by H. M. Wolfe
''I know,'' Ronan nodded, ''My whole life was a big, fat lie. It was the creation of a revenge-thirsty, envious, vindictive, evil woman. Then, when I started working at the office, my uncle was an associate at, the main partner, one Allen Flemming, started to persecute me, apparently for no reason. Only when I came to New York did I discover why he did that.''
While Ronan was talking, Tyler started examining him with growing interest. The longer he spent studying the young man's face, the more obvious the resemblance between him and Alasdair appeared. The features of the Starks were mixed with the ones from Pamela's family, creating a stunning combination. While he'd inherited his eye color from his father's side, the shape and softness of the gaze ran in Pamela's family.
Also, Ronan had the sensual mouth of the Stark family. But the smile belonged to his mother. So did most of his facial structure, his cheekbones, temples, and forehead. The resemblances were much more numerous, but in his heart, Tyler was already convinced. There, right before his very eyes, with his gaze lowered, and so soft-spoken, was the child whose death he'd mourned for over the last twenty-seven years.
''Welcome home, my son.'' he widely opened his arms. ''Let my eyes and soul rejoice at your sight, Ronan. My beloved boy!''
W
ithout a word, the young architect left his seat, letting himself fall into the arms of the man who had never stopped loving him. Not even in the long years, he thought the baby he and his wife wanted so much was dead and gone forever. Tyler's hug was a mixture of joy and disbelief. Dreams come true and fatherly love and despair.
Tyler was holding Ronan to his chest and didn't want to let him go. He was afraid that, if he did, the young man would disappear into thin air again. Fearful of him leaving his wretched heart empty and crushed. Of course, he would still have Alasdair. Alasdair was his precious Spitfire. He would be able to fill the void, but the young man had his own family and priorities.
''OK, dad. You can let him go for a few seconds.'' Tyler heard the voice of his younger son. ''The poor guy can't breathe because of how tight you are holding him.'' There was a slight laugh to Spitfires's voice.
''Sorry, son.'' Alastair's firstborn apologetically smiled as he was caressing Ronan's cheek. ''But I have been dreaming of this moment for so long. I hoped so much that this would happen one day and when I finally have you in my arms...''
''I understand you, dad,'' Ronan smiled shyly, the word sounding so good, so natural, ''but you don't have to worry about me disappearing from your life ever again. It won't happen. Especially not when I've discovered the brother I always wished I could have in the person of Spitfire here. And all the other relatives, not to mention some great friends I have made.'' he lightly blushed.
''Oh, wait until you meet my father!'' Tyler brightly smiled. ''He's the most understanding, loving, supportive grandfather on Earth. And Nana Zoe, my grandma, will need no excuse to spoil you rotten. They are only the tip of the iceberg. There are also your wonderful Bloom uncles, Thaddeus and Sebastian. Your Auntie Willa, their sister, and...''
''Wow,'' Ronan exclaimed, gasping in awe, ''so this family is even bigger than I initially thought.'' he continued. ''It seems that I got what I've been praying forever since I was a little boy. In my heart, I didn't want to believe that woman. She kept saying that you left her because of me, but she kept repeating it, over and over again. So, in the end, it became ingrained in my conscience.''
''That soulless woman, damned be her soul for eternity!'' Tyler indignantly exclaimed, and balling his hands into fists. ''How could she do something like that to a child so little and innocent?''
''Oh, she did that and more.'' Ardan intervened in a bitter voice, utterly different from the low, gentle one everyone was used to. ''Once we put two and two together, we asked Tarquin to check into the pasts of those who made up the medical team in charge of delivering Ronan. He discovered some pretty interesting things.''
''I'm afraid to ask, but go on,'' Tyler said in a determined voice. ''I want to find out how that goddamn wench could steal a child without no one noticing or saying anything.''
Nodding, Ardan started to reveal Myra Parker's twisted, but very cunning plan. The members of the medical team she'd coordinated with had committed some serious errors in the past. Those errors that were covered up by the woman. In exchange, they all turned a blind eye to what happened the day Ronan was born.
Eventually, the hospital's managerial team discovered everything. But, had they sided with the grieving parents and exposing Doctor Parker, the scandal would have been enormous. The reputation of the institution would have been forever damaged. Instead, they put pressure on Tyler and Pamela, forcing them to abandon their quest for truth and justice.
Once the circumstances leading to Ronan's kidnapping were cleared, Tyler started evoking the memory of his wife Pamela and the love she had for the baby who was taken away from her. He told his long-lost son about how the two of them were prepared to welcome him home. He described the nursery with its custom-made furniture and walls full of fluffy clouds and smiling suns painted on them, to the son who'd never seen them.
Unlike other grieving parents, Tyler and Pamela didn't tear the room apart or getting rid of the decorations and furniture. Instead, they used it as a nest for their little Spitfire who came into their lives not long after, making up somewhat for the lost child. At that point, the man's face lightened, and he started telling Ronan about his little brother's affectionate nature and his exceptional intelligence with an immense thirst for knowledge.
The young man agreed with his father, enthusiastically. His eyes were shining with brotherly affection when he recalled how Alasdair had helped him realize who he was. Also, Tyler's long lost son remembered how his younger brother, his husband, and their friends had organized the complex operation leading to Kaden being saved from his tormentor's claws.
As he relived the emotions of that fateful night, Ronan also remembered the sense of safety he experienced in Jericho's presence. The man's reassuring, soft voice, with a hint of firmness in it. The dark-brown, kind eyes reappeared in front of him, the image so vivid. It was as if the man was in the room with him.
''OK, older brother. A penny for your thoughts.'' Alasdair's voice brought Ronan back from the pleasant state of musing he was enjoying. A little too much, so it seemed.
''Sorry. I wasn't paying attention to what you were saying.'' the architect apologized, feeling the blush creeping up his cheeks and coloring them a deep shade of pink. ''Where are the others?'' he cast a confused look around, his father and Ardan not insight.
''Dad took his favorite son-in-law for one of their long, pleasant discussions I'm never invited to. So it's just you and me now. I noticed something's on your mind, and I'm here if you want someone to talk to.'' Alasdair locked his eyes with the ones of his brother.
''Well, it would be a somewhat personal question.'' Ronan's voice was hesitant and barely audible. ''I want to know what it's like for you to...love another man. To be with him in all matters. What do you feel when the two of you share your bed and...''
''Ardan and I have a very...complex relationship. In and out of bed,'' Alasdair started, his voice dreamy. ''He's the absolute protector. Someone who would fight the devil himself to defend the ones he loves or cares about. No sacrifice is too great for him. No price too high, if that's the only way to keep the important people in his life out of harm's way. Sometimes, however...''
''Does he become violent with you or the others?'' Ronan asked, shocked to see the pained expression in his younger brother's eyes.
''Violent? Ardan? He'd rather cut his arm off!'' Alasdair passionately defended his husband. ''No, it's that, at times, he becomes very vulnerable, and I have to step up and protect him. Sometimes he allows me to do that. While at other times, he keeps everything bottled up and keeps me at arm's length.''
''Has Ardan ever took out his frustration on you? Like, when the two of you share the bed?'' Ronan shyly asked, his gaze lowered.
''No, my hu
sband is cautious with me. Our lovemaking is sweet and gentle. It's always full of passion and tenderness. He loves to cover my body in kisses and caresses. And he whispers words of praise and love into my ear. Nothing compares to what my beloved does to me when the two of us share the bed. Sometimes, Ardan even submits to me. It's his way of keeping everything under control.''
''Sorry for being so nosy,'' Ronan spoke in the same hesitant voice as earlier. ''The thing is I might not be so straight after all, and it scares the hell out of me. I mean, the only gay friend I have was in a twisted, abusive relationship that left him physically and emotionally scarred. You seemed so open about your sexuality, so willing to help, so I thought...''
Alasdair hugged his brother tight, cutting him short. Then, sitting next to the architect, started to tell the fantastic story of the clans' gay and bisexual men. He wove the tapestry of their long, complicated paths to happiness and of the obstacles they had to remove from their way — the main story of their grandfather and his three-decades-younger husband. Of their uncles, Sebastian and Rayne, who shared their bed with three other men, were also among the examples he offered.
Spitfire also mentioned Liam, his and Ronan's cousin, who was in love with a man and a woman at the same time. That was told as an example of a gay and bisexual love story, making his brother gasp in shock, his jaw, dropping to the floor. Almost all members of that enormous family supported those with a different sexual orientation because everyone believed in the power of love.
''One last nosy question,'' Ronan spoke in a more relaxed voice. ''Tell me everything about your friends. The Stanley brothers, for instance. What kind of people are they?''
”Oh, brother! You've brought up one of my favorite subjects of discussion. Namely Leon. Now, get ready to hear me talking for hours, with no chance of stopping me.'' Alasdair grinned happily.
''I won't even try to. On the contrary, I want to know everything there is to know about the ones who saved my poor friend from a cruel fate.''
''Well, Leon is the older brother I always wished for. He's protective, loving, selfless, and generous. He stepped in, offering me a warm place to live and food to put in my belly. He offered me, unconditional love. For almost a year, he put up with my yelling and whining, working himself to the bones to cover the expenses my education incurred and never complained.''
''A real role model. Indeed, a guy you've learn a lot of great things from.'' Ronan enthusiastically said, but, in his mind and heart, the words of praise were meant for the man's twin.
''He is the resident guardian angel.'' Alasdair smiled warmly. '' He's specialized in rescuing the stray kids and bringing them home. Me, Ezra, Elliott's kids, Elliott himself, and the list goes on.''
''What about Leon's twin? I understand that their story has a lot of similarities with our own.'' Ronan's eyes were shining with apparent interest and curiosity.
''Yes, indeed. They were separated at birth, but their parents agreed to it. The two were unaware of each other's existence until three years ago. That is when they were reunited. By the way, Jericho also has a vocation as a guardian angel. He rescued and brought home Tarquin and all four of the blondies. He loves children very much, especially the little ones.''
The words of his brother made Ronan sigh dreamily and with a smile on his face. A solidly built man with kind eyes and a heart of gold. One who loved children and was willing to fight for the ones he loved—it was precisely what he'd always needed in his life.
''W
here's your husband? Why isn't he here, with you?" a frown creased Alastair's forehead when he noticed his grandson's absence. ''This matter also concerns him. Even more than anyone else in this room.'' the patriarch said in an irritated voice.
''I'm sorry. It won't happen again,'' Ardan lowered his gaze, ''but this time, I decided not to bring him with me precisely because this has such great importance for him. If you would allow me, I'll explain the situation in a few words.''
''Go ahead.'' Alastair gestured impatiently. ''You still have my trust. One more mistake, though...I don't believe in second chances. Especially not when it may negatively affect the ones I love.''
''Thank you.'' Ardan took a slight bow. ''This is the first and last time, I swear. I hate keeping things hidden from my Spitfire, but I took an oath to protect him, and I act accordingly. When we captured him in Seattle, Allen said a lot of dirty things about Alasdair. Fortunately, no one was paying attention.''
''What kind of words?'' the former Supreme Dragon prayed his suspicions were wrong.
''Bad words. Insults I didn't pay attention to, and neither did the boys. However, once back home, I discussed it with my beloved husband. He confirmed to me some of the things I had suspected. That human-faced monster had molested him as a child.'' Ardan's voice sounded hollow and broken.
''Wait, what?! That's impossible! One of us was always around. Alasdair was rarely alone with...Allen.'' Tyler almost spat the name.
''That's why he didn't tell you. He was afraid no one would believe him. But I do. And I don't want those memories to become clearer in his mind. He's so sweet and good and pure. I don't want him to be put through hell. Never.'' Ardan's jaw was tight, his eyes darkened, and all the gentleness in them gone.
''Did Alasdair tell you what was done to him?'' Tyler's voice was shaky when he asked the question.
''Yes, he did.'' his son-in-law answered, his voice pained and barely a whisper. ''My husband was touched inappropriately. Touched on the chest, his nipples, and abdomen. ''Not a big deal for an adult, but it must have been scary for a twelve-year-old.''
Ardan fell silent, and Alastair could see how shaken the man was. If he didn't do something, his grandson's husband was on the edge of falling apart. And the patriarch couldn't allow that. Leaving his seat, he went over to the younger man, hugging and rocking him back and forth. He was able to feel the tense muscles through the thin fabric of his shirt.
In the beginning, instead of relaxing into Alastair's embrace, Ardan felt ashamed of his moment of weakness. He was afraid that his Spitfire's relatives would think he was a lesser man and incapable of protecting his husband. However, as the patriarch rubbed soothing circles on his back, the tension started to diminish gradually, until it was gone entirely.
Some minutes later, the three men embarked in Alastair's car. They drove to the base, where Landon, given a heads up about their visit, had brought Allen into one of the guards' rooms. In the absence of specific orders, he' been humanely treated by everyone at the base. He was given access to a private shower, TV, and internet connection. All these privileges made him think that his father had intervened for him and was going to forgive him eventually.
However, the rumors about Tyler's long-lost son being reunited with the rest of the family had reached his ears. Those rumors giving him shivers along his spine. Allen's attitude remained moderately optimistic, though. The appearance of Ronan didn't exclude the version of him getting his father's forgiveness. After all, Tyler was a generous, loving man who couldn't stand the idea that one of his sons was hurting.
''Come on, Flemming. Let's go. You have visitors.'' his guardian, a tall, lanky guy who was part of that group that had ruined his fun with Kaden, spoke.
''May I ask who these visitors are?'' Allen asked in an arrogant voice. ''Because I may not go if I don't like their names.''
''It's a surprise. Don't you like those?'' Landon smirked. ''I'm afraid I can't disclose that information. Now let's go and no foolish moves.'' he lightly shoved the prisoner to the door.
''Father, grandfather. What an unexpected, pleasant surprise.'' Tyler's firstborn said, his eyes shining with renewed hope when he saw the two men sitting at the small table in the center of the room. ''Wait! What's with this moron? He has no right to be here. This is a family meeting.'' his voice became shaky and unsure when he spotted Ardan, partially hidden in the shadow.
''First of all, moron.'' I run this place.'' Ardan started in a flat voice. ''Secondly, I'm here precise
ly because this is a family meeting. I'm here representing my husband, Alasdair.''
''You lying bastard.'' Allen hissed. ''The little one belongs to me and no one else. He can't be married to you or anyone else. I'm the sole owner of that perfect little ass and sinful mouth.'' he continued, so lost in his fantasy that he didn't even remember about his grandfather and father being present in the room.
''I don't understand?'' Ardan furrowed his brows. ''If you say your brother belongs to you and with you, then why did you abandon him in New York City, eight years ago?''
''You are so stupid. I don't understand what the little bitch sees in you.'' Allen huffed in contempt. ''It was all part of the plan. I wanted to teach the kid a lesson. I intended to make him see I was the only one he had. I was the only one who cared about his cute little self. I would have brought him back home, and he would have submitted to me willingly and completely.''
''But Leon found my grandson and took him under his wing. That messed with your carefully designed plans and made you see red. Is that when your sadistic tendencies came to the surface?'' Alastair spoke with disgust.