared mention Gramlithyn's name, shrugging and brushing the topic off.

As far as Pyxlevir was concerned, Gramlithyn was the past, and the young elf was far more interested in looking toward the future. Pyxlevir loved working at the company Kalthekor headed, and it was easy to imagine that someday he'd share his duties with his son. Or maybe he'd place everything in Pyxlevir's capable hands to give his duties as Chieftain and member of the Council of Sorcery and Shifters his undivided attention.

Kalthekor left behind his spot near the fence and headed to the exit of the ride. A windblown Pyxlevir was the first to run out. The elf who'd once worried Kalthekor because of his slow rate of physical growth dashed over to hug him. Kalthekor remained two inches taller than his son, but neither of them were bothered by Pyxlevir's slightly shorter-than-average stature for a Valzadari elf.

"I do not have to ask if you had fun," Kalthekor said.

"I'll wait if you want to ride it again with Dad," Pyxlevir replied, kissing Kalthekor's cheek.

It would be noble of Kalthekor to claim that he'd stood waiting for their family to allow his son to have someone to ride with him, but the truth was the last thing he wanted was to get on any of the scary things at the park.

"Kal," Aristos called out as he headed toward them. Pyxlevir smiled and stepped aside to allow Aristos to embrace Kalthekor tightly. "That was the best coaster yet."

Lifting his head for Aristos's kiss, Kalthekor was willing to take his mate's words for truth without experiencing any of it himself.

"What ride are we headed for next?" Kalthekor asked.

"I think we were planning on meeting Ridgely and Preston at the cake bar," Archon Timotheus Centaurus replied, his brown gaze bright with enjoyment.

"Let's wait to let my dads ride this one together," Pyxlevir suggested.

"Jordan and I will go on it again with you," volunteered Watchman Hunter Hawthorne-Stone, the leader of the gargoyles.

Kalthekor's phone beeped, and he was so grateful for the distraction, he pounced on the opportunity to grab the device from his navy-and-black cotton pants. The Valzadari were well known for their penchant for wearing silk, but Kalthekor had opted for something more durable and comfortable for their day at the park. Plus, there had been mention of water rides.

It was Kalthekor's plan to avoid them as he'd done with the coasters, but he'd cross that bridge when he got there. The phone had signaled an incoming text, and it was from Kalthekor's cousin, Chieftain-mate Evlithar Cwylld-D'Vaire.

Evlithar: How are you enjoying the park?

"Give me a moment, I must answer Evlithar," Kalthekor muttered, patting Aristos's broad chest and stepping back to allow him to use his thumbs on his screen.

Kalthekor: It is great fun, how is your day?

Evlithar: The park is nice. It was kind of the orcas to allow us to have it for the day. There are many, many scary rides.

Evlithar was the nicest person Kalthekor had ever met, so it didn't surprise him that Evlithar was making every effort to be positive. But the last sentence raised his hackles. Evlithar's nature was to think of everyone else, rather than himself. It was something that had once nearly torn his life apart permanently, and Evlithar had spent centuries catering to a selfish woman and the cold-hearted bastard Kalthekor had been up until Pyxlevir was born.

Kalthekor: Do not ride the ones that frighten you.

"What's up, Kal?" Aristos asked.

"Evlithar has mentioned that there are many scary rides. I'm afraid he's getting on rides that he doesn't want to because he fears upsetting everyone by missing out on this opportunity the orcas have given us today."

Evlithar: They all frighten me. Do you like them?

Kalthekor: I have skipped them all. They frighten me too.

Reminded of how important the truth was, Kalthekor raised his head and met the brown eyes of his mate. In Aristos's lovely gaze was the love that flourished so beautifully between them. As much as Pyxlevir's birth had changed Kalthekor and allowed him to find his heart, it was discovering the other half of his soul that had finally brought him peace.

"Do we need to rescue your cousin?" Aristos asked.

With a nod, Kalthekor sent another text, asking where Evlithar was in the park. "Yes, and I need to tell you I feel the same as Evlithar. The rides are terrifying. I'd much rather watch everyone enjoy them instead of attempting them myself."

Aristos smiled as he toyed with one of the braids he'd put in Kalthekor's dark hair. "I'm glad you told me that before I inadvertently dragged you on one."

"I'm surprised Cadlyr hasn't figured out Evlithar is scared and isn't talking him out of riding things," Timotheus remarked.

"I thought the same," Kalthekor replied. Another text from Evlithar revealed he was heading for the coaster Kalthekor had watched his family ride. "They are headed this way."

"I see them," Pyxlevir said, running off to meet Evlithar.

"If we weren't in a park covered by layers of magic to protect us, I swear Pyx would be giving me a heart attack right now," muttered Strategos Inachus Centaurus—Uncle Nacho to Pyxlevir thanks to Aristos's penchant for annoying his brothers with nicknames.

"Can centaurs have heart attacks?" Aristos replied.

Inachus scowled, but Kalthekor followed his son and greeted Evlithar and Cadlyr with tight embraces. With the pair were Talfryn and his other half, Chieftain Lorcan Acwellan-D'Vaire. Hugs were soon doled out by everyone in both groups.

Evlithar lifted his chin and gulped at the height of the coaster nearby. "Have you ridden this one yet, Pyxlevir?"

"Yes. Dad and I loved it, but you don't have to get on it if you're scared."

For a second, Evlithar did nothing. He moved to grab Cadlyr's hand and cast a furtive glance at his tall blond mate. "No, it's fine. I'm sure it'll be fun."

Cadlyr took a single glance at Evlithar's face, and his teeth clenched. "Why didn't you tell me you don't like the rides?"

"Why is anyone surprised?" Lorcan groused. "Elves weren't meant to be careened around a track, having their insides rattling around with each fast turn."

"Anleydir, you have been on every ride today," Talfryn exclaimed, his lavender gaze narrowing at his mate.

Tugging Evlithar into his embrace, Cadlyr caressed his back. "You aren't getting on another ride today unless you absolutely want to. Talfryn and I can get on them together since clearly Lorcan isn't enjoying them any more than you are."

"Thank Fate," Lorcan exclaimed, shoving a long lock of black-and-red hair off his tunic. "I feared I would vomit as Brogan did if I had to get on another one."

"I wonder if Brogan realizes that everyone in this park knows he lost his breakfast in a trash can," Jordan snickered.

"If he's surprised, he doesn't know Dra'Kaedan as well as he thinks he does," Talfryn mused. "He sent out a group text. Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't include a picture."

Kalthekor grimaced. "I am thankful he resisted the impulse."

"The orcas were so nice to allow us to use their park today, I'll feel bad if I don't take the opportunity to experience everything," Evlithar murmured into Cadlyr's chest.

"I suggest we get some lunch, then find the train that goes around the park," Kalthekor suggested, eager to save Evlithar from riding anything else he would hate. "From there, we can see everything and get plenty of pictures to memorialize this special day. I have a feeling this will not be our last visit to an amusement park given how much many of our loved ones are enjoying the rides. We will visit the wonders the orcas have built again, but we needn't get on anything that scares us. I was crafty enough to insist Pyxlevir take my place at Aris's side since he was enthusiastic about the coasters, but eventually I would've had to either brave something or confess my own terror."

"It's a relief that I'm not the only one afraid," Evlithar replied. He lifted his head and kissed Cadlyr. "I'm sorry I didn't mention how much the rides terrified me."

"Apologize to yourself for suffering through them," Cadlyr advised with a small smile and another brush of their lips.

"I'm definitely interested in food," Aristos said, lacing his fingers with Kalthekor's.

Everyone agreed they were hungry, so they started the walk toward the center of the park.

"Once we've had a chance to digest everything, we should head to the water park," Jordan commented. "I know Ridgely and Preston wanted to do the lazy river thing, and I also don't want to miss a single ride over there."

"Enjoy it," Lorcan retorted, his bluish lavender gaze resolute. "I was willing to climb on those horrid coasters, but the last thing I intend to do today is get sopping wet."

"I will wait with you," Kalthekor said. The idea of getting his tunic and pants drenched held no appeal. As an elf, tradition barred him from changing into something more practical for the water park. There were likely sorcerers around to cast spells to dry him, but he was perfectly content not needing a bit of magic during his day. He would miss nothing by skipping that area of the park.

If he wanted to get wet, he could hop in the shower or the bath. And, in there, he could strip to nothing and invite Aristos to share the experience with him. Being alone with Aristos while damp had availed him countless hours of pleasure since they met, and Kalthekor never tired of the passion so easily ignited between him and his other half.

They stopped as they arrived at the center of the park to find that many other people at the park had the same idea. It would be great to catch up with family and friends to find out how much they were enjoying their day thus far. Aristos dropped Kalthekor's hand and slung an arm around him.

Kalthekor gasped as he was crushed against a solid centaur body.

"Don't think I didn't see that look on your face, Kal," Aristos whispered with his lips close to one pointed ear. A lovely shiver raced through Kalthekor.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"You already know your eyes hide nothing from me, so reveal your secrets."

It was foolish to blush, but that didn't stop the heat from rising to Kalthekor's cheeks. He opted to ignore it and wind his arms around Aristos's neck.

"I was thinking about how much fun water can be at home," Kalthekor replied.

Aristos's smile was feral. "Save some energy for later, after we get home."

"Are you sure you will not be too tired? An adventurous day at an amusement park is surely a recipe for fatigue."

"I always keep a reserve inside for you."

"What I don't understand is why these conversations continue to happen when I'm a foot away," Inachus complained. "Aris, you know shifters have exceptional hearing."

"And a penchant for complaining since Fate hasn't found their mates yet," Aristos teased.

"Rude," Strategos Demaratos Centaurus retorted. "It's not our fault Fate is taking her time. Why don't you and Kalthekor go find some private room to flirt and plan your night?"

"I can't help it if the mood to flirt with my mate overtakes me, Marty," Aristos argued. "Go get some food and stop whining."

"You're in the damn way of the line for the pizza," Inachus countered.

Aristos chuckled, and although it was horrible of Kalthekor to smile, he couldn't help it.

"Whoops," Aristos said.

"At least you can get some pizza for lunch," Kalthekor teased.

"Always thinking, Kal, that's one of the many reasons I love you. Go find Pyx and get some carrots to fill your tummy."

Needing another kiss, Kalthekor reunited their mouths for a brief but thorough caress. He forced himself to release Aristos and headed off to find their son. It didn't matter that Kalthekor was no ride aficionado or that he preferred to keep his clothing dry; the day was turning out to be wonderful.