“I’m happy for you, Cole.” Chaz nudged his best friend.
“I’m happy for you, too. I knew Lev loved you, I just couldn’t understand why he left you. Now we both know.” Cole eyed his best friend. “Who would have thought you’d be a demi-god or that your father is the Celtic god of the underworld? How freaky is that?”
“Trust me, I’m trying to wrap my mind around everything. My adoptive parents are fairies? I mean — really?” Chaz chuckled softly. “I feel bad for having my mom in that home thinking she was losing her marbles. She’s probably saner than I am.”
“Probably,” Cole snickered.
“You’re an ass.”
“Yeah, but I love you.” Cole sobered. “Thanks for standing up with me.”
“Any time. When do I get my light saber?”
“Shut up.”
The music began and Cole straightened. Ross walked out with Noah at his side, both dressed in Jedi Master robes. Chaz tried hard not to laugh; he knew his friend was obsessed with “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” but a “Star Wars” wedding?
“I can almost hear your thoughts, and shut up. Ross and I love the movies. One day, you’ll understand.”
“I hope not.” Chaz bit his lip when Cole stomped on his foot. His eyes strayed to Lev sitting in the front row. He looked absolutely gorgeous in a suit. He winked and Lev shot him a wide grin. God, he loved that man.
Chaz was in a daze for most of the ceremony. He couldn’t wait to propose to Lev. Ross and Cole moved their rings to the left ring finger as the pastor — who actually looked like Yoda — pronounced them married. Cheers went up as Cole kissed Ross with such love that just watching it took Chaz’s breath away.
They made their way to the reception area, which was another part of the island decorated with lights and flowers. A large Death Star cake, waiting to be cut, graced a table in the middle of a dance floor. Chaz eyed Lev with a raised brow.
“It’s grey,” Lev whispered, wrinkling his nose.
“Well, yes. The Death Star is grey,” Chaz said, seriously.
“Dude? Really?”
Chaz glanced over his shoulder to find Nikolai Markov with his boyfriend, Colin. They were both staring at the cake in awe.
“Not one word!” Chaz hissed. “Go sit down.”
“That is so weird.” Nikolai shook his head in disbelief.
“I said not one!” Chaz chastised.
“Right. That was … four.” Nikolai stuck his tongue out at Chaz and nearly left his feet as Colin gave his hand a rather forceful yank.
After cutting the cake, during which both men behaved, Chaz stood up and tapped his glass to get the room’s attention. He squeezed Lev’s hand as he took the microphone.
“So, we’re all gathered here today to witness the love of these two geeks. I have to say, Ross, you’re probably the only man who loves this stuff as much as Cole does. You’re perfect for each other in every way. You’re each strong in ways the other isn’t, and you both looked past the surface to find the truth inside. I wish you all the love in this world, and hope that you are happy for the rest of your days.”
“Which is a very long time,” Wayne piped up.
“Yes, let’s hope you don’t strangle each other fifty years from now,” Conner added.
“Don’t be silly.” Ross grinned. “It will be way sooner than that.”
They all erupted in laughter as Ross and Cole kissed each other again. A slow song came on and Chaz held out his hand to Lev.
“Dance with me?”
“Of course.”
The floor filled up quickly and Chaz took Lev into his arms. They had a few things to discuss, but Chaz would wait until they were alone.
He wanted to be changed; he knew that for sure. Whatever happened when Lev bit him would be a mystery. The other demi-gods had only gotten stronger when they received the Maccon line, but without knowing what he was truly capable of, what did that mean for him?
It sucked to have parents he couldn’t contact.
“Are you okay?” Lev asked.
“Yes, just thinking.” Chaz nuzzled Lev’s cheek with his own.
“Look at Kane and Matty. Damn that is so adorable,” Lev whispered.
The two boys were dancing cheek to cheek. Kane held Matty close to him as they swayed on the dance floor. They’d be two in May, but they already seemed so much older. Lev buried his face in Chaz’s neck and inhaled deeply.
“So, Hawaii, eh?” Chaz smiled and held Lev tighter.
“Never a dull moment with this crowd.”
“Just how I like it.”
~*~
The following day, Lev took Chaz with him to visit his parent’s graves. They sat in the grass holding two white roses. Lev placed one on his mother’s stone and the other on his father’s.
“I miss them so much. I know my father was trying to get out of the life, but I honestly don’t think he took any money. If he did, where is it?”
“Did you check his bank accounts?”
“Yes, I did. But I didn’t see any big deposits of any kind.”
“Maybe he had a different account?”
“It doesn’t matter anyway.” Lev closed his eyes. “They died, and nothing is going to bring them back.”
“Maybe you can chat with the fates? They have been known to make miracles happen.”
“Maybe.” Lev shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Hey. You’ll always have me, Lev.” Chaz held him close, nuzzling his hair.
“Thank God for that. I thought I’d spend the rest of my life alone. If I couldn’t be with you, I didn’t want anyone else.”
“I felt the same way, Lev. I tried dating, but I couldn’t make love to anyone.”
“Six long years,” Lev sighed.
“Now we’re together and we always will be.”
“Yes, we will.” Lev leaned into Chaz and closed his eyes.
“Ready to leave in the morning?”
“I suppose. Is there anything here you want to see?” Lev asked.
“Maybe the 9/11 Memorial. Would that be okay?”
“Sure.” Lev nodded. “We can do that, and then take a walk in Central Park.”
“And have a hot dog?” Chaz smiled.
“Definitely.”
They spent the rest of the day in downtown Manhattan. Chaz visited the firehouses along the way. Even though Chaz had played for a rival team and was gay, the guys treated him with respect. Chaz had introduced Lev as his boyfriend every time. Life really was strange sometimes.
Chaz had procured them a room at the Waldorf and Lev eyed his surroundings.
“Kind of ritzy don’t you think?”
“Well, you know what they say. You can’t take it with you.” Chaz waggled his brows. “I say we watch X-rated movies all night and order room service.”
“We could make our own X-rated movie while we eat.”
“Oooh! I like this plan!”
Lev chuckled. He eyed Chaz’s tight ass. “We can start that now.”
Chaz tackled Lev to the bed. “And this is why we’re mates.”
After making love for a few hours, Chaz woke up to a full moon. He climbed from the bed slowly and moved out to the balcony. The stars twinkled in the distance and Chaz swore the moon was so close he could touch it.
“I’ve brought you something.”
Chaz almost jumped off the balcony at sound of the deep voice behind him. He turned to find his father — well, his birth one.
“Jesus!” Chaz put a hand to his chest. “Some warning?”
“I am sorry. I only meant for you to have this.”
Chaz stepped back a bit as the towering man in front of him opened his hand. Silver caught his eye and Chaz peered into Arawn’s hand.
“What is it?”
“A Celtic knot ring. You do plan to propose to the werewolf, correct?”
“His name is Lev.” Chaz glared at Arawn, crossing his arms.
“Yes, Lev. I meant no disrespect.”
Chaz sighed and dropped his arms. “I’m sorry, this is just weird.”
“I understand. I only wanted you to have this. It has been blessed.” Arawn extended his other hand. “This one is for you.”
Chaz peered into his father’s hand. “It’s beautiful.”
“Your mother and I made them for you and Lev.”
Chaz glanced up at his father. “You did?”
“I would like to have a relationship with you, Chaz. I understand you were raised by Orin, but I am still your father.”
Chaz grinned at his father’s tone of voice. “Are you disciplining me?”
“You are my son,” Arawn said firmly.
“So, you’ll come over and have dinner with us and stuff?” Chaz laughed when Arawn stiffened. “You can’t just drop in and claim me you know. Why did you give me up?”
“Kara and I could not be sure you would be safe. Your adoptive parents wanted a child, but we wanted you raised in a normal household — one without the supernatural. Your adoptive parents agreed to have their powers stripped in order to keep you. But make no mistake — you are my child, Chaz Savage.”
“Did you give me my name?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Kudos to you on that one.” Chaz chuckled when his father seemed confused. “What I mean is that I like my name.”
“So, you will try?”
Chaz regarded his father. Damn. The man was at least seven feet tall, oozed power — and was scary. He still wore the mask however. Chaz reached out a hand to touch it and Arawn backed up.
“Can I see your face?” Chaz pleaded gently.
Arawn removed his mask and stared at his son. Chaz’s blue eyes widened as he searched his features.
“We look alike.” Chaz finally spoke.
“You have my eyes, my facial features, but your hair is Kara’s.” Arawn glanced up at the stars. “I must go.”
“Will … I ever see you again?”
“Yes, Chaz. You will. Be happy, my son.”
Chaz stood back as his father disappeared into the night sky.
“Well, that went well.” He smiled.
Chapter Twelve
The group landed on the island of Kauai and took a boat across to Ni‘ihau. Lev couldn’t believe the absolute beauty of the setting. White pavilions each featured flowers arranged in delicate crystal vases.
Chaz let out a low whistle as they entered one of the pavilions.
“Holy shit.” Chaz took it all in.
“Seems like you have your work cut out for you,” Lev snickered.
“Damn, I’m going to have to get a trip to the moon or something to top this shit.”
“I just want something small, okay? All I want is to marry you.”
“Well, first I have to ask you.” Chaz arched a brow and grinned.
“Well, hell.” Nikolai regarded the scene with a critical eye. “I think Colin and I will just date forever.”
“Um, no.” Colin shook his head.
“Uncle Josh married Jason in Hawaii. From what I hear, that was an awesome wedding.” Nikolai took Colin’s hand and kissed his knuckles.
“Yeah, you Santorno people sure are romantic.” Chaz winked.
“Lorenzo really is. Surprisingly.” Nikolai nodded. He furrowed his brow and beamed at Colin. “We should go see a volcano!”
“Hell, yeah!” Colin laughed.
“Well, let’s find our seats.” Chaz tugged Lev along.
The ceremony was beautiful.
Chaz figured he should be taking notes at this point. He held Lev’s hand as Jesse and Noah recited their vows. To watch them finally marry was very romantic. Noah tried discreetly to wipe at his eyes as Jesse said ‘I do.’
Lev nudged Chaz with a smile as the two men kissed softly. It was so beautiful Chaz felt his eyes misting up.
“Damn, that’s so romantic.”
Chaz grinned over at Wyatt Dalton. “You look especially happy.”
“I am.” Wyatt grinned. “I’m going to be an uncle and an older brother.”
“Dude! Anya’s pregnant?” Chaz fairly shouted.
Every head turned their direction and Chaz covered his face. “Sorry!”
“Is it true?” Jesse asked.
“Yep, Anya’s pregnant.” Wyatt couldn’t stop smiling.
“So are we.”
Everyone turned to see Josh Montgomery and his husband, Mark, at the tent’s doorway.
“Sorry to make an entrance like this,” Mark smiled sheepishly. “We got here as soon as we could.”
“Awesome!” Wyatt fist pumped the air. He hugged Gage, his adoptive son with Preston, close. “Isn’t that wonderful, Gage?”
“It’s awesome, Dad.” Gage grinned.
“Well, hell! This calls for a toast!” Jesse picked up the nearest champagne bottle. “To the babies on the way, and to the next weddings!”
“Here, here!” they shouted in unison.
“Josh is going to be a dad.” Sam shook his head with a smile. “Oh, holy hell.”
Dakota laughed. “Josh will be fine. Hey, Mateo made it okay, right?”
Sam groaned. “Don’t remind me. I lost a bundle to Derek on that bet.”
Chaz smiled at all the men embracing with one thought on his mind: that someday, more states would allow gay marriage. The festivities went on until well after midnight. Chaz walked back to the launch with Lev as the party wound down. They stood on the white sand, bathed in moonlight as Chaz took Lev’s hands in his.
He dropped to one knee and Lev gasped.
“Lev — ”
“Yes!”
Chaz chuckled. “Can I ask you first?”
“Oh. Yes,” Lev laughed sheepishly.
“Lev, in the six years we’ve been apart, not one day has gone by that you weren’t in my thoughts. You came into my life and left an imprint on my soul. Loved you then; love you still. Always have; always will. Will you marry me?”
“Oh, absolutely yes!” Lev dropped to his knees and kissed Chaz with everything he had. They were meant to be. They would always be. He sighed. “Now that’s what I call a proposal.”
“Yeah? It wasn’t too mushy?”
“I love mushy.”
Chaz laughed. “Got it. Ready to start life?”
“With you? Hell, yes.” Lev looked at the ring on his finger. “It’s beautiful.”
“My father gave them to me.” Chaz produced his own ring from his pocket, handing it to Lev. “Do the honors?”
“Of course.” Lev slipped the silver ring on Chaz’s finger. “A trinity knot. I love it. Wait — your FATHER father gave them to you?” His eyes widened.
Chaz chuckled and pulled Lev to his chest. “It was, um, mind-blowing.” He caressed Lev’s cheek. “I love you, Lev Chirkoff.”
“Hmm, Lev Savage?”
“You’d want to change your name?”
“Are you kidding? Hell, yes!”
Chaz chuckled. “Done.”
~*~
Being home felt good; it felt right. Living with Chaz, waking up with him every day, felt perfect. Chaz went back to fighting fires, and Lev went back to hunting rogues. Their schedules were grueling, but they made it work.
Halloween was right around the corner, and Lev couldn’t wait to spend it with Chaz. They both loved it. As for when they planned to get married? Well, that was another matter.
They had all the time in the world.
Lev smiled to himself as he drove to pick up Chaz from the firehouse. They were going to the club for some much-needed relaxation time. Lev secretly couldn’t wait to see Chaz dance to the unofficial firehouse song. That was truly the best part of going to Cuffs and Stuff — well, besides the Barely Legal boys and their karaoke. That part was just as fun, if not more. Lev pulled into the station’s parking lot and was greeted with catcalls by the other firemen. He flipped off Wyatt Dalton and got a chuckle from the younger man.
“Yo, Lev. You taking your big, strong man out?” Wyatt grinned.
“Showering, we’re headed out with you guys.”
“Where’s Chaz?”
“On his way out. We’ll see you there?”
“Yup.” Lev winked. He smiled when Chaz strolled out. Truth be told, he kinda wished he’d gotten here earlier — he loved seeing Chaz in his turnouts. Seems he and Ross had that uniform kink in common.
Lev chuckled softly and Chaz lifted an inquiring brow. “Was hoping I’d be here before you showered. I love you in uniform.”
“I love you in uniform.” Chaz winked. “Damn that’s just so hot! All black, with your Batman utility belt on.”
Lev laughed. “It’s not Batman’s.”
“Eh.” Chaz shrugged. “Still love it.”
“Ready to go?”
“Yep.” Chaz glanced over his shoulder. “See you there, Dalton.”
The club was rocking as they entered. The Olympians were there, all twelve of them. Now that the threat to them was becoming greater, they were never too far away from one another. Lev nodded to Dane as they took a seat in the back.
“Hey, how are you?”
Dane smiled. “I’m good. Ryder isn’t a pain in the ass to keep an eye on.”
“Might that be because of his delicious, round ass?” Chaz suggested helpfully. A low growl escaped from Dane and Chaz started in surprise. Apparently, Dane had surprised himself as well with his outburst.
“Well now, Dane. Seems as though someone is getting attached.”
“He’s my charge and that’s all,” Dane spat.
Lev reclined in his chair and regarded Dane. He shook his head with a smile. “Oh, Dane.”
“What? Don’t ‘oh, Dane’ me!” Dane narrowed his eyes. “There is nothing going on between me and Ryder.”
“For now.” Chaz pointed at Dane.
“Stop it. Both of you.” Dane crossed his arms.
Savage Love Page 14