The Children of Light - Book Two
Chapter Fifteen
This piece of fiction contains supernatural themes and sexual interactions between consenting male adults. Please do not read this if it is illegal where you are, or you are not of age to do so.
All characters are fictional and any similarities to known actual people are coincidental, unless otherwise specified.
Visit the blog to see visualisations of the characters throughout the story. As always your feedback is important and always welcome.
Alexander Phoenix - [email protected]
All characters are fictional and any similarities to known actual people are coincidental, unless otherwise specified.
Visit the blog to see visualisations of the characters throughout the story. As always your feedback is important and always welcome.
Alexander Phoenix - [email protected]
Quinn stood on the driveway, his arms out to his sides and eyes closed in concentration as his husband stood a few feet behind him, their son bouncing happily on Alex’s hip, the cooing baby’s grandmother standing beside her son, her eyes closed in mutual concentration with her son in law, the Holy Strega. The small gaggle of people behind Quinn, Alex, Aurelia and Kian, watched on quietly, wondering what was happening. Callum was about to break ranks and join his cousin when a fiery apparition burst into existence beside the blond, followed by a blood curdling howl from the half visible spirit dog; the fire spirit to the left of the blond, the dog to the right. Callum, who had never seen the spirit companion’s of Quinn started violently and fell back in line with the spectators.
As the group watched in silence, the blond man began to glow radiantly, a bright golden colour pulsing from his skin, steadily growing brighter with every wave of energy emanating from him. Unable to look at the brightness that was Quinn, the watching people looked on with squinting eyes as the fire spirit began solidifying, and to their surprise growing in height. A final pulse of energy from the blond and his light dimmed, as the fire spirit, who was now twice the height of Quinn, stepped forward, followed obediently by the impossibly tangible spirit dog, the dog’s head reaching as far up as the fire spirits shoulder.
Quinn stepped backward and stood between his husband and son, and his mother in law. He wrapped an arm around his husbands waist as Aurelia slipped her hand into the blond’s.
‘What are they doing?’ Alex asked as he watched the towering fire spirit and his faithful dog marching slowly toward the house.
‘They’re adding their own protections to our house.’ Quinn said softly watching his spirit guardian’s with disguised fascination. Even though he was partially connected telepathically to both the spirits, Bael and Cerberus, he was still unsure what they had planned.
Bael, the fire spirit, stopped about twenty feet from the front door of the house. The fiery head bowed respectfully as the gigantic form of a dragon materialised in front of the two spirits. Gasping excitedly, the observing crowd watched on as the red dragon bowed magestically to the spirits.
‘They’re asking permission of Favillo to add to his protections.’ Quinn said quietly, watching as the fire spirit, guardian spirit and the manifestation of Alex’s psyche known as Favillo, addressed one another. With a guttural roar, the dragon spread his great, red wings and took to the air, a violent gust of wind blasting against the watching group of people. At the apex of his territory, the highest point of his protective shield, the dragon stretched his neck skyward, spread his wings, and with a load roar, began to disappear.
Bael rose from the ground and followed the dragon to the apex of the house, where he raised his arms and in an explosion of fire began to disappear, the flames spreading and trickling down the invisible shield.
Cerberus pounced and was suddenly standing on an invisible platform, at the apex of the shield. With a dread howl, the guardian spirit began to dematerialise as a haze of green energy began to trickle down the shield, adding his own spiritual energies to the protections of the house.
‘Wait, have they gone?’ Alex asked in shock.
‘No, they’re still here, as it were.’ Quinn said smiling to his husband. ‘There.’ He said, pointing to the front door where a barely visible Bael and Cerberus stood on either side of the door.
‘Let’s go.’ Quinn said with a radiant smile as the party of people began to follow the couple.
‘So this is the nursery.’ Alex said gesturing to the end bedroom on the right as the guests filed through the door and into the newly renovated nursery. The two smaller rooms were joined as one, the construction workers had removed the internal wall and lengthened the room. The walls were a soft yellow, the tan carpet soft underfoot. The furniture in the room was a gentle beige in colour, keeping the room as neutral as possible. ‘Someone open the wardrobe door please.’ Alex called into the room as Aurelia opened the door and led people through the connecting wardbrobe to the master bedroom. As the people began to file through the connecting wardrobes, Quinn gently put a hand on Callum’s arm, stopping him from passing through the room. Alex smiled to the two men, Kian babbling happily on his father’s hip as they walked through the room and into the wardrobe, ushering the guests through the continued tour.
‘Your bedroom is through here.’ Quinn smiled to the tall Brit, happy to see the pendant he had made for Callum hanging around his neck. The crescent moon shaped metal shone an iridescent green colour against the exposed flesh of the fair skinned man. Quinn led the way back to the hallway and across to the opposite room, Callum following along behind quietly. Quinn stepped into the room, sporting beige walls and newly purchased wooden bedroom furniture, a queen size four poster bed, bed side tables and tall boy. Callum stood in the doorway and looked around the room with misted eyes, pleading silently for the tears to not fall.
‘It’s all yours.’ Quinn said, his magnificent smile turned to full force on the Brit. Callum gasped quietly, slapping a hand to his mouth in an effort to stifle his sobs of happiness. Quinn’s smile worked slightly, warming Callum’s heart with adoration and thanks.
‘Thank you Quinn.’ Callum gasped quietly, tears steadily tracking down his cheeks.
‘You’re welcome.’ The blond said still smiling to the tall man. Quinn began to walk out of the room, giving Callum time to himself in his new room, when the Brit reached out quickly and held Quinn’s arm gently. Callum pulled gently and had Quinn wrapped in his arms in a warm embrace, his face buried in the blond hair.
‘Thank you.’ Callum whispered with a gentle squeeze. Quinn hugged the man back firmly and began to separate from the Brit. Before Quinn was able to get too far away, Callum had closed the distance and pressed his lips to Quinn’s. The blond’s green eyes opened wide with shock as he pushed away from Callum.
‘I… I… I’m sorry.’ Callum stammered with embarrassment. ‘I’m so sorry Quinn.’
Quinn pressed a finger to his temple and with visible effort tried to calm himself down.
‘It’s alright.’ The blond said softly, disappearing from the room in the blink of an eye. Callum stared in shock at the door, as new tears of fear and anger fell down his cheeks. He collapsed to his knees and sat crying quietly to himself.
Quinn stood at the top of the stairs for a few moments gathering his thoughts and then made his way down to the kitchen, catching up with the tour party as they stepped out onto the back deck.
‘Are you alright my love?’ Alex asked of his husband silently, as he fell into step beside the blond. Quinn reached over and took Kian from the Italian and held him to his chest.
‘I’m okay. We’ll talk later.’ The blond responded gently, clouding his thoughts purposefully, preventing his husband from seeing the truth. Although concerned, Alex nodded with a smile as the group of people arrived at the newly constructed house, nestled in the back corner of their large back yard.
‘It’s yours guys. Way ya go.’ Alex said with a smile as he gestured for Mikhail, Fabrizio and Nikolai to go inside.
Loosely designed around the layout of the private cabin Alex and Quinn reside in at the Sanctuary, the front door opened into a short hallway that opened into the living room. From there, a small kitchen sat to the side of the room, separated from the living area by way of a small breakfast bar. In the opposite direction a hallway led to the three bedrooms and bathroom. Although small, it was warm and welcoming. Mikhail and Fabrizio ran off to the master bedroom followed by a marginally somber Nikolai, wearing an orange crescent moon pendant around his neck. Alex, taking charge, followed the smallest Russian and tried to lighten his mood, as Quinn stood in the living room with his son perched on his hip, looking out through the sliding door.
‘Do not worry. Our protections reach this far.’ Bael said comfortingly. Quinn saw the fire spirit materialise on the other side of the sliding door and smiled.
‘Thank you Bael.’ The blond said with a nod.
‘Let’s get back up to the house.’ Alex said as he walked into the living room and gently pulled his husband into a one armed hug. The two men and the child made their way slowly back to the main house, Aurelia, Sofia, Franco, Giorgio and Gabriel following closely behind.
‘Shall we order dinner out tonight?’ Alex asked of his husband as they stepped up onto the back deck. Quinn stepped into the back door and walked into the lounge where he sat on the sofa, shuffling Kian to his lap, where the child sat contentedly, his eyes focussing on his father who sat beside him.
‘Yeah, let’s get some Chinese. For everyone.’ Quinn said softly.
‘No bambino. Let me make something.’ Aurelia said sitting opposite her sons, Sofia joining her, carefully sitting on the sofa as her small protruding belly made it awkward to sit. Franco sat crosslegged on the floor before his mother as Giorgio and Gabriel sat on the two seater sofa. Kian turned purposefully and looked at his uncle with a squeal of delight. Franco held out his hands with a smile and the baby bounced excitedly. Quinn stood up and slid Kian into the waiting hands of Franco, who took the baby carefully and pulled silly faces at him.
‘Non Mamma. We’ll order out. No one needs to cook tonight.’ Alex said comfortingly, as he watched his brother entertaining his giggling son.
‘I’m just going to pop upstairs and change out of these clothes.’ Quinn said softly as he reached out to Alex and grasped his hand. ‘Let’s get you changed too my love.’
The two men made their way upstairs, Alex closing the door to their room behind them.
‘So, what happened earlier?’ Alex asked as he closed the wardrobe door and turning to his husband who was sitting at the end of their bed. Quinn put his head in his hands and sighed tiredly.
‘Callum kissed me when I showed him his room.’ The blond said steadily, unsure if he should have mentioned it. Just as he was about to look to his husband, he felt Alex’s hands reaching under his armpits and lifting him to his feet. The blond looked up cautiously and saw the beautiful smile he had fallen in love with.
‘You are a beautiful man, and if you were smiling at him like I know you were, how could he resist?’ Alex said gently, their noses touching gently, their eyes locked on one another. ‘I know you didn’t return the kiss and you were scared that I would think that. I know you my love, and am not at all concerned about this.’ The Italian finished as he leaned down and kissed his husband tenderly, erasing the concern and fear from Quinn’s mind. After a few moments of shared intimacy Alex released Quinn and smiled. He quickly changed into a pair of loose jeans and a sweatshirt as Quinn changed into similar clothes.
‘Go downstairs and be with our family. I’ll go and get Callum.’ Alex said with a wink.
‘Go easy on him.’ Quinn said softly, unsure what his husband had planned.
‘I will my love.’ Alex replied gently as he reached over and pressed his stubbled cheek to Quinn’s soft cheek and disappeared out of the room. Quinn smiled to himself and headed downstairs where he joined Franco, Giorgio, Gabriel and Kian on the floor. After a few minutes he heard the laughter of Alex and Callum, followed by their footsteps on the stairs. As they came into the lounge, Quinn saw that Alex had his arm around his cousin’s shoulders and the two men were smiling.
‘Quinn, I want to apologise for what I did. That was inappropriate of me and I am very sorry.’ Callum said gently, wringing his hands nervously. Sofia and Aurelia both looked at each other with knowing glances and smiled, while Franco, Giorgio and Gabriel all looked confused, before shrugging their shoulders and returning their attention to Kian.
‘It’s alright Callum.’ Quinn said smiling. ‘Thank you.’
‘And the next time you feel the urge to kiss my husband, go and have a wan…’
‘Alex!’ Quinn and Aurelia both cut across the Italian who had begun laughing, Callum blushing a brilliant shade of red.
‘Go and order dinner.’ Quinn said flapping his hand in the direction of the kitchen. ‘Callum, come and hold your nephew before he tears all my hair out.’ The blond said as Kian tugged on a handful of hair. Callum stooped over and had Kian soaring through the air, squealing with delight.
‘Dinner will be here in half an hour.’ Alex said as he came back into the lounge and sat beside his husband. Aurelia reached down and ran her fingers through the long dark hair.
‘You growing your hair caro?’ She asked of her son.
‘Nah, I have an appointment next week.’ The Italian said with a giggle. ‘I like having my hair shorter.’
‘Oh, I’ll go and get the other guys.’ Quinn said, standing up and walking quickly to the back door. He walked with a light step across the lawn and skipped up the stairs to the door. He knocked sharply and waited patiently until Nikolai opened the door.
‘Quinn?’ The smallest Russian asked curiously.
‘Hiya. We’ve got some dinner on the way. It’ll be here in about twenty minutes. Would you guys like to join us up at the main house?’ The blond said with a smile. Nikolai returned the smile, curiously and turned back into the house.
‘Mikhail, Fabrizio, dinners ready up at the house.’ The small Russian called out.
‘Coming!’ Fabrizio shouted from the bedroom, followed by a giggle. Quinn winked at the smaller Russian and stepped back, Nikolai following the blond outside. Quinn looped an arm through Nikolai’s as the two men walked happily back to the house.
‘Thank you for everything Quinn.’ The Russian said quietly.
‘You’re very welcome Nikolai. I’m just glad you’re safe, you’re housed and you’re happy.’ The blond said comfortingly.
‘The necklace you gave me helps. When I’m feeling sad, I feel it get warm, and then remember that I’m not alone.’ Nikolai said clasping the pendant in his free hand. Quinn smiled to himself.
‘That’s good to hear.’ The blond said happily. ‘And I’m just up here if you ever need someone to talk to.’
‘Thank you Quinn.’ Nikolai said, resting his head against the blond’s.
‘I’m telling your husband!’ Mikhail hollered from behind the two men. Quinn snaked his hand down Nikolai’s back and squeezed his bum cheek.
‘Jealous!’ Quinn shouted back to the giant Russian as he and Nikolai raced up the steps and into the house giggling.
‘How do you like our new house?’ Alex asked as he snuggled into his husband, tenderly sniffing the soft blond hair.
‘I like it. The nursery is great, the guest house is fantastic.’ Quinn responded softly.
‘And our little family?’ Alex asked with a secret smile.
‘Little?’ Quinn snickered. ‘In a few short months we’ll have three children, a new family member in our spare room, we’ve had to build a guest house to house three new family members, we have another two in your apartment in town. There is nothing small about our family now my love.’
‘A good point, but what do you think of it?’ Alex asked barely able to restrain a giggle.
‘I love our family.’ The blond said happily. ‘Mikhail has always, and will always be a part of our family. He is your guardian. Fabrizio and Giorgio are your cousins, one who looks precisely like you. Callum, who has lost his father, mother and brother, is now a part of our family and again looks like you. Gabriel, who seems to have entrenched himself in Giorgio’s heart as well as ours. Mamma, Francesca, Giuliana, Sofia and Franco. And of course Jaden, Cade and Preston. I really do love our family.’
‘As do I.’ The Italian said, snuffling his husband’s soft hair.
Without even knowing, the two men had fallen into a deep sleep, Quinn’s dreams laced with bizarre imagery that he was to forget upon awakening.
‘Good morning my love.’ Alex said, pulling a pair of sweat pants on and leaning over to kiss his husband.
‘What’s the time?’ Quinn asked sleepily.
‘It’s only 6 am. Go back to sleep.’ The Italian said, pulling a sweater over his head. ‘I’m just going for a quick run.’ And he was gone from the room in the blink of an eye. Quinn rolled over to his back and sighed as he heard the quiet crying of his son. Smiling to himself the blond rolled over and climbed out of bed. Thinking it unnecessary to put clothes on, he walked through the wardrobe into the nursery. He stepped into the room and was not at all surprised to see Callum sitting in a cane chair in his white boxer briefs, Kian bouncing in his lap, slapping his hands against the bare flesh of the Brit’s chest.
‘Good morning.’ Quinn said quietly as he walked into the room. Callum looked up surprised and then blushed bright red upon seeing the blond naked. Quinn smiled to himself, walked over to the Brit and ran a hand across the back of Kian’s head.
‘Come, bring him into my room.’ Quinn said turning back to the connecting wardrobes, feeling the Brit’s eyes on his behind. Walking through his wardrobe, he collected a pair of boxerbriefs, pulled them on quickly and climbed back into bed. Callum came through moments later carrying Kian who was squealing with delight as he spotted his daddy.
‘Hi piccolo.’ Quinn said happily holding his hands out for his son, whom Callum placed carefully onto his lap. ‘Climb in Callum.’ The blond said with a smile to the Brit. Callum climbed carefully into bed, being mindful to keep some distance between himself and Quinn. Kian bounced excitedly when he saw his favourite playmate sitting in bed with his daddy.
‘I changed his diaper just before you came in.’ Callum said helpfully.
‘Thank you Callum.’ Quinn said with a warm smile for the Brit.
The two men sat in bed companionably, sharing holding duty of the excitable child. Quinn was about to climb out of bed and collect a warm bottle for the baby when the door opened and a bottle floated into the bedroom.
‘Thank you Bael.’ Quinn said with a small laugh. He reached out and took the bottle. Callum who had Kian in his lap lay the baby on the bed between the two men as Quinn reached over and handed the bottle to his son. Kian, having gained some level of control over his limbs, reached out to take the bottle and jammed it into his mouth. The two men sat contentedly in the bed watching the young child feeding himself.
‘Quinn, I was hoping today I might be able to go into town and look for a job.’ Callum said quietly. Quinn nodded gently in response.
‘Did you need a ride into town?’ The blond asked of his husband’s cousin.
‘If you don’t mind.’ The Brit responded politely.
‘No worries Callum.’ Quinn stated as the two men lapsed into comfortable silence. As Kian neared completion of his bottle, Callum cleared his throat and spoke.
‘Quinn, do you think you or Alex could help me to learn to drive over here?’ Quinn plucked the now empty bottle from his son’s hands and pulled the babe into his lap. He hoisted the boy up onto his shoulder and alternately patted and rubbed Kian’s back.
‘I guess so.’ Quinn answered honestly. ‘I think…’
‘I can help you with that.’ Alex said stepping into the bedroom dripping sweat and breathing heavily.
‘Can you?’ Callum asked with increasing excitement as he watched the Italian stripping off his sweaty clothes and tossed them into the laundry hamper. Standing naked at the end of the bed, absent-mindedly scratching his balls as his prodigious manhood flopped about animatedly, plumping up marginally from the movement, he looked to his cousin.
‘Yeah cousin. And it won’t take as long as you think.’ Alex said with a confident wink. ‘I’m just gonna have a shower, I stink.’ The Italian said sniffing tentatively at the fingers that were moments ago in close contact with his netheregion.
‘Alex!’ Quinn said with a laugh as the Italian smiled embarrassedly and skipped to the bathroom, cock and balls flapping about obscenely.
‘I’m going to take Kian in for a shower.’ Quinn said with a smile to Callum. ‘Can you come get him in ten minutes and dry him for me?’ He asked, standing up and stripping his son of clothes and diaper.
‘Of course.’ Callum said with a smile as the blond disappeared into the bathroom, his free hand pulling down his boxer briefs, exposing a soft, white bum cheek.
Holding a naked Kian to his chest, Quinn stepped into the shower stall and Alex smiled in welcome. The Italian pushed the plexiglass door open and Quinn stepped carefully into the shower. Alex reached over and took the cooing child from his husband. Alex tucked the baby against his chest and backed up into the warm water, Kian squealing with delight at the sensation.
Quinn stepped under the second shower head and began soaping himself up quickly. When his body was rinsed, he turned to Alex and took the delighted Kian into his arms and sat down in the bottom of the shower where he began to soap up and clean his son, while Alex cleaned himself. Lying on the bottom of the shower, Kian squealed and squawked with delight as his daddy cleaned him in as an entertaining way as possible.
As Alex rinsed the conditioner from his hair, he sat down next to Quinn and smiled at his son, Kian squealed with delight at seeing his father. Carefully pulling his son closer to himself, Alex smiled to Quinn, who stood up and continued washing himself. After a few minutes, Alex stood up with Kian tucked against his chest, Alex mimicking his son’s squeals and squawks.
Callum tapped on the door and let himself in.
‘Hey cousin.’ Alex called out. The Brit stepped into the bathroom and walked to the shower cubicle. Alex pushed the door open and handed the still squealing and thoroughly wet Kian to his cousin. Callum smiled to his cousin and disappeared through the door to dry and clothe the babe. Alex closed the shower door and turned to his husband.
‘How long has it been since I’ve had my cock in my husband lately?’ Alex said, pulling Quinn into his arms and kissing him passionately.
‘Are you sure this is a good idea bambino?’ Aurelia pleaded one last time with her son, who had just handed Kian over to his husband. Quinn snuggled the baby to his chest and then rested him on his hip as Aurelia turned her teary eyes on the blond.
‘Mamma, he’s alright, I promise you.’ Alex said, exasperated as Aurelia leaned into Quinn and kissed Kian on the cheek.
‘You hurt my nipote and I will hurt you!’ Aurelia said through tears pointing at her son.
‘Mamma, he’s Mac de Grian, the fire spirit is a part of him. He will not get hurt.’ Quinn tried to console the Italian woman who sat at the table and sobbed hysterically.
‘You go guys. I will look after her.’ Mikhail said, swooping over to Aurelia, wrapping his massive arms around the woman and lifting her from the seat. He walked into the living room and sat on the sofa with the woman in his lap. Alex seized his husbands free hand and pulled him out onto the back deck and down the stairs quickly.
‘What on earth has gotten into her?’ Quinn asked as the Italian pulled him and his son at preternatural speed across the back yard, to a spot on the lawn halfway between the main house and the guest house.
‘Would you like us to come?’ Bael asked as he materialised in front of Alex and Quinn, Kian spotting the fire spirit and giggling.
‘Yes, please Bael. You too Cerbz.’ Quinn said as Alex took his husband into his arms, Kian sandwiched between them. Closing his eyes in concentration, Alex extended a telekinetic bubble of protection around Quinn and Kian, and pulled them through the dark void that they used for instantaneous travel. Once their feet landed softly in the grass Alex backed up a step, still holding his husband by the shoulders and looked into the green eyes and then to the smiling and laughing face of his son.
‘Everyone alright?’ Alex asked, smiling to his son who began to giggle happily.
‘I’m fine. What about him?’ Quinn asked, bouncing his son on his hip. Alex placed his hand against Kian’s cheek and read the boy’s mind.
‘He’s absolutely fine. He enjoyed that.’ Alex said smiling.
‘Hello Alex.’ A voice said from nearby.
‘Hello Quinn.’ An identical voice said right after.
‘Jaden! Cade!’ Alex called out as he spun around and saw the Twins. ‘It’s good to see you.’ The redheaded twin took the caramel skinned baby from his brother as the blond twin jumped at the Italian and the two men hugged fiercely as Alex spun around, Caiden’s feet flying out in a circle. The red head walked over to Quinn and the two men, both holding their respective son’s hugged each other warmly, albeit with one arm.
‘You’re looking beautiful as ever.’ Jaden said with a sparkle in his eyes as he smiled at Quinn.
‘As are you my friend.’ Quinn replied with a smile. ‘I like your hair short like that.’ The blond said, gesturing to Jaden’s red faux-hawk.
‘This is our puppy Fergus.’ The red head said as a Rottweiler barely a foot tall came barrelling over, and nibbling at Jaden’s feet. Quinn and Alex both looked down to the pup and smiled with a shared idea. Alex was suddenly beside Quinn and taking Kian into his arms. As soon as Alex had Kian on his hip, Caiden had his arms wrapped around Quinn and was squeezing him tightly.
‘I’ve missed you.’ The blond twin whispered into Quinn’s ear. Sniffling a tear back, Quinn held onto Caiden.
‘And I’ve missed you.’ The blond said, clinging to his friend.
‘Come on you two, Dad’s waiting for us.’ Jaden said to the two blond men. Alex and Jaden walked toward the veil, both men with their respective son’s on their hips as Quinn and Caiden, arms hooked together, followed the two men. When they stepped through the veil, the sun shone brighter upon the four men, warming them all after their short greeting in the darkened entrance. Alex and Jaden led Quinn and Caiden across to the Gathering field where a small group of people were sitting around an unlit fire.
‘Alex! Jaden! Quinn! Caiden!’ Grayson said standing up and walking quickly to the four men, taking Jaden and Alex into his arms and squeezing them tightly. He released them and took Quinn and Caiden into his arms and hugged them fiercely. ‘Welcome home my boys.’
‘Thanks Dad.’ Caiden said as he and Quinn walked over to the small group of people and sat down. Alex and Jaden remained standing with Grayson and walked over slowly, talking quietly.
‘You’re both looking great.’ Monica said as the two blond’s sat down.
‘Thank you Monica.’ Quinn said with his trademark smile.
‘It’s very relaxed here.’ Caiden said, looking around at the Sanctuary. ‘Where are the mages?’
‘They’re coming. They were holding a ceremony in the Circle.’ Monica said, glancing to the tree line behind which the Circle was. ‘They should be finished any moment now.’
‘What sort of ceremony are they holding?’ Quinn asked with curiosity.
‘Some sort of bonding ceremony. They strengthen the bond’s of their friendship somehow.’ The dark haired woman answered the blond and then remembering who the blond was.
‘I think they’re finishing up now.’ Caiden said, glancing off in the direction of the Circle. ‘Here they come.’
Quinn turned in his spot and saw the mages filing out of the tree line and walking toward the Gathering field.
‘Hello Quinn.’ Tristan said, opening his arms to the blond man. ‘It’s good to see you.’ Quinn stepped into the man and hugged him firmly.
‘Tristan, it’s great to see you.’ Quinn said, stepping back and looking at the young mage. In the past few months his body had filled out slightly, his face looking comfortably full, and his dark hair falling past his shoulders.
‘Hello Tristan.’ Alex said, stepping beside his husband, an arm sliding around the slim shoulders. ‘How are you settling in here?’ The Italian questioned the mage.
‘Really well. Grayson and the others have made us feel very welcome.’ The mage said with a smile.
‘That’s great to hear.’ Quinn said, gesturing for Tristan to join himself and Caiden as Alex disappeared quietly with Kian.
‘And what about you Holy?’ Tristan asked as a second mage joined them and smiled to Quinn. If the blond’s memory served, his name was Johan.
‘I’m doing very well. Busy with the baby, and everything going on at home, but we’re all doing great.’
Without even noticing the two blond’s and the two mages had been talking for almost an hour when they realised that nearly everyone in the Sanctuary was sitting in the gathering field, and there seemed to be more people than Quinn remembered.
‘Wait, who are all these people?’ Quinn said, glancing around nervously when he noticed the strange faces.
‘They’re people from other Sanctuary’s. When word spread that the Triumvirate were coming to visit, some of the other Sanctuary leader’s sent word that they wanted to visit.’ Tristan said while Johan nodded excitedly.
‘Which meant a lot of our mage brethren came along as well.’ Johan added.
‘Where’s Alex?’ Quinn asked, standing up immediately in a panic.
‘Right here love.’ The Italian said, appearing beside his husband. Quinn reached out and took Alex’s hand in his own and squeezed slightly. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. Just panicked a little when I couldn’t find you.’ The blond said blushing slightly.
‘The Twins and I need to go and say hi to the other Leader’s. Would you mind looking after Kian for a little while?’ Quinn’s eyes flashed in a mild panic but Monica was beside the blond in a heart beat.
‘I’ll keep you company.’ The raven haired woman said with a smile as Quinn took his son and sat down on the rug, Monica sitting beside the blond. Tristan nodded and smiled and he and Jonah both got up and walked away to catch up with their mage friends.
‘How is Lach… I mean Kian?’ Monica asked, momentarily forgetting the rechristening of the child.
‘He’s doing great. Very vocal and will be crawling very soon.’ Quinn said, bouncing the noisy child on his knee. Monica smiled at the baby who cooed and drooled in response.
‘Ah Quinn, I was hoping to see you.’ Called a polite Canadian voice. Quinn looked up and recognised the Canadian Leader immediately.
‘Hello Sam. It’s nice to see you.’ The blond said, standing up and stooping ever so slightly to hug the man.
‘And yourself. It’s nice to see a fellow countryman.’ The Canadian Leader said with a giggle.
‘I’m just going to go speak with some of the others.’ Monica said excusing herself politely. Quinn and Sam both nodded to her in farewell.
‘Quinn, I wonder if I might be able to have a quiet word with you?’ Sam asked, looking around to ensure they weren’t being observed. Quinn looked for Alex, the Italian looking him dead in the eyes and nodding affirmatively.
‘Sure thing Sam.’ Quinn said, smiling a little as he collected Kian into his arms and hoisted him onto his hip. Sam led the blond away from the crowd slightly and out of sight of anyone. In the shadows they walked for a few moments until they appeared behind the private cabin that Alex and Quinn used when they visited.
‘What’s going on?’ Quinn asked when the Canadian Leader turned back to Quinn with a grim look on his face.
‘It’s William.’ Sam said with an even voice. Quinn’s eyes flew open in shock as he heard the name.
‘What’s happened?’ The blond asked, his voice shaking imperceptibly.
‘You know he’s being imprisoned at my Sanctuary?’ Sam asked of Quinn who nodded briefly. ‘In his comatose state he’s really not that hard to keep an eye on in all honesty. Until lately.’ Quinn gulped at the news.
‘What’s happening?’ Quinn asked quickly.
‘Since we took custody of him, he’s been silent. Literally like a corpse. But over the past few days, his mind has started to become active.’ Sam said taking a steadying breath. ‘What’s most concerning about this is, it isn’t coherent thought, or even chaotic thought. It’s a song, or rather, a few phrases from a song that he keeps singing in his head, over and over.’ Quinn’s brow furrowed in confusion at this piece of news just as Alex appeared beside his husband.
‘What are the words?’ Alex asked as if he had been present since the beginning of the conversation.
‘It’s, “And I know, a love so complete, someday must leave, must say goodbye.”’ Sam said from memory as he watched the colour drain from Alex’s face. ‘Alex?’
‘Babe, what’s wrong?’ Quinn said, seeing Alex’s blank eyes. ‘Alex?’ Quinn said, grasping his husband’s shoulder and squeezing firmly. Alex swallowed a few times, and still staring blankly he began to sing in his deep voice.
‘“Goodbye’s the saddest word I’ll ever hear. Goodbye’s the last time I will hold you near.”’ Quinn’s face froze in a horrified realisation as he made the connection.
‘It’s the song I sung when Quinn and I first met. It’s also the song that reminds me most of Mamma.’ The Italian said blinking a few times.
‘Well, what’s strange about it is, William isn’t capable of creating thought any more. His neural pathways are all but obliterated.’ Sam said confidently looking from Alex to Quinn.
‘Which means?’ Alex asked as Quinn shook his head in confusion.
‘Those song phrases were planted in his mind by someone else. A telepath. And a fucking good one to boot.’ The Canadian Leader said grimly.
‘Why a good one?’ Alex queried looking into the eyes of the Canadian Leader, seeing past the physical and into his thoughts.
‘Because A, to keep the thoughts circling in a damaged mind like that takes incredible talent. And B, they were able to avoid being detected by me, and the only telepath capable of doing that is now sitting in your arms.’ Sam said pointing to Quinn who’s mouth had gone comically slack and dangled open.
As the group watched in silence, the blond man began to glow radiantly, a bright golden colour pulsing from his skin, steadily growing brighter with every wave of energy emanating from him. Unable to look at the brightness that was Quinn, the watching people looked on with squinting eyes as the fire spirit began solidifying, and to their surprise growing in height. A final pulse of energy from the blond and his light dimmed, as the fire spirit, who was now twice the height of Quinn, stepped forward, followed obediently by the impossibly tangible spirit dog, the dog’s head reaching as far up as the fire spirits shoulder.
Quinn stepped backward and stood between his husband and son, and his mother in law. He wrapped an arm around his husbands waist as Aurelia slipped her hand into the blond’s.
‘What are they doing?’ Alex asked as he watched the towering fire spirit and his faithful dog marching slowly toward the house.
‘They’re adding their own protections to our house.’ Quinn said softly watching his spirit guardian’s with disguised fascination. Even though he was partially connected telepathically to both the spirits, Bael and Cerberus, he was still unsure what they had planned.
Bael, the fire spirit, stopped about twenty feet from the front door of the house. The fiery head bowed respectfully as the gigantic form of a dragon materialised in front of the two spirits. Gasping excitedly, the observing crowd watched on as the red dragon bowed magestically to the spirits.
‘They’re asking permission of Favillo to add to his protections.’ Quinn said quietly, watching as the fire spirit, guardian spirit and the manifestation of Alex’s psyche known as Favillo, addressed one another. With a guttural roar, the dragon spread his great, red wings and took to the air, a violent gust of wind blasting against the watching group of people. At the apex of his territory, the highest point of his protective shield, the dragon stretched his neck skyward, spread his wings, and with a load roar, began to disappear.
Bael rose from the ground and followed the dragon to the apex of the house, where he raised his arms and in an explosion of fire began to disappear, the flames spreading and trickling down the invisible shield.
Cerberus pounced and was suddenly standing on an invisible platform, at the apex of the shield. With a dread howl, the guardian spirit began to dematerialise as a haze of green energy began to trickle down the shield, adding his own spiritual energies to the protections of the house.
‘Wait, have they gone?’ Alex asked in shock.
‘No, they’re still here, as it were.’ Quinn said smiling to his husband. ‘There.’ He said, pointing to the front door where a barely visible Bael and Cerberus stood on either side of the door.
‘Let’s go.’ Quinn said with a radiant smile as the party of people began to follow the couple.
‘So this is the nursery.’ Alex said gesturing to the end bedroom on the right as the guests filed through the door and into the newly renovated nursery. The two smaller rooms were joined as one, the construction workers had removed the internal wall and lengthened the room. The walls were a soft yellow, the tan carpet soft underfoot. The furniture in the room was a gentle beige in colour, keeping the room as neutral as possible. ‘Someone open the wardrobe door please.’ Alex called into the room as Aurelia opened the door and led people through the connecting wardbrobe to the master bedroom. As the people began to file through the connecting wardrobes, Quinn gently put a hand on Callum’s arm, stopping him from passing through the room. Alex smiled to the two men, Kian babbling happily on his father’s hip as they walked through the room and into the wardrobe, ushering the guests through the continued tour.
‘Your bedroom is through here.’ Quinn smiled to the tall Brit, happy to see the pendant he had made for Callum hanging around his neck. The crescent moon shaped metal shone an iridescent green colour against the exposed flesh of the fair skinned man. Quinn led the way back to the hallway and across to the opposite room, Callum following along behind quietly. Quinn stepped into the room, sporting beige walls and newly purchased wooden bedroom furniture, a queen size four poster bed, bed side tables and tall boy. Callum stood in the doorway and looked around the room with misted eyes, pleading silently for the tears to not fall.
‘It’s all yours.’ Quinn said, his magnificent smile turned to full force on the Brit. Callum gasped quietly, slapping a hand to his mouth in an effort to stifle his sobs of happiness. Quinn’s smile worked slightly, warming Callum’s heart with adoration and thanks.
‘Thank you Quinn.’ Callum gasped quietly, tears steadily tracking down his cheeks.
‘You’re welcome.’ The blond said still smiling to the tall man. Quinn began to walk out of the room, giving Callum time to himself in his new room, when the Brit reached out quickly and held Quinn’s arm gently. Callum pulled gently and had Quinn wrapped in his arms in a warm embrace, his face buried in the blond hair.
‘Thank you.’ Callum whispered with a gentle squeeze. Quinn hugged the man back firmly and began to separate from the Brit. Before Quinn was able to get too far away, Callum had closed the distance and pressed his lips to Quinn’s. The blond’s green eyes opened wide with shock as he pushed away from Callum.
‘I… I… I’m sorry.’ Callum stammered with embarrassment. ‘I’m so sorry Quinn.’
Quinn pressed a finger to his temple and with visible effort tried to calm himself down.
‘It’s alright.’ The blond said softly, disappearing from the room in the blink of an eye. Callum stared in shock at the door, as new tears of fear and anger fell down his cheeks. He collapsed to his knees and sat crying quietly to himself.
Quinn stood at the top of the stairs for a few moments gathering his thoughts and then made his way down to the kitchen, catching up with the tour party as they stepped out onto the back deck.
‘Are you alright my love?’ Alex asked of his husband silently, as he fell into step beside the blond. Quinn reached over and took Kian from the Italian and held him to his chest.
‘I’m okay. We’ll talk later.’ The blond responded gently, clouding his thoughts purposefully, preventing his husband from seeing the truth. Although concerned, Alex nodded with a smile as the group of people arrived at the newly constructed house, nestled in the back corner of their large back yard.
‘It’s yours guys. Way ya go.’ Alex said with a smile as he gestured for Mikhail, Fabrizio and Nikolai to go inside.
Loosely designed around the layout of the private cabin Alex and Quinn reside in at the Sanctuary, the front door opened into a short hallway that opened into the living room. From there, a small kitchen sat to the side of the room, separated from the living area by way of a small breakfast bar. In the opposite direction a hallway led to the three bedrooms and bathroom. Although small, it was warm and welcoming. Mikhail and Fabrizio ran off to the master bedroom followed by a marginally somber Nikolai, wearing an orange crescent moon pendant around his neck. Alex, taking charge, followed the smallest Russian and tried to lighten his mood, as Quinn stood in the living room with his son perched on his hip, looking out through the sliding door.
‘Do not worry. Our protections reach this far.’ Bael said comfortingly. Quinn saw the fire spirit materialise on the other side of the sliding door and smiled.
‘Thank you Bael.’ The blond said with a nod.
‘Let’s get back up to the house.’ Alex said as he walked into the living room and gently pulled his husband into a one armed hug. The two men and the child made their way slowly back to the main house, Aurelia, Sofia, Franco, Giorgio and Gabriel following closely behind.
‘Shall we order dinner out tonight?’ Alex asked of his husband as they stepped up onto the back deck. Quinn stepped into the back door and walked into the lounge where he sat on the sofa, shuffling Kian to his lap, where the child sat contentedly, his eyes focussing on his father who sat beside him.
‘Yeah, let’s get some Chinese. For everyone.’ Quinn said softly.
‘No bambino. Let me make something.’ Aurelia said sitting opposite her sons, Sofia joining her, carefully sitting on the sofa as her small protruding belly made it awkward to sit. Franco sat crosslegged on the floor before his mother as Giorgio and Gabriel sat on the two seater sofa. Kian turned purposefully and looked at his uncle with a squeal of delight. Franco held out his hands with a smile and the baby bounced excitedly. Quinn stood up and slid Kian into the waiting hands of Franco, who took the baby carefully and pulled silly faces at him.
‘Non Mamma. We’ll order out. No one needs to cook tonight.’ Alex said comfortingly, as he watched his brother entertaining his giggling son.
‘I’m just going to pop upstairs and change out of these clothes.’ Quinn said softly as he reached out to Alex and grasped his hand. ‘Let’s get you changed too my love.’
The two men made their way upstairs, Alex closing the door to their room behind them.
‘So, what happened earlier?’ Alex asked as he closed the wardrobe door and turning to his husband who was sitting at the end of their bed. Quinn put his head in his hands and sighed tiredly.
‘Callum kissed me when I showed him his room.’ The blond said steadily, unsure if he should have mentioned it. Just as he was about to look to his husband, he felt Alex’s hands reaching under his armpits and lifting him to his feet. The blond looked up cautiously and saw the beautiful smile he had fallen in love with.
‘You are a beautiful man, and if you were smiling at him like I know you were, how could he resist?’ Alex said gently, their noses touching gently, their eyes locked on one another. ‘I know you didn’t return the kiss and you were scared that I would think that. I know you my love, and am not at all concerned about this.’ The Italian finished as he leaned down and kissed his husband tenderly, erasing the concern and fear from Quinn’s mind. After a few moments of shared intimacy Alex released Quinn and smiled. He quickly changed into a pair of loose jeans and a sweatshirt as Quinn changed into similar clothes.
‘Go downstairs and be with our family. I’ll go and get Callum.’ Alex said with a wink.
‘Go easy on him.’ Quinn said softly, unsure what his husband had planned.
‘I will my love.’ Alex replied gently as he reached over and pressed his stubbled cheek to Quinn’s soft cheek and disappeared out of the room. Quinn smiled to himself and headed downstairs where he joined Franco, Giorgio, Gabriel and Kian on the floor. After a few minutes he heard the laughter of Alex and Callum, followed by their footsteps on the stairs. As they came into the lounge, Quinn saw that Alex had his arm around his cousin’s shoulders and the two men were smiling.
‘Quinn, I want to apologise for what I did. That was inappropriate of me and I am very sorry.’ Callum said gently, wringing his hands nervously. Sofia and Aurelia both looked at each other with knowing glances and smiled, while Franco, Giorgio and Gabriel all looked confused, before shrugging their shoulders and returning their attention to Kian.
‘It’s alright Callum.’ Quinn said smiling. ‘Thank you.’
‘And the next time you feel the urge to kiss my husband, go and have a wan…’
‘Alex!’ Quinn and Aurelia both cut across the Italian who had begun laughing, Callum blushing a brilliant shade of red.
‘Go and order dinner.’ Quinn said flapping his hand in the direction of the kitchen. ‘Callum, come and hold your nephew before he tears all my hair out.’ The blond said as Kian tugged on a handful of hair. Callum stooped over and had Kian soaring through the air, squealing with delight.
‘Dinner will be here in half an hour.’ Alex said as he came back into the lounge and sat beside his husband. Aurelia reached down and ran her fingers through the long dark hair.
‘You growing your hair caro?’ She asked of her son.
‘Nah, I have an appointment next week.’ The Italian said with a giggle. ‘I like having my hair shorter.’
‘Oh, I’ll go and get the other guys.’ Quinn said, standing up and walking quickly to the back door. He walked with a light step across the lawn and skipped up the stairs to the door. He knocked sharply and waited patiently until Nikolai opened the door.
‘Quinn?’ The smallest Russian asked curiously.
‘Hiya. We’ve got some dinner on the way. It’ll be here in about twenty minutes. Would you guys like to join us up at the main house?’ The blond said with a smile. Nikolai returned the smile, curiously and turned back into the house.
‘Mikhail, Fabrizio, dinners ready up at the house.’ The small Russian called out.
‘Coming!’ Fabrizio shouted from the bedroom, followed by a giggle. Quinn winked at the smaller Russian and stepped back, Nikolai following the blond outside. Quinn looped an arm through Nikolai’s as the two men walked happily back to the house.
‘Thank you for everything Quinn.’ The Russian said quietly.
‘You’re very welcome Nikolai. I’m just glad you’re safe, you’re housed and you’re happy.’ The blond said comfortingly.
‘The necklace you gave me helps. When I’m feeling sad, I feel it get warm, and then remember that I’m not alone.’ Nikolai said clasping the pendant in his free hand. Quinn smiled to himself.
‘That’s good to hear.’ The blond said happily. ‘And I’m just up here if you ever need someone to talk to.’
‘Thank you Quinn.’ Nikolai said, resting his head against the blond’s.
‘I’m telling your husband!’ Mikhail hollered from behind the two men. Quinn snaked his hand down Nikolai’s back and squeezed his bum cheek.
‘Jealous!’ Quinn shouted back to the giant Russian as he and Nikolai raced up the steps and into the house giggling.
‘How do you like our new house?’ Alex asked as he snuggled into his husband, tenderly sniffing the soft blond hair.
‘I like it. The nursery is great, the guest house is fantastic.’ Quinn responded softly.
‘And our little family?’ Alex asked with a secret smile.
‘Little?’ Quinn snickered. ‘In a few short months we’ll have three children, a new family member in our spare room, we’ve had to build a guest house to house three new family members, we have another two in your apartment in town. There is nothing small about our family now my love.’
‘A good point, but what do you think of it?’ Alex asked barely able to restrain a giggle.
‘I love our family.’ The blond said happily. ‘Mikhail has always, and will always be a part of our family. He is your guardian. Fabrizio and Giorgio are your cousins, one who looks precisely like you. Callum, who has lost his father, mother and brother, is now a part of our family and again looks like you. Gabriel, who seems to have entrenched himself in Giorgio’s heart as well as ours. Mamma, Francesca, Giuliana, Sofia and Franco. And of course Jaden, Cade and Preston. I really do love our family.’
‘As do I.’ The Italian said, snuffling his husband’s soft hair.
Without even knowing, the two men had fallen into a deep sleep, Quinn’s dreams laced with bizarre imagery that he was to forget upon awakening.
‘Good morning my love.’ Alex said, pulling a pair of sweat pants on and leaning over to kiss his husband.
‘What’s the time?’ Quinn asked sleepily.
‘It’s only 6 am. Go back to sleep.’ The Italian said, pulling a sweater over his head. ‘I’m just going for a quick run.’ And he was gone from the room in the blink of an eye. Quinn rolled over to his back and sighed as he heard the quiet crying of his son. Smiling to himself the blond rolled over and climbed out of bed. Thinking it unnecessary to put clothes on, he walked through the wardrobe into the nursery. He stepped into the room and was not at all surprised to see Callum sitting in a cane chair in his white boxer briefs, Kian bouncing in his lap, slapping his hands against the bare flesh of the Brit’s chest.
‘Good morning.’ Quinn said quietly as he walked into the room. Callum looked up surprised and then blushed bright red upon seeing the blond naked. Quinn smiled to himself, walked over to the Brit and ran a hand across the back of Kian’s head.
‘Come, bring him into my room.’ Quinn said turning back to the connecting wardrobes, feeling the Brit’s eyes on his behind. Walking through his wardrobe, he collected a pair of boxerbriefs, pulled them on quickly and climbed back into bed. Callum came through moments later carrying Kian who was squealing with delight as he spotted his daddy.
‘Hi piccolo.’ Quinn said happily holding his hands out for his son, whom Callum placed carefully onto his lap. ‘Climb in Callum.’ The blond said with a smile to the Brit. Callum climbed carefully into bed, being mindful to keep some distance between himself and Quinn. Kian bounced excitedly when he saw his favourite playmate sitting in bed with his daddy.
‘I changed his diaper just before you came in.’ Callum said helpfully.
‘Thank you Callum.’ Quinn said with a warm smile for the Brit.
The two men sat in bed companionably, sharing holding duty of the excitable child. Quinn was about to climb out of bed and collect a warm bottle for the baby when the door opened and a bottle floated into the bedroom.
‘Thank you Bael.’ Quinn said with a small laugh. He reached out and took the bottle. Callum who had Kian in his lap lay the baby on the bed between the two men as Quinn reached over and handed the bottle to his son. Kian, having gained some level of control over his limbs, reached out to take the bottle and jammed it into his mouth. The two men sat contentedly in the bed watching the young child feeding himself.
‘Quinn, I was hoping today I might be able to go into town and look for a job.’ Callum said quietly. Quinn nodded gently in response.
‘Did you need a ride into town?’ The blond asked of his husband’s cousin.
‘If you don’t mind.’ The Brit responded politely.
‘No worries Callum.’ Quinn stated as the two men lapsed into comfortable silence. As Kian neared completion of his bottle, Callum cleared his throat and spoke.
‘Quinn, do you think you or Alex could help me to learn to drive over here?’ Quinn plucked the now empty bottle from his son’s hands and pulled the babe into his lap. He hoisted the boy up onto his shoulder and alternately patted and rubbed Kian’s back.
‘I guess so.’ Quinn answered honestly. ‘I think…’
‘I can help you with that.’ Alex said stepping into the bedroom dripping sweat and breathing heavily.
‘Can you?’ Callum asked with increasing excitement as he watched the Italian stripping off his sweaty clothes and tossed them into the laundry hamper. Standing naked at the end of the bed, absent-mindedly scratching his balls as his prodigious manhood flopped about animatedly, plumping up marginally from the movement, he looked to his cousin.
‘Yeah cousin. And it won’t take as long as you think.’ Alex said with a confident wink. ‘I’m just gonna have a shower, I stink.’ The Italian said sniffing tentatively at the fingers that were moments ago in close contact with his netheregion.
‘Alex!’ Quinn said with a laugh as the Italian smiled embarrassedly and skipped to the bathroom, cock and balls flapping about obscenely.
‘I’m going to take Kian in for a shower.’ Quinn said with a smile to Callum. ‘Can you come get him in ten minutes and dry him for me?’ He asked, standing up and stripping his son of clothes and diaper.
‘Of course.’ Callum said with a smile as the blond disappeared into the bathroom, his free hand pulling down his boxer briefs, exposing a soft, white bum cheek.
Holding a naked Kian to his chest, Quinn stepped into the shower stall and Alex smiled in welcome. The Italian pushed the plexiglass door open and Quinn stepped carefully into the shower. Alex reached over and took the cooing child from his husband. Alex tucked the baby against his chest and backed up into the warm water, Kian squealing with delight at the sensation.
Quinn stepped under the second shower head and began soaping himself up quickly. When his body was rinsed, he turned to Alex and took the delighted Kian into his arms and sat down in the bottom of the shower where he began to soap up and clean his son, while Alex cleaned himself. Lying on the bottom of the shower, Kian squealed and squawked with delight as his daddy cleaned him in as an entertaining way as possible.
As Alex rinsed the conditioner from his hair, he sat down next to Quinn and smiled at his son, Kian squealed with delight at seeing his father. Carefully pulling his son closer to himself, Alex smiled to Quinn, who stood up and continued washing himself. After a few minutes, Alex stood up with Kian tucked against his chest, Alex mimicking his son’s squeals and squawks.
Callum tapped on the door and let himself in.
‘Hey cousin.’ Alex called out. The Brit stepped into the bathroom and walked to the shower cubicle. Alex pushed the door open and handed the still squealing and thoroughly wet Kian to his cousin. Callum smiled to his cousin and disappeared through the door to dry and clothe the babe. Alex closed the shower door and turned to his husband.
‘How long has it been since I’ve had my cock in my husband lately?’ Alex said, pulling Quinn into his arms and kissing him passionately.
‘Are you sure this is a good idea bambino?’ Aurelia pleaded one last time with her son, who had just handed Kian over to his husband. Quinn snuggled the baby to his chest and then rested him on his hip as Aurelia turned her teary eyes on the blond.
‘Mamma, he’s alright, I promise you.’ Alex said, exasperated as Aurelia leaned into Quinn and kissed Kian on the cheek.
‘You hurt my nipote and I will hurt you!’ Aurelia said through tears pointing at her son.
‘Mamma, he’s Mac de Grian, the fire spirit is a part of him. He will not get hurt.’ Quinn tried to console the Italian woman who sat at the table and sobbed hysterically.
‘You go guys. I will look after her.’ Mikhail said, swooping over to Aurelia, wrapping his massive arms around the woman and lifting her from the seat. He walked into the living room and sat on the sofa with the woman in his lap. Alex seized his husbands free hand and pulled him out onto the back deck and down the stairs quickly.
‘What on earth has gotten into her?’ Quinn asked as the Italian pulled him and his son at preternatural speed across the back yard, to a spot on the lawn halfway between the main house and the guest house.
‘Would you like us to come?’ Bael asked as he materialised in front of Alex and Quinn, Kian spotting the fire spirit and giggling.
‘Yes, please Bael. You too Cerbz.’ Quinn said as Alex took his husband into his arms, Kian sandwiched between them. Closing his eyes in concentration, Alex extended a telekinetic bubble of protection around Quinn and Kian, and pulled them through the dark void that they used for instantaneous travel. Once their feet landed softly in the grass Alex backed up a step, still holding his husband by the shoulders and looked into the green eyes and then to the smiling and laughing face of his son.
‘Everyone alright?’ Alex asked, smiling to his son who began to giggle happily.
‘I’m fine. What about him?’ Quinn asked, bouncing his son on his hip. Alex placed his hand against Kian’s cheek and read the boy’s mind.
‘He’s absolutely fine. He enjoyed that.’ Alex said smiling.
‘Hello Alex.’ A voice said from nearby.
‘Hello Quinn.’ An identical voice said right after.
‘Jaden! Cade!’ Alex called out as he spun around and saw the Twins. ‘It’s good to see you.’ The redheaded twin took the caramel skinned baby from his brother as the blond twin jumped at the Italian and the two men hugged fiercely as Alex spun around, Caiden’s feet flying out in a circle. The red head walked over to Quinn and the two men, both holding their respective son’s hugged each other warmly, albeit with one arm.
‘You’re looking beautiful as ever.’ Jaden said with a sparkle in his eyes as he smiled at Quinn.
‘As are you my friend.’ Quinn replied with a smile. ‘I like your hair short like that.’ The blond said, gesturing to Jaden’s red faux-hawk.
‘This is our puppy Fergus.’ The red head said as a Rottweiler barely a foot tall came barrelling over, and nibbling at Jaden’s feet. Quinn and Alex both looked down to the pup and smiled with a shared idea. Alex was suddenly beside Quinn and taking Kian into his arms. As soon as Alex had Kian on his hip, Caiden had his arms wrapped around Quinn and was squeezing him tightly.
‘I’ve missed you.’ The blond twin whispered into Quinn’s ear. Sniffling a tear back, Quinn held onto Caiden.
‘And I’ve missed you.’ The blond said, clinging to his friend.
‘Come on you two, Dad’s waiting for us.’ Jaden said to the two blond men. Alex and Jaden walked toward the veil, both men with their respective son’s on their hips as Quinn and Caiden, arms hooked together, followed the two men. When they stepped through the veil, the sun shone brighter upon the four men, warming them all after their short greeting in the darkened entrance. Alex and Jaden led Quinn and Caiden across to the Gathering field where a small group of people were sitting around an unlit fire.
‘Alex! Jaden! Quinn! Caiden!’ Grayson said standing up and walking quickly to the four men, taking Jaden and Alex into his arms and squeezing them tightly. He released them and took Quinn and Caiden into his arms and hugged them fiercely. ‘Welcome home my boys.’
‘Thanks Dad.’ Caiden said as he and Quinn walked over to the small group of people and sat down. Alex and Jaden remained standing with Grayson and walked over slowly, talking quietly.
‘You’re both looking great.’ Monica said as the two blond’s sat down.
‘Thank you Monica.’ Quinn said with his trademark smile.
‘It’s very relaxed here.’ Caiden said, looking around at the Sanctuary. ‘Where are the mages?’
‘They’re coming. They were holding a ceremony in the Circle.’ Monica said, glancing to the tree line behind which the Circle was. ‘They should be finished any moment now.’
‘What sort of ceremony are they holding?’ Quinn asked with curiosity.
‘Some sort of bonding ceremony. They strengthen the bond’s of their friendship somehow.’ The dark haired woman answered the blond and then remembering who the blond was.
‘I think they’re finishing up now.’ Caiden said, glancing off in the direction of the Circle. ‘Here they come.’
Quinn turned in his spot and saw the mages filing out of the tree line and walking toward the Gathering field.
‘Hello Quinn.’ Tristan said, opening his arms to the blond man. ‘It’s good to see you.’ Quinn stepped into the man and hugged him firmly.
‘Tristan, it’s great to see you.’ Quinn said, stepping back and looking at the young mage. In the past few months his body had filled out slightly, his face looking comfortably full, and his dark hair falling past his shoulders.
‘Hello Tristan.’ Alex said, stepping beside his husband, an arm sliding around the slim shoulders. ‘How are you settling in here?’ The Italian questioned the mage.
‘Really well. Grayson and the others have made us feel very welcome.’ The mage said with a smile.
‘That’s great to hear.’ Quinn said, gesturing for Tristan to join himself and Caiden as Alex disappeared quietly with Kian.
‘And what about you Holy?’ Tristan asked as a second mage joined them and smiled to Quinn. If the blond’s memory served, his name was Johan.
‘I’m doing very well. Busy with the baby, and everything going on at home, but we’re all doing great.’
Without even noticing the two blond’s and the two mages had been talking for almost an hour when they realised that nearly everyone in the Sanctuary was sitting in the gathering field, and there seemed to be more people than Quinn remembered.
‘Wait, who are all these people?’ Quinn said, glancing around nervously when he noticed the strange faces.
‘They’re people from other Sanctuary’s. When word spread that the Triumvirate were coming to visit, some of the other Sanctuary leader’s sent word that they wanted to visit.’ Tristan said while Johan nodded excitedly.
‘Which meant a lot of our mage brethren came along as well.’ Johan added.
‘Where’s Alex?’ Quinn asked, standing up immediately in a panic.
‘Right here love.’ The Italian said, appearing beside his husband. Quinn reached out and took Alex’s hand in his own and squeezed slightly. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. Just panicked a little when I couldn’t find you.’ The blond said blushing slightly.
‘The Twins and I need to go and say hi to the other Leader’s. Would you mind looking after Kian for a little while?’ Quinn’s eyes flashed in a mild panic but Monica was beside the blond in a heart beat.
‘I’ll keep you company.’ The raven haired woman said with a smile as Quinn took his son and sat down on the rug, Monica sitting beside the blond. Tristan nodded and smiled and he and Jonah both got up and walked away to catch up with their mage friends.
‘How is Lach… I mean Kian?’ Monica asked, momentarily forgetting the rechristening of the child.
‘He’s doing great. Very vocal and will be crawling very soon.’ Quinn said, bouncing the noisy child on his knee. Monica smiled at the baby who cooed and drooled in response.
‘Ah Quinn, I was hoping to see you.’ Called a polite Canadian voice. Quinn looked up and recognised the Canadian Leader immediately.
‘Hello Sam. It’s nice to see you.’ The blond said, standing up and stooping ever so slightly to hug the man.
‘And yourself. It’s nice to see a fellow countryman.’ The Canadian Leader said with a giggle.
‘I’m just going to go speak with some of the others.’ Monica said excusing herself politely. Quinn and Sam both nodded to her in farewell.
‘Quinn, I wonder if I might be able to have a quiet word with you?’ Sam asked, looking around to ensure they weren’t being observed. Quinn looked for Alex, the Italian looking him dead in the eyes and nodding affirmatively.
‘Sure thing Sam.’ Quinn said, smiling a little as he collected Kian into his arms and hoisted him onto his hip. Sam led the blond away from the crowd slightly and out of sight of anyone. In the shadows they walked for a few moments until they appeared behind the private cabin that Alex and Quinn used when they visited.
‘What’s going on?’ Quinn asked when the Canadian Leader turned back to Quinn with a grim look on his face.
‘It’s William.’ Sam said with an even voice. Quinn’s eyes flew open in shock as he heard the name.
‘What’s happened?’ The blond asked, his voice shaking imperceptibly.
‘You know he’s being imprisoned at my Sanctuary?’ Sam asked of Quinn who nodded briefly. ‘In his comatose state he’s really not that hard to keep an eye on in all honesty. Until lately.’ Quinn gulped at the news.
‘What’s happening?’ Quinn asked quickly.
‘Since we took custody of him, he’s been silent. Literally like a corpse. But over the past few days, his mind has started to become active.’ Sam said taking a steadying breath. ‘What’s most concerning about this is, it isn’t coherent thought, or even chaotic thought. It’s a song, or rather, a few phrases from a song that he keeps singing in his head, over and over.’ Quinn’s brow furrowed in confusion at this piece of news just as Alex appeared beside his husband.
‘What are the words?’ Alex asked as if he had been present since the beginning of the conversation.
‘It’s, “And I know, a love so complete, someday must leave, must say goodbye.”’ Sam said from memory as he watched the colour drain from Alex’s face. ‘Alex?’
‘Babe, what’s wrong?’ Quinn said, seeing Alex’s blank eyes. ‘Alex?’ Quinn said, grasping his husband’s shoulder and squeezing firmly. Alex swallowed a few times, and still staring blankly he began to sing in his deep voice.
‘“Goodbye’s the saddest word I’ll ever hear. Goodbye’s the last time I will hold you near.”’ Quinn’s face froze in a horrified realisation as he made the connection.
‘It’s the song I sung when Quinn and I first met. It’s also the song that reminds me most of Mamma.’ The Italian said blinking a few times.
‘Well, what’s strange about it is, William isn’t capable of creating thought any more. His neural pathways are all but obliterated.’ Sam said confidently looking from Alex to Quinn.
‘Which means?’ Alex asked as Quinn shook his head in confusion.
‘Those song phrases were planted in his mind by someone else. A telepath. And a fucking good one to boot.’ The Canadian Leader said grimly.
‘Why a good one?’ Alex queried looking into the eyes of the Canadian Leader, seeing past the physical and into his thoughts.
‘Because A, to keep the thoughts circling in a damaged mind like that takes incredible talent. And B, they were able to avoid being detected by me, and the only telepath capable of doing that is now sitting in your arms.’ Sam said pointing to Quinn who’s mouth had gone comically slack and dangled open.