Page 141 of Heart of the High King
Chapter 53
Aleksander relaxed in his chair on the deck with a beer. His entire extended family was gathered for their first weekend with Rafe, and he was feeling smug about his matebond as he watched the craziest game of kickball he’d ever seen. It was Rafe’s idea, and plenty of people had volunteered to join in the fun, including eight-year-old Pyxlevir, who had his game face on as he took his job as shortstop seriously. The little elf was part of Team Tiri that was captained by a sprite determined to win. Tiri had a pretty good group too, but Aleksander’s money was on Team Rafe, even if they did have a catcher who was a wolf.
“Everybody yell ‘teal and black,’ ” a set of three cheerleaders screamed as Blodwen, Saura, and Larissa waved around their pom-poms.
“Teal and black get out of our way! Team Rafe is gonna win,” the opposing cheerers yelled, executing a few jumps that weren’t anywhere close to being in sync. Aleksander supposed that was forgivable, considering the impromptu afternoon activities. Dra’Kaedan had provided magical outfits for all six people who were hollering over each other; and Team Rafe, which included Kitchi, Evergreen, and Victor, had insisted on skirts even shorter than the ladies.
“I’m getting a headache,” Drystan complained while his other half ran from second to third base. Madeline rolled the ball to Chieftain-mate Aristos Valzadari-Centaurus, and the shifter kicked it with enough force that it barreled out to center field, where it was scooped up by Noirin. She threw it to Venerable Knight Arvandus Ruarc-Daray, who caught it seconds before Aris got to first base.
“Out!” Lich Reaper Grymington Daray yelled. “That’s three, switch sides.”
“There goes Chand out in left field as usual,” Baxter hollered as the Arch Lich jogged to his assigned spot in the outfield.
“No taunting from the crowd, or I put you in an impenetrable black bubble,” Chander retorted after he was in position.
Grymington blew his skull whistle, and Dra’Kaedan bounced the ball toward Pyxlevir, who was adorable in his sneakers paired with his traditional elven wear. The elf kicked it and raced to first base with a grin on his face. Tiri was up next and, unfortunately for him, his efforts resulted in a perfect catch from Scheredin, giving them their first out. It was the last inning, and Rafe’s team was up by two runs, but teenage sprite Caelmyron was up next. Thus far he’d accounted for two points, and his turn resulted in Pyxlevir making it to third.
Arvandus earned the second out when Chieftess-mate Klodjana Tisidal-D’Vaire threw the ball to Conley, who tagged him, keeping the Venerable Knight from reaching the base. Praxis managed a single, sending Pyxlevir home, which tightened the score considerably. In response, the cheerleaders on both sides yelled louder, and their cheers weren’t improving.
“I’m going to need more beer,” Alaric complained.
Noirin’s stance was all business as she readied to kick and when she did, it flew up and landed smack between Rafe’s outstretched arms.
“Out! Team Rafe wins,” Grymington yelled. “Great job everybody!”
There was a celebration in the middle of the “field” but instead of it being the nine people who’d won, it included both teams. Clearly the game had been a success, and Aleksander was happy everyone was enjoying themselves.
“Can we keep our outfits on?” Evergreen asked, preening in his tiny black and blue skirt.
“Sure,” Dra’Kaedan responded once he left the mass of players high-fiving each other.
Mortis loped to the deck and leaned heavily against Aleksander’s chair. “Have fun?” he asked the wolf, rubbing his head.
The almost dragon he loved headed toward him with a grin. “Hey,” Rafe said, stealing Aleksander’s beer and drinking heavily from it.
“Next time, we need to get you a water boy or girl. Nice job by the way,” Aleksander told his mate, pulling him onto his lap. Rafe stiffened, and Aleksander draped an arm across his thighs. “You okay?”
“We’ve never sat like this before,” Rafe whispered, relaxing against him.
“If it bothers you, I can scoot and you can sit next to me.”
“I kinda like it.” Rafe kissed his earlobe. “Nobody’s going to think it’s weird?”
“Nope.”
“You should’ve played with us, it was fun.”
“I will when you play again, but I liked watching you guys too.”
Evergreen joined them while Aleksander was nuzzling Rafe’s neck as his mate finished off his drink. The friendly hybrid offered them both fresh bottles of opened beers. “You guys look so good together. Congratulations again.” Evergreen carefully arranged his skirt from the arm of the chair, where Chander was sprawled over Alaric. “Everyone kept telling me that you weren’t gay, Aleksander, but my radar was pinging wildly.”
“Mine didn’t,” Chander interjected.
Evergreen pursed his lips at the Arch Lich. “Please, what would you know about men? You had your face shoved in a book and not only missed out sleeping with the incredibly gorgeous Killian the Dwyer but nearly lost your mate forever. You,girl, are no expert on the subject.”
“Let’s be honest, did anyone besides Evergreen suspect it?” Chander called out and much to Aleksander’s chagrin, every person outside—which was essentially all the people in the world he cared about—turned to stare at him. This was exactly why he wound up blushing every time Evergreen was around; the man unintentionally made a spectacle of him. But Aleksander wasn’t going to allow himself to feel discomfited. Rafe was on his lap, and life really didn’t get better than when he was near. It didn’t hurt that he still had his head nestled in the crook of Aleksander’s neck and had one strong hand wrapped around his forearm where it rested on Rafe’s legs. Everywhere they touched was a source of joy.
“Does strong wondering if he was somehow gay count?” Renny asked.
