Wolf’s Cub

Chapter 6

Author's Note:  My continuing thanks to Thyme for her help and feedback on this story, and to Anita, Totally-Frelled, for her input.

*****************

Michael knew this place, this time. He tried to get away, to stop the events from unfolding. He didn’t want to see what was about to happen, he’d seen it too many times already. But, as in countless times before, he could not stop the inexorable march of destiny. He could only watch helplessly as the world, his world, fell apart and he was left, hardly more than a boy, to rebuild it as best he could.

Thank the goddess for Colin or none of them would have survived that terrible day. He’d picked up the pieces of what had been Michael and slowly, patiently, put him back together again. That was how Michael saw it. Sometimes he wished he had the nerve to ask Colin how he remembered it, to tell him how much he appreciated all Colin had done in those dark days after the last attack. But, he never said a word.

Adam had laughed that morning and the memory of his handsome face crinkling with his joyous mirth was the one moment in that horrible day that Michael cherished revisiting. Adam had been eighteen years older, born to a different mother, but they were as close as any two brothers could be. Michael worshiped Adam and Adam adored his baby brother. It was Adam who had made sure that Michael’s wishes were consulted in the matter of his arranged marriage to the youngest daughter of the Second Kingdom’s Queen Alicia. Adam believed very much in waiting for one’s soulmate, and at thirty-six, he was still unwed because he said he had not yet met the right person. Some claimed that he had met her, but she could not be claimed by him and his love was unrequited. Michael had always found that impossible to believe – who could ever meet his tall, handsome brother and not fall instantly in love?

It had been Adam who convinced their father, King Jerad, to allow young Michael to train in the dance in the first place. Ben, the middle brother, had been dark and brooding, a loner. Michael mourned him when he died, but his primary feeling had been relief that Adam had survived the particularly vicious attack that took Ben and their father, Jerad.

Ben’s death had brought Michael home, home to the Court of the First Kingdom. With him came his young bride and their twin sons, born nine months to the day after the wedding, to the jubilation of both Kingdoms. Only a few months after their arrival, they received word that Queen Alicia had been murdered. Clearly, the safest place for Michael’s young family was in his brother’s Court, where Michael could also keep watch over his brother, the King. As the months went by and Michael managed to foil attempt after attempt against Adam’s life, Suzanne and Adam began to relax, but the strain began to take its toll on Michael. He was becoming more short-tempered. He rarely slept. He never laughed and even his smiles were few. Only with his boys did he relax his guard for a few seconds. But he never dared let down his guard completely, not even for a very few seconds, and he tried to be especially vigilant around them. 

Colin was a major help to him during those long months after Queen Alicia died. He didn’t argue with him over the need for vigilance as Suzanne and Adam did. He quietly brewed herbal supplements to help Michael stay alert on those days when sleep had not come the night before. He cared for the twins when Michael was foiling yet another plot to kill the King, his brother, or dealing with a depressed wife who missed her mother and sisters beyond endurance. Those were the only times Michael danced – to bring Suzanne back from the depths of despair or to lift the weight of care from his brother’s shoulders for a short while. Colin never had the chance to see him then – he would be watching the children so that Michael could concentrate on his wife and brother.

On this morning, Suzanne was fractious, the new pregnancy being a source of both joy and melancholy. She was happy to be bringing a new life to their family, but was saddened beyond measure at the prospect of giving birth without her mother or any of her older sisters with her. Adam and Michael found themselves giving her constant comfort and reassurance.

Fortunately Colin was trained in midwifery among his many other subjects, and he assisted in calming the nervous Queen. Unfortunately, Suzanne tended to see him as just another servant and she had never learned that druids, much less servants, should be treated with respect, so she tended to vent the worst of her moods on Colin and the household staff. Adam gently corrected her when he thought she would listen, but Michael often lost his temper, not mincing words as he told her what he thought of her rudeness.

Something about the tea that morning set off Suzanne’s temper. It was too hot, or not sweet enough, or maybe too hot and not sweet enough. Something. Michael no longer remembered what it was. Suzanne threw the pot of hot, bitter tea at the serving woman, and Colin jumped in its path, his robe getting soaked with it, but saving the woman a bad burn.  Colin had looked comical, staring down at his robe, which was plastered to his thighs. Suzanne looked a little abashed at what she had done. Adam had hidden his grin behind his hand but lost his composure completely when Rafael turned to his mother and said in his solemn baby voice, “Bad Mama, power no use at beckfass.”

Even Colin smiled when Dominic nodded his head in fervent agreement. But Michael had not been amused.  He’d turned to his wife and snapped, “Fine thing when the babies are better behaved than the mother.”

He’d come to regret that remark. Oh, how he regretted it. He wished he’d just smiled as Colin had. Or better yet, joined Adam in laughing. But, his hasty words spoken in anger broke the temporary lightness of mood. Colin excused himself, taking the infant Melli with him when he went to his room to change to a fresh robe. Michael turned down his offer to take the twins with him.

Michael had turned over in his mind a thousand times that simple decision. The choice to keep the boys with him so they could finish their breakfast, maybe win another laugh from Adam. If only he’d known, that letting Colin take all three children would have made such a crucial difference. Just as if he’d known those would be the last words he ever spoke out loud to Suzanne, he never would have said them. He would have said something soothing. But he didn’t. He didn’t figure it out until later. Just a few minutes, but such crucial minutes they turned out to be.

It had been the serving woman who provided the small amount of warning they had. If he had not seen into her thoughts, they might all have died. That was one way of looking at it. It was the way that Colin told him he should look at it. As a kind of victory, instead of abject failure on his part. Michael and Adam had been discussing news that had come from the northern sector while Suzanne played with the boys. Michael had difficulty concentrating on what Adam was telling him because he had been distracted by a strong emotion he’d been receiving from someone in the room.  

Hate.

It was pure hate, of such strength and venom that it diverted him completely from what Adam was saying. He lifted his head, as though he were looking out the window.

How I hate her. She will be no loss. And now I can be glad the kind man is safe.  So happy he is away with the little girl.  So like him to protect me. I wish they’d let him take those dear boys away too. Their young Da, he is a sweet boy. Too young to be tied to a mind-twister witch like her...

Seriously concerned by this point, Michael had probed her mind deliberately, seeking deeper, holding her consciousness pinned mercilessly by his stronger will, going through her thoughts and memories like Dominic ransacked his toy box, searching until he found what he was looking for, her memory of giving security information to men in black cloaks, their faces hidden. He found memories of her showing them a hidden way into the palace’s private quarters. A way that wasn’t as heavily guarded during daylight hours because so few knew the way.

Quickly, Michael sought the minds of the guards who were stationed along that private entrance. He was only able to find one, that one’s mind awash in red, pain-filled, dying, his companions already gone.

Looking up and meeting her eyes, Michael had realized with a sickening jolt that the serving woman had enabled men to get into the palace that very morning. As his small family had finished its breakfast, a team of assassins had been gathering in the lower level of the palace, killing the palace guards. He communicated the news to Adam telepathically and moved immediately to formulating their response, the serving woman left unconscious in the chair she’d dropped into.

We need to get Suzanne and the boys to safety. You take them away from here and I’ll take care of the attack group that is heading our way. Head to Colin’s room. That stair is narrow and the two of you will....

No, Michael.  There are too many of them.  If they take you out, they will make short work of me, then they’ll move on to Suzanne, and then Colin, soon the children will be at their mercy and they have none.  I’ve a better plan. You take the boys, and head to Colin in the East Tower. I’ll take Suzanne to the West Tower. Once the boys and she are safely secured, we’ll meet up in the middle and take out the waste.

Adam...

Do as I say, Assassin...this is an order from your King...and your big brother.

Adam had given Michael a cocky grin, his green eyes crinkling with humor, although he couldn’t completely hide his worry as he looked at Suzanne, unwieldy in her seventh month. Michael shared that worry but he did his best to send comfort and confidence to Adam and Suzanne telepathically.

This will be fine.  But maybe you should take the boys...you’re the King, you must be safe, Adam. Colin will help you.

No, Michael, please...let me take Suzanne.  I promise you, I’ll protect your wife. And little Dominic is the next King. It is your duty to protect him also. And Rafael too, the heir to the Second Kingdom throne.

Michael smiled, despite the danger facing them, and Adam winked at him.

Does Suzanne know your plans for her throne?

Not yet. I thought I would wait a few years until motherhood has mellowed her more.

“Suzanne, my dear, I would like to show you something in the library. Some new scrolls that were delivered just yesterday,” Adam announced suddenly. “Let me help you up, my dear. Michael, why don’t you take the boys to the nursery and then join us?”

“As you wish, Adam,” Michael said as he began to gather the twins in his arms, moving quickly. He needed to carry them and yet still keep an arm free to use the sword he kept by his side at all times. Adam carried one as well.

“What is going on?” Suzanne looked from Michael to Adam. “Something’s wrong. What is it? Michael, where are you going with the twins?”

“I’ll explain, Suzanne, let Michael go. I’ll keep you safe.” Adam put his arms around Suzanne and Michael realized as he saw his wife turn so naturally to his brother for comfort that Suzanne had married the wrong brother. She would have been so much happier – and Adam and Michael also – if Adam had been her husband.  At the time, her mother had not wanted her to leave the Second Kingdom, and as heir to the First Kingdom, Adam could not leave his. But Michael knew with certainty in that moment that Suzanne had been Adam’s destined mate.

What a waste, was Michael’s fleeting thought, before he rushed toward the eastern stairs, his squirming sons in his arms. Midway up the stairs, six armed, masked men caught up with him. His connection with Adam told him that his brother had encountered four more in his western path. Michael fought furiously, with sword and illusions, confusing the men who attacked him, keeping them as far back as he could, convincing them to turn on each other.

Busy as he was, Michael couldn’t stop himself from keeping a mental “eye” on Adam’s battle. There were only four on that side but Adam was slower, worried about protecting Suzanne.

For the goddess’ sake, help him! Stay behind him but use your power to throw whatever you can at the bastards! Michael urged his wife. Soon, dishes and knives came hurtling at the masked men, causing them to duck and swerve into each other. The serving woman who had betrayed them was targeted specifically by one of those flying knives – it found its sheath in her breast and she fell to the floor, lifeless. Michael could not find any pity for her.

The boys clung to his neck, making themselves as small as possible, sensing somehow that he needed them to be compact, and to hold on tight. They shifted their weight as he moved, helping him to keep his balance as he danced and wove his way among his attackers, slicing his way through those who came too close. By the time he made it to Colin’s room at the top of the stairs, he’d killed every one of his would-be assassins.

Colin met him at the door, his face pale but calm. He took the boys without a word and handed Michael a second weapon.

Be safe. May the goddess protect you.

Michael looked into the gray eyes of the druid and there were a dozen things he thought he should say, promises he should make, or seek, especially about the boys, but in that moment, he knew there was no need for the words, no need for promises. Whatever either of them needed, the other would do or die trying. He just nodded, kissed his sons, and left, sealing the door with magic, feeling Colin’s magic blending with his, knowing that no one would be able to get past that door who did not have Colin’s consent. He felt strengthened by that brief contact with the druid and the weapon given to him seemed enchanted.

He did not know if he would survive to return to his sons when he descended the steps and sought the rest of the assassin squad but he was determined to do his duty.  He came upon five more in the breakfast room, but made short work of them.

Michael reached the last of the assassins midway up the stairs that led to the sanctuary Adam had tried to reach. Two of the four were dead, one more was wounded...and the last one was standing over Adam’s fallen form. Michael killed that dark cloaked figure as it poised to deliver the killing blow to his brother, taking him away from Adam with a flying leap that carried him up the stairs. He landed a kick midway down the man’s back, severing his spinal column. Michael twisted around and drove his sword into the wounded assassin as he landed, ending that killer’s life without mercy. They had not shown any to his family.

A glance told him that Suzanne was gone, her eyes staring sightlessly at the ceiling where she lay crumpled in the doorway of the safe room, one nasty looking knife protruding from her swollen belly and another from her chest. Adam had tried so hard to get her to safety. Michael picked her up and carried her to the bed within the safe room; once there, he closed her eyes for the final time.

Michael then walked back to the stairs and knelt by Adam’s side. He picked up his brother’s head and cradled it close.

Adam...Adam...please, answer. Don’t leave me.

I’m here, little brother. Just resting.  I saw you get that one standing over me. That was some move. Always knew those dance lessons would come in useful.  Adam’s thoughts, even now, were amused, and Michael had to blink back the tears. How would he ever be able to see the joy in life without Adam to point it out to him?

Did we get them, Michael? Are they all gone now?  Adam’s thoughts were getting fainter, becoming harder for Michael to ‘hear.’  He knew he would have to project his own thoughts even ‘louder’ for Adam to understand. But, that was good in a way. He could hide his sadness and send Adam only good thoughts, happy thoughts, as he deserved, as he liked to hear.

Yes, Adam.  That was the last of them.  We beat them. No more assassins. We’re all safe now.

Michael could feel the deep satisfaction that filled Adam then. And when his brother asked, And Suzanne, she’s all right, is she not? I kept her safe for you?

Michael had no qualms about lying to his beloved brother for the first and only time in his life.

Yes, Adam. She is fine. She is resting now and waiting for you to join her. Let me pick you up now and take you to where she waits for you.

The old laughter once again, fainter than ever, as Adam asked, and how are you going to carry my weight, little brother, when you are so small and tired?

How indeed.

*****************

“You do not look very rested,” Lycan observed.     

Michael looked up, his green eyes even more shadowed than they’d been the evening before. Colin still slept on the cot next to Michael’s chair so he kept his voice low as he answered the pack leader.

“Well, there is a good reason for that. I did not sleep much. You, on the other hand, do look very rested, and yet you’ve not had all that much rest either. How do you do it?”

The Metamorph smiled, and Michael noted that his teeth, when he was in this form, did not look all that different from a human’s teeth, perhaps a bit larger and brighter, with sharp looking canines but nothing particularly intimidating.

“Would you like me to open wider so you can see my molars?”

“Can you read my thoughts?” Michael asked, surprised.

“No, your face. And that particular thought is not all that unique. Humans tend to fall into two categories, those who fear us...and those who are fascinated by us. I doubt you fear us.”

Michael grinned. He got up and signaled for Lycan to follow him as he walked across the room and over to the window. It was that darkest hour of the night, the one before dawn, and while Lycan was technically the one on “watch” over the sleeping twins and Colin, Michael had not been able to relax enough to sleep. He threw open the sash and leaned out the window, breathing deep of the cool night air.

“So, how is it that you can be so rested on so little sleep?” Michael turned his head and looked at the big man leaning casually on the window ledge next to him.

Lycan smiled again. “When I rest, I rest. When it is time for me to be on watch, I watch. Your way is not very efficient. Resting with one eye open as you do.”

Michael laughed humorlessly. “I realize that, but I don’t seem able to stop it. Are you saying it is that easy for you? You tell yourself, it is time to rest and you rest? No worries keep you awake? No thoughts run through your mind. Will there be enough food to keep the pack fed through the winter? Did we get a good deal on our trades? Is that young wolf going to challenge me tomorrow?”

Lycan grinned. “What is the use of thinking about any of those things when I should be sleeping? The time to think is when you are making your decisions, which I don’t know about mind-twisters, but I don’t make my decisions when I need sleep. The food is not made more plentiful by my wishing or worrying. A trade does not benefit my pack more if I stay awake the night after worrying about it. Or the night before.  And if that young wolf is going to fight me, I’ll need my sleep, old wolf that I am.”  Lycan’s grin grew even wider at that thought. Michael joined him in laughing, but this made him think of his next question.

“How old are you, Lycan?” When Lycan burst into chuckles again, Michael rolled his eyes. “Now what is so funny? That is a normal question.”

“It is just that the Pup told me that the other one...Colin?” Michael nodded and Lycan went on, “He said that he hoped I would not mind but that Colin was very curious about everything as he is a druid, and a scholar of all subjects, so to expect him to ask me questions. You, on the other hand, he said, are very private and would neither ask questions nor answer any. He seemed shocked when you gave me your full name yesterday and I think he would be very surprised to hear you asking about my sleep habits and my age.”

Michael laughed ruefully. “As a general rule, Dominic is correct. Colin is much more curious and talkative than I am. But...Dominic is my son and I cannot help but notice that you and he...you and he...this is difficult to say.”

Lycan spoke softly. “Your son and I have bonded...not completely yet...but we will.”

Michael’s eyes met Lycan’s; he looked deeply into the golden eyes. After a long moment, he said, “Yes, I know you will. Are you prepared to stand by my son and fight his enemies with him?”

“Yes.”

“He is young, and sometimes quick to anger, but he is kind-hearted – do you have the patience to teach him, and to respect his differences as he will respect yours?”

“Yes.”

“Will you help him fulfill his destiny as Ruler over the First Kingdom and allow him to have an heir when the time comes?”

“Yes.”

“Will you accept his aid as an ally to your pack and permit him to be a full partner to you and your kind?”

A smile accompanied this question and answer, as Lycan once more answered with a simple, “Yes.”

A silence fell between the two men, and into it came a slightly irritated sounding voice. “What are those two doing over there?”

“I’m not completely sure, Nic, but I think Father just married you to that Wolf.”

“Is anyone going to sleep tonight?”

That last voice was Colin’s, sounding uncharacteristically cranky, so Michael gave up on any more private conversation with Lycan and with a mock heavy sigh, turned away from the window.

“You see, Lycan, it is impossible to have a little privacy in this house. And those two boys are worse than girls when it comes to eavesdropping and gossiping.”

“We are not!” Nic and Rafe protested indignantly.

By this time, Colin had gotten up and walked over toward Benra. He was concerned that the man was still out and worried that perhaps Lycan had struck him harder than they had realized. Before he quite reached Nic’s bed, where the old druid had been placed, he caught a glitter of candlelight reflecting off the sliver of eyes that had been peering through lashes. It quickly disappeared as Colin drew near but it was enough. Benra was feigning sleep. For how long, he wondered.

Michael, you are more subtle than I...see if you can discern an awake consciousness on our friend here in the bed, please?

Of  course. I suppose you wish me to be gentle too?

That wry humor of Michael’s. I think it would be best if he doesn’t know we know he is awake. Are you feeling strong enough for this? Colin asked.

Yes.  The answer was terse, Michael-speak for I will make myself strong enough. He must have directed Dominic to continue the silly banter – no one did it better – for the older twin continued to tease Lycan and Rafael, providing a perfect backdrop for Colin’s overt actions and Michael’s covert surveillance.  

Colin set the candle down on a nearby table. He pulled a chair next to the bed and sat down, taking Benra’s hand in his so that he could check his heart rate. It was a little fast but nothing too out of the ordinary.

“Veris? Veris, can you hear me?” Colin spoke gently.

Benra stirred a little bit but he didn’t open his eyes. A small moan escaped his lips.

Colin expected a reaction out of Michael to that overly dramatic play-acting by Benra, but Michael was too intent on his mind probe to share any thoughts. Colin wished he would, as he was feeling more than a little lost at the prospect of one of his trusted teachers being dishonest and possibly worse. What would they do with the man if he turned out to be an enemy? Would Michael want to kill him? In cold blood?

Anxiety made Colin’s voice rougher than it normally was as he once again tried to rouse the older druid. “Benra! Veris Benra! Time to wake!”  Colin gently but firmly shook his shoulder. 

Finally, the old man stirred. “Wha...who...what is it?...Is that you, Colin? Are you safe, dear boy?... Are the children safe?”  Benra spoke in a weak voice, his breaths shallow. 

Colin heard Michael quietly tell the boys and Lycan to go to the kitchen and find themselves something to eat. That was probably a good idea, Colin thought. The fewer around, the better.

“I am fine, Veris. How are you faring? You have been asleep for several hours. We would like to examine you, if we may, to ensure that you do not suffer from any lasting ill effects from your ordeal. And we would like to talk to you, of course, about what brought you to the Breslin Circle.”

Benra fluttered his hands where they rested on the white sheets. “I am not important. I will survive whatever destiny sees fit to send my way, be it demons or wolfmen.” He struggled to sit up and Colin lent his aid in helping the old man sit up, placing the pillows in such a way that he was supported in a more upright position. He returned to his questions.

“I appreciate your courage, and I am sorry that Lycan struck you – there was a misunderstanding that led to his thinking he was to render you unconscious...”

I wouldn’t quite call it a misunderstanding. More like an efficient response to a request.

Colin was relieved to receive a message from Michael. Keeping a tight focus on his thoughts, he asked, Did you get anything useful yet?

It was odd, not sure how useful. Our friend is far from open and he is masking his thoughts quite skillfully. He was not asleep, that is certain.  He was actively masking his thoughts and listening to the conversation before you spoke to him. He chose to ignore you at first and feign sleep. I sent the boys away as he was trying to seek out the thoughts of those in the room. The boys know how to guard but I did not want him to know how many there were who were blocking him.

Is he aware of you?

I don’t think he is specifically aware of me so much as he is cautious and on guard generally. I’ll continue to monitor for now, but if you need me to take a more aggressive role, just say so.

Colin appreciated that Michael was allowing him to determine how Benra was to be handled, as he did want his former teacher treated with respect and accorded the benefit of doubt. By the same token, if the man posed a threat to their children, Colin would not hesitate to take action against the man. They’d all been through too much to let sentimentality cause a rift in their security now.

Of course, Benra could present a risk and not even be aware of it if he were acting as someone else’s pawn.

“Veris, I need to examine you to check on your injuries. I also need to be sure there was no contamination by the demons. You were under their shadow for quite a while as you fled, and even more so as you fought them.”

“I am fine, my son. I am well able to cast protective spells to keep demons such as those from harming me in such insidious ways. I sustained some hurt, of course, and would have fared badly indeed if the young Royals had not come to my aid. Which leads to the important question. The young male – he is safe? Were you able to stave off the encroaching darkness? I have not seen such a spell in long years, certainly not one of such powerful evil.”

“The young man is fine, thank you. I thank you also for your efforts on his behalf when you first arrived here.  I understand the poison was a very specific one – so you have seen it before?”

Excellent, Colin. Get right to the good questions. Bet he doesn’t answer.

“I will be happy to answer your questions, dear boy, but would it be too much to ask that I get some sustenance first? It has been a long time since I have had a chance to eat or drink. Even the crumbs from the wolfman’s table would be welcome.”

What did I tell you? And don’t you dare let him make you feel guilty.

Easier said than done, Colin thought.

“I will get you some food and drink immediately,” Colin said quickly. “Forgive me, I should have seen to your comfort sooner. If you are sure that you are not in need of treatment for any injuries, that is. From what Mellisande told me, I expected you to be in need of my attention as a physician and that concern made me neglect your more prosaic needs.” Colin’s tone was meek but his words were pointed enough to make the older druid realize he’d erred.

Nicely played. Sometimes you can be downright sly. Michael’s tone was admiring. Colin’s was wry as he responded, I owe it all to your influence – yours and your older son’s, that is.

Michael’s chuckle in his mind was heartening. Colin squared his shoulders and looked into Benra’s eyes.

“I will go now to request food for you, Veris. Is stew and wine acceptable or do you have any dietary restrictions I should inform the cook about?”

“That would be very good, thank you.”

Colin got up to leave but Benra restrained him.

“Please tell me – are the young Royals safe? I have searched for so long – to find not one but two still survive! It is like a miracle.”

Tell him as little as possible... please.

Colin did not feel comfortable lying to the older man, another druid, but the twins were Michael’s chief concern and he made it a practice never to overrule his decisions when it came to the boys. He decided a sin of omission was not as bad as one of commission.

“Mellisande and Rafael are both safe. We have often given thanks to the goddess for bringing us here, to our home on this island. It has been like a miracle and it is of the utmost importance that we work to keep it safe.”

“Of course, of course. Which is why I was surprised that you would permit a Metamorph – and one of the wolf kind – here with the Royal young persons.  That creature stood brazenly before the Royal princess, his most private parts uncovered, and subjected her to the indignity of his gaze. I would have wished I had the strength left to have punished him as he deserved. I must assume you did so.”

“Lycan has been treated in a manner we feel is appropriate, and I thank you for your concern. Now, let me get you some food and drink, Veris.”

Colin excused himself, the sound of Michael’s laughter in his mind.

What? You aren’t going to tell him what manner was deemed appropriate?  I never thought of you as a coward, Colin.

Surely you know that discretion is the wisest course of the valorous, Colin reminded him. He walked away from Benra’s bedside, taking the candle with him. As he exited the room, Michael followed him, moving silently in the shadows.

Michael stopped him before he could proceed to the kitchen. “I already requested that one of the others bring food up. It will be here in a few minutes. Tell me what you feel now about your old tutor. He was not very forthcoming, was he?”

Colin slumped against the wall in the hallway. It had been a long day followed by a long night. He rubbed his eyes. Michael put his hand out and rubbed the back of Colin’s neck comfortingly.

“I know you want to believe the old man is genuine, Colin. For what it’s worth, I could not sense any dark spirit within him – just more of his secretiveness. He is not easy to read.”

“You could not get past them?” Colin said, surprised.

“I didn’t say that,” Michael said, a wry smile on his face. “I said it was not easy. He’s been somewhere sheltered, that much is clear. He is guarding the identity of the person or persons who have sheltered him. He has very strong protections on his mind and it would have taken rough treatment indeed to get past them. I thought you would not like that so I deferred it for now. I do not think he has the telepathic power to send any messages to the mainland but I think we should keep a close watch on him. He is very curious about Melli and Rafe. He is most curious about Rafe – he seems to know about the Third Kingdom and discounts the Second Kingdom but he believes he recognizes Rafe. He did not see Nic, nor does he seem to have a mental picture of me. Of course, Rafe and Nic resemble Adam quite a bit and he may have seen him at some time so that could account for the familiarity.”

“Do we tell him about the twins, then?”

“I don’t think so,” Michael said decisively. “Adam always said it was better to keep as much information to yourself as possible. In this case, if we can keep Dominic’s existence a secret, all the better. Besides, I have a plan for him. I think it may be time for us to seek alliances, now that the Authority is becoming more aggressive in its actions against all telepaths.”

“The Metamorphs?” Colin asked.

Michael nodded but did not say more as Fen had arrived with a tray of food for Benra, as well as some tea for the two men. They thanked him, then Colin asked, “How is everyone getting along downstairs?”

Fen shook his head. “Nic and Rafe were arguing over something, I forget what, and that big guy, you know, with the hairy chest?”

Michael and Colin nodded, hiding their smiles. Lycan made a different impression on everyone, depending on who they were.

“He told them to be quiet and finally just picked Nic up, threw him over his shoulder and walked outside with him. Melli and Magda were worried but Rafe said it was okay. Nic was happy to go off with him.”

“I bet he was,” Michael muttered. Colin laughed.

“Well, you did rather give your blessing. A little late now to have second thoughts.”

“I know,” Michael sighed. “But it does seem like just yesterday when the only thing I had to worry about was them bringing home a stray puppy or kitten.”

“On this island, it was more likely to be a snake or a falcon,” Colin reminded him.

“True,” Michael said, smiling reminiscently. Fen looked at them as though they were crazy when they both laughed this time. He coughed meaningfully, drawing their attention back to the tray of food he was holding.

“I’m sorry, Fen. We’ve kept you waiting. Let me take this tray and then you can run along. Try to get some sleep, son.” Michael lifted the tray easily from the boy’s hands. He sent a subtle message to Fen suggesting that some hot chocolate and then back to bed would be a good. The lad smiled at them and then headed off.

Colin shook his head. “You really are shameless,” he told him.

“Not at all. The thought was already there. I just encouraged it.”

Colin looked skeptical but he let the subject drop. Michael looked at the tray in his hands. “Do you want me to take this in to your old friend?”

“No,” he sighed. “You may as well stay in the background for now. We can figure out what to do with him tomorrow…I mean, later today. I know he must have seen you before being knocked out but it seems he is focused mainly on Melli and Rafe for now. I think we should leave it like that, don’t you?”

“I agree. But if I can distract him from Rafe and Melli, then all the better. Still,” Michael said as he saw Colin’s shoulders slump in weariness, “we can leave any further discussion until daylight, my friend.  Come, let us get the old man fed and then return to rest. I’ll tell the boys to sleep with Fen and there will be no need for a watch here in the room. We can sleep.”

Colin raised an eyebrow. “You do not think Dominic needs a chaperone?”

Michael smiled and nudged Colin to open the door since his hands were full with the tray. “No, Colin, I think that Dominic is right where destiny wants him to be...and I know I’m not the seer of the two of us, but there are some areas I am a bit of an expert in. That is something else that we will discuss further tomorrow, I promise.”

Colin had no words with which to answer him so he did not even try.

*****************

Lycan dropped Dominic onto the ground when he reached the beach. The sand felt soft underfoot so he didn’t think his Pup would mind too much. And in fact, Nic didn’t mind the surface Lycan had chosen, though he was not thrilled with the lack of dignity that accompanied this method of being delivered to their...what was it?  A rendezvous? He grinned. He highly doubted any such romantic word could fit Lycan’s plan. He decided to complain just to let it be known that he didn’t expect to be hauled around like a sack of grain.

Though all that strength was pretty exciting, he didn’t need to let Lycan know he felt that way.

“Ouch!”  Nic rubbed his elbow. “Could you be a little more careful?”

Lycan dropped down onto the sand next to him and pulled him onto his lap. “I don’t think you landed on that part of your body,” he said helpfully. “But I will rub the part you did land on for you.” He put his big hands on Nic’s bottom and kneaded his buttocks as he held the young man propped against his thighs. Nic moved his legs to either side of Lycan’s hips and put his hands on his broad shoulders to give himself some leverage.

Lycan touched his forehead to Nic’s.  “Are you ready for this, Pup?”

Nic started to answer flippantly, but something stayed his tongue. He looked deep into those golden eyes and knew that if he said yes, it would mean commitment. And yet, did he not already know that this man was his, that they were bound together by the goddess?  Ready or not, this is the mate he was meant to have. He knew that with a certainty.

“Yes,” he whispered, his voice quiet, but firm, the laughter gone for the moment, replaced with a gravity that sat well on his young face.  Lycan was pleased to see that his mate knew when to give the proper thought to a question. He removed his hands from the sweet curves he’d been molding and held the handsome face framed between them, his calloused thumbs softly stroking the smooth cheeks.

“Please...please....” It was all his Pup said, his mouth opened slightly, but it was all Lycan needed to hear. He bent his head to press his mouth to Dominic’s, his tongue moving inside, between those full lips, the fingers of one hand weaving into the dark hair to hold it in place while his other hand moved along the slim body, caressing it, touching it possessively. He reveled in the small sounds of pleasure Nic made, in the way he pressed his body closer against his broad muscular chest and tightened his knees around his waist.

After several long, frantic minutes of kissing, the two of them devouring each other, Lycan lowered Nic’s body back onto the soft sand. He pulled Nic’s shirt off and growled low in pleasure at the sight of the smooth, lightly muscled chest that lay exposed to his view. He bent his head to take a dark nipple into his mouth, sucking on it, tonguing it until it hardened to a peak.  Nic moaned in pleasure.  Lycan reached down to palm Nic’s cock through his breeches and Nic thrust up against his hand, whimpering slightly, then he grinned mischievously at the big man.

“I don’t think I’m doing a good job of paying my debt to you. It is I who owe you pleasure, as I recall.”

Lycan raised a golden eyebrow. “And you don’t think this gives me pleasure?”  He moved his mouth down Nic’s torso, licking along the ridges of his abdomen, dipping his tongue into his navel, which made Nic buck his hips up in pleasure. Then Lycan slid Nic’s breeches down and off. Nic practically thrust his hips up into Lycan’s face, but the big man turned Nic over, instead, and continued his ministrations down his back, tonguing along the ridges of his spine. Nic had never felt such intense pleasure as he did when Lycan licked his way down his back.

And then Lycan went lower.  Dear goddess, Nic felt as though his body was on fire.  In all his trips to Kelway and his trysts with men, never had he felt anything like this. Lycan was...adoring...his body.  He pressed his tongue inside Dominic’s most intimate place as though he could not get enough of the taste of him and it was so exciting, Nic was in danger of climaxing from the touch of his mouth alone.

But then Lycan’s mouth left him and he moved his member into position. Nic stiffened slightly, nervous as he recalled how large Lycan was.

“Relax, Pup.”

“I’ve never...”

“Never what, Pup?” Lycan’s tone was indulgent, and amused. Suddenly, Nic wasn’t as sure that this was a good idea.  He’d had sex, lots of sex, ever since he’d been a ‘man’ of thirteen, but he’d never been the one on the bottom, and there was a reason for that. It never seemed like the right time and he’d been fairly sure it looked like it hurt at first for all that he learned ways to minimize that, and could he expect Lycan to be, well, gentle?

Oh dear goddess, Lycan was pressing his huge member inside and if Nic had thought it was big in his mouth, which was a pretty big mouth as mouths went, it felt a million times larger when forced into an opening that was, when all was said and done, a lot smaller as openings go, and....

“Relax, Pup, take a breath and relax.”  Lycan’s voice was deep and gentle and his weight resting along his back was heavy, and in a way, it was a comfortable feeling, the soft hairiness of his chest felt good next to his skin. Nic took a breath, and he felt Lycan push in even further, the sensation not all that different from being split in two, he thought. But he liked the way Lycan was stroking his chest.  And rubbing his cheek along Nic’s.  Nic suddenly blinked away tears. This hurt. Why did he have to fall in love with someone with a monster sized cock?

Did he say love?

The realization dried the tears. This big golden man who made him warm when the world was cold, who laughed at danger, who made Nic feel safe and was just so strong and tough and in charge – did Nic love him?  At the moment that Lycan pushed all the way in, his balls pressed against Nic’s, his cock buried deep inside him, Nic was dumbfounded by the realization that what he felt for this man was actually love.

Nic exhaled with a sigh. And he let go of the tension that had him flinching in pain. Feeling him relax, Lycan sent up a prayer of thanks to the goddess. He sat back on his haunches, pulling Nic back up onto his lap, impaling him on his cock, but also enabling him to control the depth of the thrusts in this position.

“Come on now, Pup, show me how you’ll ride me,” he coaxed, his voice deep with the strain of holding back. It felt so incredibly good to have his cock encased in that tight heat, but he sensed that his Pup, for all his bravado, was feeling overwhelmed and needed to get used to the reality of their mating.

For Nic, this shift in position was a major improvement. Reaching back, he linked his arms around Lycan’s neck to anchor himself, and then he moved back tentatively, searching for the right angle. He soon found that with a cock that size in him, filling him up, any angle worked. He was soon writhing in ecstasy on his lover’s groin. Lycan’s nipping at his neck added to the incredible sensations. He felt so full, as though Lycan were in every part of him. He turned his face to the side to try capturing a kiss.

Wolf...wolf, you’re turning me inside out, setting me on fire.

You’re the one who started the fire, Pup.

Call me by my name.

Bossy Pup?

Please. And kiss me.

“Dominic.”  And Lycan captured his mouth in a searing kiss as they climaxed together, his hand firmly clasped around Nic’s cock as they rocked together on the beach in the moonlight.

Afterward, they raced each other into the water and then washed each other, taking the time to explore each other’s body. Nic sank to his knees in the waves and took Lycan into his mouth, caressing him with his tongue, fondling his balls with his hands, and bringing him to an intense climax that sent the big man to his knees in turn.

Smiling, Nic told him, “I told you that it was your lucky night when you met me.”

Lycan threw back his head and laughed. He pulled Nic into his embrace. “It was indeed.” He carried Nic back to the shore and stretched out on a blanket he’d thought to bring from the kitchen. He placed Nic on top of him and ran his hands along his back, debating whether the night would be warm enough for his pup, with his almost hairless body. Probably, if Lycan kept him close.

Nic propped himself up on his elbows as he stretched out on his lover.  He reached out to brush an errant strand of hair back from the broad forehead. He traced the high cheekbones with his finger, the strong jawline. Lycan was really a very handsome man, he decided. He brought his gaze up to meet those golden eyes, which were looking at him indulgently. Nic spoke slowly.

“Lycan, I heard some of what my father was asking you. I know you agreed to what he was asking you, but...he didn’t really give you fair notice of what aligning yourself with me would mean. I think I should tell you.”

The Wolf Leader looked at the young man in his arms. He wondered if Nic truly did not understand that as far as he was concerned, they were now mated, Dominic was his, and it mattered not what his situation was, how many foes there were – they would now face them together.

“I’m listening,” he said easily, and shifted so that Nic could rest against his shoulder if he wanted to lie down.

Lycan had the rest of the night – and all the nights that would follow – and he was right where he wanted to be. 

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