I let out a sigh of relief. “Good. I wouldn’t have wanted to die for nothing. That being said,” I patted my chest. “How am I alive?”
Miranda gave me a lopsided smile. “It was a gift from Bob.”
“Oh really?” Now this I had to hear.
“Instead of taking you whole, he took your godhood.” Her face twisted in distress and worry, her eyes searching mine as her voice dropped to a whisper. “You’re mortal Xander.”
I stiffened.
“What?”
“I’m so sorry,” she rushed to say. “He didn’t ask, he just did it, and I know it’s probably not what you wanted but?—”
I jumped to my feet and took Miranda with me, twirling her around in my arms. Her laughter filled the room, infectious and pure. I felt lighter than air.
Mortal.
The realization washed over me like a wave crashing onto shore. It was both terrifying and exhilarating.
As I stood there with Miranda in my arms, I became acutely aware of the dullness in my senses. Colors were less vibrant, smells less potent. And when I reached for my powers within, they were noticeably absent.
But that also meant the harsh lights no longer pierced my eyes like vengeful lasers and the noises no longer drowned out my inner thoughts.
In this mortal form, I could finally experience life without constant distractions and overwhelming sensations. “Okay, okay, I get it. You’re not mad about it. Now put me down, you psycho.”
Dropping to the couch, I nuzzled her neck. “Oh, but I’myourpsycho, sweetheart.”
“Is it safe to come out now, or are you guys humping like rabbits?” Vivien called out from the hall.
“It’s safe.” Miranda extracted herself from my grip though I refused to let go of her hand.
“Isit safe?” I waggled my eyes suggestively. I got a smack on the chest for that, but I caught her fingers and dropped kisses on them.
Grim and Vivien entered the living room again, he with a serious gait while the auburn-haired vampire practically bounced on her feet.
She threw her arms around us. “Come here you guys.” She squeezed until I actually couldn’t breathe.
“Viv, too much,” Miranda squeaked out.
“Oops! Sorry.”
I rubbed at my throat. “Is this what all mortals feel like?”
“Annoyed by overly affectionate vampires?” Miranda said dryly. “Not all of them, but I imagine some.”
“You love it,” Vivien tossed back before wrapping her slim arm around her big, tall, and dark husband.
“How are the others?” I asked Grim. All of the gods had been taken hostage by Aten, and I didn’t know if they’d survived.
He nodded. “Everyone is fine. I can’t say I’m thrilled that all of the dark ones from the Blade of Bane are in the cradle now, instead of Miranda’s weapon. Eventually they will rise again and may have to be dealt with."
“Try not to be so dark and cynical, honeybuns.” Vivien patted Grim on the chest. “There’s a lot to celebrate! Being released from prison, Xander’s new mortality, and a brand spanking new magic show on the Strip.”
I shook my head, not understanding the significance of that last bit.
Miranda answered. “Apparently Sheshem is happy to star in a show with Max and Alfonso as long as they feed him all the shrimp and syrupy pancakes he wants and promise not to interrupt him when he feeds.”
My mouth opened, then closed. “Okay, then.”
