Entering the dining room, Ares was greeted by the flexible workings of the castle helpers and his family idly sitting on the lounge chairs around the large room. This dining area was considered the family's private area and used when they were all under one roof or a suitable number. Family meals weren't mandatory but they came as a need when the boys left home early. His father wasn't present, he knew Eros's behavior had the man worrying. Heck, he was concerned also but the brotherly pride won. His twin dominated that practice match. They were all proficient in their fight classes but Eros was ahead of them by a few levels. 

"Mama!" 

Ares called out to her when she entered the room from the balcony, in her hand was a book and a shawl which was accepted by the attendant who approached her. That wide smile they always fought to be blessed with took home on her face. He rushed to her side, planning to stay there until Eros arrives. 

"Morning, my sweet Reese, did you sleep well?" 
Her now slightly weathered hands cupped his cheek, her dark eyes rested on his face shining with motherly love and that warmth embraced his body.

"Yes, mama," he answered dutifully. It has been a week since he returned to the family castle and being beside was a must. It was the same for his siblings. The years of visiting home and talking through video calls weren't enough for both mother and children but being the supportive woman she was, she insisted on them spreading their wings. 
"Rose is coming. He's talking to Luke," he relayed to her. 

"Give them some time. It will be a bit trying for your brother."

He nodded in agreement and led her to her favorite lounge chair. This one was particularly designed for her by their father, the color and wood design were all commemorative to their wedding day. Their parents were always seen on the lounge having private talks that sends them into their own world or one of her kids will be with her. This time it was Ares's turn. He waited for her to settle before placing his head on her thighs and folding his body in a fetal position. She laughed softly, her eyes dancing with love as she habitually caressed the back of his neck with her thumb. He didn't say a word, he stayed silent and watched on as she spoke to his sisters who were across the room. Her once lengthy ebony hair was now the color of slate gray, smooth to touch, and now in loose double-strand twists, framing her beautiful face. His mother aged gracefully, her laugh lines were visible and a wrinkle was yet to be seen. Her days of leading missions were over, now she's the one behind the scenes for the aftercare of the victims they rescued or the damages down during those missions. His baby sister Rejeanne leads a few in their mother's stead but she prefers the Mexican chapter do the leads. 
"Did you notify your attendant of your breakfast choice? You tend to change your mind at the last minute," she asked softly. 

"Not all the time and I did," he grumbled.

"I know, I know. How was training?"

When she looked down at him, his smile widen when he spotted the gold earrings he designed for her, neatly lying on her ears. Ares reached up and touched them before answering her. "It was great. I still have a long way to reach Rose's stage though."

"You do look up to your brothers a lot but don't be afraid to do what you want to do. Don't push yourself too hard, okay? Luke kept thinking he had to be like your father in order to be recognized but thankfully he figured it out on his own. Don't forget about your own mindset. Okay?"

"Yes, mama," he answered softly.

Arianna spotted the uncertainty in his eyes before it vanished. She witnessed their competitiveness over the years, though it wasn't to the point of destructiveness she knew they all strived to be as strong as the other. They were good rivals for each other, pushing their boundaries by creating names for themselves. Her free-spirited Ares was now considered a top jewelry designer amongst the elites and a dominating force in Florida with his chapter. She was so proud of him but knew he wanted to prove his worth to his brothers. 

"Oh, my baby Reese." Plastering kisses all over his face just to hear his carefree laugh filled her heart tremendously.

"ROSE!" Rejeanne's squeal of delight paused their mother/son moment. Ares sat up in time to see their baby sister throwing herself onto their brother, for one massive hug. His fair eyes lit up with joy accompanied by a small smile on his lips. He held onto Rejeanne who had no intention of letting him go anytime soon. He didn't mind, he knew she needed this moment. Amara approached him in a more sedate manner until she was two feet away from him.

"Are you upset?" she questioned boldly.

"It's not extensive. It will be resolved soon."

"Very well. I'm sorry for giving your friends bothersome requests, I was truly worried."

"I understand. I'm not angry. Your worry answered a few of my questions." Eros gave her a slight bow of his head which she relaxed instantly. Amara closed the distance between them and placed a sisterly kiss on his cheek before moving to her fiance's side.
"Little princess, I need to greet mama," he murmured to his sister. 

"Okay."

She clambered down and stood before him, eyeing the changes of her older brother. Same as Ares, his complexion was fair and his hair had natural brown curls. He opted to keep his hair low while his twin decided to go for the long messy curls. His eyes were golden, earning him the moniker of predator or demon amongst their rivals. To Rejeanne, he was one of her handsome brothers that her friends go crazy for.
"You look good," she commented with a nod of approval.

"Thank you." Reaching forth, he gently pulled at her curls as a sign of affection then made his way to his mother. Arianna didn't rise to her feet nor moved her position on the lounge. She knew her son. He moves on his own timing, wanting to keep control of his surroundings. 
"Welcome home, my baby."

Eros took an audible deep breath, those close to him can hear the hitch in his voice. He took in the changes to the woman he held in high regard. His mother was and still is his greatest role model, his hero. She was his confidant and the one person who understood him without any questions. Guilt ran through his heart for not visiting much nor going to her when he reached this obstacle. He missed her hugs and the warmth that comforts him greatly. Eros didn't care about much when he was before his mother. His world was quiet when he was in her care. Going to his knees, he placed his head on her legs and closed his eyes when he felt her hands on his head. 
"I'm home, mama. I missed you."

"I missed you too." Placing a kiss on his head, she closed her eyes taking in the affection he gave her without any sign of awkwardness. Her son has grown. She couldn't wait to hear his experiences. 
They stayed like this until the table was set. Both Ares and Eros led her to her seat at the end of the table and sat on either side of her. Their father sat at the head with Lucifer on his right with Amara beside him and Rejeanne on his left. 
Breakfast was served moments after, commencing the low buzz of catching up with each other. Eros opted to listen than take part in the connecting conversations, he learned a lot and knew where he had to fit in at the upcoming wedding. Similar to their parents, his older brother decided to say his vows on the castle grounds and claim his birthright. The five families are set to descend on the Delacourde castle for the big day, making everything official. With Lucifer taking over the title as king, it means the official retirement of their parents in the underworld. 

It also means security will have to be tight. No matter how powerful you are, there will always be daredevils trying to make a name for themselves. Strict measures were put in place, putting the couple's mind at ease.

"Why don't you join me for a walk after breakfast?" Arianna asked of Eros. The meal was winding down, the empty plates were being removed and the last of the coffee was being served.

"Yes, mama." Each person was excusing themselves from the table, ready to go ahead with their day, and left the two in their lonesome. 

Taking a few moments to themselves, they walked side by side along the hallway before entering the sunroom which led to the extensive garden. Arianna took the lead and brought them to his section of the garden. His area was shaded to accommodate the delicate roses he chose to grow. Without a word, he began to tend to them, weeding the beds and gently touching the velvet petals. 

"Mama?"

"Yes, Rose." Taking a seat on the garden bench, Arianna waited for him to continue.

"Do you know I can recall the first three weeks at public school?"

"You do?"

"I recall the wide-eyed adults, the flashing of cameras, and my classmates' curious stares when Ares and I enter the class. I was confused by their actions yet unbothered. The gravity of our family's status in the world didn't reach me. Luke tried to teach us in his own way but I didn't grasp it. It was Ares who deciphered it all. Their excitement, their admiration even the jealousy. That's when I knew I couldn't process things like my brothers. I couldn't understand expressions nor emotional reactions."

He knew his mother's memories of that period came back to her. During that time, his class teacher made a suggestion to his mother to have him tested for autism because of his lack of response to his environment. He didn't show emotions nor spoke at all. Ares was his interpreter and he preferred to stay in the background.

"I became dependant on my family to have smooth social interactions or simply observe. My decision to go out on my own came after Luke met Amara. He was moving to the next stage of his life while I didn't understand it but yearned for it. I was also learning about my preferences. It was a lot and everyone supported me. I considered myself blessed and was able to step out on my own. My first lesson about reality came with Shaun. He didn't have the solid support as I did but he still fought to be a success. My first friend outside of the family."

During the time he spent with Shaun, he learned many things and came to want more out of life. He had a loving family, a lucrative business, loyal and trustworthy friends but no inkling of a love life. He began to date when he spent some time in France but none were worthy of mentioning. It was like this until that business meeting.

"I learned from Shaun as my friend and roommate. Though he shared with me that I should be cautious and that the world isn't a hundred percent kind to those who prefer the same sex. I became careless. That word has never been used to describe me. I preferred plans, escape routes, and immediate resolutions but that didn't help when I met him."

"Him?" his mother asked, pushing him gently to continue with what he had to say.

Thinking about what led him to be distracted and unlike himself placed pain on his heart and pride all over again. He should have taken Shaun's advice with an ounce of salt. He had no one but himself to blame for that screw-up. How will his mother see him in her eyes after she learns the truth?

"My first partner."

*******

Lucifer was going over last-minute documents at his desk when he stole a glance in Amara's way. She had a huge grin on her face as she fiddled with her phone. 
"This is the happiest I've seen you since we began to plan the wedding," he commented with a playful smirk.

"That's because they are all here now. When I began the wedding preparations I envisioned your siblings in the wedding party....."

"Our siblings. They're your little brothers and sister too," he interjected.

"Yes. Ours. It feels real now, official. I have brothers and sisters. I'm no longer an only child. Anyway, having everyone at the wedding feels right. Now that Eros is here, I can truly relax."

He laughed when she danced in her seat then got more comfortable. He didn't continue with his work right away, he opted to take a long uninterrupted look at his wife. Witnessing the changes in her body over the years were experiences he will never forget. Her dark complexion kept its smoothness and natural glow, her body was now firmer, her curves more pronounced, enticing his body every moment. His favorite pastime was now wrapping his body around hers, feeling the softness of her tummy and pressing against her ass. 
Lucifer bit back a moan after the memories of having breakfast in bed. Having her in the room at that moment was a bad idea, he had to get his work done.
"Luke? Are you okay?"

"Yes, angel. I'm fine," he returned, avoiding her look of concern. If he gets lost in her dark eyes, once again there will be a backlog of work. Whetting his appetite whenever he had her in private started when she started medical school. Her schedule was crazy and she too counted on their special moments to relieve the stress of higher education. That was one excuse to have her under him at most times, the top reason is the fact of him not wanting another but her. She was everything. His first and only love. 

"Do you have plans after this?"

"No. This is the last batch and everything is confirmed for the wedding and the days leading up to it. We can relax. Do you want to do something?" he asked, focusing on the document with too much legal jargon. 

"Not now. I'll fill you in later."

"Okay," he mumbled.

A few minutes later Lucifer came to the realization of not hearing Amara's soft giggles or her distracted mumbles, nor her presence was felt.

"Angel?! Where are you?" he called out. Checking the time, it was optimal to use the outdoor pool or to laze around the estate. He brushed off her disappearance, it was her holidays and she should spend it how she likes. 

"Luke, are you finished? I brought lunch for us."

Hearing Amara's voice from the room door eased his musings. "I'm on the last batch. Do you need help?" he called out as rose from his desk.

"I'm fine."

Lucifer ignored her words and met her halfway. Taking the trolley from her, he busied himself with setting the small table on the balcony then plating their meal. Amara joined him dressed in a patterned silk robe he has never seen on her.
"Is this a new one from your shopping trip with Jeannie? It's nice. The flowers look hand-painted," he commented. 

"It is. The artist designs two of the same color and cloth but differentiates them through the design. I was lucky to find this."

He nodded in agreement and silently gushed over his wife's love for self-made products she discovers. Their talk continued onto mundane things, her amused laughs were the high light of it and it pleased him. When she returned to his life, he made it a lifelong duty to keep her happy and unburdened. 
"Are you okay in moving into the house mama suggested? It hasn't been used long term over the years and we have the option to redesign it. If you wish to stay at the penthouse that's fine, if you want a new house, that's fine also. I will go with your decision."

The house he spoke of was the townhouse his father purchased for his mother when they began their relationship. It wasn't used for long due to circumstances following their lives as a couple. He stayed at the house a few times and fell in love with it. It was crazy that the decor his father signed off on, was of his likes presently. Lucifer envisioned it as his family home and wish to share it with Amara.
"Shopping for a new home or even coming to terms with what I like in a home is foreign to me and not appealing. I've been moving all my childhood to different houses where I learned to accept the styles and so forth. I'll live where you decide. All I want and need is you by my side, isn't that all that matters?" Her dark eyes held his in a pointed gaze as she spoke her honest words. Reaching for her left hand, he placed a kiss on her engagement ring and placed his head on her hand. 
"Thank you, Ami. Thank you for coming back," he said softly. Her answer solidifies his plans of creating the perfect home for them, it will be her permanent home.

"Baby, you've been thanking me constantly over the years. Why?"

"Because without you, I wouldn't be living at this moment."

His name escaped her lips in a whisper. Leaving her seat, she made her way to him and sat on his lap. His arms wrapped around her body in less than a second, tucking his face into the crook of her neck, she knew he was having one of his emotional moments. She understood the gravity of it all and allowed him to be vulnerable before her. Amara learned and experienced love because of him and still learning, it's the greatest thing to happen in her life. 

"I love you."

"Again," he asked of her. The kiss he placed on her neck sent a shudder down her spine. The heat of his hand was like a brand on her thigh. If moved his hand higher, he will discover the gift she had planned for him. 

Now seem like the right time.

Undoing the robe ties, she relaxed in his hold and patiently waited for his attention to divert. His hand moved further up her thigh in curiosity. He chuckled when his fingers brushed against the thin band of her underwear before moving them to the apex of her thighs.
"Another addition. Oh baby, you spoil me." 

His heated whisper against her neck sent shivers throughout her body and her womanhood to throb. His voice and touch were dangerous together, thank heavens they were in the privacy of their room.

"Think of it as a preview for our wedding night," she teased. A groan left her parted lips when he softly bit her neck and slid the now soaked covering from her lower lips.

"Hmmmm, let's see what we can work on."