Getting Ready

Morning came sooner rather than later.  My alarm went of at 6 but Alex glared at me and quickly silenced it.  “We are on vacation.” 

“Sorry.”  I said as I laid on top of him and nipped at his neck, “Let me make it up to you.”

_Sex or Sleep?_ It wasn’t my thought and I wasn’t sure Alex had projected it at me even as he had already decided by rolling over on top of me and pinning me to the bed.

The strange thought slipped from my mind and there was no room except for Alex in my head.

_I could get used to this._ 

_Me too pretty boy, now shut up._

****

I rolled out of bed while Alex was still curled up trying to catch his breath.  “I’m gonna get a shower, you want to join me.”

Alex looked at me, “Boy, I can’t even right now.”

I rolled my eyes, “I wasn’t suggesting another round. I know you like it when someone pampers you – washes your hair and all.  I promise I’ll behave.”

Alex looked at the time on his phone and frowned, “It’s too fucking early.”

I grinned, “Suit yourself.”

****

A shower and cooking breakfast later Alex rolls into the kitchen.  “Smells great.”  He said rubbing his sleep addled eyes.  “I’m going to set that alarm for 8 if you don’t mind.”

I nodded, “Okay.”

Alex’s eyes shot up to meet mine, “Okay?  Just like that?”

“It’s scheduled.  It’ll require yoga first thing and not sex, but yes, I can manage to change my schedule on a whim when it’s not a whim.”

Alex stared at me and then frowned, “You sure?  I was just joking.”

I leaned over the counter and pressed a kiss to his lips, “I’ll be fine.  I’m on vacation.”  I pushed the plate of pancakes, ice-cream and bacon over to Alex and he just smiled at me, “What’s on your agenda for your big bad party?”

“I have to run by the catering place and pick up the food.  Ry said he’d get the decorations.  Mia’s bringing the cake.  Said there was this new place she wanted to try out in the City.  Sage said he’d bring the drinks.  I’m pretty sure he means the soda.  So I’ve gotta stop at the liquor store and fill some of the empty slots in Dorian’s bar.”

“Which you already found?”

Alex beamed, “Yeah.  Well Griffin actually.  He and Ant had a few drinks while talking to lighten the mood.”

“Speaking of party.”  Ant said stepping out of the hallway into the kitchen wearing almost nothing.  “We need to cancel that.  Apparently there was a sniper out by the pool yesterday. Griffin chased him off.”

“A sniper?”

Griffin was following Ant, “Was in a blue sedan across the street, I asked him what he was doing and then he sped off squealing his ties.  No idea what he was doing.  But I think your boy here,” Griffin nodded towards me, “is a target.”

I shrugged, “Wouldn’t be the first time.  We’ll keep a watch, round the clock.  And I can throw a wall of air up to stop any bullets that might try to hit anyone.”

“Wait, you can do that?”

Alex laughed, “He’s fucking king, of course he can.”

I rolled my eyes.  “I’m Magnus.”

Griffin’s voice rose, “Wait, your Venatori.”  He took a step back and frowned, “Fuck me!  Alex what the fuck are you  getting into?”

Alex pointed at my temple, “He’s not Venatori anymore.  I told you, he’s king.  Fucking dragons bow to him.  Vampires swear fealty.  And fucking Alpha pack leaders bend the knee.  That’s why he needs protection.  The only thing you can’t stop is a direct challenge.”

“When’d you get so good at the rules?” I asked Alex.

He shrugged, “I dunno.  I guess I just started listening better.”

“Yeah, that’s it.”  I poked fun at Alex.  “Not anything to do with those rules hurting people you love.”

He shook his head, “Not a thing.”  Alex smirked at me.  “I don’t love anyone here.”

I grinned at Alex and pressed a kiss to his lips as I walked past him.  “Party’s gonna happen.  Alex made plans.  Have it at night we can bring in more trusted guards.  Alec might have a few trusted guys. Vin can take a break. Check with Adrian see if he’s got any who’d be willing to come around.  I don’t know my dragons well enough.” _I should remedy that._ I thought.

Alex chuckled to himself.  _After vacation._

I waved my hand and lifted hunter up to my hip, “Wanna go for a walk on the beach?”  The fear in his eyes said no, but he held on for dear life.  “I won’t put you down I promise.”

“He’s so you.”  Ant said.  “Earlier I had to coax him out on the sand with the others.  Told him your trick and it helped a little.”

“Much appreciated.  Must be a family thing.”

“Or a neurosis thing.”  Alex and Ryan said at the same time looking at one another and then laughing.  “I’m gonna do some errands, I’ll see you when we are both back.”

I gave him a nod and I slipped my shoes on and headed out the door for a walk on the beach with my sand-phobic mini-me.