by H. M. Wolfe
About twenty minutes later, the bad guys were loaded into the police cars, taking them to the airport to embark on their flight back home.
''Justice has been served.'' the two men were thinking, relief washing over them. Lazarus was giving thanks to all the deities that had helped them to carry on with their mission. And without spilling anyone's blood.
''G
et off of me, you whiskery, purring thing.'' Gavin laughed, hugging Namir's head to his chest and kissing him on the forehead.
''Hey, cousin. Go easy on that feline; he's my best friend.'' Cian buried his hands into the leopard's fur. ''Oh, how incredibly soft you are.'' He sighed in contentment, making the big cat purr loudly.
''Save a patch for me, too.'' Natalina joined the boys, petting one of the enormous front paws. ''Nice slippers.'' She grinned, holding it in the air.
''Hey, guys! Guess what?'' Lorcan burst into the room. Happiness was written all over his face, his turquoise eyes shining. ''Pater just called! They found a surrogate for our brother!''
''Come on now, cousin.'' Natalina rolled her eyes. ''We've had this discussion a hundred times already. Why do you so stubbornly resist the possibility of the baby being a girl?''
''I have nothing against girls. I've told you that a thousand times. On the contrary, I would love to have a little sister to watch over. I just have this feeling we are going to have a baby brother. He'll have Spitfire's red hair and beautiful, sparkling green eyes. And he will be brave, strong, intelligent, and generous, just like Pater.''
''Who knows? Maybe there will be two of them, a boy and a girl.'' Evan philosophically spoke up. ''In fact, there are greater chances for your parents to have twins than a single baby. I mean, Gavin and Natalina are twins. Same for you and Cian...''
''Twins or not, boy or girl, we'll love them just the same.'' Lorcan smiled. ''Speaking of love, I have a confession to make. I think I've found my one and only. No, scratch that, I'm sure I've found him.''
''I don't know about that.'' Aidan smiled shyly. ''Aren't you too young for this one and only thing? You have plenty of time ahead of you to test the waters. Embarking on a long-term relationship so early in life could be risky.''
''Not at all, cousin.'' Lochlin intervened, to everyone's surprise. ''I'm even younger than you, and I have the feeling I've already met my soulmate. He's been a constant presence in my life for quite some time. Always there with a friendly smile on his beautiful face. Always ready to help me...''
The curly-haired, blond boy let out a soft, dreamy sigh, making all the teens smile brightly. It was unusual for Tarquin's son, who was more inclined to the practical side of things, to speak about his feelings, let alone mentioning that he had a crush on someone. But the Connecticut mansion seemed to have finally worked its magic on the little scientist, making his heart beat faster and eyes shine brightly.
The previous weeks were quite rough on Ardan's sons, especially Cian. He was devastated by the news of his mother's death. Lorcan, although not affected by the woman's death per se, was overwhelmed with pain at the sight of his grieving brother. Together with the rest of the bunch, he did everything in his power to comfort him.
To make it easier for the boys, Alastair suggested Ardan send them to Connecticut for the rest of the summer holiday. Both went together with their friends, cousins, and Thorvald, who'd joined the group at Cian's special request. The long walks and other outside activities, the constant presence of Namir with his wet kisses, sweet, soothing purrs, and furry, soft paws soon started to produce the desired effects. Although the wound created by Eve-Marie's death didn't completely heal, it became less painful by the day.
''So, who's the lucky guy? Your soulmate, the one who's always there for you?'' Lorcan asked in a dreamy voice.
''Lazarus!'' Lochlin blurted out, then looked around the room. ''I know that for most of you, that may come as a surprise, but...''
''As Great-uncle Alastair use to say, praised be all gods, dead, alive and unborn.'' Emery was the first to react, raising his hands to the ceiling in a dramatic gesture. ''Finally, my brother realizes the obvious! Better later than never, but still, it took you three long years.''
''Em, calm down, man. He was only a little boy back then.'' Gavin intervened in a soft voice. ''And Lochlin, I'm happy for you. I am, even if I think that it's a little early for you to be sure Lazarus is the guy you'll spend the rest of your life with.''
''A question still remains.'' Natalina joined the discussion. ''Who's your soulmate, Cousin Lorcan? I don't think you mentioned his name and inquiring minds want to know...''
''The only person, except for you, who was by my side the whole time Cian was sick. The one who encouraged and comforted me even if I, to my eternal shame, rejected and maltreated him. He was the one who discovered my brother was being poisoned and cured him, at the cost of his own health. I'm talking about Thorvald.'' Ardan's son smiled when saying his name. It tasted sweet on his tongue.
The magical creatures were outside, performing rituals passed down to them by their ancestors. They gave thanks to the deities of light, water, fire, and earth, letting the energy of the elements flow through them. All of a sudden, in the middle of the rites, they both heard their names called by the soft voices of the two boys.
The air filled with harmonious vibrations, as two pure souls finally joined their halves by the will of the Fates. It was a glorious morning, one of new beginnings, filled with joy, love, and hope.
Jericho was patrolling his perimeter, as usual. Although he was physically present, his mind wandered in a specific direction. The image that appeared in front of his eyes made him smile. Living the austere life of a soldier, the man usually didn't have time for a relationship. He'd always considered that aspect of his life as irrelevant and a total waste of time.
However, since he'd been reunited with his brother, Jericho was longing for what Leon and Darien had. He wanted the closeness, the intimacy, the small smiles, and sweet kisses. He dreamed of the wild, passionate, unleashed sex followed by long baths and cuddles. However, at thirty-seven, the man had considered his time passed and was content with seeing his brother happy until he appeared in his life and turning it upside down.
Ronan. With his radiant, dark-green eyes and flame-red hair. Those were the trademark traits of his family. Ronan. He got under Jericho's skin and into his heart, nesting in there. Alasdair's older brother, with his shy, cute ways, woke up his feelings and desires he didn't know were there. They had been deeply buried inside his soul, waiting for the right person to bring them to the surface.
At that point, Jericho sighed heavily, remembering that Ronan wasn't alone in the world, as he'd initially thought. That complicated the situation a lot because the said family was one of the wealthiest, most powerful in the whole world. And Jericho seriously doubted they would accept him as one of their own.
''There you are, Mister Stanley.'' One of the younger guards started Jericho out of his thoughts. ''I've been looking for you all over the place.''
''Take it easy, lad. You look like an entire legion of blood-thirsty demons chased you.'' Jericho tried with a joke. ''Or is something wrong?'' A deep frown creased his forehead the next second.
''I don't know. The boss sent me to bring you to him, and I thought the matter has to be extremely important. I got worried when I couldn't find you.'' The guy started, panting. ''You know how short-fused he can sometimes be...''
''These are just rumors, spread by those who don't understand us and what we do here. So don't let them influence yourself.'' Jericho gave him a friendly smile and patted the young man on the shoulder.
''Here you are,'' Ardan greeted the two men. ''Thanks, Roger. You can go back to your duties now.'' He smiled at the young guard, who vanished in a matter of seconds.
''What's the emergency? That poor kid looked troubled. He thinks you're an inquisitor or something,'' Leon's twin grinned.
''You have been promoted, and your responsibilities will become more important
and more numerous. I've decided to make Soames the kids' main guard. So now his patrolling area will fall under your jurisdiction. However, instead of doing this personally, I want you to recruit a handful of guards you trust the most and become their supervisor. We'll test out this system for a couple of months, and then, if it proves to be effective, we'll implement it to the rest of the sections.''
''Thank you for trusting me with this.'' Jericho started to speak, his voice filled with gratitude. ''Over the past three years, this place became my home. I'll do my best to keep it safe, I promise. Everyone, from the staff to the sweet, innocent kids, brings joy into my otherwise barren, empty life.'' Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed, Ardan noticing the change on the spot.
''What's wrong? You know I'm here anytime if you want someone to talk to. Or I can be just a good listener.''
''I...I have a huge favor to ask of you.'' Jericho stuttered, like a high school kid asking his crush to go with him to the prom. ''I know Ronan's father is alive, and so is his grandfather. But I can't go to them just like that and...I have feelings for him, and I want to ask for your permission to...you know...court him.''
''Finally!'' Ardan exclaimed, feigning exasperation. ''That guy talks our ears off day in and day out, telling us how wonderful, patient, handsome, trustworthy and sensible you are. According to my brother-in-law, spending the rest of his life with you is his greatest dream. In case you are still wondering, the answer is yes; you can court him.''
''Thank you from the bottom of my heart.'' Jericho enthusiastically shook the other man's hand. ''I don't know how to repay your kindness other than making sure Ronan will be the happiest man alive,'' he said, tears appearing at the corner of his eye.
''Do that, and everyone will be happy. And by everyone, I also mean his father and grandfather. They give you their blessing in advance.'' Ardan smiled with brotherly affection.
The image of Jericho, overwhelmed by gratitude as he was in the office, followed the man for the rest of the day, making him smile almost the whole time. Gradually, the scene blurred, replaced by Alasdair's radiant smile and bright, stunning, emerald-green eyes. For Ardan, that image represented the vision of love, the redhead's presence in his life—the most magnificent gift life had given him.
The man smiled, anticipating the moment when he would be back home, wrapping his arms around Spitfire; and drinking the sweet nectar of his kisses, losing himself in that love-filled gaze. The tiny seed implanted in the surrogate mother's womb was growing. Each day a little bit more and evolving into a healthy, perfect baby. It was deepening and tightening the bond between Ardan and his beloved husband.
''Hey, little brother. That sexy man of yours is home.'' Ronan's singsong voice made Ardan grin as he stepped into the house.
''Hello, babe,'' Alasdair sweetly purred in his husband's ear, rubbing his naked torso against him. ''Mmmm, delicious lips.'' He stole a kiss, smirking.
''You taste incredibly good, too.'' Ardan darted the tip of his tongue over his lips, winking seductively. ''What are you cooking?''
''Peyton's favorite. They have cravings, and I make it better than their mother, so we have guests for dinner. You better behave,'' Alasdair winked, ''save yourself for desert.''
''I'm now craving whatever you'll serve him for desert.'' Peyton grinned, while Ezra was rubbing circles on their baby bump.
''I'll prepare the sweetest, tastiest dessert once we get home. Something special, only for you,'' their husband seductively whispered, ''just wait and see.''
''The two of you can't get enough of each other, you're insatiable. You've become the Benji Van der Meerwe of sex.'' Ardan feigned horror.
A few minutes later, Jericho arrived, too, much to Ronan's surprise and delight. They ate dinner, praising the cook's skills. They laughed and enjoyed each other's company, the love between partners obvious. It was all like the affection the younger friends and cousins in the group had for each other.
Peyton offered their best friend some words of wisdom on pregnancy, while Ezra told Ardan some things on how to raise a happy, smiling baby. The guests stayed until late that night, and when they finally left, a choir of laughter and giggles accompanied them. Back in the house, the hosts put everything back in place, heading to the bedroom once they finished.
Kissing the palm of his most beloved as they cuddled together after a quick shower, Ardan smiled. He felt like a ship that, after wandering for years on stormy seas, had finally reached a safe harbor— Alasdair's arms. The men locked eyes, lost in one another's soul, speaking to each other, although not one word was said.
They belonged to each other and were living their happily ever after. Alive and even in death, Ardan loved Alasdair and was loved back. Senselessly. Madly. Passionately. Eternally.
Thank you for reading.
If you enjoyed this book, please
feel free to leave us a review on
Amazon or Goodreads.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
H.M. Lives with the coolest Mom in the Universe and a fat, gay, submissive tomcat. She love writing stories about boys and men who love, cherish, respect and protect other boys and men.
E.L. is an introverted, single mother and grandmother living with her furbaby Mortimer Mouse in the Rocket City USA. It’s where her love of all things of space history and science is satisfied with the Space and Rocket Center and Marshall Space Flight Center. She hopes one day to see man travel to the stars like in her favorite TV shows of Dr. Who, Firefly and Star Trek. In the meantime she loves to dive into the world of MM books, reading what ever she can get on her Kindle and interacting with her tribe of people on Facebook.
Join us on Facebook at
H.M. & E.L.'s Sexy Dragons
Other books by H.M. Wolfe & E.L. Nelson
Series
From the Darkness https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LB65586
Into the Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N998PY8
Out of the Shadows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q7V2QCF
From Dusk til Dawn https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TGC75ZK
Stars and Nightmares https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZV4RRZ
Novellas
Family Christmas Miracle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08266YMGN
Short story collections
Dragon Tails: Stories from the Dragons' House https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VF8CDL9
Dragon Tails Too: More Stories from the Dragons' House https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X6HM9CK
Boxed Set
Books 1-3 with prequel
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWCT9XP