Wolf’s Cub

Chapter 7

Author's Note:  My continuing thanks to Thyme for her story input and editing help, and to Anita for her assistance with wolf dynamics and her encouragement.

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

The sky was cobalt blue, without a cloud in it though the cold crispness of the air told him this was still early spring, winter’s breath not yet gone from the land. Dominic could not sense another mind for miles and yet there was no sense of panic, no reaching out for his brother, his father. Instead, he felt his mind searching for…smells. A field of new wheat just planted to the west was not of any interest to him, nor were the apple trees to his south with their pink blossoms; but, what was that scent coming on the breeze from the west, mingled with the wheat?

It was a deer. He did not stop to wonder how he knew that, he just knew that his heart sped up as his nostrils flared, confirming the scent. He was hungry, but his pack was starving. The winter had been too long. They had been kept in their wintergrounds past the time they usually stayed and only he had the strength to hunt.

So hunt he would.

Running was freedom and joy, despite the hunger pangs. His legs lengthened beneath him, carrying him swiftly over the ground, until he neared his prey.  Careful to remain downwind, he crept closer, silent now, his movements blending into the shadows of underbrush. It was a large doe. As she turned, picking up her head to listen to a sound Dominic knew had not been made by him, he was dismayed to see that she was already heavy with young. Hungry as he was, he would not prey upon a breeding female. The goddess would not bless such a hunter. Head low, he turned, wondering where he should begin the hunt anew, when a mountain cat, sleek and fat, appeared; ready to pounce on the deer. Angered, Dominic pounced first…on the mountain cat.

The fight was hard and fast, tooth and claw. Finally, he saw his chance and took it, whipping the cat’s wiry body around so that its neck was before him…and he bit down… hard.

The pack ate that day after all.

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

Dominic woke up after the vivid dream. He looked down at his sleeping lover. He had been inside Lycan’s mind completely and it had been different from anything he had ever known. He had been both man…and animal, and in this case, Dominic and Lycan. He felt the thrill of running on all fours, the ground disappearing so swiftly beneath his paws, and the excitement of a world of scents, where one knew so much more than mere vision could reveal.

But it was also a world of predator and prey. The deer was prey, easy. So were various rabbits and other small mammals that he had passed by as too small for that day’s hunt, though he realized that the taste in his mouth was that of a mouse he’d used to break his fast. Nic thought he could have done without knowing the taste of raw mouse. Yet, it had been worthwhile, in that moment that the mountain cat first appeared, to know that feeling of also being prey. Michael and Colin had long said that he and Rafe did not take the Authority’s hunting of them seriously enough, that they saw it as a game. Nic had said as much to Lycan, but on some level, Nic had always known that it was no game, that Telepaths, especially Royal Telepaths, were prey to a deadly and merciless predator.

It startled him to realize that Lycan, his big, strong, fearless Lycan, also knew what it was like to be prey. Nic settled back down next to the sleeping man, resting his head on the curve of his shoulder and wrapping an arm across the broad chest possessively. He vowed that he would strive to protect Lycan from predators as well as he knew that Lycan would protect him.
 

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

The sun had risen by the time Dominic and Lycan rejoined the others. They found Rafael and Mellisande eating breakfast with Magda and Fen. The latter two stared wide-eyed at the rumpled state in which Nic and Lycan returned from the beach. Rafe, sensing that his brother did not want to discuss his relationship with their friends until he’d had a chance to talk with their father, helped run interference for him. Rafe was not sure he approved of the big Metamorph for his brother, but the twins always stood together against the world. Right now, it was clear that Nic’s mind, and heart, were settled, and there was no sense in discussing it. Not in front of the others, at least, and not when Nic was still glowing from his frolics with the Wolfman.
 

“Father will want to talk to you,” Rafe said, before anyone else could ask any questions. “Let me give you some food to take with you and you can join him in our room. He’s been guarding the old druid.”
 

“Did he wake up yet?” Nic asked as he grabbed some bacon from Magda’s plate. She slapped at his hand but did so laughingly. No one could resist Nic. He offered one of the pieces to Lycan who made a face and declined it with a shake of his head. Seeing this, Fen offered him a piece of uncooked steak that he had been about to throw on the fire for Michael’s breakfast. Lycan happily accepted this and started gnawing on it at once.
 

“Oh, that’s disgusting,” Melli said. “He’s eating with his hands, Rafe!”
 

“Fen didn’t offer him a plate and utensils,” Rafe pointed out reasonably.
 

“Would you like some…” Fen started to ask but Lycan had finished the steak already and was wiping his mouth on his arm.
 

“Thanks, bread would be good,” Lycan told him. Nic laughed and Rafe rolled his eyes. Fen simply reached for a fresh loaf of bread and tossed it toward Lycan who snatched it from the air.
 

Magda giggled and Nic’s mouth twitched. Rafe looked at Magda and asked her politely, “Would you mind putting a tray together that would be sufficient for Michael and Colin and my brother, as well as our guest upstairs. Do you require more, Lycan, or is that sufficient?”
 

“I wouldn’t say no to a few more steaks,” Lycan told him, leaning back against the wall.
 

“Uncooked?” Rafe asked.
 

“Preferably.”
 

“Don’t you at least want some fruit or ….” Melli pointed toward the other dishes. Nic smiled and leaned down to hug her - and to grab a mango.
 

“I think he knows his own dietary needs best, Mel. He doesn’t look to me like he’s suffering from any deficiencies, what do you think, Magda?”

She bit her lip and bustled over to the food storage cabinet, but not without stealing a glance at Lycan’s broad physique as she passed. Nic hissed at her, only half jokingly, which made Rafe laugh.
 

Finally, Rafe, Melli, Lycan and Nic were ready to go upstairs. Melli took the tray from Magda, and Nic promptly offered to carry it for her, which led to Lycan taking it from him, though not without grumbling.
 

“I am glad Bran cannot see me thus reduced to a servant.”
 

Rather than listen to him complain the whole way, Rafe grabbed it from him.
 

“I will carry it, rather than injure your pride, or my brother’s tender hands.”
 

Thanks, twin.
 

You owe me. After a pause, he sent the thought, How was it?
 

I can only hope you and Melli have as perfect a night.
 

I’m happy for you, brother.
 

Nic smiled brightly back at his brother. Thank you. I’m happy for me also.
 

They entered the room quietly. Colin was sitting on the floor, meditating, while Michael was doing his stretches by the window. Benra was sitting in a chair placed between the two of them. His eyes were half closed but Nic was certain that he was watching their father closely.
 

Wolf, what do you think of that man?
 

He is not as he seems. He wears two faces.
 

Hmm, that was my thought also.
 

Michael looked toward the door. Nic, I prefer that you not be seen for now, at least not as you are. Can you take care of that please? Rafe and I will assist you. Alert Lycan, of course.
 

Yes, Michael. Blond and blue-eyed?
 

No. I believe that would look too much like Melli. I prefer that you appear more like…Fen.
 

There was humor in Michael’s thought. Rafe barely repressed his grin as his brother passed behind Lycan’s large form a slim, violet-eyed brunet and emerged a stocky, brown-eyed redhead.
 

Lycan bowed his head to whisper in Nic’s ear. “You still smell like my bossy Pup and remember, I can see past your little disguises, though I like your usual appearance unaltered best.” Nic’s only reply was a cheeky grin.
 

Michael gave an imperceptible nod of approval to his son. He reached for a towel that Colin had placed nearby and wiped the sweat from his brow and neck. He was wearing only a pair of baggy loose-fitting trousers and the sculpted muscles of his torso bore testimony to his morning discipline of strenuous exercise. Benra certainly seemed to be fascinated with their father’s physique, Rafe thought, and he reminded Nic to keep their communications very narrow - on what he and Nic considered to be their private channel.
 

Be careful with anything you ‘say’ to Lycan.
 

Thank you, brother. I might not have thought of that on my own.
 

Sorry. But that older druid eying our father like that…it is disturbing.
 

We need to disturb Colin. He’d put a stop to it.
 

I hate to disturb Colin before his meditations are done.
 

Nic’s tone was wickedly amused. Then let me ask Lycan to help.
 

I think we can leave Michael to protect himself. For now. Melli does not care for your pet wolf’s way of dealing with her pet druid.
 

She is always so critical of me.
 

“Sir, let me hand you your tunic,” Nic said out loud in a cheerful voice that mimicked Fen’s regional accent. Rafe admired his brother’s ability to not only do visual illusions, but to add the extra touches that made them so believable. He was a born mage. And actor.
 

“You do not want to catch a chill after exercising, M’Lord,” Nic told their father, his tone properly respectful, yet with the familiarity of a favored servant.
 

“Thank you, Den. Thank you also, Rafe, for bringing breakfast for us. Benra, you have met Mellisande and Rafael. I believe you have also met Lycan. May I introduce Den, a young man who assists us here on the Island. Please join us in breaking our fast?”
 

Benra nodded cordially. “I would be pleased to do so, thank you.” He looked at ‘Den’ closely. “Hello young man. I believe I met a relative of yours last night. A very helpful young man. But…if I am not mistaken….” Benra seemed to be scrutinizing Nic carefully, more carefully than would seem necessary for a mere “helpful young man’s” relative.
 

Lycan looked at Benra aggressively, as he slung his arm over the redhead’s shoulder. “Do you have something you wish to say, old man?”
 

Rafe stepped forward, moving between the two, pulling a chair out from the table where he had placed the tray.
 

“Sir, perhaps we should have explained that Den and Lycan are…special friends.” He managed to summon a blush, which Nic admired.

Special friends?
 

Did you want me to say mates?
 

Lycan would.
 

Undoubtedly, Michael’s dry tone interjected. You two need to focus. But… good distraction, Rafe. He is clearly trying to get a read on Dominic’s power level, which you’re going to have to try hiding, son. It’s going through the roof. Stand as close to Rafe as you reasonably can, or me. Although he may possibly think it is Lycan. So little is known about Metamorphs. I don’t want him knowing about you. If it would not make him even more curious, I’d send you from the room now, but the drop in power would be too noticeable.
 

The twins nodded their understanding. Rafe had thought that his brother’s power seemed stronger when he had entered from his night with Lycan, and from the pleased undertone to his father’s thoughts, he realized that Michael must have expected this result. Could his father have encouraged the mating of his brother to the Metamorph just to increase his power?
 

No, and we’ll discuss your even thinking such a thing of me later, was the terse response from Michael. And yes, you did project that thought, let us hope the thought did not go beyond the two of us.
 

The three of us, I’ve put up a shield, was Nic’s quiet comment. Rafe sent him an apologetic look.
 

“Are you feeling better this morning, Benra, sir?” Melli inquired sweetly of the older man. She was surprised when Lycan pulled her chair out for her. He winked at her and she blushed.
 

“I am feeling…battered but unbowed, my dear.” Benra managed to smile at Melli while glaring at Lycan. “Your teachers are quite good at healing. The bruises on my jaw are almost healed.”

“And the smell of demon is much less this morning,” Lycan said, grinning wolfishly.
 

“On that note,” Colin said brightly, “I believe I shall give up on my meditations this morning. Greetings, everyone. May the goddess bless this day.”
 

“Good day, Colin,” Nic smiled broadly at the tall druid, who blinked.
 

What do you think of ‘Den’ my friend? I believe he makes a believable kin to our Fen?
 

Except for that gleeful grin that could belong to none other than our lad. And the power levels that I think might rival even yours, Colin marveled.
 

We are trying not to draw attention to that.
 

Ah, well, then I believe Lycan will provide a handy distraction every time we need one.
 

Won’t he though? Michael’s tone was positively gleeful.
 

Colin shook his head fondly. Michael grew impatient with Nic’s sense of humor sometimes, but there was no doubt that Nic came by it honestly. That mango did not fall far from the tree, Colin told himself. He gave himself a mental shake and addressed Benra again, smiling pleasantly.
“Benra, it is good to see that you are up and about. And the young people have brought us food to break our fast, excellent. Let me wash up and then I will join you for the blessing.”
 

Nic noticed that Benra had already reached for a roll from the basket Magda had filled generously. Even Lycan had nodded his head and given thanks before beginning his quick meal downstairs. While the young people did not act as formally as Colin did, they all respected his ways and assumed that all druids were as devout. Now Nic wondered if Colin was the exception or if Benra was. With Colin’s gentle reminder, the old man withdrew his hand and pretended that he had been adjusting the rolls.
 

“I cannot tell you how very happy I am to be here,” Benra said, smiling with all his teeth showing. “I’ve watched and waited long years for this time, when I prayed to the goddess I would find a remnant of the Royals. It is time for the Royals to resume their place in Terrafyn.”
 

Colin walked up to the table and took his seat. He gestured for Michael and the men to sit also. They had been waiting for Colin, as the spiritual leader of their house. He quietly and very sincerely gave thanks and asked for the goddess’ blessing. When he was finished, he looked at Benra.
 

“Veris, we would like to know more about your search. How did you survive the years? When I left the Kingdom, our Order had been slaughtered, and I barely escaped with Mellisande.”
 

“You were blessed by Destiny to save the Royal child, my son. It was a great honor that Destiny bestowed upon you.”
 

“Quite an honor,” Michael said in his dry way. “Dodging arrows, suffering multiple knife and sword wounds, almost dying more than once. Many more honors like that and ….”
 

“I am sure Veris did not mean it like that, Michael,” Colin said, smiling at his friend. Then he gave Melli an especially warm smile. “It was an honor I would never have wanted to have missed, regardless of the wounds. It was a great privilege, my dear girl, to have been part of your life.”
Rafe held Melli’s hand under the table.

Nic, in his guise as Den spoke up. “Well, it all worked out for the best, didn’t it, M’Lord? You haven’t had any arrows or things here in a while. Well, at least, not until yesterday.”
 

He made a comical face. Lycan laughed and reached for some bread, handing a piece to Nic.
 

“You had better put this in your mouth, boy. It tastes better than your foot.”
 

Benra frowned. “Do you always share meals with your…servants and their…friends?”
 

“We like to share our meals with our friends,” Colin replied in his gentle tone. “But come, Veris, you have not said, how did you survive the attacks on our Order?”
 

Benra appeared to be concentrating on cutting a piece of steak and did not immediately respond.
 

“Perhaps he does not wish to answer in front of the servants and their...friends?” Lycan put exactly the same intonation in the words as Benra had, which in his deep voice, made the prissy tone and words very amusing. Nic and Michael snickered but Rafe managed to refrain from showing his amusement.

Melli gave him a look that told him that she at least, was not fooled by his solemn expression. She shook her head at them. This Metamorph was proving to be a bad influence on even Michael, she thought.
 

By the time the meal was over, however, even Melli was feeling less charitable toward Benra and slightly more warmly toward Lycan. The older Druid was evasive in the extreme, and beneath his genial manner was a highly offensive racism toward the Metamorphs. Yet, despite repeated provocative comments, Lycan remained unprovoked. Michael and Colin were pleased to see that he was able to keep his temper when necessary. While Michael had accepted that destiny had chosen this life partner for his oldest son, he had concerns due to his lack of knowledge of the Metamorphs generally. His instincts told him that Lycan loved Dominic - but Lycan was a fully matured man, one used to obedience and respect. Dominic was a joy as a son and a wonderful young man, but obedience was not his strong suit. Nor was respect, at least not in a traditional sense. It was a good thing Lycan had such an excellent sense of humor, Michael reflected.
 

“Perhaps you would like to take a walk around the Island, if you are feeling strong enough,” Colin finally suggested, frustrated beyond even his patience at his old tutor’s refusal to answer any question directly. As soon as he made the suggestion, he regretted it, because immediately, Benra turned to Mellisande.
 

“That is an excellent suggestion! Would you be so kind, my dear, and escort me around this delightful home of yours?”
 

Melli looked doubtfully at Colin but it was Michael who answered.
 

“As I am sure you will understand, Benra, we do not allow the Queen Presumptive to walk with males unescorted,” Michael said seriously.
 

We don’t? I guess our dear Assassin and Advisor do not know about you and Melli taking those private strolls along the beach and those explorations of the caves and….
 

That will be enough out of you, ‘Den.’ Father is just making sure Melli is not left alone with him. And we’re not the ones who were frolicking on the beach last night.
 

Bet you wish you were.
 

Enough.
 

Michael’s tone was not amused this time. Rafe schooled his expression appropriately.
 

“I would be happy to escort Mellisande and Magda with Benra. If that would meet with your approval, sir.”
 

“Yes, I believe that would be acceptable. “ Michael nodded. Nic tilted his head and considered his father.
 

What is it, Pup? Lycan noted the pensive look on Nic’s face and drew him slightly away.
 

I forget sometimes that my father would be King, but for his decision to remain in the role of protector to me. He has more nobility and natural leadership than I ever will.
 

Lycan pulled Dominic close. He took advantage of the others discussing the path that the walkers should take, to kiss him. Lifting his head, Lycan smiled at the dazed look in the unfamiliar brown eyes. Looking deeper, he could see the deep violet of his mate beneath the illusion.
 

I see a leader…in the making. Your father’s choice was a good one.
 

Nic hoped so. His father’s life had been dedicated to preserving the Royal line, not just his family, but his family’s right to rule over the First and Second Kingdoms, and with Colin, Mellisande’s right to the throne of the Third Kingdom. Sometimes Nic wondered if they really were entitled to rule merely by right of their birth. But he knew that they would do better than the Authority. It was just his worry that he would be able to live up to his duty as a ruler over so many different people.

*****************
 

Michael, Colin, Dominic and Lycan met up, by agreement, in Colin’s tower after the walking party had departed. Fen and a few of the other telepaths joined the group. Fen was alerted to the relative he had acquired. He was gifted at shielding so he was able to seem as though he was hiding his level of power - which he was - but not for the reason that Benra would assume.
 

“So you were acting so Kingly to impress Benra?” Nic exclaimed to Michael once the need to hide the power levels was explained to him. “You had me ready to bow to you!”
 

“You should treat your Sire with more respect,” Lycan commented mildly, but the reprimand subdued Nic. He looked down, abashed.
 

“Nic knows when to show respect, his Sire has no complaint,” Michael told Lycan. He gave his son a hug, surprising and pleasing Nic with the unusual show of affection. When they finished hugging, Michael kept his hands on Nic’s shoulders and held him at arm’s length in order to look at him closely.
 

“All is well, Dominic?”
 

“Yes, Father.”
 

“We have a great deal to talk about and not much time.”
 

Colin gestured for Lycan to have a seat. “Are we correct in thinking that you must be getting back to your pack right away?”
 

Lycan sat down, leaning back against the cushions comfortably, crossing his legs.

Colin noted that the Metamorph wore no foot covering now, when he had been shifting, but recalled that in the cavern, some of the Metamorphs wore woven cloth boots. Perhaps he should get Dominic something different than the leather boots he currently favored. He was going to be spending a great deal of time with a people who might not appreciate the use of leather as apparel. Something to look into, he decided.
 

“My Pack is in good hands but I do need to return to them. This is the time when we return to our winter grounds. We are delayed now for two days beyond what we planned already.”
 

Michael turned to him. “What are your plans for Dominic?”
 

Lycan looked directly at Michael. “I have no ‘plans’ for Dominic. He is his own man, even though we are mates. I would want him to come with me but I recognize that he has duties, much as I do.”
 

Nic placed his hand on Lycan’s thigh. “Thank you, Lycan, for understanding that.” He looked to his father and Colin. “But I am sure that Michael and Colin have a plan, they always do,” he said confidently.
 

“We have a plan, of sorts,” Michael conceded. “I do not know if it is feasible, Lycan, only you can tell me if it is.”
 

“I am listening,” Lycan said.
 

“We need allies if Dominic is to regain his throne. Your people have been persecuted by the Authority, all of the Metamorphs have. It seems that things are only getting worse.”
 

“The attitudes of most humans and mind-twisters seem to be in agreement that my kind is not equal to either of your kinds.”
 

Colin shook his head sadly. “I am sorry for the way Benra spoke. We did not speak against it because we wanted to glean as much information from him as we could. I apologize now.”
 

Lycan waved his hand. “I know that you and the Cub’s Sire do not think as that one does. I fought by your side and saw how both of you fought for and with my pack. You know that my pack will ally with you, and I will speak with the other packs, and take Nic to them. I am confident they will join us. My pack is the largest and strongest. What is it that you are really asking?”
 

“Would you take Dominic to the other Metamorph leaders and let him present his claim, seek their alliance? Would it be safe for him, a human and a ‘mind-twister’ to go to them and make his case for an alliance?”
 

Dominic was shocked silent.
 

Well, there is a first, Nic speechless. Melli and Rafe would never believe it, Colin thought.
 

I am finding it a bit difficult to believe myself, Michael confessed. Perhaps we should have given him a hint of what we came up with based on your visions.
 

Lycan took Dominic’s hand in his large one as he told Michael and Colin,“I will guard Dominic’s life and you have my word that he will be returned to you safely. Whether the other Metamorphs will choose to align themselves with your cause, that I cannot promise but I will do all in my power to help him in that goal.”
 

“I believe that will be enough,” Michael said. “What groups do you recommend he approach?”
 

“Beren is the leader of the largest sleuth of bear Metamorphs in the First Kingdom. He is slow to make a judgment, but once he does, he will be unshakeable. Several of his men were killed last season.” Lycan’s expression darkened. “It was an ugly incident. The men were slaughtered after being deliberately provoked into morphing. The Authority guards….” Lycan stopped for a moment, then continued, his deep voice shaking with his anger. “They wanted the pelts for the Council’s Government house in Candone. Something ‘special’ was wanted, that is what they said.”
 

It was Dominic’s turn to take Lycan’s hand. “I promise that I will do all in my power to avenge such unspeakable wrongs.”
 

Michael paced over to the window. “There is a great evil in the land. It came some forty years ago and it has been increasing for over four decades, its influence growing. The Royals should have done something when we first saw it happening but we thought it was not our concern. Adam told me about it. He wished so much that he had argued with father and our uncle. But he never did. Never tried to make them see what was happening.”
 

It was not the fault of your family. Evil is responsible for what it does. Colin sought to comfort Michael. Lycan looked at the two men as they stood together at the large window.
 

Why do they deny their bond? Lycan asked Nic.
 

It is not yet their time.
 

Michael turned to face Lycan and Dominic. “I believe that the time has come to take our own steps and no longer wait in fear for the evil to find us. We have readied ourselves for the battle, now it is time to seek our allies in the war to come. The Metamorphs have suffered as we have. Whoever stands behind this Authority has persecuted them for as long as we have been hunted. It is time to find them and turn the predator into the prey, the prey into the hunter.”
 

“There are others like Beren, who will listen. Some have retreated too far into their animal nature; they will trust no man. But among those who are still true Metamorphs, Beren of the Bears and Ran of the Ravens, we will go first to them,” Lycan said decisively. “If Dominic can win them to his side, together with my Wolves, the others will follow our lead…” Lycan stood and pulled Dominic to his feet. “And our leader.”
 

Dominic squared his shoulders. “Then I will get ready to leave.” A thought occurred to him. He looked at Michael. “Isn’t Rafe coming with me?” In that moment, he teetered on the edge between strong leader - and young boy who had never left home without his twin by his side.
 

Michael looked at Colin. He had foreseen this moment and dreaded it. He remembered well how he had felt when he learned that he was to go to the Second Kingdom alone, without Adam, to live among strangers. And as close as he had been to Adam, Dominic and Rafael were far closer.
 

Before Colin could think of the words to smooth this rough spot for both Michael and Dominic, Lycan had pulled Dominic into his embrace.
 

“I will be your protector. Your brother would not like having his role taken from him when with my Pack and he will have more to do here, guarding the rest of your family. Neither of you will be alone and you share with him that same connection you and I have, in our minds, do you not?”
 

Dominic relaxed, and after resting his head for a second on Lycan’s chest, he took a deep breath and stood up straight again. “I will be ready to leave for the Mainland within the hour. I may speak with Rafe first, Michael? And Melli, of course.”
 

It was Colin who nodded assent. Michael closed the space between Dominic and him. He hugged his oldest son tightly.
 

Are you sure you are ready for this, my son? If you are not…if you want to wait….
 

I am ready, Michael. But thank you for giving me a choice. And thank you for accepting my choice of mate. Lycan…he is the only one who could make me happy apart from Rafael.
 

I know. I do not show it always, but…I love you boys, more than life itself.
 

We know, Father. We have always known and we love you too.
 

Dominic stepped back from his father’s embrace and if his beautiful eyes were a bit damp, none of the other men mentioned it. His voice was cheerful enough as he asked Colin, “Will we be taking the yacht or teleporting?”
 

“Does it make a difference to you?” Colin asked, smiling at the resiliency of this twin.
 

“Of course! I can bring much more with me if we go by water.”
 

“Only if you can carry it with you on an eighty league hike,” Lycan pointed out, smiling to see Nic’s pout. “And no, I am not a mule. I expect to be carrying you before we catch up to the Pack, I am not going to haul your wardrobe also.”
 

Nic started to cajole, and Lycan continued to tease.

Colin took advantage of their banter to check on Michael, who still looked pensive. We agreed that this was the wisest plan - are you having second thoughts?
 

No…I was only thinking how amused Adam would have been by this pair, and how much I wish he were with us now. Funny, with my first one going off into the world with his partner, I suppose I should be feeling melancholy for Suzanne, but sometimes I can hardly remember her. Except for her eyes, of course. When I think of the boys, I now think of you as their other parent. Michael looked up at Colin and gave him a brilliant smile. You did a brilliant job of raising them - thank you.
 

It was Colin who had to blink back the tears this time. He wasn’t completely successful, but Michael gently reached out his hand and caught the tear with his thumb before it could roll down his cheek. When he then touched his thumb to his tongue to taste of that solitary tear, those green eyes holding his gaze the whole time, Colin thought his breath would stop.
 

“Michael,” he whispered hoarsely, leaning closer, as though pulled by invisible strings. Michael’s other hand came up, as though to pull him even closer, but before his touch, there came a loud shout from the lower level.
 

“Are you telling me that there are three Royal children living here and one has been kept hidden from me?” Benra’s angry voice cried out.
 

“Colin, take Nic and Lycan from the Island now, I am going to deal with our guest, and he will start giving me answers. Return as soon as possible.” Michael clapped Lycan on the back, brushed a quick kiss on Nic’s brow and was gone from the room.
 

Colin sighed. He looked at Nic.
 

“If you need anything brought to you, get a message to Rafe or me. I will explain to Rafe as soon as I get back. Link hands with me now, Nic, help me focus on Lycan’s magic core, I want you to be able to teleport him yourself if you need to.”
 

Nic looked around the familiar round tower room one last time before it faded from view.
 

Farewell for now, brother. I go in search of allies. And my destiny.

 

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