Loki, the one who'd been called out, looked completely bewildered. He comforted his mute wife, then stepped forward a few paces with Lucifer, pacifier in his mouth, and said for no apparent reason, "I didn't do anything."
Alvin was too furious to listen to excuses. He snatched Lucifer away, then fixed Loki with a gaze as cold as lightning. Loki looked like a frightened fawn as Alvin said, "But you were about to..."
Alvin glanced at Neil and said, "This guy's a rotten bastard. How could you listen to him egging you on?
"Listen, kid, being a playboy isn't a big deal if everyone's willing. But it's no fun if your philandering hurts the people who love you."
Neil spread his hands and said, "Loki told me that as long as they didn't find out, I wasn't being a playboy.
"And I swear I was sincere at the time. Aside from having a few more girlfriends, I didn't deceive anyone."
"No, I didn't! I swear..."
Seeing Alvin's gaze turn toward him, Loki stared in shock at Neil, who was accusing him without the slightest hint of guilt. "Kid, watch what you say! Slandering an Asgardian prince has serious consequences!"
Alvin looked askance at Neil, whose values were completely warped, and said seriously, "Kid, I don't know what's going on with you, but remember what I said. Don't hurt anyone who truly loves you.
"There aren't many people like that to begin with. Drive one away, and there'll be one less.
"Many people go their whole lives without meeting anyone who truly loves them—not counting their parents."
Alvin turned to look at the bewildered Loki, then beckoned to Neil. "Now, beat him up!
"Stay away from this guy from now on. He's a world-class bastard."
Neil looked at Lucifer in Alvin's