The Children of Light
Book Two
Chapter Seven
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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‘Lachlan?’ Alex called loudly in a panic. They needed to wait only several seconds before the Leader appeared in the middle of the lounge with a flurry of electricity.
‘Welcome home.’ The Leader said merrily when he spotted Alex and Quinn, his smile faltering the moment he saw their faces. ‘What’s wrong?’ Lachlan glanced briefly at the unconscious person on the couch and back to the Italian and Canadian, scanning their thoughts briefly. ‘Shit!’
‘I can’t sense him.’ Alex said as the panic crept into his voice. Quinn was instantly by his side, his arm wrapped securely around his waist, his own face a mirror of panic.
‘Rama, bring the twins, immediately.’ The Leader whispered quickly, his words almost a hiss. ‘Fabrizio is upstairs.’ Lachlan added looking to the Italian, who vanished from the spot. Lachlan and Quinn heard him pummelling on his cousin’s bedroom door.
‘Fabz, where’s Mikhail?’ Alex hollered through the door. No reply. ‘Fabrizio?’ Alex called louder. After a few moments silence, the Leader and the Canadian heard the splintering of a door. A few seconds later, Alex and Fabrizio appeared in the lounge, the younger cousin in a gale of tears.
‘Where is he Fabrizio?’ Alex asked loudly, shaking his cousin roughly. Lachlan was instantly beside the tall Italian, his hands restraining him.
‘Perhaps I should do this?’ The Leader asked politely, his hands steel vices on the Italian’s wrists. Alex looked contrite and released his cousin, stepping back and pulling his husband into his arms.
‘Fabrizio, where is Mikhail?’ The Leader asked gently of the sobbing Italian, who didn’t respond. ‘Shit!’ Lachlan muttered as Rama, Jaden and Caiden appeared in the room.
‘What’s going on?’ Jaden asked as soon as they appeared.
‘My cousin came over and said that the Order set a trap for me, using Mikhail as bait. And now I can’t find him.’ Alex said at lightning speed, panic clouding his words.
‘He’s gone back to Russia.’ The Leader said quietly. ‘To rescue his friend.’
‘What?’ Alex and Quinn asked simultaneously.
‘Hi… his friend, on the n…n…news.’ Fabrizio stammered through the tears.
‘On the news?’ Alex asked gently.
‘We were watching the news last week. There was a report on the riots in Russia. He saw his friend being kidnapped.’ The younger Italian managed to say.
'When did he leave?’ The Leader asked patiently, gauging the youngest Italian’s mettle wearing thin.
‘Three nights ago.’ Fabrizio sobbed as he fell back into tears. Lachlan probed his mind gently.
‘The news article was recorded.’ The Leader said, appearing in front of the television and pressing a few buttons. In seconds a news article was playing on the large screen.
‘Two weeks before the Winter Olympics are to commence and the political turmoil in Russia is boiling over. After a press release from Russian President, Vladimir Putin, stating that their controversial LGBT laws will stand, and no athletes will be arrested during the games, chaos reigned in the streets of St Petersburg.’ A shaking video showed people running around and screaming for fear as the camera zoomed in on a small group of people dragging a person along the road into an alleyway.
‘Net! Otpusti menya! Mikhail, pomogi mne!’ The Leader paused the television.
‘No. Let me go. Mikhail, help me.’ Lachlan translated for those not fluent in Russian.
‘Who is that though?’ Alex asked, looking at the image on the television, trying to recognise the person being dragged away.
‘He said his name was Nikolai.’ Fabrizio said, trying to catch his breath. His eyes were swollen and red.
‘Why didn’t you call me?’ Alex asked of his cousin, reaching over to him and hugging him fiercely.
‘I didn’t want to interrupt your honeymoon.’ The younger cousin replied.
‘I’m sorry, I should have been paying closer attention. But we’ve been kinda busy with the incubus, or rather, the damage he’s wrought.’ The Leader said by way of apology.
‘It’s fine. Let’s just come up with a plan to get Mikhail back safely.’ Alex said firmly.
‘And this person, Nikolai. He is important.’ Quinn said, his eyes glazed over and looking out the window. ‘Oh, my dog want’s to meet you.’ The blond said coming back to himself, looking at the Leader with a smile.
‘You have a dog?’ Lachlan asked curiously.
‘In a manner of fashion.’ Alex said with a laugh. ‘Cerbz, come here.’
‘Cerbz?’ Caiden asked from behind the Leader.
‘Cerberus.’ Alex answered. ‘Quinn found him in a cave a little up the coast from Ammoudia. He’s a spirit.’ As he said this, the spirit-pup bounded into the living room, and although not seeing him, everyone certainly felt his presence. Quinn closed his eyes and telepathically connected with everyone in the room, sharing his unique spirit vision.
‘Holy shit!’ Jaden said, seeing the dog.
‘He’s gorgeous.’ Caiden said with a smile.
‘Like his daddy.’ Rama said with a wink to the blond.
‘Wait, Ammoudia? Cerberus?’ The Leader began. ‘The cave you found him in, was it near the water?’ Quinn nodded. ‘And the water, what colour was it?’
‘Part of it was black, like a river winding through the ocean.’ Quinn replied.
‘You found the Gates of Hades?’ The Leader marvelled. ‘But not only that, you found the spirit of the long since abandoned Cerberus.’ Lachlan crouched down and reached out to the spirit-pup. ‘How long have you been there, by yourself?’
Cerbz skipped around in a circle and jumped at the Leader. The spirit-pup licked at Lachlan’s hand and yipped his puppy bark.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t know you were there. If I had have…’ The spirit-pup yipped happily to the Leader.
‘He says not to worry about it.’ He’s just happy to have company now.’ Quinn said smiling.
‘Well, I’m sure you’ll love being with Quinn.’ The Leader said with a smile, standing up. ‘You’re going to have to teach me that someday.’
‘Gladly.’ The blond said with a warm smile. ‘Can we go and find Mikhail now?’ He whispered to the Leader. ‘Alex is getting anxious.’
‘Absolutely.’ Lachlan said with seriousness. ‘Rama, can you take Fabrizio to the Sanctuary please. Jaden, Caiden, if you would please find Aurelia, Francesca and Giuliana and escort them to the Sanctuary.’ The three men nodded and made to action the Leader’s requests. ‘Are you able to port with Cerbz?’ Lachlan asked curiously.
‘Yeah, but, we had a bit of trouble getting him through the protections.’ Alex explained as the Leader closed his eyes concentrating.
‘He’ll be fine coming into the Sanctuary.’ The Leader said warmly. ‘Come on, let’s get a move on.’
‘Alright, according to the news report, Nikolai was taken in St Petersburg. From what our European Leader’s found out, he’s being held at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Petergof.’ Lachlan began advising everyone in his living room.
‘And is it the Order holding him?’ Alex asked nervously. The Leader’s face darkened slightly.
‘Yes.’ Lachlan closed his eyes briefly. ‘I’m not entirely sure how long they’ve been in St. Petersburg, but, from what the other Leader’s have told me, it’s safe to assume the Order are, if not directly involved, manipulating things from the shadows. I’d need to be there in person to see how deeply they’re entrenched there.’
‘When do we go?’ Alex enquired boldly. The Leader held up a hand.
‘We can safely assume that Mikhail is alive, and has not been harmed too badly. If this is a trap set by the Order, we have to be careful and plan this out carefully. An unprepared collection of old men is one thing. If William is running things, and with the knowledge that they’re using spirits and demons, we cannot afford to go in unprepared.’ The Leader said sadly, but with intent. Alex made to say something, but stopped quickly.
‘Picollo, he’s right. We need to plan it out.’ Mrs. Braddock said with a sad smile to her son. ‘Don’t get me wrong my darling, I want him back as well, but, I want him back, with everyone alive.’
‘Sì Mamma. Sorry Lachlan.’ The Italian said with a glum face. Quinn reached over and squeezed his hand.
‘Don’t worry my love, we’ll get him back.’ Quinn said hearing shuffled footsteps from the hallway. He looked over and spotted Alex’s older cousin, Callum, shuffling slowly into the living area of the Leader’s private cabin. The blond smiled at the skinny man.
‘William.’ Alex said, spotting his cousin. The Italian was on his feet and beside the Brit instantly, startling Callum.
‘Where am I?’ The Brit asked quietly of his cousin.
‘We’re in a place called The Sanctuary. There are a few people here who are helping us come up with a plan to rescue Mikhail.’ Alex said helping his cousin shuffle into the lounge and onto the sofa, beside Quinn. ‘You remember Quinn.’
‘Yes.’ Callum said, smiling to the blond. ‘Thank you.’ He nodded politely.
‘You feeling alright?’ The Canadian asked of the Brit. When Callum smiled warmly, Quinn, responded instinctively with his own bright smile, stunning Callum slightly.
‘This is Lachlan, he’s the Leader here.’ Alex said gesturing to the frail man. The long black hair lying across his forehead, his pale blue eyes shining brightly in the beautiful face. The Brit nodded in recognition. ‘His husband Rama.’ Alex gestured to the tall half Egyptian man who was smiling lovingly at the frail Leader, and then to the Brit. ‘Jaden and Caiden.’ Alex continued, indicating the blond and redheaded twins, both with startling bright green eyes, both pairs of eyes fixed with concentration on the newcomer. Callum felt that the blond twin was looking through him.
‘What are you all?’ Callum asked bluntly. Since waking, he felt a strange charge of energy about him and now, seeing these people, he knew there was something different about them.
‘Very astute.’ Lachlan said raising an eyebrow in the Brit’s direction. ‘We are the Children of Light. We are, I guess you could say, supernatural beings. In this room we have probably every possible supernatural ability in existence. I am the Leader. Jaden, Caiden and Alex are the Triumvirate, they are the actual leaders of the Children of Light, all of them. And sitting beside you is the Holy Strega, the supreme and ultimate Witch.’
Callum turned and looked to Alex’s mother who laughed.
‘No caro.’ She said shaking her head and pointing to the blond Canadian. Callum looked to Quinn and gasped, reeling back instinctively.
‘Clearly you’ve been exposed to their mages?’ Lachlan asked as Quinn continued to smile at the Brit. ‘You’ve nothing to fear from Quinn. He isn’t a mage.’ Callum looked to the Leader who was nodding frankly. ‘We are the good guys.’ The Brit bolted out of his seat and was shaking with fear. Alex and Quinn both stood and took the man calmly in their hands, sitting him back down gently.
‘Nothing to worry about Callum.’ Alex said with a smile. Callum looked to Quinn and saw a look of genuine friendship in his smile, relaxing him slightly.
‘Okay.’ Callum said calmly. ‘I’m not sure I know much about the plan’s William had.’
‘That’s not really what we’re after.’ Lachlan said gently. ‘I’m more interested in William himself.’
‘He’s just my brother.’ Callum said with slumped shoulders. ‘Well, he was.’
‘Don’t worry too much about it.’ Alex said trying to cheer his cousin up.
‘Maybe we should break for something to eat?’ Quinn asked, looking to the Leader, who nodded.
‘Quinn, why don’t you and Aurelia take Callum to get some lunch? Alex, perhaps you can help me with something?’ The Leader asked of the Italian.
‘I’ll join you shortly.’ Alex said squeezing his cousin’s shoulder gently as he stood up and followed Lachlan.
Everyone in the living room all made their way outside, Aurelia and Quinn taking Callum to the kitchens, Jaden and Caiden following. Lachlan led Alex and Rama over to a guest cabin.
‘What’s going on?’ Alex asked curiously.
‘I wanted you to come and see Giorgio.’ The Leader said rather quietly.
‘Is he alright?’ Alex asked suddenly remembering his older cousin and what he must be going through.
‘Well… he’s alright, I suppose. But it’s nothing time won’t heal.’ Rama said convincingly.
‘And the incubus?’ Alex asked.
‘That’s where we ran into problems.’ The Leader said sadly. ‘The host is still alive. But sadly, he isn’t the person Giorgio knew.’
‘What?’ Alex asked in shock, coming to a standstill outside of the guest cabin. Lachlan turned around and explained.
‘The incubus, Drew, took total control of the host’s body. Everything he said and or did with Giorgio was the incubus. The host was not in control of what was going on. Therefore, the man in that cabin, is not the man that Giorgio fell in love with.’ The Leader poked a finger sadly at a window in the nearby cabin. Alex’s face said it all when Rama and Lachlan looked at it.
‘He doesn’t love Giorgio does he?’ The Italian asked morosely.
‘That’s the interesting thing.’ Lachlan said. ‘In the few sessions I’ve had with him, there is an element of affection toward Giorgio. But, it’s a little complicated.’
‘How so?’ Alex asked eagerly.
‘Let’s go in and meet him first.’ The Leader said turning around and walking the last few meters to the cabin. He knocked firmly on the door and waited as footsteps moved through the cabin to the front door. The door opened and Giorgio, looking a great deal healthier, was standing in the entrance.
‘ALEX!’ He called happily, stepping out and past the Leader, embracing his cousin warmly.
‘Georgie!’ Alex replied as he was crushed by his cousin.
‘It’s good to see you cousin.’ Giorgio said still clinging to his cousin. Finally releasing his cousin, he stood back and held Alex by the shoulders.
‘You’re looking better.’ Alex said with a genuine smile. ‘Are you alright?’
Giorgio’s face darkened immediately, pain and heartache clear as day.
‘Let’s get inside aye?’ Lachlan said gently, guiding the two Italian’s inside. Alex, Giorgio, Rama and Lachlan made themselves comfortable in the lounge of the guest cabin.
‘There are moments where he looks at me like I’m a complete stranger. Well, I guess I am. But then there are moments where I see his face, see his eyes, and he knows exactly who I am.’ Giorgio said sadly.
‘And there are moments when I look at you and I feel this great swell of love for you.’ A deep voice said from the hallway. Alex turned to the man and saw the Welshman standing in the hallway shyly. It took a few moments to realise that the deep Brazilian voice he heard, came from the Welshman.
‘Drew?’ Alex asked standing up politely.
‘Actually, my name is Gabriel.’ The Welshman, ugh, Brazilian said with a warm smile, holding his hand out to the Italian. Alex took his hand and shook it firmly.
‘I’m…’
‘Alex. I know who you are.’ Gabriel said with a smile as he cut off the Italian. ‘I wasn’t in control, but I remember everything that happened.’
‘That must be horrible.’ Alex said respectfully.
‘I guess so.’ Gabriel said with a half-smile. ‘It’s a little strange at the moment. It’s like looking at a stranger at times, but then, when I look at him, I get this mad rush of feelings for Giorgio.’ He finished with a blush, looking at the ground. Alex pushed him gently toward the sofa where he was sitting previously. The Brazilian sat down carefully, refraining from making eye contact with anyone.
‘Forgive me for being blunt, but, does that make much of a difference?’ Alex asked, looking around at the people in the room. Rama looked out the window, Giorgio to the floor, probably the same spot that Gabriel was staring at. Lachlan looked to the Italian slowly and almost begged for understanding.
‘Gabriel, contrary to all these horrible events, is heterosexual.’ The Leader said glancing to the Brazilian, who looked back to Alex with soft, moist eyes. Alex held eye contact for a few moments before the whole situation crashed down on him.
‘Oh shit!’ The Italian said in shock. ‘Fuck!’ Giorgio, who had tears brimming his eyes nodded sadly. Gabriel stood up quickly and was in front of Giorgio instantly, reaching down and pulling Alex’s cousin to his feet, holding his hand securely.
‘Please, don’t cry.’ The Brazilian said softly. ‘I know it’s complicated, but, I can’t stand seeing you cry.’ Giorgio sobbed quietly, his shoulders rising and falling as he held his face in his hands.
‘I’m sorry.’ The older cousin sobbed. ‘It’s just…’
‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Gabriel said sadly.
‘I’m confused.’ Alex whispered to Lachlan.
‘Let’s leave these guys to it.’ The Leader whispered back as Rama stood up and slipped out the door, followed quickly by Lachlan and Alex.
‘What’s the deal?’ Alex asked when they were out of earshot of the cabin.
‘Gabriel is straight. He has never had any thoughts about being with another man, ever. Until he was taken possession of.’ The Leader explained as the three men walked slowly.
‘So, that’s what’s causing the problem?’ Alex asked, still not understanding.
‘It’s part of the problem.’ The Leader replied. ‘Gabriel explained to me that when he was possessed, he was aware of everything going on. He watched as Drew seduced your cousin. While Drew was controlling his body, Gabriel was, for want of a better word, in bondage, wrapped in the spirit of the incubus. While he was watching what was happening, the emotions and feelings that Drew was experiencing, including the sexual desires, were slowly but surely filtering into Gabriel, still in bondage.’
‘So, there are feelings in Gabriel, that he was exposed to second-hand?’ Alex asked for clarity.
‘Yes. And, even though he thinks of himself as heterosexual, he still finds Giorgio attractive, and has very strong feelings for him, as you just saw.’ Lachlan said as they came to a stop outside the kitchen building.
‘Well, that’s some fucked up shit.’ Alex admitted with a sigh.
‘It’s a bit hard for them at the moment, but, like I said before, nothing time won’t heal.’ The Leader said with a small smile. Alex returned the smile hopefully.
‘My heart hurts just thinking about them.’ Rama said pulling his husband into his arms.
‘I know that feeling.’ Alex said looking around for his husband. Spotting Quinn sitting with his mother and cousin, the Italian collected himself a small lunch and made his way over to join them.
‘How ya doing?’ Alex asked when he sat down. Callum looked into the Italian’s blue eyes and smiled.
‘I’m alright.’ The Brit replied. Aurelia reached over and pulled the young man into a half hug.
‘He’ll be fine caro.’ Mrs. Braddock said happily. ‘How’s your other cousin?’
Alex thought for a moment, looked to his husband and wondered what it would be like having his love for his husband fall on deaf ears. Quinn smiled to his husband questioningly.
‘Hurting. But, I think with a little time, everything will be alright.’ Alex said remotely confident in his words.
‘I feel marginally responsible for this.’ Callum said sadly, looking to his hands. Mrs. Braddock pulled the man into a tighter hug and whispered into his ear.
‘You are not to blame caro. Don’t treat yourself like that.’ She said so only he could hear. Callum’s shoulders rose and fell a few times with his silent cries.
‘I’m so sorry Mrs. Braddock.’ He gasped quietly.
‘Pah! You call me Mamma.’ Mrs. Braddock said with a wave of the hand as she released the young Brit and looked at him. She took his chin in her hand and winked at him.
‘Honestly Callum, it really isn’t your fault. You had nothing to do with it.’ Quinn said with a smile, Alex nodding enthusiastically.
‘Still, all the time they’ve kept me locked up. Surely I could have found some way to let you know.’ The Brit berated himself.
‘Callum. Stop it!’ Alex said warmly. ‘There wasn’t anything you could do. And everything will be fine, you wait and see.’ Aurelia kissed the young man on the cheek in a very motherly fashion.
‘My bambino is right. Time heals all wounds.’ She said with a smile. Callum nodded as he wiped his eyes clear of tears.
Everyone ate their meals in silence, an occasional smile passed between people as they ate. When Alex finished his sandwich, he looked to his husband and smiled.
‘Want to go for a walk?’ Quinn smiled back and stood up. ‘We’ll be back in a bit.’ Alex said to everyone, smiling to his cousin who looked a little concerned.
‘Something on your mind my love?’ Quinn asked as the two men walked hand in hand to the River.
‘No, just wanted a little quiet time with my husband.’ The Italian said swinging his hand, causing the blond to giggle.
‘Do you think our life will ever settle down?’ The blond asked as they strolled down the slight incline toward the River.
‘One day hopefully.’ Alex said to no one in particular. The two men wandered aimlessly to the place where they spoke of Quinn’s father. Without realising, they had stumbled upon Giorgio and Fabrizio sitting beside the River, the older brother’s arms and legs wrapped around the younger, their heads resting against the other.
‘Hey guys.’ Alex said as he and Quinn sat down beside the brothers.
‘Hey.’ Fabrizio and Giorgio said together, smiling to the couple.
‘Not interrupting?’ Alex asked as he pulled his husband into his arms, similar to how the brothers were sitting.
‘Nah. Just talking.’ Fabrizio said quietly, his eyes slightly red. Fabrizio sniffed quietly, letting the couple know that they had been crying.
‘How was your honeymoon cousin?’ The older brother asked, placing a tender kiss on the top of his brother’s head.
‘It was great.’ Alex replied and then gasped. ‘Oh, you guys haven’t met the latest addition to our family, have you?’ The brothers looked confusedly at the Italian and Canadian, shaking their heads in negation. ‘Quinn?’
The blond closed his eyes and connecting telepathically with the cousin’s, he shared his spirit vision with them, as Alex called out for Cerberus. Watching carefully, Fabrizio spotted the spirit-pup first, across the River, skipping happily through the long grass in their direction.
‘There Georgie.’ He said pointing to the spot he saw the spirit-pup bouncing last. Sure enough, the two brothers watched the spirit-pup bounding closer to the River, and once he broke through the long grass, ran full speed across the water, both brothers gasping in awe.
‘He’s a spirit?’ Giorgio asked hesitantly, having had enough with spirits recently.
‘Yeah. A spirit-pup. We found him during our honeymoon.’ Quinn said happily watching Cerberus bound across the water. He came scooting to a stop in front of the brothers and yipped politely at the two men.
‘What a cutie.’ Fabrizio said reaching out to the spirit-pup. Cerberus sniffed at the hand and yipped excitedly. Giorgio reached out tentatively to the spirit-pup who looked sadly at the oldest brother. Cerberus whined softly, his tail no longer wagging back and forth, and a sad look came over the face of the spirit-pup.
‘Oh.’ Quinn said politely. ‘Cerberus is sorry for what’s happening.’ The blond relayed. Cerberus sat up and nudged his head against the outstretched hand of the oldest Italian, Giorgio’s hand actually moving at the contact, and yipped sadly, sitting down again.
‘That’s very kind of him.’ The oldest brother said with a smile. ‘Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Cerberus.’ The spirit-pup stood up and yipped excitedly, skipping in a circle.
‘Alright, alright, off you go then.’ Quinn said waving a hand at the excitable spirit-pup. ‘He said he was investigating an interesting spirit in that field over there. Something about a recently dead animal.’
‘How charming. He’s not going to bring an animal corpse back over here is he?’ Alex asked with humour.
‘I bloody hope not.’ Quinn said with a laugh.
‘May I join you?’ A Brazilian voice called from a few feet away. All four men looked over and saw Gabriel standing a small distance from them, wringing his hands together softly, and looking awkward.
‘Course you can.’ Alex responded Giorgio, Fabrizio and Quinn all nodding enthusiastically.
‘Thank you.’ The Brazilian asked as he took the few final steps and sat down with Alex and Quinn between himself and the brothers.
‘Oh dio.’ Fabrizio said rolling his eyes. ‘Come sit over here.’ He said patting the grass beside his brother with a wink to the Brazilian. Gabriel blushed slightly and awkwardly shuffled around Alex and Quinn, coming to a stop between Alex and Giorgio, the latter watching with adoration in his eyes.
‘So, I haven’t met you properly.’ Fabrizio said turning slightly and sitting away from his brother. He held out a hand to the Brazilian and smiled. ‘I’m Fabrizio.’
‘Gabriel.’ The Brazilian said with a warm smile. ‘I remember you, and I’m sorry all this weird stuff happened.’ He said genuinely. Fabrizio smiled in response.
‘It’s okay. Nice to meet you.’ The younger brother said warmly, looking to his brother. ‘You love my brother, sì?’
Gabriel choked dramatically as Quinn slapped a hand to his mouth, Alex gasping silently. Giorgio laughed spontaneously at the responses of the three men.
‘Ah, there’s my shit for brains little brother.’ The older brother said still laughing as he reached over and softly punched Fabrizio’s shoulder. ‘The tact of a bull!’ Gabriel looked down to his hands and blushed slightly.
‘Yes, I do.’ Gabriel said quietly, all four men falling silent, staring at the top of his head, his thumbs twiddling in his lap. ‘I do love him, whether it’s because of what that thing was doing to me, or because I watched as the relationship developed. I do love you Giorgio, but I just need some time.’
Giorgio was on his feet and hauling the Brazilian up as well. The older cousin kissed the Brazilian softly on the cheek and wrapped his arms around him firmly, squeezing ever so gently, Gabriel returning the embrace comfortably.
‘I’m here, waiting.’ Was all he said as Alex, Quinn and Fabrizio all clapped silently in celebration.
‘They’re going tonight.’ Giorgio whispered to his brother. Fabrizio’s head spun around so fast that it clicked in protest.
‘What?’ The younger brother asked with wide eyes.
‘Gabriel said he overheard their conversation. They’re going tonight, after sunset. To get Mikhail.’ The Brazilian leaned in slightly and nodded conspiratorially. Fabrizio’s eye’s flashed with excitement at the thought and he turned and ran to the Leader’s cabin.
Not even bothering with knocking, he flew through the front door and stood, red in the face with embarrassment at just barging in, looking at the group standing around a table. The youngest brother looked and saw what appeared to be a scale model of an old building.
‘Are you going for him tonight?’ He gasped as he tried to catch his breath. The Leader and his husband chuckled to themselves.
‘Yes Fabrizio. We leave at 8pm.’ Lachlan said with a smile looking to Alex.
‘Can I come with you?’ The youngest cousin asked hopefully, looking from Alex to the Leader, to Quinn and then to his aunt, Aurelia.
‘I’m sorry Fabrizio. It’s safer for you to stay here.’ Rama said with a soft smile. ‘I will be staying behind as well, so, I will keep you company, and updated.’ He said twiddling his fingers beside his temple with a wink. Fabrizio skipped over the half Egyptian and cuddled into his side, as the group began planning again.
‘Be safe neteru.’ Rama said kissing his husband and hugging him tightly.
‘I always am mo chridhe.’ The Leader said holding onto his lover for that little bit longer.
‘Caro, you be careful.’ Aurelia said clicking her fingers at her son who skipped over and hugged his mother.
‘Sì Mamma. We’ll all be back soon.’ Alex said stepping back and taking his husband’s hand in his own.
‘You watch yourself too my raggio di luce.’ She said nodding to Quinn who nodded back respectfully. ‘Please watch over my son, Holy.’
‘With every fibre of my being, I will protect him.’ Quinn replied telepathically to his mother in law. Alex winked to his husband and nodded to his mother as they turned and walked to the veil. ‘Come Cerbz.’ He called out as the spirit-pup bounded over and followed his master loyally. Lachlan, Jaden, Caiden, AJ, James and Sam all followed, a cloud of electricity crackling in their wake. The few remaining behind watched the eight men, all wearing black clothes, walk off to the Sanctuary entrance.
‘I wish I could have gone with them.’ Rama said with a sigh. He reached over and pulled Fabrizio and Stephen, James’ partner, into either side of himself and laughed. ‘Let’s go get something to eat and watch a movie.’
‘We’re coming.’ Aurelia said with a cackle as she took Giorgio and Gabriel’s hands in hers and pulled them along.
The small group of men appeared in the pre-dawn darkness, each of them stooping slightly to avoid visible detection.
‘Sir.’ They heard from a few meters away, a shadowed figure moving toward them in the darkness. When in range, the shadow looked to Lachlan with a nod.
‘Don’t call me that.’ The Leader hissed with a silent giggle. ‘Everyone this is Arina, the Belarussian Leader, Arina, this is everyone.’ He said waving to everyone, connecting her to the telepathic web he had cast over everyone.
‘Greetings.’ Arina said nodding to everyone, her voice rich and deep, she also wearing black clothing. ‘We have four squads waiting for orders.’
‘Excellent. James, AJ, Sam, Arina, address your troops and connect them to the field.’ The Leader said quietly, the four Leader’s disappearing into the darkness. ‘Alex, Quinn, Jaden, Caiden, form up on me, Quinn in the middle please.’ The four men moved into position, Alex to Lachlan’s left and behind slightly, Jaden to the right, Quinn behind the Leader and Caiden behind him.
‘No more verbal please.’ The Leader announced telepathically to the field he had created. He heard the murmur of the mind’s all connected to him, the four Leaders, Alex, Quinn, Jaden and Caiden, and the four squads of six each, individually the strongest and most competent of telekinetic warriors from the numerous Sanctuary’s.
‘When you’re ready.’ The four Leader’s said simultaneously.
‘James, your squad to the East, Arina, yours to the West, AJ, take the North, Sam the South, behind us.’ Lachlan issued their orders. The entire group of people felt the departure and reappearance of the three squads and their Leaders, appearing at their desired destinations. Lachlan and his squad, for that’s what they thought of themselves as, blinked to the Southern entrance of the Cathedral, Sam and his squad following moments after.
‘Everyone cloaked and ready?’ The Leader asked and heard a few dozen telepathic voices chanting in the affirmative.
The five men were sprawled around the lounge of the Leader’s private cabin, watching a movie as Aurelia came back into the room.
‘Alright Mamma?’ Giorgio asked of his aunt.
‘Sì bambino.’ Aurelia said as she sat in her seat and continued watching the movie. She had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right and she was fidgeting in her seat.
‘Are you okay Aurelia?’ Rama asked looking to Alex’s mother and scanning her mind, sensing her agitation.
‘Sì caro. It’s nothing.’ She said trying to settle down again.
Rama continued to monitor her thoughts as he returned to watching the movie with everyone else. He felt it before he saw her react. Aurelia stood bolt upright, threw her head back and wailed a horrifying low pitched scream. Everyone in the room panicked and shuffled back, Rama appeared in front of her instantly, probing her mind, watching the premonition with her.
A woman with long blond hair was curled up in a ball on the ground, dark shadows flicking around her, long shadowy claws raking at the clothes she was wearing. She was whimpering with fear as the assault took place.
‘Sarah!’ Aurelia and Rama gasped simultaneously.
‘Caro, we have to help her.’ Aurelia said urgently. Rama nodded grimly, realising what he was about to do.
‘I will find her and help her. I need you to stay here.’ The Egyptian said with authority.
Everyone in the room jumped out of their skin when a murky silhouette appeared in front of the television. The Leader looked to the Egyptian and Italian woman and smiled briefly. Rama had seen this before and thought that it really did look like he was seeing his husband lying at the bottom of a lake.
‘Stay right where you are please.’ The Leader’s murky image said politely, a bizarre echo to his voice. ‘The Order are trying to separate us, catch us in a trap.’
‘But Sarah?’ Aurelia gasped in panic.
‘Is safe, for the time being. Their goal is to capture either myself, Alex, or someone important to us.’ The Leader said glancing to his husband with a wink of the eye. ‘We are about to make our move and will be back with you in half an hour. Please wait for me and I will lead the team myself to rescue Sarah.’
The Italian woman, although not satisfied with his order, nodded her head in compliance, her mouth stretched straight and thin. The Egyptian bowed his head, acquiescing to his husband’s request.
‘Does Quinn know?’ Aurelia asked bluntly. The Leader looked the woman in the eyes and shook his head in the negative.
‘No. He will as soon as we are all safe.’ The Leader said with a hint of sadness. ‘We will be back soon.’ As the Leader’s image shimmered into non-existence, the people in the lounge erupted into questions.
‘What’s going on?’
‘Are we in danger?’
‘How did he do that?’
‘What do we do?’
‘Calm people. Calm, please.’ Rama said marginally louder than everyone, his hands raised and gesturing for people to quiet down. ‘No, we are not in danger.’ He continued. ‘I’m not sure what is going on, but I do know that while here, we are safe. We do nothing until Lachlan is back. And that was his astral projection. Obviously he couldn’t communicate with me telepathically as he is connected with everyone on the rescue mission, including Quinn.’ The Egyptian looked to the Italian woman and took her shoulders gently in his hands. ‘He hasn’t told Quinn because he need’s Quinn focused. He is also right that for the time being, Sarah is safe.’
‘That is one of my sister’s in trouble, Rama.’ Aurelia said heatedly. Rama closed his eyes and exhaled softly, venting his frustration.
‘I know Aurelia. But my husband would not ask us to wait unless he knew she was safe. If she had been in immediate danger, he would have sent me right away. Trust my husband.’ Rama begged of the woman, who merely nodded in restrained agreement.
‘Is James alright?’ The New Zealander, Stephen, asked. Rama closed his eyes briefly and nodded.
‘No-one is hurt or unaccounted for.’ The Egyptian said with a smile. Several questions flew in quick succession at the Egyptian who raised his hands, asking for silence. A few seconds of flurried words passed before silence fell.
‘I apologise to you all for what I am about to do, but I daresay you shall not recall this.’ The Egyptian said to several confused faces, Aurelia’s included. Catching the woman as she fell, everyone in the room slumped over into a forced sleep. Guiding the woman to a sofa and sitting her carefully in the seat, the Leader’s husband made for the door and met Grayson just outside, whom Rama had summoned silently a minute ago.
‘Everything alright?’ The older man asked with concern.
‘Aurelia had a premonition of Quinn’s mother being attacked. Lachlan projected to us and told us it was a trap and to wait for him to get back.’
Grayson nodded in understanding. ‘Did you see where it was?’
‘The backyard of her house.’ The Egyptian said nodding. ‘I think maybe someone should get over there, and see what’s going on. Take four people, port in no more than a kilometre from the house, and stick together.’
‘If she’s in danger?’ Grayson asked grimly.
‘Let me know and I’ll join you.’ Rama responded with tight lips. ‘Grayson, any sign of danger to you or the others, get back here immediately.’
‘Will do.’ The older man said turning away.
‘And Grayson?’ The Older man turned his head back to the Egyptian. ‘Be careful.’
The Leader, coming back to himself looked around briefly.
‘You alright?’ Jaden asked through the telepathic field.
‘Yeah. Alright, let’s go guys.’ He said with a determined nod. ‘James, Arina, AJ, if you please.’
‘Wait!’ AJ called across the telepathic web. Everyone stopped immediately as AJ walked forward cautiously. He reached out tentatively and within seconds a ball of fire exploded near his hand. Yanking his hand back undamaged, he watched as the fire continued exploding and growing in size, creating a shield between himself and the cathedral. The other Leader’s approached the building and performed the same action, watching in fascination as the fires created an immense shield around the fortress.
‘Clever.’ The Leader said in derision.
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]
***
‘Lachlan?’ Alex called loudly in a panic. They needed to wait only several seconds before the Leader appeared in the middle of the lounge with a flurry of electricity.
‘Welcome home.’ The Leader said merrily when he spotted Alex and Quinn, his smile faltering the moment he saw their faces. ‘What’s wrong?’ Lachlan glanced briefly at the unconscious person on the couch and back to the Italian and Canadian, scanning their thoughts briefly. ‘Shit!’
‘I can’t sense him.’ Alex said as the panic crept into his voice. Quinn was instantly by his side, his arm wrapped securely around his waist, his own face a mirror of panic.
‘Rama, bring the twins, immediately.’ The Leader whispered quickly, his words almost a hiss. ‘Fabrizio is upstairs.’ Lachlan added looking to the Italian, who vanished from the spot. Lachlan and Quinn heard him pummelling on his cousin’s bedroom door.
‘Fabz, where’s Mikhail?’ Alex hollered through the door. No reply. ‘Fabrizio?’ Alex called louder. After a few moments silence, the Leader and the Canadian heard the splintering of a door. A few seconds later, Alex and Fabrizio appeared in the lounge, the younger cousin in a gale of tears.
‘Where is he Fabrizio?’ Alex asked loudly, shaking his cousin roughly. Lachlan was instantly beside the tall Italian, his hands restraining him.
‘Perhaps I should do this?’ The Leader asked politely, his hands steel vices on the Italian’s wrists. Alex looked contrite and released his cousin, stepping back and pulling his husband into his arms.
‘Fabrizio, where is Mikhail?’ The Leader asked gently of the sobbing Italian, who didn’t respond. ‘Shit!’ Lachlan muttered as Rama, Jaden and Caiden appeared in the room.
‘What’s going on?’ Jaden asked as soon as they appeared.
‘My cousin came over and said that the Order set a trap for me, using Mikhail as bait. And now I can’t find him.’ Alex said at lightning speed, panic clouding his words.
‘He’s gone back to Russia.’ The Leader said quietly. ‘To rescue his friend.’
‘What?’ Alex and Quinn asked simultaneously.
‘Hi… his friend, on the n…n…news.’ Fabrizio stammered through the tears.
‘On the news?’ Alex asked gently.
‘We were watching the news last week. There was a report on the riots in Russia. He saw his friend being kidnapped.’ The younger Italian managed to say.
'When did he leave?’ The Leader asked patiently, gauging the youngest Italian’s mettle wearing thin.
‘Three nights ago.’ Fabrizio sobbed as he fell back into tears. Lachlan probed his mind gently.
‘The news article was recorded.’ The Leader said, appearing in front of the television and pressing a few buttons. In seconds a news article was playing on the large screen.
‘Two weeks before the Winter Olympics are to commence and the political turmoil in Russia is boiling over. After a press release from Russian President, Vladimir Putin, stating that their controversial LGBT laws will stand, and no athletes will be arrested during the games, chaos reigned in the streets of St Petersburg.’ A shaking video showed people running around and screaming for fear as the camera zoomed in on a small group of people dragging a person along the road into an alleyway.
‘Net! Otpusti menya! Mikhail, pomogi mne!’ The Leader paused the television.
‘No. Let me go. Mikhail, help me.’ Lachlan translated for those not fluent in Russian.
‘Who is that though?’ Alex asked, looking at the image on the television, trying to recognise the person being dragged away.
‘He said his name was Nikolai.’ Fabrizio said, trying to catch his breath. His eyes were swollen and red.
‘Why didn’t you call me?’ Alex asked of his cousin, reaching over to him and hugging him fiercely.
‘I didn’t want to interrupt your honeymoon.’ The younger cousin replied.
‘I’m sorry, I should have been paying closer attention. But we’ve been kinda busy with the incubus, or rather, the damage he’s wrought.’ The Leader said by way of apology.
‘It’s fine. Let’s just come up with a plan to get Mikhail back safely.’ Alex said firmly.
‘And this person, Nikolai. He is important.’ Quinn said, his eyes glazed over and looking out the window. ‘Oh, my dog want’s to meet you.’ The blond said coming back to himself, looking at the Leader with a smile.
‘You have a dog?’ Lachlan asked curiously.
‘In a manner of fashion.’ Alex said with a laugh. ‘Cerbz, come here.’
‘Cerbz?’ Caiden asked from behind the Leader.
‘Cerberus.’ Alex answered. ‘Quinn found him in a cave a little up the coast from Ammoudia. He’s a spirit.’ As he said this, the spirit-pup bounded into the living room, and although not seeing him, everyone certainly felt his presence. Quinn closed his eyes and telepathically connected with everyone in the room, sharing his unique spirit vision.
‘Holy shit!’ Jaden said, seeing the dog.
‘He’s gorgeous.’ Caiden said with a smile.
‘Like his daddy.’ Rama said with a wink to the blond.
‘Wait, Ammoudia? Cerberus?’ The Leader began. ‘The cave you found him in, was it near the water?’ Quinn nodded. ‘And the water, what colour was it?’
‘Part of it was black, like a river winding through the ocean.’ Quinn replied.
‘You found the Gates of Hades?’ The Leader marvelled. ‘But not only that, you found the spirit of the long since abandoned Cerberus.’ Lachlan crouched down and reached out to the spirit-pup. ‘How long have you been there, by yourself?’
Cerbz skipped around in a circle and jumped at the Leader. The spirit-pup licked at Lachlan’s hand and yipped his puppy bark.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t know you were there. If I had have…’ The spirit-pup yipped happily to the Leader.
‘He says not to worry about it.’ He’s just happy to have company now.’ Quinn said smiling.
‘Well, I’m sure you’ll love being with Quinn.’ The Leader said with a smile, standing up. ‘You’re going to have to teach me that someday.’
‘Gladly.’ The blond said with a warm smile. ‘Can we go and find Mikhail now?’ He whispered to the Leader. ‘Alex is getting anxious.’
‘Absolutely.’ Lachlan said with seriousness. ‘Rama, can you take Fabrizio to the Sanctuary please. Jaden, Caiden, if you would please find Aurelia, Francesca and Giuliana and escort them to the Sanctuary.’ The three men nodded and made to action the Leader’s requests. ‘Are you able to port with Cerbz?’ Lachlan asked curiously.
‘Yeah, but, we had a bit of trouble getting him through the protections.’ Alex explained as the Leader closed his eyes concentrating.
‘He’ll be fine coming into the Sanctuary.’ The Leader said warmly. ‘Come on, let’s get a move on.’
‘Alright, according to the news report, Nikolai was taken in St Petersburg. From what our European Leader’s found out, he’s being held at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Petergof.’ Lachlan began advising everyone in his living room.
‘And is it the Order holding him?’ Alex asked nervously. The Leader’s face darkened slightly.
‘Yes.’ Lachlan closed his eyes briefly. ‘I’m not entirely sure how long they’ve been in St. Petersburg, but, from what the other Leader’s have told me, it’s safe to assume the Order are, if not directly involved, manipulating things from the shadows. I’d need to be there in person to see how deeply they’re entrenched there.’
‘When do we go?’ Alex enquired boldly. The Leader held up a hand.
‘We can safely assume that Mikhail is alive, and has not been harmed too badly. If this is a trap set by the Order, we have to be careful and plan this out carefully. An unprepared collection of old men is one thing. If William is running things, and with the knowledge that they’re using spirits and demons, we cannot afford to go in unprepared.’ The Leader said sadly, but with intent. Alex made to say something, but stopped quickly.
‘Picollo, he’s right. We need to plan it out.’ Mrs. Braddock said with a sad smile to her son. ‘Don’t get me wrong my darling, I want him back as well, but, I want him back, with everyone alive.’
‘Sì Mamma. Sorry Lachlan.’ The Italian said with a glum face. Quinn reached over and squeezed his hand.
‘Don’t worry my love, we’ll get him back.’ Quinn said hearing shuffled footsteps from the hallway. He looked over and spotted Alex’s older cousin, Callum, shuffling slowly into the living area of the Leader’s private cabin. The blond smiled at the skinny man.
‘William.’ Alex said, spotting his cousin. The Italian was on his feet and beside the Brit instantly, startling Callum.
‘Where am I?’ The Brit asked quietly of his cousin.
‘We’re in a place called The Sanctuary. There are a few people here who are helping us come up with a plan to rescue Mikhail.’ Alex said helping his cousin shuffle into the lounge and onto the sofa, beside Quinn. ‘You remember Quinn.’
‘Yes.’ Callum said, smiling to the blond. ‘Thank you.’ He nodded politely.
‘You feeling alright?’ The Canadian asked of the Brit. When Callum smiled warmly, Quinn, responded instinctively with his own bright smile, stunning Callum slightly.
‘This is Lachlan, he’s the Leader here.’ Alex said gesturing to the frail man. The long black hair lying across his forehead, his pale blue eyes shining brightly in the beautiful face. The Brit nodded in recognition. ‘His husband Rama.’ Alex gestured to the tall half Egyptian man who was smiling lovingly at the frail Leader, and then to the Brit. ‘Jaden and Caiden.’ Alex continued, indicating the blond and redheaded twins, both with startling bright green eyes, both pairs of eyes fixed with concentration on the newcomer. Callum felt that the blond twin was looking through him.
‘What are you all?’ Callum asked bluntly. Since waking, he felt a strange charge of energy about him and now, seeing these people, he knew there was something different about them.
‘Very astute.’ Lachlan said raising an eyebrow in the Brit’s direction. ‘We are the Children of Light. We are, I guess you could say, supernatural beings. In this room we have probably every possible supernatural ability in existence. I am the Leader. Jaden, Caiden and Alex are the Triumvirate, they are the actual leaders of the Children of Light, all of them. And sitting beside you is the Holy Strega, the supreme and ultimate Witch.’
Callum turned and looked to Alex’s mother who laughed.
‘No caro.’ She said shaking her head and pointing to the blond Canadian. Callum looked to Quinn and gasped, reeling back instinctively.
‘Clearly you’ve been exposed to their mages?’ Lachlan asked as Quinn continued to smile at the Brit. ‘You’ve nothing to fear from Quinn. He isn’t a mage.’ Callum looked to the Leader who was nodding frankly. ‘We are the good guys.’ The Brit bolted out of his seat and was shaking with fear. Alex and Quinn both stood and took the man calmly in their hands, sitting him back down gently.
‘Nothing to worry about Callum.’ Alex said with a smile. Callum looked to Quinn and saw a look of genuine friendship in his smile, relaxing him slightly.
‘Okay.’ Callum said calmly. ‘I’m not sure I know much about the plan’s William had.’
‘That’s not really what we’re after.’ Lachlan said gently. ‘I’m more interested in William himself.’
‘He’s just my brother.’ Callum said with slumped shoulders. ‘Well, he was.’
‘Don’t worry too much about it.’ Alex said trying to cheer his cousin up.
‘Maybe we should break for something to eat?’ Quinn asked, looking to the Leader, who nodded.
‘Quinn, why don’t you and Aurelia take Callum to get some lunch? Alex, perhaps you can help me with something?’ The Leader asked of the Italian.
‘I’ll join you shortly.’ Alex said squeezing his cousin’s shoulder gently as he stood up and followed Lachlan.
Everyone in the living room all made their way outside, Aurelia and Quinn taking Callum to the kitchens, Jaden and Caiden following. Lachlan led Alex and Rama over to a guest cabin.
‘What’s going on?’ Alex asked curiously.
‘I wanted you to come and see Giorgio.’ The Leader said rather quietly.
‘Is he alright?’ Alex asked suddenly remembering his older cousin and what he must be going through.
‘Well… he’s alright, I suppose. But it’s nothing time won’t heal.’ Rama said convincingly.
‘And the incubus?’ Alex asked.
‘That’s where we ran into problems.’ The Leader said sadly. ‘The host is still alive. But sadly, he isn’t the person Giorgio knew.’
‘What?’ Alex asked in shock, coming to a standstill outside of the guest cabin. Lachlan turned around and explained.
‘The incubus, Drew, took total control of the host’s body. Everything he said and or did with Giorgio was the incubus. The host was not in control of what was going on. Therefore, the man in that cabin, is not the man that Giorgio fell in love with.’ The Leader poked a finger sadly at a window in the nearby cabin. Alex’s face said it all when Rama and Lachlan looked at it.
‘He doesn’t love Giorgio does he?’ The Italian asked morosely.
‘That’s the interesting thing.’ Lachlan said. ‘In the few sessions I’ve had with him, there is an element of affection toward Giorgio. But, it’s a little complicated.’
‘How so?’ Alex asked eagerly.
‘Let’s go in and meet him first.’ The Leader said turning around and walking the last few meters to the cabin. He knocked firmly on the door and waited as footsteps moved through the cabin to the front door. The door opened and Giorgio, looking a great deal healthier, was standing in the entrance.
‘ALEX!’ He called happily, stepping out and past the Leader, embracing his cousin warmly.
‘Georgie!’ Alex replied as he was crushed by his cousin.
‘It’s good to see you cousin.’ Giorgio said still clinging to his cousin. Finally releasing his cousin, he stood back and held Alex by the shoulders.
‘You’re looking better.’ Alex said with a genuine smile. ‘Are you alright?’
Giorgio’s face darkened immediately, pain and heartache clear as day.
‘Let’s get inside aye?’ Lachlan said gently, guiding the two Italian’s inside. Alex, Giorgio, Rama and Lachlan made themselves comfortable in the lounge of the guest cabin.
‘There are moments where he looks at me like I’m a complete stranger. Well, I guess I am. But then there are moments where I see his face, see his eyes, and he knows exactly who I am.’ Giorgio said sadly.
‘And there are moments when I look at you and I feel this great swell of love for you.’ A deep voice said from the hallway. Alex turned to the man and saw the Welshman standing in the hallway shyly. It took a few moments to realise that the deep Brazilian voice he heard, came from the Welshman.
‘Drew?’ Alex asked standing up politely.
‘Actually, my name is Gabriel.’ The Welshman, ugh, Brazilian said with a warm smile, holding his hand out to the Italian. Alex took his hand and shook it firmly.
‘I’m…’
‘Alex. I know who you are.’ Gabriel said with a smile as he cut off the Italian. ‘I wasn’t in control, but I remember everything that happened.’
‘That must be horrible.’ Alex said respectfully.
‘I guess so.’ Gabriel said with a half-smile. ‘It’s a little strange at the moment. It’s like looking at a stranger at times, but then, when I look at him, I get this mad rush of feelings for Giorgio.’ He finished with a blush, looking at the ground. Alex pushed him gently toward the sofa where he was sitting previously. The Brazilian sat down carefully, refraining from making eye contact with anyone.
‘Forgive me for being blunt, but, does that make much of a difference?’ Alex asked, looking around at the people in the room. Rama looked out the window, Giorgio to the floor, probably the same spot that Gabriel was staring at. Lachlan looked to the Italian slowly and almost begged for understanding.
‘Gabriel, contrary to all these horrible events, is heterosexual.’ The Leader said glancing to the Brazilian, who looked back to Alex with soft, moist eyes. Alex held eye contact for a few moments before the whole situation crashed down on him.
‘Oh shit!’ The Italian said in shock. ‘Fuck!’ Giorgio, who had tears brimming his eyes nodded sadly. Gabriel stood up quickly and was in front of Giorgio instantly, reaching down and pulling Alex’s cousin to his feet, holding his hand securely.
‘Please, don’t cry.’ The Brazilian said softly. ‘I know it’s complicated, but, I can’t stand seeing you cry.’ Giorgio sobbed quietly, his shoulders rising and falling as he held his face in his hands.
‘I’m sorry.’ The older cousin sobbed. ‘It’s just…’
‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Gabriel said sadly.
‘I’m confused.’ Alex whispered to Lachlan.
‘Let’s leave these guys to it.’ The Leader whispered back as Rama stood up and slipped out the door, followed quickly by Lachlan and Alex.
‘What’s the deal?’ Alex asked when they were out of earshot of the cabin.
‘Gabriel is straight. He has never had any thoughts about being with another man, ever. Until he was taken possession of.’ The Leader explained as the three men walked slowly.
‘So, that’s what’s causing the problem?’ Alex asked, still not understanding.
‘It’s part of the problem.’ The Leader replied. ‘Gabriel explained to me that when he was possessed, he was aware of everything going on. He watched as Drew seduced your cousin. While Drew was controlling his body, Gabriel was, for want of a better word, in bondage, wrapped in the spirit of the incubus. While he was watching what was happening, the emotions and feelings that Drew was experiencing, including the sexual desires, were slowly but surely filtering into Gabriel, still in bondage.’
‘So, there are feelings in Gabriel, that he was exposed to second-hand?’ Alex asked for clarity.
‘Yes. And, even though he thinks of himself as heterosexual, he still finds Giorgio attractive, and has very strong feelings for him, as you just saw.’ Lachlan said as they came to a stop outside the kitchen building.
‘Well, that’s some fucked up shit.’ Alex admitted with a sigh.
‘It’s a bit hard for them at the moment, but, like I said before, nothing time won’t heal.’ The Leader said with a small smile. Alex returned the smile hopefully.
‘My heart hurts just thinking about them.’ Rama said pulling his husband into his arms.
‘I know that feeling.’ Alex said looking around for his husband. Spotting Quinn sitting with his mother and cousin, the Italian collected himself a small lunch and made his way over to join them.
‘How ya doing?’ Alex asked when he sat down. Callum looked into the Italian’s blue eyes and smiled.
‘I’m alright.’ The Brit replied. Aurelia reached over and pulled the young man into a half hug.
‘He’ll be fine caro.’ Mrs. Braddock said happily. ‘How’s your other cousin?’
Alex thought for a moment, looked to his husband and wondered what it would be like having his love for his husband fall on deaf ears. Quinn smiled to his husband questioningly.
‘Hurting. But, I think with a little time, everything will be alright.’ Alex said remotely confident in his words.
‘I feel marginally responsible for this.’ Callum said sadly, looking to his hands. Mrs. Braddock pulled the man into a tighter hug and whispered into his ear.
‘You are not to blame caro. Don’t treat yourself like that.’ She said so only he could hear. Callum’s shoulders rose and fell a few times with his silent cries.
‘I’m so sorry Mrs. Braddock.’ He gasped quietly.
‘Pah! You call me Mamma.’ Mrs. Braddock said with a wave of the hand as she released the young Brit and looked at him. She took his chin in her hand and winked at him.
‘Honestly Callum, it really isn’t your fault. You had nothing to do with it.’ Quinn said with a smile, Alex nodding enthusiastically.
‘Still, all the time they’ve kept me locked up. Surely I could have found some way to let you know.’ The Brit berated himself.
‘Callum. Stop it!’ Alex said warmly. ‘There wasn’t anything you could do. And everything will be fine, you wait and see.’ Aurelia kissed the young man on the cheek in a very motherly fashion.
‘My bambino is right. Time heals all wounds.’ She said with a smile. Callum nodded as he wiped his eyes clear of tears.
Everyone ate their meals in silence, an occasional smile passed between people as they ate. When Alex finished his sandwich, he looked to his husband and smiled.
‘Want to go for a walk?’ Quinn smiled back and stood up. ‘We’ll be back in a bit.’ Alex said to everyone, smiling to his cousin who looked a little concerned.
‘Something on your mind my love?’ Quinn asked as the two men walked hand in hand to the River.
‘No, just wanted a little quiet time with my husband.’ The Italian said swinging his hand, causing the blond to giggle.
‘Do you think our life will ever settle down?’ The blond asked as they strolled down the slight incline toward the River.
‘One day hopefully.’ Alex said to no one in particular. The two men wandered aimlessly to the place where they spoke of Quinn’s father. Without realising, they had stumbled upon Giorgio and Fabrizio sitting beside the River, the older brother’s arms and legs wrapped around the younger, their heads resting against the other.
‘Hey guys.’ Alex said as he and Quinn sat down beside the brothers.
‘Hey.’ Fabrizio and Giorgio said together, smiling to the couple.
‘Not interrupting?’ Alex asked as he pulled his husband into his arms, similar to how the brothers were sitting.
‘Nah. Just talking.’ Fabrizio said quietly, his eyes slightly red. Fabrizio sniffed quietly, letting the couple know that they had been crying.
‘How was your honeymoon cousin?’ The older brother asked, placing a tender kiss on the top of his brother’s head.
‘It was great.’ Alex replied and then gasped. ‘Oh, you guys haven’t met the latest addition to our family, have you?’ The brothers looked confusedly at the Italian and Canadian, shaking their heads in negation. ‘Quinn?’
The blond closed his eyes and connecting telepathically with the cousin’s, he shared his spirit vision with them, as Alex called out for Cerberus. Watching carefully, Fabrizio spotted the spirit-pup first, across the River, skipping happily through the long grass in their direction.
‘There Georgie.’ He said pointing to the spot he saw the spirit-pup bouncing last. Sure enough, the two brothers watched the spirit-pup bounding closer to the River, and once he broke through the long grass, ran full speed across the water, both brothers gasping in awe.
‘He’s a spirit?’ Giorgio asked hesitantly, having had enough with spirits recently.
‘Yeah. A spirit-pup. We found him during our honeymoon.’ Quinn said happily watching Cerberus bound across the water. He came scooting to a stop in front of the brothers and yipped politely at the two men.
‘What a cutie.’ Fabrizio said reaching out to the spirit-pup. Cerberus sniffed at the hand and yipped excitedly. Giorgio reached out tentatively to the spirit-pup who looked sadly at the oldest brother. Cerberus whined softly, his tail no longer wagging back and forth, and a sad look came over the face of the spirit-pup.
‘Oh.’ Quinn said politely. ‘Cerberus is sorry for what’s happening.’ The blond relayed. Cerberus sat up and nudged his head against the outstretched hand of the oldest Italian, Giorgio’s hand actually moving at the contact, and yipped sadly, sitting down again.
‘That’s very kind of him.’ The oldest brother said with a smile. ‘Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Cerberus.’ The spirit-pup stood up and yipped excitedly, skipping in a circle.
‘Alright, alright, off you go then.’ Quinn said waving a hand at the excitable spirit-pup. ‘He said he was investigating an interesting spirit in that field over there. Something about a recently dead animal.’
‘How charming. He’s not going to bring an animal corpse back over here is he?’ Alex asked with humour.
‘I bloody hope not.’ Quinn said with a laugh.
‘May I join you?’ A Brazilian voice called from a few feet away. All four men looked over and saw Gabriel standing a small distance from them, wringing his hands together softly, and looking awkward.
‘Course you can.’ Alex responded Giorgio, Fabrizio and Quinn all nodding enthusiastically.
‘Thank you.’ The Brazilian asked as he took the few final steps and sat down with Alex and Quinn between himself and the brothers.
‘Oh dio.’ Fabrizio said rolling his eyes. ‘Come sit over here.’ He said patting the grass beside his brother with a wink to the Brazilian. Gabriel blushed slightly and awkwardly shuffled around Alex and Quinn, coming to a stop between Alex and Giorgio, the latter watching with adoration in his eyes.
‘So, I haven’t met you properly.’ Fabrizio said turning slightly and sitting away from his brother. He held out a hand to the Brazilian and smiled. ‘I’m Fabrizio.’
‘Gabriel.’ The Brazilian said with a warm smile. ‘I remember you, and I’m sorry all this weird stuff happened.’ He said genuinely. Fabrizio smiled in response.
‘It’s okay. Nice to meet you.’ The younger brother said warmly, looking to his brother. ‘You love my brother, sì?’
Gabriel choked dramatically as Quinn slapped a hand to his mouth, Alex gasping silently. Giorgio laughed spontaneously at the responses of the three men.
‘Ah, there’s my shit for brains little brother.’ The older brother said still laughing as he reached over and softly punched Fabrizio’s shoulder. ‘The tact of a bull!’ Gabriel looked down to his hands and blushed slightly.
‘Yes, I do.’ Gabriel said quietly, all four men falling silent, staring at the top of his head, his thumbs twiddling in his lap. ‘I do love him, whether it’s because of what that thing was doing to me, or because I watched as the relationship developed. I do love you Giorgio, but I just need some time.’
Giorgio was on his feet and hauling the Brazilian up as well. The older cousin kissed the Brazilian softly on the cheek and wrapped his arms around him firmly, squeezing ever so gently, Gabriel returning the embrace comfortably.
‘I’m here, waiting.’ Was all he said as Alex, Quinn and Fabrizio all clapped silently in celebration.
‘They’re going tonight.’ Giorgio whispered to his brother. Fabrizio’s head spun around so fast that it clicked in protest.
‘What?’ The younger brother asked with wide eyes.
‘Gabriel said he overheard their conversation. They’re going tonight, after sunset. To get Mikhail.’ The Brazilian leaned in slightly and nodded conspiratorially. Fabrizio’s eye’s flashed with excitement at the thought and he turned and ran to the Leader’s cabin.
Not even bothering with knocking, he flew through the front door and stood, red in the face with embarrassment at just barging in, looking at the group standing around a table. The youngest brother looked and saw what appeared to be a scale model of an old building.
‘Are you going for him tonight?’ He gasped as he tried to catch his breath. The Leader and his husband chuckled to themselves.
‘Yes Fabrizio. We leave at 8pm.’ Lachlan said with a smile looking to Alex.
‘Can I come with you?’ The youngest cousin asked hopefully, looking from Alex to the Leader, to Quinn and then to his aunt, Aurelia.
‘I’m sorry Fabrizio. It’s safer for you to stay here.’ Rama said with a soft smile. ‘I will be staying behind as well, so, I will keep you company, and updated.’ He said twiddling his fingers beside his temple with a wink. Fabrizio skipped over the half Egyptian and cuddled into his side, as the group began planning again.
‘Be safe neteru.’ Rama said kissing his husband and hugging him tightly.
‘I always am mo chridhe.’ The Leader said holding onto his lover for that little bit longer.
‘Caro, you be careful.’ Aurelia said clicking her fingers at her son who skipped over and hugged his mother.
‘Sì Mamma. We’ll all be back soon.’ Alex said stepping back and taking his husband’s hand in his own.
‘You watch yourself too my raggio di luce.’ She said nodding to Quinn who nodded back respectfully. ‘Please watch over my son, Holy.’
‘With every fibre of my being, I will protect him.’ Quinn replied telepathically to his mother in law. Alex winked to his husband and nodded to his mother as they turned and walked to the veil. ‘Come Cerbz.’ He called out as the spirit-pup bounded over and followed his master loyally. Lachlan, Jaden, Caiden, AJ, James and Sam all followed, a cloud of electricity crackling in their wake. The few remaining behind watched the eight men, all wearing black clothes, walk off to the Sanctuary entrance.
‘I wish I could have gone with them.’ Rama said with a sigh. He reached over and pulled Fabrizio and Stephen, James’ partner, into either side of himself and laughed. ‘Let’s go get something to eat and watch a movie.’
‘We’re coming.’ Aurelia said with a cackle as she took Giorgio and Gabriel’s hands in hers and pulled them along.
The small group of men appeared in the pre-dawn darkness, each of them stooping slightly to avoid visible detection.
‘Sir.’ They heard from a few meters away, a shadowed figure moving toward them in the darkness. When in range, the shadow looked to Lachlan with a nod.
‘Don’t call me that.’ The Leader hissed with a silent giggle. ‘Everyone this is Arina, the Belarussian Leader, Arina, this is everyone.’ He said waving to everyone, connecting her to the telepathic web he had cast over everyone.
‘Greetings.’ Arina said nodding to everyone, her voice rich and deep, she also wearing black clothing. ‘We have four squads waiting for orders.’
‘Excellent. James, AJ, Sam, Arina, address your troops and connect them to the field.’ The Leader said quietly, the four Leader’s disappearing into the darkness. ‘Alex, Quinn, Jaden, Caiden, form up on me, Quinn in the middle please.’ The four men moved into position, Alex to Lachlan’s left and behind slightly, Jaden to the right, Quinn behind the Leader and Caiden behind him.
‘No more verbal please.’ The Leader announced telepathically to the field he had created. He heard the murmur of the mind’s all connected to him, the four Leaders, Alex, Quinn, Jaden and Caiden, and the four squads of six each, individually the strongest and most competent of telekinetic warriors from the numerous Sanctuary’s.
‘When you’re ready.’ The four Leader’s said simultaneously.
‘James, your squad to the East, Arina, yours to the West, AJ, take the North, Sam the South, behind us.’ Lachlan issued their orders. The entire group of people felt the departure and reappearance of the three squads and their Leaders, appearing at their desired destinations. Lachlan and his squad, for that’s what they thought of themselves as, blinked to the Southern entrance of the Cathedral, Sam and his squad following moments after.
‘Everyone cloaked and ready?’ The Leader asked and heard a few dozen telepathic voices chanting in the affirmative.
The five men were sprawled around the lounge of the Leader’s private cabin, watching a movie as Aurelia came back into the room.
‘Alright Mamma?’ Giorgio asked of his aunt.
‘Sì bambino.’ Aurelia said as she sat in her seat and continued watching the movie. She had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right and she was fidgeting in her seat.
‘Are you okay Aurelia?’ Rama asked looking to Alex’s mother and scanning her mind, sensing her agitation.
‘Sì caro. It’s nothing.’ She said trying to settle down again.
Rama continued to monitor her thoughts as he returned to watching the movie with everyone else. He felt it before he saw her react. Aurelia stood bolt upright, threw her head back and wailed a horrifying low pitched scream. Everyone in the room panicked and shuffled back, Rama appeared in front of her instantly, probing her mind, watching the premonition with her.
A woman with long blond hair was curled up in a ball on the ground, dark shadows flicking around her, long shadowy claws raking at the clothes she was wearing. She was whimpering with fear as the assault took place.
‘Sarah!’ Aurelia and Rama gasped simultaneously.
‘Caro, we have to help her.’ Aurelia said urgently. Rama nodded grimly, realising what he was about to do.
‘I will find her and help her. I need you to stay here.’ The Egyptian said with authority.
Everyone in the room jumped out of their skin when a murky silhouette appeared in front of the television. The Leader looked to the Egyptian and Italian woman and smiled briefly. Rama had seen this before and thought that it really did look like he was seeing his husband lying at the bottom of a lake.
‘Stay right where you are please.’ The Leader’s murky image said politely, a bizarre echo to his voice. ‘The Order are trying to separate us, catch us in a trap.’
‘But Sarah?’ Aurelia gasped in panic.
‘Is safe, for the time being. Their goal is to capture either myself, Alex, or someone important to us.’ The Leader said glancing to his husband with a wink of the eye. ‘We are about to make our move and will be back with you in half an hour. Please wait for me and I will lead the team myself to rescue Sarah.’
The Italian woman, although not satisfied with his order, nodded her head in compliance, her mouth stretched straight and thin. The Egyptian bowed his head, acquiescing to his husband’s request.
‘Does Quinn know?’ Aurelia asked bluntly. The Leader looked the woman in the eyes and shook his head in the negative.
‘No. He will as soon as we are all safe.’ The Leader said with a hint of sadness. ‘We will be back soon.’ As the Leader’s image shimmered into non-existence, the people in the lounge erupted into questions.
‘What’s going on?’
‘Are we in danger?’
‘How did he do that?’
‘What do we do?’
‘Calm people. Calm, please.’ Rama said marginally louder than everyone, his hands raised and gesturing for people to quiet down. ‘No, we are not in danger.’ He continued. ‘I’m not sure what is going on, but I do know that while here, we are safe. We do nothing until Lachlan is back. And that was his astral projection. Obviously he couldn’t communicate with me telepathically as he is connected with everyone on the rescue mission, including Quinn.’ The Egyptian looked to the Italian woman and took her shoulders gently in his hands. ‘He hasn’t told Quinn because he need’s Quinn focused. He is also right that for the time being, Sarah is safe.’
‘That is one of my sister’s in trouble, Rama.’ Aurelia said heatedly. Rama closed his eyes and exhaled softly, venting his frustration.
‘I know Aurelia. But my husband would not ask us to wait unless he knew she was safe. If she had been in immediate danger, he would have sent me right away. Trust my husband.’ Rama begged of the woman, who merely nodded in restrained agreement.
‘Is James alright?’ The New Zealander, Stephen, asked. Rama closed his eyes briefly and nodded.
‘No-one is hurt or unaccounted for.’ The Egyptian said with a smile. Several questions flew in quick succession at the Egyptian who raised his hands, asking for silence. A few seconds of flurried words passed before silence fell.
‘I apologise to you all for what I am about to do, but I daresay you shall not recall this.’ The Egyptian said to several confused faces, Aurelia’s included. Catching the woman as she fell, everyone in the room slumped over into a forced sleep. Guiding the woman to a sofa and sitting her carefully in the seat, the Leader’s husband made for the door and met Grayson just outside, whom Rama had summoned silently a minute ago.
‘Everything alright?’ The older man asked with concern.
‘Aurelia had a premonition of Quinn’s mother being attacked. Lachlan projected to us and told us it was a trap and to wait for him to get back.’
Grayson nodded in understanding. ‘Did you see where it was?’
‘The backyard of her house.’ The Egyptian said nodding. ‘I think maybe someone should get over there, and see what’s going on. Take four people, port in no more than a kilometre from the house, and stick together.’
‘If she’s in danger?’ Grayson asked grimly.
‘Let me know and I’ll join you.’ Rama responded with tight lips. ‘Grayson, any sign of danger to you or the others, get back here immediately.’
‘Will do.’ The older man said turning away.
‘And Grayson?’ The Older man turned his head back to the Egyptian. ‘Be careful.’
The Leader, coming back to himself looked around briefly.
‘You alright?’ Jaden asked through the telepathic field.
‘Yeah. Alright, let’s go guys.’ He said with a determined nod. ‘James, Arina, AJ, if you please.’
‘Wait!’ AJ called across the telepathic web. Everyone stopped immediately as AJ walked forward cautiously. He reached out tentatively and within seconds a ball of fire exploded near his hand. Yanking his hand back undamaged, he watched as the fire continued exploding and growing in size, creating a shield between himself and the cathedral. The other Leader’s approached the building and performed the same action, watching in fascination as the fires created an immense shield around the fortress.
‘Clever.’ The Leader said in derision.