Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

Briny Nix, tried to pull his hand away, but Kyle tightened his grip, not letting the man get away. "No, just let me absorb for a moment," he whispered harshly.
    Watching through his lashes, he saw Damian's jaw clench. Why the hell was his lover upset? Kyle was the one whose life was just turned upside-down. A flash of anger surged through him, and he glared at Damian. "That was a shit-load of information you just dropped on me," he snapped. Kyle knew he shouldn't let his temper get the better of him, but he couldn't seem to help it.
    Damian's features immediately took on a pained expression. "I know, my heart. I am sorry."
    He took several deep breaths, trying to calm his racing pulse and get his thoughts in order. What he'd just been told seemed unbelievable, but he had a funny feeling his husband would be all too happy to prove it. And before true belief seeped into him, Kyle probably would need that.
    After several minutes of silence, he lifted his gaze and took in the worried crease marring his husband's brows. "So what about you?"
    Cocking his head, Damian frowned. "What do you mean?"
    "You told me a hell of a lot about your kind," he said, waving a hand distractedly, "but you never really told me about you. What about your family? Why does your father coming concern you so much? Will he be disappointed you took me… a human… as your lover?"
    Damian's brows shot up. "No! Oh, gods, no! That's not it at all," he quickly assured. "Kyle, I—" He paused. "Can I hold you, please? I need to touch you, make certain you're still here."
    He whispered the admission and Kyle smiled largely, unable to hide the pleasure Damian's confession caused him. Kyle slowly stood and peeled off his clothes, stripping to his boxers. He saw the heat of desire light up his lover's eyes and smiled, knowing they probably wouldn't do anything about it for quite a bit, but it felt good nonetheless to be that wanted.
    "Join me."
    It took only a moment for Damian to add his clothes to the pile and crawl under the covers next to him. Damian reached for him and Kyle went to him willingly. Settling his head on Damian's broad chest, he gently ordered, "Tell me about your family."
    ****
    Damian relaxed into the mattress, his arms wrapped securely around his Adelfi Psychi , and everything felt right in the world. He knew his husband was trying hard to accept, to understand, and for that he'd feel forever grateful. He prayed to whatever gods would listen that since his human hadn't yet run screaming for the hills, what he was about to share wouldn't change that.
    "I'm one of three sons from my father's first mate," he whispered. "Darius is my younger full-brother. My other full-brother is Drake. Only the three of us are eligible to receive my father's title and position in the Nixie Court."
    "Nixie Court?"
    The concerned, whispered words had Damian tightening his grip on his husband, as if that act alone could keep him from mentally withdrawing. "Yes. My father is an elder on the court, the Second Duke. He's nearing the end of his life and has been encouraging all of us to take a mate for some time. He didn't care which of us," he added. "According to Nixie law, whichever child from an elder's first mating who takes a mate of their own will be granted that elder's title and position."
    Kyle's brows drew down. "That's an odd way to do it. Even a bit progressive if it includes females."
    Chuckling, Damian replied, "Yes, that includes our women, and any male who says they're weak is either foolish or just plain stupid. I've seen some of the most lethal intrigue played out between women." He pressed a soft kiss to Kyle's forehead, knowing they had to get back on track. "My mother was my father's first mate," he murmured. "I am the middle of three sons, but I'm the first to take a mate."
    He waited for Kyle to put the pieces together. It didn't take long. "Oh," his husband breathed the word out slowly. His muscled body tensed in Damian's arms. "That means …"
    When no more words were forthcoming, Damian nodded. "Yeah. That's why my father's coming. He wants me to take over his duties."
    "Oh," his Adelfi Psychi whispered again. "Can you do that from up here?"
    "I'm afraid not," he whispered. "We could come up for visits, but we'd need to move there," he admitted.
    Kyle craned his neck back so he could look up at Damian's face. "We? How could I live underwater with you? It is underwater that we're talking about, right?"
    "Yes, my love," he replied,