The Children of Light
Book Two
Chapter Four
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.
Lachlan - [email protected] or [email protected]
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Without a second’s hesitation, in the minutest of seconds it took him to realise he didn’t care and loved him without compromise, Alex had Quinn sitting in his lap, his right arm wrapped tight around the blond’s back, his left hand cupping the back of the blond’s head, pulling him fiercely against his body.
‘Oh amore mio.’ The Italian whispered into the blond’s ear, Quinn himself sobbing painfully against his boyfriend’s shoulder. ‘Quinn, my love.’ He murmured as he rocked him back and forth gently.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.’ The blond sobbed against the Italian’s neck.
‘Baby. You don’t have to be sorry.’ Alex said as he continued to rock his lover in his lap.
‘I needed to.’ Quinn said softly, his sobs and tears easing slowly.
‘Why?’ Alex questioned as he tightened his embrace.
‘I wanted you to know.’ Quinn said with a slight sob. ‘I needed you to know.’
‘I understand.’ Alex said, his years of Counselling taking over momentarily. ‘Was it just the once?’ Alex felt the blond stiffen slightly in his embrace.
‘No.’ He confessed, clinging to his lover. ‘No, it happened quite a lot.’ Alex rubbed his hand up and down the blond’s back, trying to comfort him.
‘Did anyone ever find out?’ The Italian asked gently. He felt the blond’s body tighten in response.
‘Mum found him. She threw him off, grabbed me and ran to Nana’s.’ Quinn said as his body relaxed. ‘Mum tells me that Nana proved that day why she was the Holy Strega.’
‘What did she do?’ Alex asked of his lover, kissing him softly on the cheek.
‘She burnt him. Mum said she was so angry that her close spirits demanded retribution. Her wind spirits stole her and whisked her to our house. The fire spirits begged her to let them loose on him.’ Quinn had become very still, clinging to his lover.
‘She explained to mum, and to me when I was older, that her close spirits screamed with anger. Barraged her with demands to be let loose. My father begged for forgiveness as her wind spirits held him to the floor. Nana finally relented, closing her eyes, she nodded once. It was all they needed. She walked out of the house as her spirits exacted their revenge on him. They tore the house to shreds, burnt it as quickly as they burnt him. The earth opened and swallowed the still burning house and what was left of his body. She came back to us a combination of anger and fear.’
‘That must have been a difficult thing for her to do.’ Alex said hugging his lover closer still to himself, his muscled torso pressing against the blond’s smaller frame comfortingly.
‘That’s what mum said.’ Quinn said after a moment. ‘But, I wanted to tell you that because… well because that disgusting act did one good thing for me.’ Alex managed to repress a shudder at the thoughts that came to his mind.
‘What’s that babe?’ He asked softly.
‘The damage he caused me. It made me able to join with you easier. The very first time you were inside me, it felt like you were meant to be there, a permanent part of me, like I was made exactly for you.’ Quinn chuckled quietly to himself. Alex closed his eyes which had started to water.
‘Quinn, my love. Even without his doing that, you were still made for me. Irrespective of the damage caused by his inhumane treatment of you, you were always meant for me. Please don’t mention that again.’ Alex said as the tears fell from his closed eyes. ‘You are mine and I am yours not because of him, but because you are my light. You are my love. You are my heart.’ He finished sobbing quietly. Quinn held on to the Italian, his own eyes watering again when Alex finished speaking.
The two men sat quietly for several long minutes, the blond cradled in the Italian’s lap, both men lost in their own thoughts as the setting sun dusted them with failing light.
‘I love you.’ Quinn whispered softly.
‘I love you.’ Alex replied with sincerity.
‘Hey Georgie. How are you?’ Alex said as the phone was answered.
‘Yeah, we’re good. Hey, I wanted to ask you something.’ Alex responded.
‘No, no, I just wanted to ask, would you be part of my groom party during the wedding?’ The younger cousin asked holding his breath.
‘Mikhail, Jaden and you.’ He answered.
‘You will? Oh that’s brilliant. Thank you Georgie!’ Alex said as his breath exploded with relief. ‘Thank you Georgie.’
‘Yes absolutely. I’ll let you know when the first practice is. Thank you again.’ Alex rabbited on quickly.
‘Okay. Talk to you soon. Bye.’ He said disconnecting the call.
‘All good?’ Quinn asked when his boyfriend walked in through the back door.
‘Yup!’ Alex said with a grin on his face. Quinn smiled despite himself.
‘Excellent. So that makes Mikhail, Jaden and Giorgio your three and Bruce, Caiden and Fabz my three.’ Quinn said ticking off the list on his writing pad.
‘Why do we need so many?’ Alex questioned his lover, knowing Lachlan had explained it to the blond.
‘There has to be thirteen people involved in the ceremony. Fergus and Lachlan are two; you and I are another two. The bridal and groom parties make up another six. And Mum, Mamma and Grayson are the final three.’ The blond said counting the people on his fingers and smiling with relief when he got it correct.
‘That seems like a lot of effort.’ The Italian queried politely.
‘Lachlan did say there was a reason for it.’ Quinn said with a wink. Alex leaned over and kissed the blond softly on his forehead.
‘Well if he say’s its important, then we do it.’ Alex said with a chuckle.
‘Where’s Mickey and Fabz?’ Quinn asked as if just noticing their absence.
‘They’re headed to Giorgio’s for lunch.’ Alex said as he dug around in the fridge looking for something. ‘Are you hungry baby?’
‘A little.’ The blond said placing the pen he was holding on the kitchen island bench top. ‘What’s to eat?’
‘How’d you like a chicken and salad sandwich?’ Alex asked poking his head around the fridge door and winking at the blond.
‘Sounds delicious.’ Quinn said with a giggle. The Italian went about making the sandwiches as Quinn poured them a glass of orange juice each and took them outside, placing them on the outdoor table. He sat down in one of the chairs and waited for Alex to come out.
‘Here you are my love.’ The Italian said putting a plate in front of the blond. He had made a sandwich with two slices of focaccia bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avocado, carrot, shredded chicken and mayonnaise. Quinn thanked his boyfriend and picked up the oversized sandwich, taking a careful bite.
‘So, how do you think Bruce is going to react?’ Alex asked around a mouthful of half chewed sandwich, Quinn giggling at the appalling manners of his boyfriend.
‘He should be alright I think. Lachlan said that Caiden can monitor him and keep him from outright panic.’ The blond said after swallowing his mouthful. ‘In fact, all of our not so supernatural guests will be watched carefully and relaxed if they start to get uncomfortable.’
‘Good to know.’ The Italian said with a grin.
‘Speaking of uncomfortable, we have a practice of the ceremony next Saturday.’ Quinn said with a devilish grin. Alex laughed and nodded.
‘Let’s go to a movie after lunch.’ Alex said with a smile.
‘Sounds good!’ Quinn said returning the Italian’s smile.
‘He said he’d be here.’ Alex said barely managing to contain his anger.
‘Maybe he got busy?’ Quinn said trying to calm his boyfriend down. He lunged and grabbed his boyfriend’s hand, stopping the man from storming out of the house.
‘He promised me.’ The Italian said close to tears. Quinn threw himself at his boyfriend, flinging his arms around the sturdy neck and pressing his nose against Alex’s.
‘Don’t panic baby. It’s only a practice.’ The blond said trying his best to relax the Italian. Alex closed his eyes briefly and exhaled through his nose slowly.
‘Okay.’ The Italian said opening his eyes and staring into the impossibly green eyes of his lover. ‘Baby, seriously, what’s going on with your eyes?’ He asked curiously.
‘Nothing, why?’ Quinn answered releasing his hold around his lover’s neck and racing over to a mirror on the living room wall. He gazed into the mirror and even he noticed his eyes were uncannily green. ‘That’s really weird.’ He gasped staring into his eyes for a moment. Alex’s reflection appeared behind the blond’s.
‘Maybe it’s your powers?’ Alex questioned. He took the blond’s shoulders in his hands and squeezed tenderly.
‘Maybe.’ Quinn agreed looking up to his boyfriend’s reflection.
‘Come on. Let’s head over to the Sanctuary.’ Alex said quietly into the blond’s ear, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend and nibbling the small delicate ear. Quinn giggled as the Italian lifted him with ease and they were both standing outside in the mid-morning sun.
‘Come on Mickey! Fabz!’ Alex called out loudly. Alex and Quinn cuddled a moment longer before they heard the thunderous footsteps of the Russian charging through the house. The giant came barging out of the house, one shoe on his foot, its partner dangling from the man’s mouth, a t-shirt tucked under his right arm, his jeans unbuttoned.
‘What in the hell?’ Quinn asked watching Mikhail hopping across the lawn shirtless, the huge slabs of pectoral muscles bouncing hypnotically, Fabrizio in a similar state himself as he walked out the back door.
‘Sorry.’ Mikhail muffled around a mouthful of shoe. ‘Lost track of time.’ Alex and Quinn burst into laughter watching the Russian and the younger cousin dressing themselves.
‘Put your shoe on you knob.’ Quinn laughed as Mikhail fell over a few feet away from them. Fabrizio came to stand beside his boyfriend pulling a maroon jersey over his bright red face. The Italian and Canadian were still giggling when the two men were fully dressed and ready to leave.
‘You two are worse than rabbits!’ Alex said as the four men appeared on the gravel road in front of the Sanctuary’s veiled entrance.
‘Why do you think I call him my zàyka?’ Mikhail questioned waggling his brows at the Italian. Quinn snorted at the hilarity as the youngest Italian slapped the Russian on the arm with a loud “thwack”.
‘Mikhail!’ Fabrizio chided his giant lover, his eyes pleading for him to stop.
‘Sorry zàyka.’ The Russian said earning him another slap across the arm, causing both Quinn and Alex to snort with amusement.
‘Best be keeping your mouth shut Mickey.’ Alex said waggling his eyebrows back to the Russian, Quinn giggling to himself as he watched a red apparition drifting by them. He continued watching it for a moment as the other three men walked through the veil.
‘You alright babe?’ Alex asked as he took the blonds hand in his.
‘Yup. Was just watching one of those spirit things.’ Quinn answered as he watched the red cloud float up and over the surrounding trees. ‘If they really are spirits, why don’t they talk to me like they did Nana?’ He looked back to his boyfriend with an embarrassed smile.
‘I’m not sure. Maybe we should ask Grayson or Lachlan?’ Alex replied as he gently pulled his lover towards the veil.
‘I wish Nan was here. She’d be able to tell me what to do.’ Quinn said sadly as they walked through the veil of leaves and slowly toward the cluster of buildings.
‘Well, let’s ask Lachlan about it after the practice, okay?’ Alex said pulling the blond into his side and hugging him. The two men walked comfortably together as they made their way towards the Leader’s private cabin.
‘Hello boys.’ The Leader said emerging from his front door.
‘Hi Lachlan.’ The Italian and Canadian chimed together. Lachlan smiled at their duality.
‘It’s just a quick run through today. To be honest, we really don’t need to practice, as the majority of us are telepaths, we who know the ritual and can connect with everyone during the ceremony and share with them the procedure. Much easier.’
‘Being a telepath certainly does make things a lot easier.’ Quinn laughed.
‘It sure does.’ The Leader responded in kind. ‘Come on then.’ He said leading the two men toward the Circle.
‘Well, that seemed easy enough.’ Alex said as the small group of people walked out of the Circle after what seemed barely ten minutes.
‘Honestly, it’s not all that complicated. The actual ceremony is a bit longer, but it’s hard to practice without everyone here. Besides, on the day, everyone will be connected telepathically, so, there’s no real need to practice.’ The Leader reiterated to everyone present.
‘Shit, it’s only two weeks away.’ Quinn said suddenly realising what the date was.
‘Yup.’ Alex said with a giggle. ‘Did you forget babe?’
‘No, I just didn’t realise how close it was.’ The blond said shaking his head slightly. ‘Time’s flown so quickly.’
‘I guess.’ The Italian said with a smile. ‘Are you nervous?’
‘Not on your life.’ Quinn said. ‘I can’t wait to become Mr. and Mr. Braddock.’ The blond said with a giggle.
‘Wait, I thought we were going to hyphenate?’ Alex said looking to his lover with a confused look. Quinn’s face flushed red.
‘Oh yeah.’ He said hiding his face with embarrassment. ‘Forgot about that.’ The Italian reached out and pulled the blond into his arms, lifting him from the ground with ease and cuddling the smaller man against himself.
‘Mr. and Mr. Beauchamp-Braddock.’ He said softly. ‘I like the sound of that.’
‘I do too.’ Quinn purred softly. ‘Quinn Beauchamp-Braddock.’ He said feeling the name on his tongue.
‘Alex Beauchamp-Braddock.’ The Italian said with a smile. ‘They sound perfect.’
‘If you’ll excuse me for a minute.’ The Leader said to the group as he headed for the entrance veil.
‘Where’s he off to?’ Alex asked as he and Quinn snapped to attention.
‘I don’t know.’ Caiden answered watching the Leader marching to the entrance. ‘I guess we’ll find out when he gets back.’ The blond twin said shrugging his shoulders.
‘I’m hungry.’ Jaden said as he walked towards the central building where the kitchens were. ‘Lunch is ready.’ He called out over his shoulder.
‘I’m not really hungry.’ Quinn said quietly to his boyfriend.
‘Neither. Want to go for a walk?’ He asked sliding his hand down the blond’s arm and holding his hand gently. Quinn nodded and the two men walked off toward the river bank while everyone else sat down for lunch.
‘Something on your mind babe?’ Alex asked as the two men walked in silence beside the churning river.
‘Not really. Just, you know, missing Nana, wishing I knew a little more about these powers.’ The blond said quietly. ‘No, it’s not that. I’m scared of what’s coming. What’s expected of us.’ He said after a few quiet moments.
‘Like what?’ Alex questioned.
‘Like, why is it such a huge and important wedding ceremony? I just wanted to be married to you.’ The blond said sadly. ‘Why do I feel like I’m not only marrying you, but everyone here?’ He continued gesturing up the bank to the settlement.
‘But you’re not. You’re just marrying me.’ Alex said with a smile turning and taking his boyfriend into his arms.
‘But you’re one of their leaders. And now I’m the leader of the Stregheria. It just feels like, my destiny isn’t mine anymore.’ Quinn said resting his head on Alex’s shoulder, his own shoulders slumping somewhat. Alex cuddled the man to himself.
‘I’m marrying you because I love you. You are more important to me than all of this.’ He said waving a hand in the direction of the Sanctuary’s buildings. ‘You are more important than the Stregheria. But when I marry you, I won’t abandon either of them. In fact, with you as my husband, I will be much more capable of looking after the Children of Light, and helping you with your duties as the Holy Strega.’ The Italian declared with pride. He leaned back and took the blonds face in his hands and smiled.
‘Promise?’ Quinn asked as tears fell from his strangely green eyes.
‘I promise, with all my soul, life and body.’ Alex said leaning in and kissing his lover softly on the lips, both men closing their eyes to the moment of intimacy.
‘Och, I’m sorry.’ A heavily Scottish voice said from behind Alex, mildly scaring the two men. ‘I dinna mean to interrupt.’ Alex and Quinn both turned to the new arrival noticing the man’s naturally rolled R’s. Quinn smiled warmly.
‘You must be Fergus.’ The blond said holding his hand out politely. The tall Scotsman took the blond’s hand and shook it firmly, nearly dislocating Quinn’s arm at the shoulder joint. He was almost as tall as the Italian, perhaps an inch shorter, but certainly made up that inch in his width. His shoulders were about five inches broader than the Italian’s, his chest an impressive expanse barely contained in the figure hugging green sweater he was wearing. His waist was comparatively narrow, and his legs were almost as wide as the blond’s chest, the denim barely able to restrain the bulging quadriceps. Quinn glanced at the man’s face and noticed that he had dark chocolate brown eyes that shone when compared to his white, milky skin, dotted infrequently with freckles. His russet coloured hair was long; falling to his shoulders in loose, uncontrolled curls, both sides tucked behind his large pointy ears. His soft skin making him look younger than his actual age of 31.
‘It’s good to meet ye laddie.’ The man said, both Quinn and Alex struggling to understand him with his thick accent. ‘And ye must be Aulicks.’ Fergus said with a smile, shaking the Italian’s hand firmly.
‘Yeah, Alex.’ The Italian said over emphasising his name slightly, wondering if the man mispronounced it on purpose.
‘Sorry mo dubh. Me accent makes most things incomprehensible.’ Fergus laughed understanding what the Italian was doing. ‘Ah-licks.’ The man repeated, still not quite managing to get it right.
‘Close enough.’ Alex said with a smile. ‘And you obviously know this is Quinn.’ The Italian gestured to his boyfriend.
‘Oh aye. Lachlan made mention of yon beauty and he did ye no justice wi’ his description.’ The Scotsman said with a hearty laugh. ‘You’re the spit o’ the moon, and twice its brèaghad.’
‘Twice its what?’ Quinn quoted back, asking for clarification.
‘Brèaghad. It’s beauty.’ Fergus said with a smile to the blond. ‘It’s no mind why mo dubh snatched ye up.’
‘Mo dubh?’ Alex asked catching the term again.
‘Aye, mo dubh. Means “my dark one”. Like your hair.’ The Scotsman said pointing to Alex’s long, punkish black hair. ‘Mind, I could easily call ye gorm sùil if ye’d prefer?’
‘Which means? Alex asked with a laugh.
‘Ole blue eye.’ Fergus said with a wink to the Italian. ‘So tell me then, why ye chose a Pict wedding?’
‘I didn’t even know we had chosen a, what did you say, Pict wedding?’ Quinn asked.
‘Och the wee bastard dinna tell ye ‘bout the wedding then?’ The Scotsman said with a laugh, the Italian and Canadian both shaking their heads in negation. ‘Aye, course the de’il dinna tell ye. He’s a puir sense of informin’ people a’ times.’
‘You’re telling me.’ Alex said with a laugh. ‘Would you mind telling us what a Pict wedding is?’
‘Och nae. Dinna fash yerself wi’ it.’ Fergus said with a laugh. ‘Just know it’s an auld ceremony and I’ll take care o’ the rest.’
‘If you insist.’ Alex laughed heartily, Quinn giggling with him.
'Trust you to go looking for them before I have a chance to introduce you.’ The Leader said coming down the slope with a smile.
‘Nae need for introductions mo caraid.’ Fergus said watching the Leader walking down the incline. ‘Why did ye nae tell these two ‘bout the ceremony?’
‘But I did, didn’t I?’ The Leader responded with a shocked expression.
‘Nae ye fool. Ye dinna tell them it was a Pict ceremony.’ Fergus said slapping the Leader on the arm with a meaty smack.
‘They dinna need to know ye auld horse.’ Lachlan replied punching the Scotsman in the arm, who staggered slightly from the impact. Alex and Quinn both noticed the unusual Scottish lilt to the Leaders words. ‘Sorry guys, you really didn’t need to know. It was going to be a surprise.’ He said looking to the Scotsman and giving him a disappointed look.
‘Och, sorry mo caraid.’ Fergus said slapping a hand to his mouth, his rusty red eyebrows shooting up his forehead.
‘Aye ye goon. Gone and ruin’t the surprise now.’ Lachlan said rolling his tongue over some of the words. Alex and Quinn laughed at both the giant Scotsman’s embarrassment and the Leader’s Scottish tongue.
‘Sorry Alex and Quinn.’ Fergus said looking to the ground respectfully.
‘No it’s alright.’ The blond said reaching out for the man and patting his shoulder. ‘Honestly. We’ll just act surprised on the day.’ Quinn laughed, Alex joining him.
‘There, sorted.’ The Leader said with a laugh. ‘Let’s go get ye some food.’ Lachlan said looping his arm into the muscular arm of the Scotsman.
‘Ugh, do I have to do this?’ Quinn asked clutching to his boyfriend on the back deck of their house. Alex laughed as he cuddled the man to his chest. ‘Can’t I just stay with you tonight?’
‘Yes my love. I was told that if you weren’t allowed out, I would have my penis removed and stuffed up my nose.’ Alex laughed with Quinn giggling against his chest.
‘Who?’ The blond asked a little muffled.
‘Lachlan.’ Alex said with a giggle. ‘And I’m sure he meant it.’ Alex said gently pushing his boyfriend away from his chest. ‘Don’t worry, they’ll look after you, at least they’d better!’ He said slightly louder, for the benefit of the man he knew could hear him.
‘I wish we could just skip to the wedding.’ Quinn said diving into his boyfriend’s chest for one more hug.
‘Me too babe.’ Alex said kissing the top of the blond’s head, squeezing the smaller man in his arms. Quinn took a step back from his lover and smiled.
‘I love you.’ The blond said with his trademark smile.
‘Not as much as I love you.’ Alex said dazzling Quinn with his own smile. With a gasp, the blond was seized by two arms that had just materialised out of thin air, as Lachlan’s grinning face appeared on the Canadian’s shoulder.
‘See ya tomorrow Alex.’ The Leader said with a cackle as he and the blond disappeared into the unseen vortex. Alex laughed as he heard Fabrizio squeal with surprise in the house. Obvious Lachlan or one of the others had popped in and kidnapped him as well.
‘Well now. Why don’t we get this show on the road?’ Daxa said with a laugh, walking out of the shadows, Rama, and Jaden flanking him.
‘Come on Mickey!’ Jaden called out to the house. The four men stood waiting and heard the Russian barrelling through the house as only he could.
‘I’m ready!’ He said as he burst through the back door and charged down the steps. Panting slightly he stood beside his friend and wore a goofy smile on his face.
‘No Giorgio.’ Alex whispered to himself sadly.
‘Don’t worry Alex. We’ll have fun without him.’ Daxa said with a laugh, Rama looking sad for his friend. The Egyptian walked the few steps to the Italian and wrapped an arm around him.
‘Try not to think about it.’ He whispered so only Alex would hear.
‘I just wish he could have come.’ The Italian said with sadness.
‘Want me to…?’ Rama asked twiddling his fingers beside his head. Alex looked into the green eyes of the Leader’s husband and nodded briefly. Rama ran a fingertip from Alex’s temple down his cheek and watched as a smile appeared on the handsome face. Alex turned to Daxa and Jaden and jumped at them excitedly.
‘What did you do?’ Mikhail asked quietly while the three men were distracted, rough housing each other.
‘I supressed the thoughts he was having about his cousin not being here. Only for the night.’ Rama said patting the Russian on the bicep. ‘Just so that he can have some fun.’ Mikhail nodded with understanding and was suddenly the centre of a four man pile up, Jaden and Daxa jumping at Mikhail, Alex and Rama right behind them.
‘Alright!’ Mikhail said with a laugh. ‘Let’s go!’ He bellowed as the five men were pulled into the vortex and disappeared.
‘Where are we?’ Quinn asked as soon as they materialised. The sun was almost directly above head and felt hotter than normal. ‘Where the hell are we?’ The blond asked again panicking slightly.
‘Relax.’ The Leader said with a laugh. ‘We’re in New Zealand.’
‘NEW ZEALAND?’ Quinn shouted with surprise, his voice echoing across the lake they were standing beside. ‘What are we doing in New Zealand?’
‘I thought this might be a good place to relax and have some drinks.’ Lachlan said turning from the blond and walking toward the sandy banks of the lake beckoning for Quinn to follow.
‘Where is everyone?’ Quinn asked as he followed the Leader.
‘Caiden is organising your guests just through the bushes there.’ Lachlan said gesturing with his chin. ‘And as for the other people to which you refer, we are in the middle of a rather large forest. Nearest semblance of a town is about thirty kilometres away.’
‘Why New Zealand?’ The blond queried walking beside the Leader on the warm sand.
‘This is where Rama and I used to live a long time ago.’ Lachlan answered with a smile
‘I didn’t know that.’ Quinn said quietly, suddenly realising he knew little about Lachlan.
‘Don’t worry about it Quinn. Most people know bugger all about me or Rama.’ The Leader said with a laugh. Lachlan stepped off the warm sand and headed for the thick bushes, Quinn following a few steps behind him.
‘Shit it’s hot here.’ Quinn said taking his jersey off.
‘Sorry, I should have told you. But no worries, we’re nearly there and then you can change your clothes?’
‘Near where?’ The blond asked with curiosity.
‘Just through here is New Zealand’s very own Sanctuary.’ Lachlan said with a flourish. ‘I used to visit here quite a lot, still visit every now and then.’
‘Wait, there’s more than one Sanctuary?’ Quinn asked with mild confusion.
‘There are quite a few Sanctuary’s around the world.’ The Leader said holding a thicket of bush apart for the blond. ‘This just happens to be the one I used to visit when I was younger.’
‘Is there a Leader here?’ Quinn asked scrabbling behind Lachlan.
‘Actually there is. You’ll meet him very soon.’ The Leader said as they cleared the thick bushes and walked towards an incredibly large tree, nearly ten foot wide at the base, but had a strange hole in the middle, like a doorway. The Leader stepped into the entrance and called out for Quinn to follow him. The blond stepped into the natural opening in the tree’s base and felt the Leader taking his hand in his and leading him through the darkness.
‘This tree is hundreds of years old.’ Lachlan said as he stepped out into the sunlight. ‘When this Sanctuary was formed, the Leader of the time asked the spirit of the tree to protect and allow entrance to only those worthy of entrance. So the tree spirit opened himself and declared that any who were worthy of entrance shall pass through him. And those that weren’t would forever become a part of him.’ The Leader felt the blond shudder.
‘Did that happen often?’ Quinn asked with caution, not sure he wanted to know the answer.
‘No.’ Lachlan said with a smile. ‘Come on, nearly there.’ The Leader began walking along a well beaten path through the foliage, Quinn right behind him. After a few minutes of uphill walking, the trees and bracken began to thin out and quite suddenly the two men were walking through a lush green field with similar yet somehow different buildings scattered in front of them.
‘Wow.’ Quinn exclaimed looking around at the magnificent scenery.
‘Welcome to the Aotearoa Sanctuary.’ Lachlan said opening his arms and turning around on the spot. The Aotearoa Sanctuary sat between two rather large hills, not quite mountains, that encircled the boundaries. Looking back the way they had walked, Quinn could see the lake upon whose bank they had been walking earlier. The lake sprawled out and splayed off in different directions, the dark blue water glittering in the early afternoon sun. Quinn turned back to the Leader, his face in the comical O shape of surprise.
‘What did you call this place?’ The blond asked for clarification.
‘I call it the Aotearoa Sanctuary. Aotearoa is the native name for New Zealand. It’s commonly known as The Land of the Long White Cloud.’ Lachlan said smiling to the blond.
‘It’s really quiet here.’ Quinn said looking around again, concentrating on something. ‘Seriously, it’s dead quiet.’ He reiterated.
‘It’s always been quiet here.’ The Leader said appearing beside the blond and hooking their arms together.
‘No, it’s even quieter than that. I can’t see any spirits. Nothing.’ Quinn said still looking around at the forest. ‘Not a single thing.’
‘Interesting.’ The Leader said. ‘Mind if I join you?’ He asked twiddling his fingers next to his temple, the blond nodding. Lachlan connected with Quinn telepathically and shared his unique eyesight.
‘Look at me please.’ Lachlan requested. The blond looked at the Leader and both men watched through the same eyes as an incredibly bright light began to seep from the dark haired man.
‘And now look back around.’ Quinn looked slowly around the surrounding hills and both men saw no other spiritual life around the place. Quinn noticed a small collection of people near a building and focussed on them. Soon enough they saw the spiritual light shining from the group.
‘That’s the only spirit light I can see here. Normally there are wisps floating about, but here, there’s nothing.’ The blond said with a tone of curiosity.
‘That is rather odd. I’ll look into that later.’ The Leader said breaking the connecting and regaining his normal sight. ‘Let’s go find the others and have a good time.’ He said dragging the blond along with him towards the group of people they spotted. As the two men walked into the small clearing where the group was, suddenly more people emerged from different directions. Quinn recognised a face or two, and then began to recognise more.
‘Mum?’ He called out when he spotted his mother, wearing a light and breezy floral summer dress. The woman walked to her son quickly and embraced him tenderly.
‘It’s gorgeous here isn’t it?’ She asked as she released her son.
‘It’s so quiet.’ The blond said with a smile.
‘For those of you who don’t know, this is Quinn, the bride to be.’ Lachlan said to the crowd of people. Quinn suddenly spotted a warm and smiling face he was glad to see.
‘Mamma!’ He called out and skipped to Mrs. Braddock, hugging her firmly.
‘Caro mio!’ The Italian woman said pulling the blond to herself. ‘It’s good to see you.’
‘And you too!’ Quinn said with a smile.
‘Quinn, I’d like you to meet someone.’ The Leader said quietly, standing just behind the blond. Quinn turned around and lay eyes upon a man of equal stature to his future husband. Barely an inch or two shorter than Alex, he was broad in the shoulders. He had fair white skin and a light dusting of freckles over his shirtless torso. Although not as muscular as Alex, he was quite trim and sported the lean muscles of a swimmer. His eyes were a dark blue and they glistened in the sunlight, his lips were full and red.
‘Quinn this is James, Leader of the Aotearoa Sanctuary.’ Lachlan said to the blond. ‘James this is Quinn, bride to be.’
‘A pleasure to meet you.’ James said with an obvious New Zealand accent. He held out his hand to the blond who shook hands with him briefly.
‘Thank you for having me.’ The blond said with a smile.
‘Alright, let’s get this party started.’ Lachlan said waving a hand and music began playing from one of the nearby cabins. Caiden appeared behind the blond and cuddled him.
‘Come with me.’ He said quietly as he pulled the blond with him.
‘Where are we going?’ Quinn asked wondering why they were circling around the crowd of people.
‘You didn’t notice a few people before and I think you should say hi.’ Caiden said conspiratorially. They stopped behind four people who all turned around dramatically.
‘Holy shit!’ Quinn shouted seeing his three best friends, Mitchell, Bruce and Cameron, and of course Alex’s cousin, Fabrizio. ‘Oh wow, I’m so glad you guys came!’ The blond said as the four men hugged him.
‘We wouldn’t miss this for the world!’ Mitchell said with a laugh.
‘Can’t believe you didn’t tell us about all this super cool shit Quinn!’ Bruce said with a giggle.
‘Or introduced me to this sexy beast!’ Cameron said winking at Fabrizio who flushed bright red.
‘He’s taken, sorry Cam!’ Quinn said still hugging his three best friends and cousin-in-law.
‘Girl can still look.’ Cameron replied with a laugh.
‘Come get a drink guys.’ Lachlan called over to the group of men. As they walked over to where the drinks were being served, Bruce asked the question that had been nagging him since being told about Quinn’s unusual life.
‘So blondie, what’s your special gift?’
‘Ah yes.’ Quinn said with a mischievous smile. ‘I’m the Holy Strega.’
‘The Holy what now?’ The three men queried in unison.
‘He is the Holy Strega. The Supreme Witch. The Spirit Talker.’ Lachlan said with a cunning smile as the five men approached him. He handed them each a large glass of champagne.
‘That sounds… impressive.’ Bruce said unsure if he believed it.
‘Quinn, you recall the training you did with Grayson and the mage.’ The Leader asked while pressing the memory into the blond’s thoughts. Quinn smiled brightly and turned on the group, stepping away from everyone and turning back to face Lachlan.
‘Ready.’ Quinn nodded taking a mouthful of champagne. Lachlan, making sure to draw the attention of Quinn’s three best friends, summoned a huge ball of fire in his hands. The three men all gasped with shock and stumbled back slightly. The Leader, smirking, threw the fireball at the blond who had raised a hand in front of him. The fireball hit an unseen barrier and exploded in sparks and flames two feet from the blond, who was smiling brighter than the fireball was.
‘Holy shit!’
‘Holy fuck!’
‘Holy crap!’ The three men shouted in surprise.
‘Holy Strega.’ Quinn said coolly as he strutted back to his friends with a cocky smile on his face.
‘That’s fucking awesome dude!’ Bruce said jumping at the blond and hugging him.
‘Killer shit Quinn.’ Mitchell said in awe draining half his glass.
‘Can you learn that?’ Cameron asked eyeing his friend with hungry eyes.
‘Sadly you have to be born with at least a trace of witch blood in you.’ The Leader said evaluating the thought’s crossing through the young man’s mind.
‘And there are some that can read your thoughts.’ The blond said winking at Lachlan. All three friends looked to the frail looking man and Cameron’s face flushed a bright red.
‘It’s normal to think those thoughts.’ The Leader said with a chuckle.
‘It’s just so cool.’ The red faced friend said with a nervous giggle.
‘Alright, some of us are going to go for a swim. Would you like to join us?’ The tall Leader asked of the group. Several people nodded in agreement, Mitchell, Campbell and Fabrizio being three of them.
‘I’m coming.’ Quinn said as he finished his champagne. Before he could put the glass on the table another was being pressed into his free hand.
‘Let’s go!’ James said with a big smile.
‘TO ALEX!’ Mikhail shouted at the top of his lungs as he lifted his beer handle into the air. Several more joined it in salute to the Italian.
‘Are you nervous?’ Daxa called from across the table.
‘Far from it mate. I can’t wait to marry him.’ The Italian said with a huge smile. Jaden and Daxa looked to each other and grinned.
‘Is he pregnant?’ Jaden sniggered as Alex threw a balled up tissue at him laughing.
‘Clown!’ Alex laughed. ‘Alright, who’s up next?’
‘I do believe it’s dad’s turn!’ Jaden cheered with Daxa. Grayson flushed red and held up his hands as if surrendering.
‘No! Those were the rules. One song each!’ Daxa berated his older brother. Grayson bowed his head in silent prayer and stood up with a flourish. He marched over to the microphone, gave his song title to the man and stood behind the microphone stand, preparing to sing.
‘I’ve never been a particularly good singer Alex, but, here we go.’ The older gentleman said going bright red in the face. The backing music started and Grayson began singing “The Way You Look Tonight”. As the song came to an end, the bachelor party were on their feet applauding the oldest stag member.
‘Bravo!’ Mikhail bellowed.
‘Thank you!’ Alex hollered as Grayson made his way back to the table.
‘I didn’t know what else to sing. I know that song pretty well, and you do look rather handsome tonight, what with you being all aglow with anticipation.’ The twin’s father said with a laugh.
'Thank you Grayson.’ Alex said taking the man into a warm embrace.
‘No worries young man.’ The older man said releasing the Italian and picking up his beer handle. ‘ALEX.’ He declared loudly.
‘ALEX!’ Half the patrons of the bar chorused cheerily.
‘Quinn?’ The blond heard his name being called softly. ‘Quinn?’
‘Mmm?’ The blond mumbled quietly.
‘We need to head back now.’ The Leader said helping the blond sit up on the bed. ‘Alex has asked that you head back home.’
‘Is something wrong?’ Quinn asked standing up so quickly his vision blurred slightly.
‘Not that I can tell. But Alex is anxious about his older cousin.’ Lachlan said sadly.
‘He’ll want to go and get him I guess.’ The blond said with a sad smile. ‘Can we go now?’ He asked walking to the door and stepping outside shaking his head to clear it. It was dark outside, the southern sky bright with stars.
‘Yes, I’ll take you home now and Caiden and James can bring your guests back to our Sanctuary in a bit.’ The Leader said with a warm smile.
‘Thank you Lachlan.’ The blond said wrapping his arms around the dark haired man as they were pulled through the vortex and appearing in the back yard of his home.
‘Alex?’ The blond called to the house.
‘Hello my love.’ The Italian replied telepathically, showing his lover that he was walking down the stairs from the upper level of the house. Quinn met Alex on the back deck, the two men hugging each other fiercely.
‘Would you like a hand with Giorgio?’ The Leader asked of the Italian, already knowing the answer.
‘No thank you Lachlan. We can manage.’ Alex said with a smile. Lachlan nodded to the two men and with a bright smile he vanished.
‘What’s happened?’ Quinn asked of his boyfriend.
‘Nothing, yet. I’m going to get Giorgio and I wanted you with me.’ Alex clarified with a shy smile.
‘Let’s go then my love.’ The blond said standing on tip-toe and kissing his boyfriends cheek.
‘If he resists, I’m going to take him by force and I need you to run a distraction for Drew. Think you can manage?’ The Italian asked of his boyfriend.
‘Absolutely.’ The blond said with a wicked grin. ‘Let’s do this.’
Alex took Quinn’s hand in his and as they stepped away from the back door they appeared in the hallway of the apartment Giorgio lived in with his boyfriend. Alex rapped loudly on the door.
‘Georgie?’ He called out loudly as he swept the apartment telepathically. He knocked again louder this time. ‘I know you’re in there Giorgio. Open the door please.’
‘What’s going on?’ Quinn asked quietly of his lover.
‘They’re trying to ignore us. Drew is trying to distract Giorgio.’ Alex said angrily. With eyes flashing bright he kicked the apartment door in, shattering the three locks and splintering the door slightly. He marched inside with Quinn right behind him. The blond spotted Drew who was standing between them and Giorgio. Quinn was momentarily stunned by a strange light emerging from the Welshman. Instead of a bright white or golden light that Quinn normally saw when looking at people, he saw a black and golden cloud surrounding Drew. Putting this aside, he raised a hand and stunned the Welshman upon whose face was a rather angered look.
‘Get up Giorgio.’ Alex said stepping around the Welshman and holding a hand out to his cousin, who looked as gaunt and sickly as last time.
‘Alex, what are you doing?’ Giorgio croaked with a weak voice.
‘Today is our wedding day and you will be there, like you promised me.’ The younger Italian demanded.
‘Oh shit.’ Giorgio said looking rightfully embarrassed. ‘What did you do to Drew?’
‘Stunned him. He is not welcome.’ Alex declared without apology.
‘What?’ The older Italian questioned as he yanked his arm out of his cousin’s hand.
‘He is not invited. Now let’s go.’ Alex said grasping his cousin’s wrist with one hand as Quinn seized the other, all three men vanishing from the apartment as Drew regained his faculties.
‘Shit.’ The Welshman said under his breath, a look of concern playing about his dark eyes.
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.
Lachlan - [email protected] or [email protected]
***
Without a second’s hesitation, in the minutest of seconds it took him to realise he didn’t care and loved him without compromise, Alex had Quinn sitting in his lap, his right arm wrapped tight around the blond’s back, his left hand cupping the back of the blond’s head, pulling him fiercely against his body.
‘Oh amore mio.’ The Italian whispered into the blond’s ear, Quinn himself sobbing painfully against his boyfriend’s shoulder. ‘Quinn, my love.’ He murmured as he rocked him back and forth gently.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.’ The blond sobbed against the Italian’s neck.
‘Baby. You don’t have to be sorry.’ Alex said as he continued to rock his lover in his lap.
‘I needed to.’ Quinn said softly, his sobs and tears easing slowly.
‘Why?’ Alex questioned as he tightened his embrace.
‘I wanted you to know.’ Quinn said with a slight sob. ‘I needed you to know.’
‘I understand.’ Alex said, his years of Counselling taking over momentarily. ‘Was it just the once?’ Alex felt the blond stiffen slightly in his embrace.
‘No.’ He confessed, clinging to his lover. ‘No, it happened quite a lot.’ Alex rubbed his hand up and down the blond’s back, trying to comfort him.
‘Did anyone ever find out?’ The Italian asked gently. He felt the blond’s body tighten in response.
‘Mum found him. She threw him off, grabbed me and ran to Nana’s.’ Quinn said as his body relaxed. ‘Mum tells me that Nana proved that day why she was the Holy Strega.’
‘What did she do?’ Alex asked of his lover, kissing him softly on the cheek.
‘She burnt him. Mum said she was so angry that her close spirits demanded retribution. Her wind spirits stole her and whisked her to our house. The fire spirits begged her to let them loose on him.’ Quinn had become very still, clinging to his lover.
‘She explained to mum, and to me when I was older, that her close spirits screamed with anger. Barraged her with demands to be let loose. My father begged for forgiveness as her wind spirits held him to the floor. Nana finally relented, closing her eyes, she nodded once. It was all they needed. She walked out of the house as her spirits exacted their revenge on him. They tore the house to shreds, burnt it as quickly as they burnt him. The earth opened and swallowed the still burning house and what was left of his body. She came back to us a combination of anger and fear.’
‘That must have been a difficult thing for her to do.’ Alex said hugging his lover closer still to himself, his muscled torso pressing against the blond’s smaller frame comfortingly.
‘That’s what mum said.’ Quinn said after a moment. ‘But, I wanted to tell you that because… well because that disgusting act did one good thing for me.’ Alex managed to repress a shudder at the thoughts that came to his mind.
‘What’s that babe?’ He asked softly.
‘The damage he caused me. It made me able to join with you easier. The very first time you were inside me, it felt like you were meant to be there, a permanent part of me, like I was made exactly for you.’ Quinn chuckled quietly to himself. Alex closed his eyes which had started to water.
‘Quinn, my love. Even without his doing that, you were still made for me. Irrespective of the damage caused by his inhumane treatment of you, you were always meant for me. Please don’t mention that again.’ Alex said as the tears fell from his closed eyes. ‘You are mine and I am yours not because of him, but because you are my light. You are my love. You are my heart.’ He finished sobbing quietly. Quinn held on to the Italian, his own eyes watering again when Alex finished speaking.
The two men sat quietly for several long minutes, the blond cradled in the Italian’s lap, both men lost in their own thoughts as the setting sun dusted them with failing light.
‘I love you.’ Quinn whispered softly.
‘I love you.’ Alex replied with sincerity.
‘Hey Georgie. How are you?’ Alex said as the phone was answered.
‘Yeah, we’re good. Hey, I wanted to ask you something.’ Alex responded.
‘No, no, I just wanted to ask, would you be part of my groom party during the wedding?’ The younger cousin asked holding his breath.
‘Mikhail, Jaden and you.’ He answered.
‘You will? Oh that’s brilliant. Thank you Georgie!’ Alex said as his breath exploded with relief. ‘Thank you Georgie.’
‘Yes absolutely. I’ll let you know when the first practice is. Thank you again.’ Alex rabbited on quickly.
‘Okay. Talk to you soon. Bye.’ He said disconnecting the call.
‘All good?’ Quinn asked when his boyfriend walked in through the back door.
‘Yup!’ Alex said with a grin on his face. Quinn smiled despite himself.
‘Excellent. So that makes Mikhail, Jaden and Giorgio your three and Bruce, Caiden and Fabz my three.’ Quinn said ticking off the list on his writing pad.
‘Why do we need so many?’ Alex questioned his lover, knowing Lachlan had explained it to the blond.
‘There has to be thirteen people involved in the ceremony. Fergus and Lachlan are two; you and I are another two. The bridal and groom parties make up another six. And Mum, Mamma and Grayson are the final three.’ The blond said counting the people on his fingers and smiling with relief when he got it correct.
‘That seems like a lot of effort.’ The Italian queried politely.
‘Lachlan did say there was a reason for it.’ Quinn said with a wink. Alex leaned over and kissed the blond softly on his forehead.
‘Well if he say’s its important, then we do it.’ Alex said with a chuckle.
‘Where’s Mickey and Fabz?’ Quinn asked as if just noticing their absence.
‘They’re headed to Giorgio’s for lunch.’ Alex said as he dug around in the fridge looking for something. ‘Are you hungry baby?’
‘A little.’ The blond said placing the pen he was holding on the kitchen island bench top. ‘What’s to eat?’
‘How’d you like a chicken and salad sandwich?’ Alex asked poking his head around the fridge door and winking at the blond.
‘Sounds delicious.’ Quinn said with a giggle. The Italian went about making the sandwiches as Quinn poured them a glass of orange juice each and took them outside, placing them on the outdoor table. He sat down in one of the chairs and waited for Alex to come out.
‘Here you are my love.’ The Italian said putting a plate in front of the blond. He had made a sandwich with two slices of focaccia bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avocado, carrot, shredded chicken and mayonnaise. Quinn thanked his boyfriend and picked up the oversized sandwich, taking a careful bite.
‘So, how do you think Bruce is going to react?’ Alex asked around a mouthful of half chewed sandwich, Quinn giggling at the appalling manners of his boyfriend.
‘He should be alright I think. Lachlan said that Caiden can monitor him and keep him from outright panic.’ The blond said after swallowing his mouthful. ‘In fact, all of our not so supernatural guests will be watched carefully and relaxed if they start to get uncomfortable.’
‘Good to know.’ The Italian said with a grin.
‘Speaking of uncomfortable, we have a practice of the ceremony next Saturday.’ Quinn said with a devilish grin. Alex laughed and nodded.
‘Let’s go to a movie after lunch.’ Alex said with a smile.
‘Sounds good!’ Quinn said returning the Italian’s smile.
‘He said he’d be here.’ Alex said barely managing to contain his anger.
‘Maybe he got busy?’ Quinn said trying to calm his boyfriend down. He lunged and grabbed his boyfriend’s hand, stopping the man from storming out of the house.
‘He promised me.’ The Italian said close to tears. Quinn threw himself at his boyfriend, flinging his arms around the sturdy neck and pressing his nose against Alex’s.
‘Don’t panic baby. It’s only a practice.’ The blond said trying his best to relax the Italian. Alex closed his eyes briefly and exhaled through his nose slowly.
‘Okay.’ The Italian said opening his eyes and staring into the impossibly green eyes of his lover. ‘Baby, seriously, what’s going on with your eyes?’ He asked curiously.
‘Nothing, why?’ Quinn answered releasing his hold around his lover’s neck and racing over to a mirror on the living room wall. He gazed into the mirror and even he noticed his eyes were uncannily green. ‘That’s really weird.’ He gasped staring into his eyes for a moment. Alex’s reflection appeared behind the blond’s.
‘Maybe it’s your powers?’ Alex questioned. He took the blond’s shoulders in his hands and squeezed tenderly.
‘Maybe.’ Quinn agreed looking up to his boyfriend’s reflection.
‘Come on. Let’s head over to the Sanctuary.’ Alex said quietly into the blond’s ear, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend and nibbling the small delicate ear. Quinn giggled as the Italian lifted him with ease and they were both standing outside in the mid-morning sun.
‘Come on Mickey! Fabz!’ Alex called out loudly. Alex and Quinn cuddled a moment longer before they heard the thunderous footsteps of the Russian charging through the house. The giant came barging out of the house, one shoe on his foot, its partner dangling from the man’s mouth, a t-shirt tucked under his right arm, his jeans unbuttoned.
‘What in the hell?’ Quinn asked watching Mikhail hopping across the lawn shirtless, the huge slabs of pectoral muscles bouncing hypnotically, Fabrizio in a similar state himself as he walked out the back door.
‘Sorry.’ Mikhail muffled around a mouthful of shoe. ‘Lost track of time.’ Alex and Quinn burst into laughter watching the Russian and the younger cousin dressing themselves.
‘Put your shoe on you knob.’ Quinn laughed as Mikhail fell over a few feet away from them. Fabrizio came to stand beside his boyfriend pulling a maroon jersey over his bright red face. The Italian and Canadian were still giggling when the two men were fully dressed and ready to leave.
‘You two are worse than rabbits!’ Alex said as the four men appeared on the gravel road in front of the Sanctuary’s veiled entrance.
‘Why do you think I call him my zàyka?’ Mikhail questioned waggling his brows at the Italian. Quinn snorted at the hilarity as the youngest Italian slapped the Russian on the arm with a loud “thwack”.
‘Mikhail!’ Fabrizio chided his giant lover, his eyes pleading for him to stop.
‘Sorry zàyka.’ The Russian said earning him another slap across the arm, causing both Quinn and Alex to snort with amusement.
‘Best be keeping your mouth shut Mickey.’ Alex said waggling his eyebrows back to the Russian, Quinn giggling to himself as he watched a red apparition drifting by them. He continued watching it for a moment as the other three men walked through the veil.
‘You alright babe?’ Alex asked as he took the blonds hand in his.
‘Yup. Was just watching one of those spirit things.’ Quinn answered as he watched the red cloud float up and over the surrounding trees. ‘If they really are spirits, why don’t they talk to me like they did Nana?’ He looked back to his boyfriend with an embarrassed smile.
‘I’m not sure. Maybe we should ask Grayson or Lachlan?’ Alex replied as he gently pulled his lover towards the veil.
‘I wish Nan was here. She’d be able to tell me what to do.’ Quinn said sadly as they walked through the veil of leaves and slowly toward the cluster of buildings.
‘Well, let’s ask Lachlan about it after the practice, okay?’ Alex said pulling the blond into his side and hugging him. The two men walked comfortably together as they made their way towards the Leader’s private cabin.
‘Hello boys.’ The Leader said emerging from his front door.
‘Hi Lachlan.’ The Italian and Canadian chimed together. Lachlan smiled at their duality.
‘It’s just a quick run through today. To be honest, we really don’t need to practice, as the majority of us are telepaths, we who know the ritual and can connect with everyone during the ceremony and share with them the procedure. Much easier.’
‘Being a telepath certainly does make things a lot easier.’ Quinn laughed.
‘It sure does.’ The Leader responded in kind. ‘Come on then.’ He said leading the two men toward the Circle.
‘Well, that seemed easy enough.’ Alex said as the small group of people walked out of the Circle after what seemed barely ten minutes.
‘Honestly, it’s not all that complicated. The actual ceremony is a bit longer, but it’s hard to practice without everyone here. Besides, on the day, everyone will be connected telepathically, so, there’s no real need to practice.’ The Leader reiterated to everyone present.
‘Shit, it’s only two weeks away.’ Quinn said suddenly realising what the date was.
‘Yup.’ Alex said with a giggle. ‘Did you forget babe?’
‘No, I just didn’t realise how close it was.’ The blond said shaking his head slightly. ‘Time’s flown so quickly.’
‘I guess.’ The Italian said with a smile. ‘Are you nervous?’
‘Not on your life.’ Quinn said. ‘I can’t wait to become Mr. and Mr. Braddock.’ The blond said with a giggle.
‘Wait, I thought we were going to hyphenate?’ Alex said looking to his lover with a confused look. Quinn’s face flushed red.
‘Oh yeah.’ He said hiding his face with embarrassment. ‘Forgot about that.’ The Italian reached out and pulled the blond into his arms, lifting him from the ground with ease and cuddling the smaller man against himself.
‘Mr. and Mr. Beauchamp-Braddock.’ He said softly. ‘I like the sound of that.’
‘I do too.’ Quinn purred softly. ‘Quinn Beauchamp-Braddock.’ He said feeling the name on his tongue.
‘Alex Beauchamp-Braddock.’ The Italian said with a smile. ‘They sound perfect.’
‘If you’ll excuse me for a minute.’ The Leader said to the group as he headed for the entrance veil.
‘Where’s he off to?’ Alex asked as he and Quinn snapped to attention.
‘I don’t know.’ Caiden answered watching the Leader marching to the entrance. ‘I guess we’ll find out when he gets back.’ The blond twin said shrugging his shoulders.
‘I’m hungry.’ Jaden said as he walked towards the central building where the kitchens were. ‘Lunch is ready.’ He called out over his shoulder.
‘I’m not really hungry.’ Quinn said quietly to his boyfriend.
‘Neither. Want to go for a walk?’ He asked sliding his hand down the blond’s arm and holding his hand gently. Quinn nodded and the two men walked off toward the river bank while everyone else sat down for lunch.
‘Something on your mind babe?’ Alex asked as the two men walked in silence beside the churning river.
‘Not really. Just, you know, missing Nana, wishing I knew a little more about these powers.’ The blond said quietly. ‘No, it’s not that. I’m scared of what’s coming. What’s expected of us.’ He said after a few quiet moments.
‘Like what?’ Alex questioned.
‘Like, why is it such a huge and important wedding ceremony? I just wanted to be married to you.’ The blond said sadly. ‘Why do I feel like I’m not only marrying you, but everyone here?’ He continued gesturing up the bank to the settlement.
‘But you’re not. You’re just marrying me.’ Alex said with a smile turning and taking his boyfriend into his arms.
‘But you’re one of their leaders. And now I’m the leader of the Stregheria. It just feels like, my destiny isn’t mine anymore.’ Quinn said resting his head on Alex’s shoulder, his own shoulders slumping somewhat. Alex cuddled the man to himself.
‘I’m marrying you because I love you. You are more important to me than all of this.’ He said waving a hand in the direction of the Sanctuary’s buildings. ‘You are more important than the Stregheria. But when I marry you, I won’t abandon either of them. In fact, with you as my husband, I will be much more capable of looking after the Children of Light, and helping you with your duties as the Holy Strega.’ The Italian declared with pride. He leaned back and took the blonds face in his hands and smiled.
‘Promise?’ Quinn asked as tears fell from his strangely green eyes.
‘I promise, with all my soul, life and body.’ Alex said leaning in and kissing his lover softly on the lips, both men closing their eyes to the moment of intimacy.
‘Och, I’m sorry.’ A heavily Scottish voice said from behind Alex, mildly scaring the two men. ‘I dinna mean to interrupt.’ Alex and Quinn both turned to the new arrival noticing the man’s naturally rolled R’s. Quinn smiled warmly.
‘You must be Fergus.’ The blond said holding his hand out politely. The tall Scotsman took the blond’s hand and shook it firmly, nearly dislocating Quinn’s arm at the shoulder joint. He was almost as tall as the Italian, perhaps an inch shorter, but certainly made up that inch in his width. His shoulders were about five inches broader than the Italian’s, his chest an impressive expanse barely contained in the figure hugging green sweater he was wearing. His waist was comparatively narrow, and his legs were almost as wide as the blond’s chest, the denim barely able to restrain the bulging quadriceps. Quinn glanced at the man’s face and noticed that he had dark chocolate brown eyes that shone when compared to his white, milky skin, dotted infrequently with freckles. His russet coloured hair was long; falling to his shoulders in loose, uncontrolled curls, both sides tucked behind his large pointy ears. His soft skin making him look younger than his actual age of 31.
‘It’s good to meet ye laddie.’ The man said, both Quinn and Alex struggling to understand him with his thick accent. ‘And ye must be Aulicks.’ Fergus said with a smile, shaking the Italian’s hand firmly.
‘Yeah, Alex.’ The Italian said over emphasising his name slightly, wondering if the man mispronounced it on purpose.
‘Sorry mo dubh. Me accent makes most things incomprehensible.’ Fergus laughed understanding what the Italian was doing. ‘Ah-licks.’ The man repeated, still not quite managing to get it right.
‘Close enough.’ Alex said with a smile. ‘And you obviously know this is Quinn.’ The Italian gestured to his boyfriend.
‘Oh aye. Lachlan made mention of yon beauty and he did ye no justice wi’ his description.’ The Scotsman said with a hearty laugh. ‘You’re the spit o’ the moon, and twice its brèaghad.’
‘Twice its what?’ Quinn quoted back, asking for clarification.
‘Brèaghad. It’s beauty.’ Fergus said with a smile to the blond. ‘It’s no mind why mo dubh snatched ye up.’
‘Mo dubh?’ Alex asked catching the term again.
‘Aye, mo dubh. Means “my dark one”. Like your hair.’ The Scotsman said pointing to Alex’s long, punkish black hair. ‘Mind, I could easily call ye gorm sùil if ye’d prefer?’
‘Which means? Alex asked with a laugh.
‘Ole blue eye.’ Fergus said with a wink to the Italian. ‘So tell me then, why ye chose a Pict wedding?’
‘I didn’t even know we had chosen a, what did you say, Pict wedding?’ Quinn asked.
‘Och the wee bastard dinna tell ye ‘bout the wedding then?’ The Scotsman said with a laugh, the Italian and Canadian both shaking their heads in negation. ‘Aye, course the de’il dinna tell ye. He’s a puir sense of informin’ people a’ times.’
‘You’re telling me.’ Alex said with a laugh. ‘Would you mind telling us what a Pict wedding is?’
‘Och nae. Dinna fash yerself wi’ it.’ Fergus said with a laugh. ‘Just know it’s an auld ceremony and I’ll take care o’ the rest.’
‘If you insist.’ Alex laughed heartily, Quinn giggling with him.
'Trust you to go looking for them before I have a chance to introduce you.’ The Leader said coming down the slope with a smile.
‘Nae need for introductions mo caraid.’ Fergus said watching the Leader walking down the incline. ‘Why did ye nae tell these two ‘bout the ceremony?’
‘But I did, didn’t I?’ The Leader responded with a shocked expression.
‘Nae ye fool. Ye dinna tell them it was a Pict ceremony.’ Fergus said slapping the Leader on the arm with a meaty smack.
‘They dinna need to know ye auld horse.’ Lachlan replied punching the Scotsman in the arm, who staggered slightly from the impact. Alex and Quinn both noticed the unusual Scottish lilt to the Leaders words. ‘Sorry guys, you really didn’t need to know. It was going to be a surprise.’ He said looking to the Scotsman and giving him a disappointed look.
‘Och, sorry mo caraid.’ Fergus said slapping a hand to his mouth, his rusty red eyebrows shooting up his forehead.
‘Aye ye goon. Gone and ruin’t the surprise now.’ Lachlan said rolling his tongue over some of the words. Alex and Quinn laughed at both the giant Scotsman’s embarrassment and the Leader’s Scottish tongue.
‘Sorry Alex and Quinn.’ Fergus said looking to the ground respectfully.
‘No it’s alright.’ The blond said reaching out for the man and patting his shoulder. ‘Honestly. We’ll just act surprised on the day.’ Quinn laughed, Alex joining him.
‘There, sorted.’ The Leader said with a laugh. ‘Let’s go get ye some food.’ Lachlan said looping his arm into the muscular arm of the Scotsman.
‘Ugh, do I have to do this?’ Quinn asked clutching to his boyfriend on the back deck of their house. Alex laughed as he cuddled the man to his chest. ‘Can’t I just stay with you tonight?’
‘Yes my love. I was told that if you weren’t allowed out, I would have my penis removed and stuffed up my nose.’ Alex laughed with Quinn giggling against his chest.
‘Who?’ The blond asked a little muffled.
‘Lachlan.’ Alex said with a giggle. ‘And I’m sure he meant it.’ Alex said gently pushing his boyfriend away from his chest. ‘Don’t worry, they’ll look after you, at least they’d better!’ He said slightly louder, for the benefit of the man he knew could hear him.
‘I wish we could just skip to the wedding.’ Quinn said diving into his boyfriend’s chest for one more hug.
‘Me too babe.’ Alex said kissing the top of the blond’s head, squeezing the smaller man in his arms. Quinn took a step back from his lover and smiled.
‘I love you.’ The blond said with his trademark smile.
‘Not as much as I love you.’ Alex said dazzling Quinn with his own smile. With a gasp, the blond was seized by two arms that had just materialised out of thin air, as Lachlan’s grinning face appeared on the Canadian’s shoulder.
‘See ya tomorrow Alex.’ The Leader said with a cackle as he and the blond disappeared into the unseen vortex. Alex laughed as he heard Fabrizio squeal with surprise in the house. Obvious Lachlan or one of the others had popped in and kidnapped him as well.
‘Well now. Why don’t we get this show on the road?’ Daxa said with a laugh, walking out of the shadows, Rama, and Jaden flanking him.
‘Come on Mickey!’ Jaden called out to the house. The four men stood waiting and heard the Russian barrelling through the house as only he could.
‘I’m ready!’ He said as he burst through the back door and charged down the steps. Panting slightly he stood beside his friend and wore a goofy smile on his face.
‘No Giorgio.’ Alex whispered to himself sadly.
‘Don’t worry Alex. We’ll have fun without him.’ Daxa said with a laugh, Rama looking sad for his friend. The Egyptian walked the few steps to the Italian and wrapped an arm around him.
‘Try not to think about it.’ He whispered so only Alex would hear.
‘I just wish he could have come.’ The Italian said with sadness.
‘Want me to…?’ Rama asked twiddling his fingers beside his head. Alex looked into the green eyes of the Leader’s husband and nodded briefly. Rama ran a fingertip from Alex’s temple down his cheek and watched as a smile appeared on the handsome face. Alex turned to Daxa and Jaden and jumped at them excitedly.
‘What did you do?’ Mikhail asked quietly while the three men were distracted, rough housing each other.
‘I supressed the thoughts he was having about his cousin not being here. Only for the night.’ Rama said patting the Russian on the bicep. ‘Just so that he can have some fun.’ Mikhail nodded with understanding and was suddenly the centre of a four man pile up, Jaden and Daxa jumping at Mikhail, Alex and Rama right behind them.
‘Alright!’ Mikhail said with a laugh. ‘Let’s go!’ He bellowed as the five men were pulled into the vortex and disappeared.
‘Where are we?’ Quinn asked as soon as they materialised. The sun was almost directly above head and felt hotter than normal. ‘Where the hell are we?’ The blond asked again panicking slightly.
‘Relax.’ The Leader said with a laugh. ‘We’re in New Zealand.’
‘NEW ZEALAND?’ Quinn shouted with surprise, his voice echoing across the lake they were standing beside. ‘What are we doing in New Zealand?’
‘I thought this might be a good place to relax and have some drinks.’ Lachlan said turning from the blond and walking toward the sandy banks of the lake beckoning for Quinn to follow.
‘Where is everyone?’ Quinn asked as he followed the Leader.
‘Caiden is organising your guests just through the bushes there.’ Lachlan said gesturing with his chin. ‘And as for the other people to which you refer, we are in the middle of a rather large forest. Nearest semblance of a town is about thirty kilometres away.’
‘Why New Zealand?’ The blond queried walking beside the Leader on the warm sand.
‘This is where Rama and I used to live a long time ago.’ Lachlan answered with a smile
‘I didn’t know that.’ Quinn said quietly, suddenly realising he knew little about Lachlan.
‘Don’t worry about it Quinn. Most people know bugger all about me or Rama.’ The Leader said with a laugh. Lachlan stepped off the warm sand and headed for the thick bushes, Quinn following a few steps behind him.
‘Shit it’s hot here.’ Quinn said taking his jersey off.
‘Sorry, I should have told you. But no worries, we’re nearly there and then you can change your clothes?’
‘Near where?’ The blond asked with curiosity.
‘Just through here is New Zealand’s very own Sanctuary.’ Lachlan said with a flourish. ‘I used to visit here quite a lot, still visit every now and then.’
‘Wait, there’s more than one Sanctuary?’ Quinn asked with mild confusion.
‘There are quite a few Sanctuary’s around the world.’ The Leader said holding a thicket of bush apart for the blond. ‘This just happens to be the one I used to visit when I was younger.’
‘Is there a Leader here?’ Quinn asked scrabbling behind Lachlan.
‘Actually there is. You’ll meet him very soon.’ The Leader said as they cleared the thick bushes and walked towards an incredibly large tree, nearly ten foot wide at the base, but had a strange hole in the middle, like a doorway. The Leader stepped into the entrance and called out for Quinn to follow him. The blond stepped into the natural opening in the tree’s base and felt the Leader taking his hand in his and leading him through the darkness.
‘This tree is hundreds of years old.’ Lachlan said as he stepped out into the sunlight. ‘When this Sanctuary was formed, the Leader of the time asked the spirit of the tree to protect and allow entrance to only those worthy of entrance. So the tree spirit opened himself and declared that any who were worthy of entrance shall pass through him. And those that weren’t would forever become a part of him.’ The Leader felt the blond shudder.
‘Did that happen often?’ Quinn asked with caution, not sure he wanted to know the answer.
‘No.’ Lachlan said with a smile. ‘Come on, nearly there.’ The Leader began walking along a well beaten path through the foliage, Quinn right behind him. After a few minutes of uphill walking, the trees and bracken began to thin out and quite suddenly the two men were walking through a lush green field with similar yet somehow different buildings scattered in front of them.
‘Wow.’ Quinn exclaimed looking around at the magnificent scenery.
‘Welcome to the Aotearoa Sanctuary.’ Lachlan said opening his arms and turning around on the spot. The Aotearoa Sanctuary sat between two rather large hills, not quite mountains, that encircled the boundaries. Looking back the way they had walked, Quinn could see the lake upon whose bank they had been walking earlier. The lake sprawled out and splayed off in different directions, the dark blue water glittering in the early afternoon sun. Quinn turned back to the Leader, his face in the comical O shape of surprise.
‘What did you call this place?’ The blond asked for clarification.
‘I call it the Aotearoa Sanctuary. Aotearoa is the native name for New Zealand. It’s commonly known as The Land of the Long White Cloud.’ Lachlan said smiling to the blond.
‘It’s really quiet here.’ Quinn said looking around again, concentrating on something. ‘Seriously, it’s dead quiet.’ He reiterated.
‘It’s always been quiet here.’ The Leader said appearing beside the blond and hooking their arms together.
‘No, it’s even quieter than that. I can’t see any spirits. Nothing.’ Quinn said still looking around at the forest. ‘Not a single thing.’
‘Interesting.’ The Leader said. ‘Mind if I join you?’ He asked twiddling his fingers next to his temple, the blond nodding. Lachlan connected with Quinn telepathically and shared his unique eyesight.
‘Look at me please.’ Lachlan requested. The blond looked at the Leader and both men watched through the same eyes as an incredibly bright light began to seep from the dark haired man.
‘And now look back around.’ Quinn looked slowly around the surrounding hills and both men saw no other spiritual life around the place. Quinn noticed a small collection of people near a building and focussed on them. Soon enough they saw the spiritual light shining from the group.
‘That’s the only spirit light I can see here. Normally there are wisps floating about, but here, there’s nothing.’ The blond said with a tone of curiosity.
‘That is rather odd. I’ll look into that later.’ The Leader said breaking the connecting and regaining his normal sight. ‘Let’s go find the others and have a good time.’ He said dragging the blond along with him towards the group of people they spotted. As the two men walked into the small clearing where the group was, suddenly more people emerged from different directions. Quinn recognised a face or two, and then began to recognise more.
‘Mum?’ He called out when he spotted his mother, wearing a light and breezy floral summer dress. The woman walked to her son quickly and embraced him tenderly.
‘It’s gorgeous here isn’t it?’ She asked as she released her son.
‘It’s so quiet.’ The blond said with a smile.
‘For those of you who don’t know, this is Quinn, the bride to be.’ Lachlan said to the crowd of people. Quinn suddenly spotted a warm and smiling face he was glad to see.
‘Mamma!’ He called out and skipped to Mrs. Braddock, hugging her firmly.
‘Caro mio!’ The Italian woman said pulling the blond to herself. ‘It’s good to see you.’
‘And you too!’ Quinn said with a smile.
‘Quinn, I’d like you to meet someone.’ The Leader said quietly, standing just behind the blond. Quinn turned around and lay eyes upon a man of equal stature to his future husband. Barely an inch or two shorter than Alex, he was broad in the shoulders. He had fair white skin and a light dusting of freckles over his shirtless torso. Although not as muscular as Alex, he was quite trim and sported the lean muscles of a swimmer. His eyes were a dark blue and they glistened in the sunlight, his lips were full and red.
‘Quinn this is James, Leader of the Aotearoa Sanctuary.’ Lachlan said to the blond. ‘James this is Quinn, bride to be.’
‘A pleasure to meet you.’ James said with an obvious New Zealand accent. He held out his hand to the blond who shook hands with him briefly.
‘Thank you for having me.’ The blond said with a smile.
‘Alright, let’s get this party started.’ Lachlan said waving a hand and music began playing from one of the nearby cabins. Caiden appeared behind the blond and cuddled him.
‘Come with me.’ He said quietly as he pulled the blond with him.
‘Where are we going?’ Quinn asked wondering why they were circling around the crowd of people.
‘You didn’t notice a few people before and I think you should say hi.’ Caiden said conspiratorially. They stopped behind four people who all turned around dramatically.
‘Holy shit!’ Quinn shouted seeing his three best friends, Mitchell, Bruce and Cameron, and of course Alex’s cousin, Fabrizio. ‘Oh wow, I’m so glad you guys came!’ The blond said as the four men hugged him.
‘We wouldn’t miss this for the world!’ Mitchell said with a laugh.
‘Can’t believe you didn’t tell us about all this super cool shit Quinn!’ Bruce said with a giggle.
‘Or introduced me to this sexy beast!’ Cameron said winking at Fabrizio who flushed bright red.
‘He’s taken, sorry Cam!’ Quinn said still hugging his three best friends and cousin-in-law.
‘Girl can still look.’ Cameron replied with a laugh.
‘Come get a drink guys.’ Lachlan called over to the group of men. As they walked over to where the drinks were being served, Bruce asked the question that had been nagging him since being told about Quinn’s unusual life.
‘So blondie, what’s your special gift?’
‘Ah yes.’ Quinn said with a mischievous smile. ‘I’m the Holy Strega.’
‘The Holy what now?’ The three men queried in unison.
‘He is the Holy Strega. The Supreme Witch. The Spirit Talker.’ Lachlan said with a cunning smile as the five men approached him. He handed them each a large glass of champagne.
‘That sounds… impressive.’ Bruce said unsure if he believed it.
‘Quinn, you recall the training you did with Grayson and the mage.’ The Leader asked while pressing the memory into the blond’s thoughts. Quinn smiled brightly and turned on the group, stepping away from everyone and turning back to face Lachlan.
‘Ready.’ Quinn nodded taking a mouthful of champagne. Lachlan, making sure to draw the attention of Quinn’s three best friends, summoned a huge ball of fire in his hands. The three men all gasped with shock and stumbled back slightly. The Leader, smirking, threw the fireball at the blond who had raised a hand in front of him. The fireball hit an unseen barrier and exploded in sparks and flames two feet from the blond, who was smiling brighter than the fireball was.
‘Holy shit!’
‘Holy fuck!’
‘Holy crap!’ The three men shouted in surprise.
‘Holy Strega.’ Quinn said coolly as he strutted back to his friends with a cocky smile on his face.
‘That’s fucking awesome dude!’ Bruce said jumping at the blond and hugging him.
‘Killer shit Quinn.’ Mitchell said in awe draining half his glass.
‘Can you learn that?’ Cameron asked eyeing his friend with hungry eyes.
‘Sadly you have to be born with at least a trace of witch blood in you.’ The Leader said evaluating the thought’s crossing through the young man’s mind.
‘And there are some that can read your thoughts.’ The blond said winking at Lachlan. All three friends looked to the frail looking man and Cameron’s face flushed a bright red.
‘It’s normal to think those thoughts.’ The Leader said with a chuckle.
‘It’s just so cool.’ The red faced friend said with a nervous giggle.
‘Alright, some of us are going to go for a swim. Would you like to join us?’ The tall Leader asked of the group. Several people nodded in agreement, Mitchell, Campbell and Fabrizio being three of them.
‘I’m coming.’ Quinn said as he finished his champagne. Before he could put the glass on the table another was being pressed into his free hand.
‘Let’s go!’ James said with a big smile.
‘TO ALEX!’ Mikhail shouted at the top of his lungs as he lifted his beer handle into the air. Several more joined it in salute to the Italian.
‘Are you nervous?’ Daxa called from across the table.
‘Far from it mate. I can’t wait to marry him.’ The Italian said with a huge smile. Jaden and Daxa looked to each other and grinned.
‘Is he pregnant?’ Jaden sniggered as Alex threw a balled up tissue at him laughing.
‘Clown!’ Alex laughed. ‘Alright, who’s up next?’
‘I do believe it’s dad’s turn!’ Jaden cheered with Daxa. Grayson flushed red and held up his hands as if surrendering.
‘No! Those were the rules. One song each!’ Daxa berated his older brother. Grayson bowed his head in silent prayer and stood up with a flourish. He marched over to the microphone, gave his song title to the man and stood behind the microphone stand, preparing to sing.
‘I’ve never been a particularly good singer Alex, but, here we go.’ The older gentleman said going bright red in the face. The backing music started and Grayson began singing “The Way You Look Tonight”. As the song came to an end, the bachelor party were on their feet applauding the oldest stag member.
‘Bravo!’ Mikhail bellowed.
‘Thank you!’ Alex hollered as Grayson made his way back to the table.
‘I didn’t know what else to sing. I know that song pretty well, and you do look rather handsome tonight, what with you being all aglow with anticipation.’ The twin’s father said with a laugh.
'Thank you Grayson.’ Alex said taking the man into a warm embrace.
‘No worries young man.’ The older man said releasing the Italian and picking up his beer handle. ‘ALEX.’ He declared loudly.
‘ALEX!’ Half the patrons of the bar chorused cheerily.
‘Quinn?’ The blond heard his name being called softly. ‘Quinn?’
‘Mmm?’ The blond mumbled quietly.
‘We need to head back now.’ The Leader said helping the blond sit up on the bed. ‘Alex has asked that you head back home.’
‘Is something wrong?’ Quinn asked standing up so quickly his vision blurred slightly.
‘Not that I can tell. But Alex is anxious about his older cousin.’ Lachlan said sadly.
‘He’ll want to go and get him I guess.’ The blond said with a sad smile. ‘Can we go now?’ He asked walking to the door and stepping outside shaking his head to clear it. It was dark outside, the southern sky bright with stars.
‘Yes, I’ll take you home now and Caiden and James can bring your guests back to our Sanctuary in a bit.’ The Leader said with a warm smile.
‘Thank you Lachlan.’ The blond said wrapping his arms around the dark haired man as they were pulled through the vortex and appearing in the back yard of his home.
‘Alex?’ The blond called to the house.
‘Hello my love.’ The Italian replied telepathically, showing his lover that he was walking down the stairs from the upper level of the house. Quinn met Alex on the back deck, the two men hugging each other fiercely.
‘Would you like a hand with Giorgio?’ The Leader asked of the Italian, already knowing the answer.
‘No thank you Lachlan. We can manage.’ Alex said with a smile. Lachlan nodded to the two men and with a bright smile he vanished.
‘What’s happened?’ Quinn asked of his boyfriend.
‘Nothing, yet. I’m going to get Giorgio and I wanted you with me.’ Alex clarified with a shy smile.
‘Let’s go then my love.’ The blond said standing on tip-toe and kissing his boyfriends cheek.
‘If he resists, I’m going to take him by force and I need you to run a distraction for Drew. Think you can manage?’ The Italian asked of his boyfriend.
‘Absolutely.’ The blond said with a wicked grin. ‘Let’s do this.’
Alex took Quinn’s hand in his and as they stepped away from the back door they appeared in the hallway of the apartment Giorgio lived in with his boyfriend. Alex rapped loudly on the door.
‘Georgie?’ He called out loudly as he swept the apartment telepathically. He knocked again louder this time. ‘I know you’re in there Giorgio. Open the door please.’
‘What’s going on?’ Quinn asked quietly of his lover.
‘They’re trying to ignore us. Drew is trying to distract Giorgio.’ Alex said angrily. With eyes flashing bright he kicked the apartment door in, shattering the three locks and splintering the door slightly. He marched inside with Quinn right behind him. The blond spotted Drew who was standing between them and Giorgio. Quinn was momentarily stunned by a strange light emerging from the Welshman. Instead of a bright white or golden light that Quinn normally saw when looking at people, he saw a black and golden cloud surrounding Drew. Putting this aside, he raised a hand and stunned the Welshman upon whose face was a rather angered look.
‘Get up Giorgio.’ Alex said stepping around the Welshman and holding a hand out to his cousin, who looked as gaunt and sickly as last time.
‘Alex, what are you doing?’ Giorgio croaked with a weak voice.
‘Today is our wedding day and you will be there, like you promised me.’ The younger Italian demanded.
‘Oh shit.’ Giorgio said looking rightfully embarrassed. ‘What did you do to Drew?’
‘Stunned him. He is not welcome.’ Alex declared without apology.
‘What?’ The older Italian questioned as he yanked his arm out of his cousin’s hand.
‘He is not invited. Now let’s go.’ Alex said grasping his cousin’s wrist with one hand as Quinn seized the other, all three men vanishing from the apartment as Drew regained his faculties.
‘Shit.’ The Welshman said under his breath, a look of concern playing about his dark eyes.