Chapter Thirty

“What was it like, seeing Warner again?”

Kolton was almost asleep, and it was tempting to ignore the question. They’d already spent hours reaffirming their love for each other, talking and laughing with each other. The scent of their lovemaking still perfumed the air after they’d gotten their egg situated in the small room next to the master bedroom and had tumbled into bed. He could see from the pale chink of light through a gap in the curtain that the sun was rising. It was definitely sleep time.

But, remembering his vow to share more, Kolton said, “It was much like seeing him in life, you know, without the tubes and the machines keeping him alive. Oh, and the fact he looked as solid as you or me, but he was hovering above the Elysian Fields. He was stunned that paranormals existed and claimed being dead was a real eye opener.”

Simon chuckled. “I was trying to work out how an innocent like Warner ended up in the Underworld, but now you mention the Elysian Fields, that makes sense.”

Rolling over, Kolton snuggled into Simon’s side. “The Elysian Fields are the one place where hellhounds were never allowed to go. The souls that are there are ones who have done heroic deeds or who have lived a virtuous life. Their souls go there to rest and recuperate before they head off on their next adventure.”

“I doubt Warner would’ve had the chance to live anything but a virtuous life, he was so young. But then he was a warrior too, the way he fought his cancer.” Simon sighed. “I hope the Fates bring him some comfort and pleasure in his next life. But what about you?” Simon’s hand was warm on the back of Kolton’s neck. “Did you get some comfort from talking to him?”

Kolton hesitated, a shiver of alarm running down his spine. “Is this a trick question? Are you cross with me because I was talking about our issues with someone else? I’ve not been mated before. Is that the wrong thing to do, because if it is, I didn’t mean it. It’s just he was there, and I was desperate, and all the words just fell out of my mouth. He said nice things about you, I promise.”

“Kolton, I’ve told you before, I think it’s lovely you had someone to talk to. You said yourself I wasn’t listening to you or caring about your feelings these past two weeks. I genuinely wondered if it helped you feel better, that’s all.”

“Warner suggested that when you were snapping at me, it wasn’t me you were personally annoyed with, even if it felt like it at the time,” Kolton said slowly. His mate was in his arms for the first time in almost two weeks. He didn’t want to wreck the mood.

“He said…” Kolton chuckled, because he hoped Simon would see the humor in it too. “Warner said that when he used to watch you working at the hospital, you always seemed so confident, and people fell all over themselves to do what you instructed. He laughed, thinking about you being pregnant, about how frustrating that would be for you.”

“He wasn’t wrong.” Kolton felt Simon’s nuzzle in his hair. “I think it’s important that we’re learning how to be with each other.”

“Shouldn’t it be easy though, because we’re mates?” Warner hadn’t addressed that, and it was still something that niggled at Kolton’s good mood.

“Like your mated packmates, you mean?” Simon waited until Kolton nodded, and then added, “I don’t think so, but that’s me personally. I think matings are the combination of two totally different personalities. I have met the other mates, remember, and I wonder if you’re viewing them from a specific perspective that might not include the whole truth.”

“They don’t have one hundred percent wonderful relationships?” Kolton’s eyes widened. “Why would you say that?”

“From things they’ve shared.” Simon chuckled. “Remember Raoul sent a vampire to sign his Jason to a singing contract, rather than just inviting him for a drink, and Jason still felt the need to work for the contractor bloke he was working with until that house fell on him. I know that caused friction for them both.”

“True.” Kolton remembered when the house fell on Jason and how frantic Raoul had been. “It took us a bit to get him out.”

“And weren’t you the one who told me that Beau fell to pieces when Tristan was born, worrying he wasn’t going to be a good father?”

“Oh yeah.” Kolton chuckled, remembering Cain’s telling of it. “That whole thing resulted in an ongoing debate on the correct size of a cuddly toy for an infant. He and Cain still make digs at each other about that.”

“Java fell asleep and almost missed that other hellhound spiriting Cyril out of his sweetshop that time.”

“That other hellhound was from another pack,” Kolton said quickly. “Our pack wouldn’t do that to each other.”

“No, I know, but things were sticky there for a while. Then there was the case where Faron took Patrick for granted and didn’t come to his senses until Patrick took off for the day. Face it sweetheart,” Simon’s kiss was warm on Kolton’s forehead. “Everyone goes through an adjustment phase – some shorter and some longer than others, but nothing is ever perfect from the first day. You and I had a rocky start. But we’re already building happy memories together, and those all add up.

“I believe our relationship will be stronger because we’re having to learn how to work together – because it hasn’t come to us naturally. We’re both independent adults. We both have reasons why we find it difficult to show any vulnerability, or perceived weaknesses, although you’re stronger and better at that than I am in that area. I’m excited for our future, especially now we have our sweet egg to raise together.”

“Me, too.” Kolton lifted his head, so the next kiss landed on his lips. “Guess I was worrying about nothing, huh?”

“Your worries are always valid, and yes, I lost track of what was important for a while there, but we’re still together, you’re in my arms, and…”

“The best place to be.” Kolton melted as Simon kissed him, this time with a lot more intent.