Solstice Souls: Solstice Sons (Book 3)

Unity Equals Strength

Lan Zhan's POV

There is something to be said about having a routine and an exact time for going to sleep, Lan Zhan thinks when he wakes up.

Last night, after the secret meeting, he had been surprised when Wei Ying had yawned loudly and decided to join him at bedtime. Lan Zhan thought the notorious prankster was pulling his leg and as soon as they were alone, he wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself, but he was proved wrong when Wei Ying yawned again, so strongly as to make his eyes water.

Wei Ying being fully rested explains why soft kisses are covering his face, first his eyelids one after the other, and then that delightfully soft mouth goes exploring.

For once, Lan Zhan pretends to be asleep, letting his husband do whatever he wants to him. These precious moments are to be treasured, and Lan Zhan knows this.

War is on their doorstep, and once it begins, they are going to miss being together like this, simply enjoying each other's company. He isn't sure what to expect exactly, but the chances are that both of them will be too tired from the toils of the day to think about Papapa.

But he gives the game away when his own lips chase after Wei Ying, and it's worth it just to hear him giggle with glee; then perhaps Lan Zhan hadn't been that great at hiding his wakefulness after all.

He pouts.

"Good morning kisses must be a rule between husbands," he says petulantly, glaring back at his naughty husband.

"My love, how can I resist that face?" Wei Ying replies with a twinkle in his beautiful starlight eyes. "But you know that Grandmother leaves for LanLing today, and later on, Mama and Baba are traveling to Yunmeng. We have to get up," he finishes, albeit reluctantly. "And besides, what about last night? I paid my dues before we went to sleep."

Lan Zhan waits him out, not wanting to give such silly excuses any importance. He taps his lips expectantly, and Wei Ying caves immediately, making him smile.

This kiss is full of smug satisfaction because Lan Zhan knows without a doubt that he's right. They are married now and kithes are a must, especially first thing in the morning. He might go and add it to the Wall of Rules in Gusu, when no one is looking...but that's a problem for another day.

Right now, Lan Zhan flips them over and takes charge of this kiss, his lips brutal and ravishing, feeling starved because he can never get enough of kissing Wei Ying. The man is a walking temptation and this love only seems to get stronger day by day.

Nothing else can make his heart beat like this, make him feel as if he's on fire for this beautiful being, and showing Wei Ying how much he is loved becomes an urgent necessity that Lan Zhan is powerless to refuse. The heady scent of lotus flowers and wine surrounds him until Lan Zhan feels like he's drowning in paradise.

When they finally part, they share soft shy smiles and rise for the day, their eyes making promises for the night to come.

***************

Baoshan Sanren is waiting for them in the Sect Leader's quarters, and there's a marked difference in her today, as well as how they're received when they enter. The mood is somber and serious, and they wait quietly as Wei Ying's parents finish what they're doing.

Cangse Sanren comes to greet them both, hugging Lan Zhan first and making Wei Ying pout on purpose.

"Leave me alone," his mother protests, patting Lan Zhan on his head. "It's been a long time since I had a child as good as this one," she winks, baiting him. She pulls Wei Ying into a warm embrace anyway, and he hugs her back, as he repeats her words snarkily and in a higher pitch.