by H. M. Wolfe
''Clever boy,'' a flat voice froze Allen's blood, ''he knew exactly when to cry and brought the cavalry to his rescue. Now, it's your turn to be clever and step aside.'' the voice continued.
''Who—who the hell are you and how did you get past the guards?'' he stuttered, tucking his limp cock back into his briefs and pulling his jeans up, under Ardan's cold, hard stare.
''Never let boys do a man's job, my father taught me, and he was right. As for you, I would have killed you already. You're a disgusting, filthy beast, but a promise and my word of honor stop me. You should be thanking your brother Alasdair. He's the only reason you are still breathing. Take him out of my sight.'' Ardan told Leon and Jericho, turning his head, disgusted.
''What?! The little fag is still alive? Did you bury your cock in that pretty little twink ass too?''
''Never. Talk. Like. That. About. My. Husband.'' Every word the man spoke was accompanied by a blow directed to Allen's stomach, making him curl up and wail in pain.
Meanwhile, Elias, Liam, and Seymour were freeing a barely breathing Kaden from his chains, boiling in anger at the sight of his scarred, bruised body. They gave thanks, once again, to the forces governing the Universe. Who, in their exceptional generosity, gave life to Tarquin and Darien. Without their sharp intuition and genius, the team wouldn't have made it in time, and there would have been no one to save.
Ronan looked how Maxine injected a clear liquid into Kaden's arm, the boy barely reacting to the needle's sting. He wondered if that little spark of life that made his heartbeat would hold on long enough and if he'd live for another five hours. And then, right there, under the architect's very eyes, a miracle happened: his young friend opened his eyes, looking around, and just a bit disoriented.
''You must be thirsty.'' Ardan came over a water bottle in hand. ''Here you are. Drink as slowly as you can. There's plenty where this came from.'' he spoke in his usual, gentle, velvety voice.
''Let me help you.'' Ronan offered, propping up the boy's head. ''Hi there, buddy. Welcome back! For a moment there, we thought you are going to leave us.''
''What happened? Where is he?'' Kaden looked around for the first time. He seemed a little more focused but terrified at the perspective of coming face to face with his tormentor.
''Shh, don't worry. Everything will be just fine.'' Ronan intervened, rubbing the teen's back, just as Ardan did to him at the house, a few hours earlier. ''The boys will make sure he won't be able to hurt someone else.''
''You must be freezing, poor thing.'' Kaden heard another soft, pleasant voice, as a red-haired man draped a blanket around his fragile shoulders, warming him up almost instantly.
''Who are these men?'' the kid attempted to cling to Ronan's shirt, as Leon and Jericho took him in their arms. They were careful not to put too much pressure on the big, ugly bruises littering his body. ''Where are they taking me?''
''These guys are my family. The real one and we are going back to New York City. That's where our new home will be. There's nothing left for us here. I will also make arrangements for your grandfather to come and live with you.''
''Yeah, kid,'' Leon smiled reassuringly, while he arranged Kaden in the backseat of one of the military vehicles, as comfortably as he could, ''not to mention the whole crowd of young folks your age who can't wait to meet you.''
The ride back to the helicopter was made in silence, satisfied smiles playing on the face of all the men. Another defenseless, innocent soul was rescued and had the chance for a fresh start, a new beginning. Moments like that made the members of the intervention team forget. Forget, even if for a brief moment, about the ugly part of their job. They could forget the blood, the death, the overwhelming burden of helplessness and frustration.
The Stanley twins took the same care when transferring Kaden into the helicopter, earning themselves a shy, weak smile. For Jericho, the reward was doubled, as he also got a bright smile from Ronan. Maxine got herself settled in next to the rescued young man, administering him another two doses from the miracle cocktail that had brought him back from the dead.
Allen's situation was entirely different from that of his victim. He was unceremoniously tossed in the back of the helicopter, ending up in an uncomfortable position. However, no one cared about him, not that they ever did, the monster thought, tears of bitterness and frustration springing from his eyes.
Not even his parents had loved him as he deserved. Otherwise, they wouldn't have conceived the other two. The other two who'd stolen his shine in the end. Little Ronan, the stillborn. The baby whose loss his mother and father had mourned for so long. Then the goddamn pest Alasdair, their parents' and everyone else's darling. Bloody fag, he wanted to shout, but that freak, with the strange, cold eyes, took even that minor satisfaction from him, putting a ball gag into his mouth.
A little bit isolated from the others, unaware of his rogue brother-in-law's toxic thoughts, Ardan was scrolling through his phone. He was searching for the newest updates from Alasdair. At a certain point, after frowning a little, the man grinned, a wide, silly one. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Landon, who was dozing off from time to time. You better catch some sleep, my friend, Ardan thought, amused. You are going to have your hands full when you get home.
''I have to talk to you.'' an exhausted-looking Thorvald turned to Lorcan, as soon as they were alone. ''It's about Cian. He's not ill like he thinks.''
''What is it, then?'' Ardan's son asked, worry pouring from his voice. ''And, are you alright? Because you don't look so great. Maybe the two of you should take a break from...you know...healing my brother.''
''And see you suffer and whither away? I won't do that! Not in a million lifetimes.'' Thorvald shook his head, saddened, but determined. ''Whatever you think about our bond, it's my duty to protect you.''
''Not at the cost of your and Namir's life, or whatever you call it. And I don't say you should stop altogether, only slow down a bit.'' Lorcan mumbled, feeling slightly guilty for how exhausted the older boy looked.
''You don't have to worry about it,'' Thorvald said, as he almost touched Lorcan's arm. ''It's only our bodies reacting to the aggressive poison, trying to adjust to it. You know, Namir and I aren't just mere beasts with frightening superpowers. We are affected by some of the things in your world. There's no slowing down; the poison has to be completely neutralized.''
''Do you know who is poisoning Cian? Or what kind of substance they're using? I mean, with you being a mage and everything else.'' Lorcan cleared his throat like he did every time he brought Thorvald's powers into the discussion.
''I'm...I don't know my blood lineage. I was carried in a borrowed womb, and the seed planted there was somehow spoilt, so I have no heritage. All my powers are somehow acquired, learned, and practiced. The gift of having visions is reserved only to a handful of us, and they...never mind.'' Thorvald lowered his head.
''What if...you know...'' Lorcan hesitantly said. ''If you had a mate, would your powers increase in strength and number?''
The long-haired, blond boy fell silent, averting his gaze. The answer was definite, but he didn't want to influence Lorcan's decision, altering it. True to his word, the shifter wanted to leave his mate the freedom of choice, instead of forcing the relationship on him. Although the mind link was blocked on his side, the quiet sobs coming from the poor boy's broken, bleeding heart were heard by Lorcan, who flinched violently.
Suddenly, the realization dawned on Ardan's son, making him feel disgusted with himself and revolted by his own behavior. He wasn't any better than the Crispin brothers and their cousin. While he had his cousins and friends to turn to for support and consolation, Thorvald had no one on his side. Even when Lorcan pushed him into the wall and questioned his beliefs, powers, and magic, he was questioning the very essence of the shifter's existence.
Right then, Namir came into the room and lay on the floor, slightly panting. The leopard raised his head, the beautiful, amber eyes clouded with pain and sorrow. With an impulse he
couldn't explain, Lorcan ran his fingers through the white, perfectly spotted fur, burying them into the softness.
''Wow, how fluffy he is!'' the kid exclaimed, as Namir started to purr, offering his belly to be scratched. ''Like a big kitty.'' he continued, laying his head where the feline's heartbeat.
''Beware of the tongue,'' Thorvald warned, but it was too late because the leopard started to lick Lorcan all over his face.
''Stop it! You're gross! Yuck.'' the younger kid said, but there was no malice in those words which were accompanied by a carefree laugh.
T
he men were the embodiment of contentment, as they all were thinking about the kid whose life was saved. They were thanking all the gods, spirits, and forces governing the Universe that allowed them to make it on time. In a couple of hours, after taking Kaden to New York General Hospital, they would be back in their beloved life partners' arms, hugging them and the children they had together.
From where he was sitting, holding his friend's hand, Ronan was watching Ardan. He scrolled through his phone, a little frown creasing his forehead from time to time. It would appear only to disappear in the next second, replaced by a barely-there, peaceful smile. The man radiated confidence and inner strength, making all those around him feel safe and protected.
Ronan must have dozed off at some point, because, when he opened his eyes, a light blanket covered him. And the architect couldn't remember how it got there. He looked around, a bit confused, his emerald-green eyes meeting Jericho's warm, rich, deep brown ones. The man smiled gently, moving closer to Alasdair's brother.
''You were shivering a little, and I thought a bit of warmth could be useful. I hope you don't mind,'' he spoke in a deep, sexy, rugged voice, making Ronan blush.
''No, not at all. On the contrary, thank you very much.'' the architect whispered. ''What now?'' he continued, ending the silence that threatened to become awkward.
''Doctor Maxi will take the kid to the hospital. Liam and Elias will most likely escort them since they are also her life partners. Leon and I will take care of...um...your brother. The bad one.''
''And after that? I mean...when you are done with your work?'' Ronan explained, seeing the confused look on the older man's face. ''Never mind. I've overstepped the line. I shouldn't have...''
''Not at all. I was the one who didn't understand the question.'' Jericho apologetically smiled. ''I keep myself busy doing things around the base, maintenance repairs, and such. Most people don't realize how many useful things are learned in the army. And there are the children, of course: so many of them, in need of so much love...''
''I understand that better than you think.'' Ronan nodded in approval. ''Back in my early twenties, I was always dreaming about meeting a good, decent girl — one who would want to raise a big family with me. The time started to fly too fast, and here I am, at twenty-seven, dumped by yet another girl. I have nothing to cling to, except work. I'd consider adoption, but with my busy lifestyle...''
''You fill all that time with work, instead of a life partner. A life partner there for you; they could be there to listen to you, support, comfort, encourage you and even yell at you from time to time. Someone who sees work like a part of who you are, not an obstacle in the way of their happiness.''
''I embraced my loneliness and accepted it as the price I had to pay for a successful career,'' Ronan spoke in a low, hesitant voice. ''But I don't understand. How come you are alone?''
''Maybe because I couldn't find that special someone. The one to listen to, support, comfort, encourage, and even yell at from time to time.'' Jericho grinned.
Then, the two of them fell silent again, but this time it wasn't oppressive and uncomfortable. The redhead started to think about the other man's words, and the more he did, the more convinced of the truth behind them he became. The women in his life weren't interested in what he did at the office. They had never wanted to know about it or asked him how his day was.
It was like starting the same cycle over and over again. Boy meets girl; she likes his money. He is happy; she wants more. He works to give her more; she becomes bored and leaves. He ends up alone but doesn't mind too much, because the job is still there. That's until he meets another girl who falls for his money.
''This is it, folks.'' Ardan's deep, rugged voice brought Ronan back from the introspective journey Jericho's words had taken him to. ''As soon as the 'copter lands, we are going to finish the mission, then go back home. The only one who will go straight to his partners is Landon. You are needed there more than you could be of use here.'' he turned to the man, who'd lowered his head to hide the happy tears.
''Wow, congrats, Daddy Landon!'' Liam shouted, grabbing everyone's attention. ''But wasn't that supposed to happen in a month or two?'' the redhead furrowed his brows.
''Well, I thought that too.'' the happy father said after gaining his composure. ''But apparently, the little ones have decided otherwise.''
''Yeah, man, I see what you mean. Girls can be unpredictable like that.'' Elias grinned, earning himself a playfully threatening glare from Maxine. ''I better keep my big mouth shut. I'm going to get kicked out of the marital bed.'' he continued.
''Don't worry, handsome. I'll take you in our marital bed.'' Liam patted his lover on the shoulder, his gaze filled with love and lust.
''I'm going to hit the bed as soon as I get home.'' Ronan timidly tried to get into the conversation. ''I'll have to call Kaden's grandfather first thing in the morning, informing him about what happened. The abridged version, of course. The old gentleman has delicate health.''
''You'll have to think up a very plausible story to justify his presence in New York.'' Jericho's voice had a strange, calming effect on the architect. ''How about thinking about it while I give you a ride home? You are not in a position to drive by yourself.''
Jericho's proposition gained everyone's approval, Ardan included. So Ronan handed him the car keys, secretly grateful that the man had offered. Although he was drained of his last ounce of energy, the man wouldn't have dared to ask for one more favor. The team had already done a lot for him, the architect thought.
After parting ways with his friends, Ardan headed home. His heart started thumping harder when he saw that the light in the kitchen was turned on. Instead of having a well-deserved sleep after delivering Gaston's babies, Alasdair was waiting for him. The man felt his heart ready to burst. He was unable to contain the love he had for the feisty, smart-mouthed, funny, intelligent, and affectionate redhead.
Ardan had barely touched the doorknob when the door was opened widely. A tired but happy Spitfire, appearing from behind it. Without a word, he took his husband's hand, guiding the man inside the house. He was soon closing the door behind them and hugged him tightly. They stayed like that for quite a while, the quick beats of their hearts gradually calming down.
''Welcome home, husband. I've been waiting for you.'' Alasdair let out a soft sigh of relief. ''I'm happy you are back unharmed.''
''I missed you, too, babe,'' Ardan whispered, tucking a fiery-red strand of hair behind his husband's ear. ''You shouldn't have worried. Haven't you learned by now that as long as I have your love, nothing can harm me? How was the birth?''
''Easier than the first one.'' Alasdair headed to the kitchen, plopping down on a chair. ''It was like the little ones had determined it was about time to make their appearance into the world.'' he grinned.
''I'm glad to hear that. Especially since Carlin was the only lover standing at Gaspard's side during the labor, it must have been hard for him, knowing Landon could be in danger.'' Ardan said in a somewhat sad voice. ''Had I known, I would have left him at home to greet his children when they came into the world. Speaking of, are the boys sleeping here? Because if they are, I'll have to keep my voice down a little bit.''
''No, they are at your father's. All of them, the leopard included.'' Alasdair flashed a toothy grin. ''They are considerate, dutiful sons. They are always thinking of their Pater's well-being
.'' the redhead winked.
''So? We have the house to ourselves?'' Ardan's smile reached his magnificent, turquoise eyes. ''I'm going to clean myself up a bit, and then I'll be going to bed. You'd better join me. I think you're as tired as I am.''
With those words, the man headed to the staircase. The sound of his footsteps becoming softer by the second. Making sure everything was in order downstairs, Alasdair followed his husband, smiling internally at his choice of words. Clean myself up was a syntagm Ardan used when he wanted to love the redhead after coming back from a rescue mission.
He was like a pagan warrior giving thanks to the deity who helped him in battle. Offering himself to the divine force and surrendering with everything he had. There was a time when the man had isolated himself after returning from a rescue mission. He'd was always avoiding the company of the redhead at all costs, but not anymore.
When Alasdair came into the room, his husband was waiting for him, naked, kneeling in the middle of the bed. Rock-hard at the sight, the redhead, hopped into the shower, coming back shortly after, clean and smelling like his favorite body wash and shampoo. That sweet, delicate scent always took over Ardan's senses, driving him crazy with desire. This time, however, was different.