Fire's Embrace [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 6] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove)

by Scarlet Hyacinth

He wasn’t afraid that his parents would make him change his mind about his mate bond with Graham. Nothing they said could ever affect the way he felt for Graham. Even so, just their presence summoned unpleasant memories of a time when Graham had been a prisoner and both of them had nearly died.

  He watched in silence as Graham went to receive Caelyn’s family. As the werewolf left the bedroom and opened the door of their suite, time seemed to freeze. Caelyn couldn’t physically seewhat was going on, but he could monitor the situation through his connection with Graham and he could tell that his parents’ reaction hadn’t been the ideal one.

  Graham and Caelyn’s family didn’t know each other very well. In fact, they’d never actually spoken. The only time they’d seen each other was at the so-called show, when Caelyn had first met Graham. However, Graham had the advantage of Caelyn’s memories to guide him, while Caelyn’s family only had their dislike.

  Unsurprisingly, the conversation began in an entirely frustrating note. “Oh…It’s you,” Pádraig said.

  Hearing his father’s voice after all this time shook Caelyn, but the coldness and barely hidden disdain in his tone snapped him out of any shock he might have experienced. He gritted his teeth and made a mental note to point out that Graham was the one truly welcome here.

  For once, Graham kept his calm in spite of Pádraig’s less than enthusiastic greeting. “I’m so glad you recognize me,” he said almost cheerfully. “Come on in. Caelyn is expecting you.”

  He backed away and gestured Caelyn’s family to enter the suite. They did so, all the while glancing at Graham with expressions of surprise and suspicion. Once they were inside, Graham guided them to the bedroom. The moment they stepped through the door, Caelyn’s mother lost interest in Graham. She caught sight of Caelyn and instantly ran to his side. “Oh, my baby,” she cried out, her eyes full of tears. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think I’d ever get to see you again.”

  Caelyn really hadn’t expected this reaction from his mother. She’d always pushed him to marry into a wealthy, privileged family, and he’d done exactly the opposite. Right now, though, she didn’t seem to care. Fat tears flowed down her cheeks as she watched him, trembling with the obvious need to reach out to him, but waiting for a reaction from Caelyn’s part.

  Pádraig didn’t seem so willing to mend broken bridges. “Britanni, stop,” he said. He gave Caelyn’s mother a dark look, and she glared back at him. They seemed to be talking through the use of their mind link, and if Caelyn had to guess, disagreeing on what approach they should take during their visit.

  Meanwhile, Caelyn’s siblings approached the bed in silence. They fidgeted, emanating discomfort and uncertainty. Deidre was the one to break the silence. “And this must be your beautiful son,” she said.

  There was genuine curiosity in her voice and absolutely no distaste or any other negative emotion. Therefore, Caelyn’s parental pride swelled within him and urged him to cast away his misgivings. “Yes,” he replied. “His name is Micah. He’s sleeping now, but you can come closer if you want to get a better look at him.”

  His siblings complied, but so did his mother. Ignoring her mate, she sat next to Caelyn, observing Micah’s face. “He’s very beautiful,” she finally said. “Is he going to be a sprite or a werewolf?”

  “Both,” Graham replied in Caelyn’s stead. “As far as we can tell, he’ll have shape-shifting abilities, but also magic.”

  Pádraig looked like he wanted to say something scathing, but he held back before he could do so. His shoulders slumped and he approached Caelyn as well. “Look, son. I’m happy to see you are well. I just don’t understand why you chose something like this for yourself. You could have been Imperial Consort and your son the heir of Ornoz.”

  Caelyn didn’t point out that it was highly unlikely he could have even borne Karein a child. It was a matter Sari had shared with him in confidence, and Caelyn couldn’t be sure his parents were even aware of Karein’s previous difficulties with breeding. Regardless, it didn’t really matter. It was high time Caelyn made his parents and siblings aware that he would not allow any slight against Graham or Micah. “I never wanted that. I wanted a mate who loved me and wanted a family, and I got my wish. In fact, I got the best mate I could have possibly imagined, and I don’t appreciate you claiming the opposite. If you’re going to do that, you can go ahead and leave.”

  “You have a lovely family, son,” Britanni rushed to assure him. Her hand landed on his arm, squeezing gently. “Ignore your father. He just hasn’t fully gotten used to the idea. I apologize for his attitude. On my part, your mate is more than welcome in the family.” She didn’t sound very convinced in that regard, which upset Caelyn more than he’d have liked. But then, her tone softened and she gave Caelyn a pleading look. “I don’t even want to approach the topic anymore. You’re my baby and I love you. I thank Jenarra that She gave me another chance to tell you that.”

  Caelyn was touched. He could tell that she was being honest. She’d never shown him too much motherly affection, but losing him had obviously affected her more than he’d originally thought.

  When he’d first taken refuge in Eternelle, Caelyn had been convinced that his family hated him for what he’d done. For that reason, he’d never reached out to them or let them know that he was still alive. Even now, he thought he’d done the right thing, because it had allowed him and Graham to live in peace, at least for a while. However, in the process, he had hurt a lot of people, people he cared about and who cared about him in turn.

  He handed Micah to Graham and turned toward his mother. Without allowing himself to hesitate, he wrapped his arms around Britanni and hugged her. She released another sob, her hands clenching in his shirt as she held him close. After all, in spite of the differences between them, she was his mother.

  Caelyn didn’t speak because he really didn’t know what to say. Their problems hadn’t been solved by magic. In his heart, Caelyn knew that his mother didn’t like the fact that he’d mated a werewolf. It would likely take some time to change her opinion, if he ever managed. However, she had chosen to forget about that for a moment and focus on the fact that Caelyn was alive. For that, Caelyn couldn’t help but feel thankful.

  When he broke the embrace, he directed his attention toward his siblings. He wanted to speak to Iasan in particular, because Sari had told him all about what Iasan had done to avenge him. “I’m sorry you had to go through all that because I didn’t tell you I was alive,” he said. “It was just too dangerous. But it’s true that Sari and his mate took care of Graham and me.”

  “I know that now,” Iasan replied. “I admit that I hated them so much back then that I would have gladly died as long as it meant they got punished for what they did to you. But that’s all over now. His Grace, Imperial Consul Shtamakarein, agreed to drop his enmity toward me because my actions were fueled by my affection toward you. At this point, the only thing that matters is that we have you back, and with a bonus.”

  As he spoke, he stole a look toward Graham and Micah. Caelyn frowned. There was something in Iasan’s voice that didn’t quite ring true. He couldn’t put his finger on it. Had Karein told them something else which Iasan was hiding? Or was there another matter that they were keeping from Caelyn? Did it have something to do with Ferradul Cyraltin?

  He didn’t get the chance to figure it out, because Deidre and his second brother, Cormac, sat on the other side of his bed, enthusing over their reunion. It was really kind of strange to see them so pleased, but Caelyn supposed that, in their own way, they had always loved him. The differences between Caelyn and his brothers and sister had only been normal sibling rivalry. And perhaps his mother might not have had her priorities in order, but she did care about him.

  Something eased in Caelyn’s chest. As he chatted with his brothers, he shot Graham a smile. “Thank you,” he whispered through their bond.

  “Whatever for?” Graham inquired, rocking Micah in his arms.

  “For ignoring Father’s attit
ude,” Caelyn answered. “For letting me fight my own battles.”

  “They’re your family. I know they’ll probably never be my greatest fans, but as long as they treat you and Micah with affection and respect, I can deal with it.”

  There was a fallacy in Graham’s logic, perhaps a deliberate one. Respecting Caelyn meant doing the same for Graham. They couldn’t be separated, not anymore. Graham’s lips twisted slightly and he nodded in acquiescence, obviously agreeing. Caelyn wasn’t sure his parents had understood it just yet, but if they hadn’t, he’d make sure they would.

  His family stayed for quite a while longer, chatting with Caelyn, catching up on what they’d been up to. They mostly avoided sensitive topics, such as where Caelyn had truly been, how and why Karein had allowed him and Graham to live, but also exactly what had happened to keep Iasan from returning to their home. Caelyn had been very puzzled upon hearing about it, since, like most everyone here, he’d assumed that Iasan had gone back to the rest of the Sutharlainn and told them Caelyn was still alive.

  It was too soon to inquire into that, though. They were still skating on thin ice, attempting to rebuild a relationship that had been shattered by conflicting goals and ways of life. Caelyn had no doubt that his parents could adapt to their new circumstances. They were sprites, after all. However, like Graham, he didn’t believe they would ever change so fundamentally so as to truthfully welcome Graham into their home.

  While Caelyn spoke to his parents and siblings, Graham gave them privacy, retreating into the adjoining room with their son. Under Graham’s care, Micah slept peacefully and undisturbed by the conversation. Even so, he was the one who pointed out the moment when the other sprites needed to go. Caelyn heard him start to cry and stopped midsentence.

  “Is something wrong?” his mother asked.

  Caelyn made a move to leave the bed, but he didn’t have to go any further, because his mate returned to the room, carrying their son. “I think he misses you,” he said. “He’s a little anxious, maybe because of the presence of so many people.”

  Thankfully, Britanni got the not-so-subtle hint. “We should go then,” she said. “We don’t want to tire you or your son.” She kissed his cheek and left the bed. Caelyn’s siblings followed her example, while his father just stood there, his shoulders rigid with tension. Britanni elbowed him in the side, and Pádraig finally came to Caelyn’s side and quickly patted his shoulder. “Rest well,” he muttered.

  It wasn’t very convincing, but nevertheless, it was more than Caelyn had expected. “Thank you,” he said as Graham handed him the baby. “I will.”

  With that, Graham guided the rest of the Sutharlainn out of the room. When he returned, this time alone, the werewolf asked, “Well? Was it anything like you hoped?”

  For a few moments, Caelyn didn’t answer. In truth, he hadn’t allowed himself to hope for anything, going on the basis that he didn’t have much chance to fulfill any of those wishes. “I’m not sure,” he finally replied. “Perhaps it would have been easier if they’d just turned their back on me. I mean, I’m happy that they still love me, but their presence will certainly make things awkward.”

  As he spoke, he rocked Micah in his arms. When the baby didn’t stop sniffling, Graham quickly warmed up some milk and handed Caelyn the bottle. Carefully, Caelyn fed Micah, all the while still musing over his family’s visit. Graham sat by his side, watching them with a small smile. “I know it might be hard for everyone to get used to each other,” he said. “But I think that where family is concerned, all the effort is worth it.”

  Caelyn met Graham’s gaze and beamed back. “Yes, it is,” he whispered. He didn’t tell Graham that their family, the one the three of them formed, would never suffer from such strife and separation. Graham already knew, just like he knew what went through Caelyn’s mind now.

  In fact, Graham seemed to decide to echo Caelyn’s exact thoughts. “Gods, I love you so much,” the werewolf said.

  Under different circumstances, Caelyn would have jumped Graham, kissed him, and torn his clothes off. However, Micah had other ideas. He made a dissatisfied noise when he no longer wanted milk, and then an unpleasant odor filled the air. Damn. Micah needed a diaper change.

  Caelyn wrinkled his nose, but Graham just laughed. “Let me. You can have the next one.”

  The next one. Caelyn didn’t think he’d heard more beautiful words. He put the bottle aside and wiped his son’s chin, then handed Micah to Graham. As he watched his lover start to struggle with the less than enchanting task of cleaning Micah up, he leaned against the headboard and smiled. Who would have thought back when they’d first met that one day, they’d share such a domestic scene in Draechenburg out of all places? Certainly not Caelyn.

  Life had given him so much, love, a family, friends who cared about him and were willing to jump to his aid when he needed. Any lingering apprehension that he might have had after the meeting with the rest of the Sutharlainn vanished. Even if they were hiding something from him, he’d find out eventually. He just had to have faith in himself, in his mate bond with Graham, and in the future they shared. Because Caelyn was certain now that, no matter what that the future held, he, Graham, and Micah could take it on, together.

  * * * *

  Britanni Sutharlainn plopped down on the couch in the bedroom she shared with her mate and sighed. “I’m really not comfortable with this, you know.”

  “I realize that,” her mate replied, “and I understand how much you love Caelyn. I love him, too. But this is no longer just about Caelyn, and you know it.”

  Iasan nodded. “You heard what the Great Krites said. The phoenix is a terrible, terrible foe, and the draechen are unlikely to do anything about it.”

  Britanni was aware of that. However, after having been reunited with her youngest son and met her first grandson, she didn’t like the idea of bringing any conflict to Draechenburg.

  “We have to make sure that the whole thing doesn’t touch Caelyn and Micah,” she said, narrowing her eyes at Iasan. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten about you not letting us know he’s alive. We’re going to deal with that as soon as we get home.”

  “I had to go with the His Grace,” Iasan argued. “He needed me.”

  “Because you’ve been so much help,” Pádraig said. “You just contributed to this entire disaster.”

  Britanni shot to her feet. “Stop this. Stop fighting. Iasan, just make sure this plan of yours works. Keep your brothers and your sister out of it. Including Caelyn. I’m tired of having my family hurt because of draechen.”

  Pádraig wrapped his arms around her. For all he claimed not to care about what had happened to Caelyn, he had also been crushed when news had come of Caelyn’s supposed fate. “It’s okay, Britanni,” he said. “This is almost over. The draechen will be distracted by the avians. Meanwhile, the rest of us can go through with the plan.”

  Iasan smiled sweetly at her. “Yes, Mother. It will all be over soon.”

  Britanni didn’t know why, but she really didn’t feel comforted by his words. If anything, they unsettled her even more. She could only hope that it was her concern for her children that made her jump at shadows.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Through the authority of the Imperial Consuls of Ornoz, we now appoint Rachen Tersain as the official heir for any of our seats. Should something come to pass that would incapacitate any of us, Rachen will take the place of one of the consuls and choose others, if needed.”

  Kael’s voice rang out clearly through the throne room, letting everyone present know of Rachen’s future role. Aware of all the eyes on him, Rachen straightened his back. He was proud of the honor that had been bestowed upon him, of the trust his family placed in him. More than anything, he was proud of sharing this moment with his mate.

  Phoenix stood by his side, smiling, the warm glow of his affection enveloping Rachen’s heart. In spite of the news they had received earlier, Phoenix had somehow managed to push it back for Rachen’s benefit
and enjoy the celebration regardless.

  “Nothing’s more important to me than you,” Phoenix whispered through their bond. “Besides, it’s not like you and your family haven’t already started working on investigating the avians and Ferradul.”

  It was true. Ever since the Sutharlainn had arrived, the Tersain had even more people looking into the matter. Even if Caelyn’s family had been tight-lipped about the implication of the Krites in the entire thing, Rachen guessed they had to be involved, too, which made Rachen wonder why Caelyn’s father had revealed the whole plan in the first place.

  Kael continued his speech regarding Rachen’s importance in the family, as well as the reasons why this system had been chosen. Rachen listened carefully, but at the same time, was busy planning his next actions.

  As they had said earlier, Rachen’s brothers didn’t prolong the entire thing needlessly. The nobles present took the announcement well, having obviously expected it. In the end, after the way the Tersain had changed the entire political system of Ornoz, this was really nothing.

  A celebratory dinner followed the announcement. Naturally, Rachen and Phoenix sat at the table of the imperial family. Caelyn and Graham were with them, so Caelyn’s family was also close by. They couldn’t exactly talk about the problem that concerned them all, not in the middle of a party, but Rachen could tell the issue was on everyone’s mind.

  Toward the end, Karein got up and lifted his goblet. “I’d like to make a toast. For my brother and his mate Phoenix. May they live a blissful life together.”

  There was a strange similarity between Karein’s gesture and the one that had once triggered the conflict between Ornoz and Patala. This time, though, when Karein took a sip of his wine, nothing happened. The celebration just continued for a while longer with the occasional noble growing somewhat intoxicated.

  The hour was late when at last, Rachen’s brothers deemed the party over. The guests present retreated to their quarters, but the family, including Rachen, stayed behind. He wanted to approach his brothers about reinforcing security around Draechenburg.