by H M Wolfe
"He looks like a Derrick." Brennan tentatively touched the dog's head, earning himself an affectionate growl. "Who's a good boy?" He scratched the furry creature behind its ear.
"One day, someone special will see the wonderful person hiding under that gruff self of yours," Gabriel smiled affectionately, "and they'll never let you go. The two of you will get married and have a bunch of babies together."
"There's plenty of time for that." Brennan waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "However, when that special person comes into my life, I'll fight tooth and claw for our chance at happiness. My brother and Alasdair, Mister Bloom, his husband and partners, and last but not least, your fathers thought nothing is impossible when you love someone with all your heart and soul."
Gabriel nodded, taking the dog in his arms and heading to the house. Finally, he had someone who he could talk to, a friend who would listen to him and who would give him advice when he would need it. He would return the favor every time Brennan needed a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen to him.
That fateful night when Ardan's brother saved him from being raped forged an unbreakable bond between the two of them, Gabriel thought, casting a warm, grateful glance in the man's direction. Derrick was listening to the beating of Daniel's son's heart, sighing in contentment. He was home, in his fated mate's arms, ready to heal the boy's broken heart and restore his faith in love.
The echoes of the party had died down, the sound of laughter and pleasant conversation replaced by a comfortable silence. A veil of peace and serenity wrapped around all the inhabitants of the mansion, sending them in the kingdom of deep sleep and sweet dreams, their faces relaxed and smiling.
In the master bedroom, Daniel lay on his back, wide awake, hugging a half-asleep, happily smiling Tarquin to his chest. As usual, the blond was using his husband's chest as a pillow, and golden curls spread all over the other man's chest. The two had just showered and changed the sheets, following the second intense lovemaking session of the night, and they were enjoying the moments of profound contentment after the ecstasy of their orgasms.
The past four months with Fabian's trial and the vile revelations the man had spat during his nephew's visits to him in jail, were hellish for Daniel. He'd had to offer moral support to Sebastian and Thaddeus, devastated by their older brother's ugly betrayal. All that time, in his discreet way, through his small gestures, Tarquin was there, a solid rock not only to his husband but also for the man's father and uncle.
It was his turn to exhibit a positive, optimistic attitude, appearing at his father-in-law's doorstep unannounced, in the company of Margot and Salome, whom Sebastian and his partners adored. He even convinced Vinson and Valeran to allow Wilmot and Marinette to spend the weekends at their grandfather's, keeping his husband's father busy with pleasant activities, that prevented his mind from wandering to severe places.
Closing the last inch of space between him and Tarquin, Daniel rolled on one side, gently, but passionately kissing the blond's lips and delicately running his fingertips through the golden, unruly curls.
"So, my dearly beloved, are you ready for our next adventure?" Daniel asked when the two of them broke the kiss to catch their breath. "Are you ready to become a Senator's husband?"
"Yes and no," Tarquin answered, a mischievous light in his sky-blue eyes. "Yes, I would follow you to the end of the world, and hell and back. And no, I won't be a Senator's husband." He slowly shook his head, locking eyes with Daniel. "You can and will be a Senator for everyone else, but for me, you'll forever be my King."