“Me? I’m fine.” Nelson kissed Nox’s hair and strummed his back from the nape of his neck to the base of his spine. He kept his touch light and soothing, lulling Nox to sleep so he could continue healing. “I’ve never been so scared in my life, whichis saying a lot, but I’m fine. All that matters now is that you’re safe.”
“Not to me. Dùbhghlas is lucky you weren’t hurt. I’d incinerate him with my bare hands if anything happened to you.”
“Shhh! Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
“I mean it, Nelson. There would be nothing left but ashes,” Nox said and yawned, as if he had shared a light, passing thought.
“Thank you for putting that into my head right before I fall asleep.”
“Sorry.” Nox shushed and pecked at Nelson’s lips. “We’re fine and he’ll be behind us soon.”
“Please be right. I don’t know if I can take seeing you hurt like that again, Nox.” So many terrible moments from the fight were seared into his memory but seeing Nox collapse—bloodied, broken, and mangled—was more painful than any amount of injury Nelson could have sustained. “I wish it had been me.”
“No way, Nelson.Youcan die and when something in you breaks, it takes a long time for it to heal or it might not heal completely. But me? I’ll be right as rain in the morning.”
That wasprobablytrue but it didn’t make it easier to watch and Nelson might not takethatlong to heal. “About that… I?—”
“Did you break something?” Nox tried to sit up but Nelson pulled him closer and cradled his jaw.
“I. Am. Fine.” He punctuated each word with a kiss. “And exhausted. Let’s test this rain theory.”
“Okay. We’ll rest and we’ll both be right as rain in the morning.” Nox whispered and murmured something in Gaelic as he snuggled closer. “I love you and you’re all that matters.We’reall that matters and I’ll burnanyonewho tries to keep us apart or hurts you.”
“I love you too but let’s not get crazy, alright?”
Chapter Two
It was morning when Nox awoke, his skin miraculously free of any rips and burns and his bones fully mended. Nelson was snoring softly, deep furrows marred his brow and his jaw was clenched tight. He’d fallen asleep worried and utterly wrung out and Nox’s conscience twinged as he recalled Smoak’s demand that he settle things once and for all.
He had a million reasons for dragging his feet but the best argument for action was staring Nox in the face. Or, would be if Nelson was conscious. Nox didn’t want any more power and he didn’t wantanythingto change, but Dùbhghlas’s twisted grudge was taking a terrible toll on Nelson and their friends.
So far, they had been successful at thwarting Dùbhghlas’s schemes but Nox’s instincts warned that their luck would change. They had yet to suffer a serious defeat or a significant loss and Nox was most afraid ofthatwhenever he considered engaging with Dùbhghlas. Unlike the warlock, no one on Nox’s team was expendable and he would be devastated if he lostanyof his friends or family.
Nox would be nothing if he lost Nelson. Even with all the powers of a god, Nox was the most grateful to the fates for finally sending his perfect mate. In the beginning, Nelson had been thekey and the gateway that had awakened the god within Nox and united him with the Dagda?1. Now, Nelson was Nox’s connection to his human self and his spiritual anchor. He kept Nox tethered to the mortal world and his mortal existence when the deity within wanted to cut loose and manifest into something bigger, more omnipresent.
Their love had made him a god and it was Nox’s greatest source of strength. His soul burned brighter and truer with Nelson at his side, piercing the mystical haze and outshining the allure of godly power. Nox would forgo it all for an eternity with Nelson—he had certainly tried—because being a god would always pale in comparison to the peace and joy their love had given him. And their love wasgoodfor the world and had already brought so much happiness and light into their friends’ and neighbors’ lives.
Nelson’s selflessness and chivalry were constant reminders that small gestures often mattered far more than grand displays and that one good deed, no matter how small, could change someone’s life in the most profound ways. He was quiet, loyal, and honest to a fault, but to Nox, Nelson was a supernova of hotness. In the absence of any ego and masculine posturing, every soft, polite comment and respectful, protective gesture screamed Nelson’s innate decency and competence.Thatwas the pinnacle of sexiness to Nox and another reason why Nelson was his ideal man in every way.
He must have heard Nox’s thoughts or felt him growing aroused. Nelson’s right eye snapped open and tightened as he studied Nox before letting out a snort. “You need more rest.”
“I promise, I don’t,” Nox replied, then hushed Nelson when he groaned and tried to roll away. “I feelalmostas right as rain. Nothing hurts and I have most of my strength back.” He licked along Nelson’s jaw and pecked at his lips. “I promise.”
“Good. Stay put andrestuntil it’s all back,” Nelson said but Nox wrinkled his nose and shook his head.
“I don’t think that more rest is the best medicine in this case…”
“Nox.”Nelson gave him a severely stern look, but unfortunately, it only got Nox hotter. “You were pulverized by a bunch of zombie giants yesterday. Arawn and Bryn thinkallof your ribs were broken.”
Nox hummed and nodded seriously. “Very true,” he said, raising a finger. “But notice that you said‘were’ twice because that was in the past. That was yesterday and I’m fine now.”
“I’d say that something was still broken but you’ve always been a horny idiot,” Nelson said in a low, weary rumble as he rose and rolled Nox onto his back. It was incredibly sexy and would have turned things up to a ten if Nox wasn’t already spreading his legs wide and preparing for the ride of his life.
“I’m sure there’s plenty left for you to break. Let’s give it a shot,” Nox said encouragingly but Nelson growled, kissing himhard.
“Knock it off or I’ll stop. I can’t stand seeing you hurt.”
“I know.” Nox clung to the kiss, closing his eyes and soothing as many of Nelson’s wounds as he could in return. “I’m sorry I put you through all of that but I do feel a lot better. My body and my abilities have recovered but my soul could still use a recharge. Heal me, Nelson. Heal me with yourlove.”
