Behind Atzil came Max, who was not technically one of Kalugal's men but had insisted on being included on the basis of being a member of Arezoo's family. Max's interpretation of family wasgenerous and inclusive in a way that Ruvon had noticed and appreciated.
"Where's the boss?" Ruvon asked Shamash.
Kalugal's personal assistant rolled his eyes. "You know him. He has to make an entrance. His excuse for being late is getting the cigars. Never mind that they were sitting on his desk the whole week."
Ruvon smiled, looking forward to the Cohibas Kalugal had promised to get for his pre-wedding bachelor party.
It was a clan tradition for the bride and groom to have separate gatherings with their close friends and family before the wedding, instead of actual bachelorette and bachelor parties. He preferred this over the human custom of wild parties in faraway places where unsavory things often happened.
His and Arezoo's wedding was as wholesome as it could get, at least on her part. He wasn't a virgin, hadn't been one in a hundred and twenty years. He wasn't a ladies' man either, but he was experienced and tainted, while she was inexperienced and pure, and he wasn't referring to lovemaking.
Arezoo was still a girl, and despite what she'd gone through, she was still innocent and hopeful in the way that young people who had lived a sheltered life were. Being with her was like a breath of fresh air, like an injection of warmth and excitement about the future that he hadn't felt before she'd entered his life.
He was luckier than he deserved to be.
Atzil headed to the kitchen with the platters, while Hivak began unpacking crystal glasses from one of the boxes and placing them on the coffee table.
"You didn't need to bring glasses." Ruvon pointed at the bar. "We have enough."
Hivak cast a perfunctory glance at the bar and shook his head. "Those are crap. Your pre-wedding party deserves to be celebrated with class."
Atzil emerged from the kitchen with a platter of small skewers that smelled delicious. Lamb, onion, and something red that was either a tomato or a bell pepper. The smell of lamb was so overwhelming that it was hard to distinguish the other components.
He set it down on the coffee table. "Eat."
"I can't," Ruvon admitted. "I'm too nervous. Besides, I don't want stains on my tux."
"That's what napkins are for." Atzil unfurled one and handed it to Ruvon. "Tuck it in your collar and eat. It will help settle your stomach."
Ruvon picked up a skewer because arguing with Atzil was not only futile but stupid. The guy held grudges against those who didn't eat what he made for them, and those who didn't voice their appreciation for his culinary skills at least once during every meal.
It was a small price to pay for having two out of three meals a day prepared and served without having to cook for himself.
That was going to change now that Arezoo was moving in. They were going to have a real home together, and she was an excellent cook.
His roommate had moved out a few days ago, even though Ruvon had assured him that there was no reason to do so. Heand Arezoo only needed one bedroom. Still, he was glad that Greggory had insisted. It would be much nicer to have the house all to themselves.
The doorbell rang again, and Rufsur got to his feet. "That'll be the boss with the cigars."
Kalugal walked in with a large, fancy box that had the Cohiba logo on the front in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other.
He set the bottle and the box on the coffee table, then walked over to Ruvon and clapped him on the shoulder. "You look sharp."
"Thank you."
Kalugal released his shoulder and turned to the room. "All right. Whiskey."
"Now we're talking," Rufsur said.
Ruvon didn't recognize the label on the bottle Kalugal had brought, but given the reverence with which he handled it, it was a rare and precious commodity. Kalugal poured careful measures into the crystal glasses Hivak had set out.
He handed the first glass to Ruvon. "The groom."
Kalugal waited for everyone to take a glass before lifting his in the air. "You are blessed with a fated mate, so there isn't much more I can add to that blessing other than to wish you and Arezoo to become parents as soon as possible." He smirked his signature smirk. "Perhaps even before Arezoo transitions. Your chances for conceiving are much greater as long as she's still human."
Ruvon swallowed. "We are not ready for that yet, and besides, I don't want to wait for her to transition after having a baby. I can't wait for her to become immortal so I can stop worrying about her human fragility."
Kalugal nodded. "Believe me, I understand. Been there and done that. Let's drink then to Arezoo's successful transition."
