The Children of Light
Book Two
Chapter Three
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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‘What?’ Alex and Quinn asked at the same moment.
‘Something or someone is stealing his life force. Draining him of it.’ The Leader said looking back up to the bedroom as Alex and Quinn looked to each other. ‘Is your protective shield still in place at your apartment?’
‘It should be.’ Quinn said with a nod. Alex had stepped beside his lover and put an arm around him.
‘Mikhail, keep an eye on Giorgio please. We’ll be back shortly.’ The Leader said to the window.
‘Of course.’ The three men heard in reply. Lachlan turned on the spot and vanished, quickly followed by Alex and Quinn.
‘Quinn, can you enter first and invite me in please.’ Lachlan asked gesturing to the sliding door of Alex’s apartment.
‘The door’s locked.’ Alex said as Quinn walked toward the door. The blond waved a hand and the locking mechanism clicked. He pushed the sliding door opened and walked inside, turning around.
‘Please come in Lachlan.’ Quinn said with a smile. The Leader inclined his head respectfully to the blond and walked into the apartment. The place looked sparse compared to when Alex had been living there. Even with Alex’s original furniture, it was dark and uninviting. Lachlan walked slowly through the living area, his hand out beside him, as if trying to catch floating dust particles. He moved slowly through the apartment, heading in the direction of the master bedroom.
‘Anything?’ Alex asked following his lover into the hallway.
‘No.’ Lachlan said entering the bedroom. A light turned on and brightened the dark room, the blinds closed. ‘Absolutely nothing. Not even a trace of your cousin.’
‘Isn’t that normal?’ Alex asked not quite comprehending.
‘Not all the time. Non-telepaths can leave psychic residue wherever they go. Precognitives use that residue to get readings on people. Predicting their future, those sorts of things. But there isn’t a single trace of Giorgio here.’ The Leader said lowering his hand and turning to look at the Italian and Canadian.
‘This isn’t making sense to me.’ Alex said holding his lover’s shoulders in his large hands.
‘Neither.’ Lachlan said looking into the unusually green eyes of the blond. ‘What’s going on with your eyes?’ He asked nodding to the blond.
‘Why, what’s wrong?’ The blond asked dabbing at his eyes and checking his fingers for blood.
‘I don’t know. They just seem greener than normal.’ The Leader said stepping closer to the blond and peering into the depths.
‘I don’t know what’s going on with them.’ Quinn said blinking uncontrollably, as if something had irritated them.
‘Oh well. Let’s get back to the others.’ Lachlan said heading back to the living room, Alex and Quinn following the Leader. They stepped outside and Lachlan closed and locked the door behind them.
‘Can you remove the protections please Quinn? Just in case I need to get in here in a hurry.’ The Leader asked with a smile to the Canadian. Quinn raised a hand toward the apartment’s sliding door and closing his eyes began silently chanting the removal spell. Though neither Alex nor Lachlan could see the spell dissolving, they certainly felt the small explosion of unseen energies, as if a gust of wind blew past them.
‘Has anyone told you how fantastically gifted you are?’ Lachlan asked of the blond who blushed with embarrassment.
‘Thank you.’ Quinn said as the Italian wrapped his arms around him from behind.
‘Let’s go.’ Lachlan said vanishing into the unseen vortex, Alex and Quinn following a heartbeat later.
‘I’ll check on Giorgio before I go.’ Lachlan said already walking up the steps to the house. Quinn and Alex followed him inside and up to the second level. The Leader was kneeling beside the bed, a hand on the gaunt Italian’s chest and the other on his forehead.
‘He’s been asleep since you left.’ Mikhail stated from a corner of the room.
‘How’s Fabz?’ Alex asked with concern.
‘He’s a bit upset. He’s sleeping on our bed.’ The Russian said with sad tones.
‘Go be with him Mickey.’ Quinn said reaching over to the Russian and squeezing his hand gently. Mikhail excused himself and left the room.
‘Giorgio is fine for now. I’ve modified his memories slightly. He won’t recall he’s been using drugs, which helps with his addiction.’ The Leader said quietly, eyes still closed. ‘His thoughts are flooded with this Drew person. Even in his dreams.’
‘Drew is his boyfriend.’ Alex mentioned. ‘They met a few years ago and started dating this time last year, officially.’
‘He’s infatuated with him.’ Lachlan said still with closed eyes.
‘Will he be alright?’ Quinn asked with concern.
‘Yes. He’ll be awake in a few hours, hungry most likely.’ The Leader replied finally opening his eyes and taking his hands off the skeletal Italian. ‘Be sure to feed him when he wakes.’
‘Of course.’ Alex said as the three men left the room quietly. Alex led the way down the stairs as Lachlan poked his head into Mikhail and Fabrizio’s bedroom.
‘Is he alright?’ The Leader asked as the Russian looked to the door.
‘Still a little upset.’ Mikhail admitted. Lachlan focussed on the youngest Italian for a moment and smiled.
‘He’ll be fine in an hour or two.’ The Leader said with a smile, closing the door and heading downstairs.
‘I don’t need to tell you to keep an eye on Giorgio. But, he will be fine by tomorrow morning.’ Lachlan said with a warm smile.
‘Thank you for coming.’ Quinn said hugging the small framed man.
‘You’re very welcome.’ Lachlan said releasing the blond and hugging the tall Italian.
‘Your similarity to Rama is getting more and more confusing to me.’ Lachlan said with a laugh. Alex frowned in confusion. ‘My body reacts to you the same way it does to Rama.’ The Leader said looking down at his crotch, which was tenting slightly.
‘Oh dear.’ Quinn laughed loudly.
‘Sorry. Rama and I were ah, playing before I came here.’ Lachlan blushed with a laugh.
‘Go. I’m sure he’s waiting for you.’ Quinn laughed rushing the Leader out of the house. Lachlan skipped down the steps and vanished at a trot.
‘I think we should go with Lachlan’s option for our wedding.’ Quinn said quietly as the two men lounged in the late afternoon sun enjoying a cigarette.
‘Yeah?’ The Italian asked looking to his lover.
‘Yeah. Lachlan was telling me that our wedding isn’t just a joining of ourselves, but of our roles and our powers. It makes sense to have a “supernatural” wedding and join together completely.’ The blond said with a smile.
‘I guess that’s the right thing to do.’ Alex said with a weak smile.
‘Something wrong my love?’ Quinn asked immediately sensing the Italian’s reluctance.
‘No baby. I was just hoping to have a small ceremony, with just us, and our closest family and friends.’ The Italian said with a small smile.
‘Well maybe we can?’ Quinn said with a scheming look about him. Alex cocked an eyebrow in question. ‘Why can’t we just have the wedding with Lachlan and all our non-supernatural guests and their memories can be modified afterward?’
‘What, have them all forget we were married?’ Alex asked with disappointment.
‘No baby. Lachlan is so good with memory modification that he could change what they remember, make it a normal wedding ceremony, maybe in our back yard?’ The blond explained. The Italian thought about it and decided that it might just be possible.
‘Okay. We’ll have to make sure Lachlan can do it before we make a decision.’ Alex said as he smiled his star quality smile, making Quinn smile in return.
‘He can. I’ve seen him do it before.’ The blond said with a crooked smile.
‘Have you now?’ Alex asked trying to figure out when this might have happened.
‘After you and he returned from the Order’s tower. Mum had a premonition and Lachlan wiped our memories, so we wouldn’t remember the conversation.’ Quinn explained.
‘I don’t remember.’ Alex said trying to remember what happened that day.
‘You wouldn’t. You were a bit preoccupied with other things at that time.’ The blond smiled warmly. ‘When I got Nan’s powers, my healing abilities kind of “fixed” that memory. I don’t remember every detail, but I do remember mum, nana and Lachlan talking about someone overreacting if they found out.’ Alex took a deep breath at the revelation.
‘Why don’t I remember?’ The Italian asked sadly.
‘Possibly because you’re not a witch. Or rather, you’re not a witch with healing powers my love.’ Quinn giggled, snuggling into his boyfriend.
‘Well, it’s no major I guess. I’m sure he would have only done it if it was important.’ Alex admitted wrapping his arms around the little blond.
‘Of course.’ Quinn agreed. ‘Do you think Giorgio is awake yet?’
‘No, he’s still sleeping. So is Fabz.’ Alex said sensing his two cousins.
‘What should we make for dinner?’ Quinn asked trying to keep the conversation light.
‘Maybe we should order out. I think Georgie needs a good, fatty, greasy meal.’ The Italian said with a laugh. Quinn giggled with him.
‘Just remember Fabz, he doesn’t remember that he was using drugs. Try not to mention it, okay?’ Alex said quietly to his youngest cousin. Fabrizio nodded, his large brown eyes round with solemnity, giving him the appearance of an owl. Alex took the small Italian into his arms and hugged him fiercely. ‘We’ll get through this cousin. I promise.’
‘I trust you Alex.’ The small Italian said as he clung to his cousin.
‘Okay, here he comes.’ Quinn whispered as they heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
‘Hello?’ The older cousin called from the bottom of the stairs.
‘In here Georgie.’ Alex responded releasing his younger cousin. ‘Dinner’s here.’ Quinn finished spreading the Chinese takeaways out on the kitchen island as Giorgio came into the kitchen. The four men began plating their dinner.
‘Where’s Mikhail?’ The older cousin asked when he noticed the Russian’s absence.
‘He had to shoot into work for a bit. He’ll be back soon.’ Alex said as he walked to the table. He sat at the head of the table as the other three men joined him.
‘What’s happened at work?’ Giorgio asked as he shovelled food into his mouth.
‘One of the kid’s parents called the police, saying that he’d been kidnapped. Mikhail is sorting it out.’ Alex said glancing to his cousin briefly. The skinny man was clearly enjoying his dinner.
The four men finished their dinner and Quinn tidied the dishes and rubbish away as Fabrizio, Giorgio and Alex wandered out onto the back deck for a cigarette. The blond joined the men a few minutes later.
‘Hey Georgie, you want to come for a run with me before work tomorrow morning?’ Alex asked as everyone sat down in the outdoor furniture.
‘How far do you run?’ The older cousin asked out of curiosity.
‘For an hour or so usually.’ Alex answered with a smile. ‘We can make it shorter if you want?’ He asked sensing his cousin’s hesitation.
‘Well, I wouldn’t mind coming. But I don’t know if I can run that long.’ Giorgio answered. ‘I’m not as fit as I used to be.’ He said holding his arms out to display his emaciated body.
‘Don’t worry. We’ll go at your pace.’ Alex said with a smile as Fabrizio stood up and walked over to his brother. He sat down next to the thin man and rested his head on his shoulder.
‘I missed you.’ The youngest Italian said with a tear in his eye.
‘I missed you too my brother.’ Giorgio replied wrapping his arms around his younger brother.
‘Promise you’ll visit more often?’ Fabrizio said sniffing the tears back.
‘I’ll try Fabby. I’ll try.’ The oldest Italian said nuzzling into the softness of his brother’s hair.
‘Thanks.’ The youngest Italian said as Quinn and Alex cuddled each other. As the two brothers snuggled into each other, Alex’s phone rang.
‘Hey big guy. What’s up?’ He answered his phone.
‘Ah bugger. You’ll be alright?’
‘Okay mate. Call me if you need.’
‘Sure thing, hold on a second.’ Alex said holding the phone out to his younger cousin.
‘Are you alright?’ Fabrizio said into the phone. He listened for a few moments and laughed.
‘Okay Mickey. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ He paused as Mikhail said a few words.
‘Alright. I love you too. Bye.’ He said disconnecting the call and handing the phone back to his cousin.
‘Everything alright?’ Quinn asked of his boyfriend.
‘Yeah, the parents were threatening to camp out on the street, so the police suggested Mikhail stay in the house tonight.’ Alex answered.
‘Wow.’ Quinn replied.
‘Yeah, it’s okay though. Mickey knows what he’s doing.’ The Italian said with confidence. ‘Alright guys, let’s get to bed aye?’ He said opening the back door and waiting for everyone to get inside.
‘You’ll sleep with me?’ Alex heard his younger cousin whisper to his brother.
‘No place I’d rather be.’ The older Italian replied in a soft tone. Fabrizio’s smile beamed in the darkness as they walked up the stairs.
‘I’m glad things are okay between those two.’ Quinn said with a smile as he waited for his boyfriend to close the doors and windows.
‘Things weren’t ever out of place for them. Fabrizio worries for his brother, and isn’t so much fond of Drew for taking him away.’ Alex said scanning his younger cousin’s thoughts.
‘Really?’ Quinn asked curiously.
‘Mmm. He loves his brother dearly, and wishes he hadn’t moved.’ Alex said quietly as the two men stood at the bottom of the stairs.
‘But surely Fabz understands that Georgie feels the same way? I mean, he has Mickey.’ Quinn said slightly puzzled.
‘But we know Mikhail. We know he would never hurt Fabz. We barely know Drew, hell, we barely see him.’
‘That’s true. I haven’t seen him since they moved into the apartment.’ Quinn said trying to recall if he’d seen him at all in the past year.
‘So that’s where Fabrizio’s fear is coming from.’ Alex concluded as he led the blond up the stairs and into their bedroom.
‘Still, I’m glad things are settling down for them.’ Quinn said as he shucked his shirt and jersey over his head, and removed his jeans and underwear. Alex was already naked and holding the duvet back for his lover to climb into bed.
‘Thank you.’ Quinn said pecking his boyfriend on the cheek and climbing onto the large bed, shuffling over to give Alex room to climb in. The Italian lay down and Quinn snuggled in close, resting his head in the crook of Alex’s armpit, an arm over the muscled stomach and tucked in under his waist.
‘What time are you going for your run?’ The blond asked as he stifled a yawn.
‘I’ll be up at 6 am.’ Alex said tightening his embrace around the blond.
‘Wake me before you leave?’ Quinn asked around another yawn.
‘Of course my love.’ The Italian said as he felt sleep taking over.
‘So Quinn and I are getting married.’ Alex said as he and his cousin jogged along the road. They had been jogging at an easy pace for about fifteen minutes in silence, adjusting to each other’s presence.
'That’s lovely cousin.’ Giorgio said slightly breathless, what breath he had misting in the morning cold.
‘I was kinda hoping you’d be there. Drew as well.’ The younger cousin said his breathing even compared to Giorgio’s.
‘We’ll definitely be there Alex.’ The skinny man said with a smile, despite his laboured breathing.
‘Excellent.’ Alex said as they continued jogging. Several minutes later Giorgio spoke again.
‘Alex, is Fabby okay?’ The older cousin asked his breathing coming with more difficulty. Alex slowed the pace and started walking, Giorgio gasping with relief.
‘He will be. He just misses you.’ Alex answered honestly, but eluding the main issue for Fabrizio’s emotional outburst.
‘I miss him too.’ Giorgio admitted. ‘Drew tends to be a little possessive and doesn’t like it when I’m away from him.’
‘That’s okay cousin, but he does realise how close you are to your family, doesn’t he?’ Alex asked as the two men walked at an easy pace, Giorgio’s hands on his hips, still breathing with marginal difficulty.
‘I’ve told him that, but he says that because of our work hours, any free time I have should be spent with him.’ The older cousin stated with a sigh.
‘Does that include the time you should be sleeping?’ The younger cousin asked managing to hide his anger.
‘I know Alex, I know. I’ve tried to tell him that and he just gets angry.’ Giorgio said with sadness. Alex put an arm around his scrawny cousin and squeezed his shoulder.
‘Don’t worry about it Georgie. Things will sort themselves out.’ The older cousin said with a smile. ‘Let’s start running again.’ He said as he started jogging, the older cousin keeping pace.
‘I’ll try to come over more often.’ Giorgio promised.
‘I promise I will come over as often as I can.’ Giorgio said softly into his brother’s ear. The older brother had his backpack on his shoulder, his younger brother clinging to him on the front deck.
‘Please.’ Fabrizio gasped quietly against the older brother’s neck. The two men released each other, Fabrizio’s eyes glistening with tears. ‘I love you Giorgio.’
‘I love you too my brother.’ The older Italian said cupping his brother’s cheek in his hand. ‘I’ll see you soon.’ He finished as he walked down the front steps and to the taxi waiting in the driveway. He climbed in the front seat and waved farewell to a sobbing Fabrizio. As the taxi backed onto the road Mikhail had his boyfriend in his arms, hugging him fiercely as the tears overwhelmed the little Italian.
‘Come on my zàyka.’ The Russian said gently pushing the crying man through the front door and closing it behind him. They wandered through the house and out onto the back deck, sitting beside the pool, their legs dangling in the water as the youngest Italian cried on his boyfriend’s shoulder.
‘Are you alright Fabz?’ Alex asked coming out of the kitchen with two wine glasses, handing them to the Russian and his cousin.
‘Yes.’ The youngest Italian gasped as he tried to regain some composure. ‘Yes, I’m fine.’ He declared with a sob.
‘Well, have a drink and try to relax okay?’ Alex said as Quinn stepped beside him and offered him a glass of wine.
‘I’m just worried about him.’ The youngest Italian said, his sobs slowly dissipating.
‘We all are zàyka.’ Mikhail said squeezing the little man against his bulking body.
‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Fabrizio said with a weak smile.
‘Blah! Nothing to be sorry about.’ Mikhail said with a hearty laugh. ‘I love you. And he’s your brother.’ Alex and Quinn sat next to the pool dipping their feet in the cool water.
‘You want to come with us to the Sanctuary? We’re going to organise our wedding with Lachlan.’ Quinn asked of the two men. He already knew what the answer would be.
‘Yes!’ Fabrizio and Mikhail both said, the youngest Italian’s answer much louder and happier than his boyfriend’s. Alex and Quinn chuckled at the response.
‘Alright, let’s finish our wine and we’ll head off.’ Alex said taking a mouthful of his Pinot Gris. ‘Actually, we may as well spend the night. I don’t have work tomorrow.’
‘Yay!’ The youngest Italian said his tears all but dry and a smile firmly planted on his face. Quinn grinned at his boyfriend’s cousin. ‘I like it there. And the people are so nice.’
‘It’s very relaxing there.’ Quinn admitted.
‘Daxa has taken quite a liking to you Fabz.’ Alex said with a wink.
‘Has he?’ Mikhail asked with surprise.
‘Oh easy on big guy. Nothing like that.’ Alex said with a laugh. ‘He knows how much he means to you. He means only to make him feel comfortable and safe.’ Mikhail blushed with embarrassment, causing Alex and Quinn to laugh.
‘Sorry.’ The Russian giant laughed, his ears bright pink.
‘What do you guys want packed?’ Alex asked of the couple. Both Mikhail and Fabrizio thought for a moment, but it was all Alex needed. With a blink of the eye, the items they had thought of were in a backpack and said backpack materialised beside the back door, Alex and Quinn’s overnight bag appearing as well.
‘Packing’s done.’ Quinn laughed with Mikhail and Fabrizio.
‘Come on, let’s go.’ Alex said as the four wine glasses disappeared, presumably being stacked in the dishwasher. The four men put their footwear on and skipped down the steps, Alex closing the doors of the house telekinetically. They stood in the middle of the lawn, Quinn tucked under his boyfriend’s arm as Mikhail and Fabrizio both took a hold of his free arm. The three men were pulled along with Alex into the unseen vortex and appeared in front of the veil of leaves. Again, Quinn and Fabrizio took off at a run looking for their friends as the Russian and Italian strolled through at an easy pace.
‘Is he alright?’ Mikhail asked softly of his friend.
‘Yeah big guy. He’s calming down. He was a bit jealous of Drew, but he seems to understand a bit better now.’ Alex answered as the two men strolled across the lawn. Alex searched with his mind and found Quinn and Fabrizio sitting with Lachlan and Rama on the back deck of the Leader’s private cabin. ‘You guys wanna cabin with us?’ He asked of his friend.
‘Yes please Alex.’ The Russian said wanting to be close to his friend, in case Fabrizio had another emotional break.
‘He’ll be fine big guy, but I do like having you guys close by.’ Alex said half hugging the giant.
‘I’ll take our bags.’ Mikhail said gentling pulling his friend’s backpack from his hand and taking off at a jog as Alex redirected his footsteps towards Lachlan and Rama’s cabin. A few minutes later and he was hugging the Leader and his husband.
‘I heard you made my husband excited the other day.’ Rama said releasing the equally tall Italian.
‘Never leave your gun loaded.’ Alex laughed at the Egyptian, whose face flushed pink.
‘Hey Rasputin.’ Lachlan said as Mikhail walked around the corner. The Russian’s huge smile made everyone laugh.
‘Hey pip-squeak.’ Mikhail laughed. He leaned over and gave the Leader and his husband a hug.
‘Jaden wants to know if you want to have a spar in the Circle.’ The Leader relayed the telepathic message.
‘I’ll be there shortly.’ The Russian answered aloud. ‘Want to come zàyka?’
‘Yes, bring Fabrizio. I can teach him some things.’ Caiden’s voice echoed through everyone’s mind. Fabrizio started with surprise at the telepathic communication.
‘SORRY!’ A voice echoed from the Circle by way of apology.
‘That scared me.’ The youngest Italian said with a nervous chuckle.
‘He didn’t mean to scare you.’ Lachlan said with a warm smile.
‘It’s okay.’ Fabrizio said with a blush. Being addressed so directly by the person both his lover and cousin had described as phenomenally powerful made him nervous.
‘Oh leannan. Don’t be scared of me.’ The Leader said with a smile. ‘Your boyfriend and cousin are just over exaggerating.’ Fabrizio chuckled quietly as Lachlan beamed his own star quality smile to the youngest Italian, relaxing him somewhat.
‘What does…?’ Fabrizio began to ask but was interrupted by Rama.
‘It means darling or love. It’s Gaelic.’ The Egyptian winked at the youngest Italian whose face was in danger of remaining bright red.
‘Come on zàyka.’ The Russian said tucking the smaller man under his arm and heading toward the Circle.
‘They’re so cute.’ Rama said watching the two men walking away.
‘Super cute!’ Lachlan said, his smile glowing softly as he watched the Russian and his lover walking toward the Circle.
‘So, we wanted to ask about our wedding.’ Quinn began. ‘In particular, if we decide to go with a “supernatural” wedding, whether you would be able to modify the memories of some people afterward, to make them think it was a normal wedding.’ Lachlan smiled to the blond.
‘Of course.’ The Leader said excitedly. ‘Piece of piss.’ Rama laughed.
‘You know you’ve just gone and made his day.’ The Egyptian said with a laugh as the Leader pointed a finger at his husband, who was blasted off his seat and onto the grass ten feet away, landing flat on his bottom, legs splayed. He exploded with laughter as Quinn and Alex both lost themselves to the humour.
‘Remind me not to piss you off.’ Alex said jumping off the deck and helping the Leader’s husband to his feet.
‘Let’s go and find out what those guys are doing, and leave these two to their plans.’ Rama said putting an arm around the Italian, who smiled to his lover, Quinn taking a moment to wave to Alex.
‘Will you be officiating over the wedding?’ The blond asked after waving to his boyfriend.
‘No.’ The Leader smiled. ‘A friend of mine, Fearghas, is the High Priest of Calanais. He will be.’ The Leader said leaving a very perplexed look on the blond’s face.
‘What was his name?’ Quinn asked having bitten his tongue trying to repeat the name silently.
‘Fee-ah-ghiss.’ The Leader said slowly, over exaggerating the pronunciation.
‘Fer-ar-guss.’ The blond attempted to copy, his mouth similar to that of a gasping fish, causing the Leader to chuckle.
‘Just call him Fergus.’ Lachlan said laughing. ‘It’s easier.’
‘Right, Fergus, I can do that.’ Quinn said blushing slightly. ‘And where is he the High Priest of?’
‘Calanais. It’s on the Isle of Lewis, in the north of Scotland.’ The Leader explained.
‘Is that where the ceremony will be?’ Quinn queried with a small smile, his heartbeat quickening at the thought of the ceremony that would marry him to his lover. Lachlan smiled as the thought crossed the blond’s mind.
‘Yes. It will be held at what was once the altar in the Calanais Stone Circle.’ The Leader clarified.
‘A stone circle?’ The blond asked with surprise.
‘Indeed. A very special stone circle.’ Lachlan said with a smile. ‘The metal your pendant and ring are made out of?’ Quinn looked to his ring as he reached for his pendant. ‘The meteorite that that metal came from broke into fourteen pieces. Well, more like thirteen pieces of the core broke off from the meteorite when it entered the atmosphere. The primary core of the meteorite landed where you and I went to make Alex’s pendant.’ Quinn nodded in understanding.
‘The other pieces landed in the Southern Ocean, on a small island. What’s unusual about this is that they landed in the exact same formation as the Calanais Stone Circle, which was assembled many, many years later, on the exact opposite point of the planet.’ Quinn’s mouth by this point had dropped open in a rather comical “O” shape.
‘Unfortunately, the island is no longer there. What with the tectonic plate movement, it has long since been stolen by the depths of the ocean.’ Quinn’s face shifted to one of disappointment. The Leader raised his index finger indicating he had more to say.
‘The island may not be there any longer, but its power is. And for your ceremony, I’m going to pull that power together and tie it to the stone circle in Calanais.’ Quinn’s angelic face returned to the comical “O” face it had been just moments before.
‘Why?’ Quinn asked not sure why, let alone if, the Leader could or would do that.
‘Yours is a special partnering. You my friend are reason enough to do this.’ The Leader said with a soft smile to the blond.
‘But why?’ Quinn asked with uncertainty.
‘It’s not every lifetime we have a Triumvirate, let alone a member of the Triumvirate marrying the Holy Strega.’ The Leader said with a laugh, Quinn finally comprehending why the Leader would be willing to do this.
‘Quinn, you are so unbelievably special, so utterly unique and magnificent, it’s only right that your wedding ceremony be equally so.’ The Leader said reaching over and squeezing the blond’s hand firmly. ‘And you know Alex and yourself are meant for each other.’
‘Yeah, you’ve told me that.’ Quinn said with sad eyes.
‘Have you told him yet?’ Lachlan asked looking into the blond’s unusually green eyes which were beginning to brim with tears.
‘What if he…?’ Quinn began to ask when the Leader interrupted him.
‘He won’t. You know he won’t. He will understand, and love you all the more for it.’ Lachlan said standing up and pulling the blond into a hug. Quinn cried softly on the Leader’s delicate shoulder, his built up fear releasing slowly with the tears. ‘He’s on his way back now. Why don’t you go for a walk down river and tell him? I think it’s about time he knew.’
‘Are you sure?’ The blond asked as Lachlan stepped back and wiped Quinn’s tears from his face.
‘Absolutely.’ The Leader said dazzling the blond with a bright smile.
‘Okay.’ Quinn said shaking himself gently in an effort to alleviate his nerves and compose himself.
‘Here he comes.’ Lachlan whispered to the blond as he shook his head to clear his mind and vision.
‘How are the plans coming along?’ Alex asked as he came around the corner of the building and spotting his lover and his Leader.
‘All done.’ Lachlan said giving the blond a moment longer to collect himself. ‘I’ll tell you the plan later tonight.’ He finished with a smile as Quinn turned to his boyfriend, the blond’s eyes slightly bloodshot and puffy from crying.
‘Wanna come for a walk with me?’ The blond asked with a nervous smile.
‘No. Don’t read his thoughts. He wants to tell you.’ Lachlan said silently to the Italian who nodded. He reached out for his boyfriend’s hand and smiled.
‘Come then my love.’ Alex said with affection. Quinn took his boyfriend’s hand and they walked off toward the river, their clasped hands swinging between them as the Leader watched them, his heart heavy with vicarious grief for the blond.
The two men were sitting on the grassy bank of Deep River, the sunlight reflecting off the glossy surface. Quinn’s eyes were closed and Alex was watching the smooth water, giving his lover the time he needed to say what he needed.
‘Alex?’ The blond said quietly. Alex turned quickly to look at his boyfriend. ‘It’s hard for me to say. Please, please bear with me.’ Quinn said, his boyfriend nodding.
‘Take your time amore mio.’ The Italian said with love.
‘Gah. Okay.’ Quinn said taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. ‘Remember Lachlan told you that we were meant for each other.’ The blond began.
‘Yeah, he explained about your heart position, and that it will come in handy later on.’ Alex smiled to his lover. Quinn looked down to the grass as tears came to his eyes.
‘Well, there was something else that he knew of.’ The blond said stalling for time, his nerves at breaking point.
‘Quinn, my love. Please tell me. I’m not going anywhere. You know how much I love you.’ Alex squeezed his boyfriend’s hand between his own; physically reminding the blond that he was there. Quinn took another deep breath and sighed as he exhaled.
‘When I was 5 years old.’ The blond began with a sob. ‘My father raped me.’
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]
***
‘What?’ Alex and Quinn asked at the same moment.
‘Something or someone is stealing his life force. Draining him of it.’ The Leader said looking back up to the bedroom as Alex and Quinn looked to each other. ‘Is your protective shield still in place at your apartment?’
‘It should be.’ Quinn said with a nod. Alex had stepped beside his lover and put an arm around him.
‘Mikhail, keep an eye on Giorgio please. We’ll be back shortly.’ The Leader said to the window.
‘Of course.’ The three men heard in reply. Lachlan turned on the spot and vanished, quickly followed by Alex and Quinn.
‘Quinn, can you enter first and invite me in please.’ Lachlan asked gesturing to the sliding door of Alex’s apartment.
‘The door’s locked.’ Alex said as Quinn walked toward the door. The blond waved a hand and the locking mechanism clicked. He pushed the sliding door opened and walked inside, turning around.
‘Please come in Lachlan.’ Quinn said with a smile. The Leader inclined his head respectfully to the blond and walked into the apartment. The place looked sparse compared to when Alex had been living there. Even with Alex’s original furniture, it was dark and uninviting. Lachlan walked slowly through the living area, his hand out beside him, as if trying to catch floating dust particles. He moved slowly through the apartment, heading in the direction of the master bedroom.
‘Anything?’ Alex asked following his lover into the hallway.
‘No.’ Lachlan said entering the bedroom. A light turned on and brightened the dark room, the blinds closed. ‘Absolutely nothing. Not even a trace of your cousin.’
‘Isn’t that normal?’ Alex asked not quite comprehending.
‘Not all the time. Non-telepaths can leave psychic residue wherever they go. Precognitives use that residue to get readings on people. Predicting their future, those sorts of things. But there isn’t a single trace of Giorgio here.’ The Leader said lowering his hand and turning to look at the Italian and Canadian.
‘This isn’t making sense to me.’ Alex said holding his lover’s shoulders in his large hands.
‘Neither.’ Lachlan said looking into the unusually green eyes of the blond. ‘What’s going on with your eyes?’ He asked nodding to the blond.
‘Why, what’s wrong?’ The blond asked dabbing at his eyes and checking his fingers for blood.
‘I don’t know. They just seem greener than normal.’ The Leader said stepping closer to the blond and peering into the depths.
‘I don’t know what’s going on with them.’ Quinn said blinking uncontrollably, as if something had irritated them.
‘Oh well. Let’s get back to the others.’ Lachlan said heading back to the living room, Alex and Quinn following the Leader. They stepped outside and Lachlan closed and locked the door behind them.
‘Can you remove the protections please Quinn? Just in case I need to get in here in a hurry.’ The Leader asked with a smile to the Canadian. Quinn raised a hand toward the apartment’s sliding door and closing his eyes began silently chanting the removal spell. Though neither Alex nor Lachlan could see the spell dissolving, they certainly felt the small explosion of unseen energies, as if a gust of wind blew past them.
‘Has anyone told you how fantastically gifted you are?’ Lachlan asked of the blond who blushed with embarrassment.
‘Thank you.’ Quinn said as the Italian wrapped his arms around him from behind.
‘Let’s go.’ Lachlan said vanishing into the unseen vortex, Alex and Quinn following a heartbeat later.
‘I’ll check on Giorgio before I go.’ Lachlan said already walking up the steps to the house. Quinn and Alex followed him inside and up to the second level. The Leader was kneeling beside the bed, a hand on the gaunt Italian’s chest and the other on his forehead.
‘He’s been asleep since you left.’ Mikhail stated from a corner of the room.
‘How’s Fabz?’ Alex asked with concern.
‘He’s a bit upset. He’s sleeping on our bed.’ The Russian said with sad tones.
‘Go be with him Mickey.’ Quinn said reaching over to the Russian and squeezing his hand gently. Mikhail excused himself and left the room.
‘Giorgio is fine for now. I’ve modified his memories slightly. He won’t recall he’s been using drugs, which helps with his addiction.’ The Leader said quietly, eyes still closed. ‘His thoughts are flooded with this Drew person. Even in his dreams.’
‘Drew is his boyfriend.’ Alex mentioned. ‘They met a few years ago and started dating this time last year, officially.’
‘He’s infatuated with him.’ Lachlan said still with closed eyes.
‘Will he be alright?’ Quinn asked with concern.
‘Yes. He’ll be awake in a few hours, hungry most likely.’ The Leader replied finally opening his eyes and taking his hands off the skeletal Italian. ‘Be sure to feed him when he wakes.’
‘Of course.’ Alex said as the three men left the room quietly. Alex led the way down the stairs as Lachlan poked his head into Mikhail and Fabrizio’s bedroom.
‘Is he alright?’ The Leader asked as the Russian looked to the door.
‘Still a little upset.’ Mikhail admitted. Lachlan focussed on the youngest Italian for a moment and smiled.
‘He’ll be fine in an hour or two.’ The Leader said with a smile, closing the door and heading downstairs.
‘I don’t need to tell you to keep an eye on Giorgio. But, he will be fine by tomorrow morning.’ Lachlan said with a warm smile.
‘Thank you for coming.’ Quinn said hugging the small framed man.
‘You’re very welcome.’ Lachlan said releasing the blond and hugging the tall Italian.
‘Your similarity to Rama is getting more and more confusing to me.’ Lachlan said with a laugh. Alex frowned in confusion. ‘My body reacts to you the same way it does to Rama.’ The Leader said looking down at his crotch, which was tenting slightly.
‘Oh dear.’ Quinn laughed loudly.
‘Sorry. Rama and I were ah, playing before I came here.’ Lachlan blushed with a laugh.
‘Go. I’m sure he’s waiting for you.’ Quinn laughed rushing the Leader out of the house. Lachlan skipped down the steps and vanished at a trot.
‘I think we should go with Lachlan’s option for our wedding.’ Quinn said quietly as the two men lounged in the late afternoon sun enjoying a cigarette.
‘Yeah?’ The Italian asked looking to his lover.
‘Yeah. Lachlan was telling me that our wedding isn’t just a joining of ourselves, but of our roles and our powers. It makes sense to have a “supernatural” wedding and join together completely.’ The blond said with a smile.
‘I guess that’s the right thing to do.’ Alex said with a weak smile.
‘Something wrong my love?’ Quinn asked immediately sensing the Italian’s reluctance.
‘No baby. I was just hoping to have a small ceremony, with just us, and our closest family and friends.’ The Italian said with a small smile.
‘Well maybe we can?’ Quinn said with a scheming look about him. Alex cocked an eyebrow in question. ‘Why can’t we just have the wedding with Lachlan and all our non-supernatural guests and their memories can be modified afterward?’
‘What, have them all forget we were married?’ Alex asked with disappointment.
‘No baby. Lachlan is so good with memory modification that he could change what they remember, make it a normal wedding ceremony, maybe in our back yard?’ The blond explained. The Italian thought about it and decided that it might just be possible.
‘Okay. We’ll have to make sure Lachlan can do it before we make a decision.’ Alex said as he smiled his star quality smile, making Quinn smile in return.
‘He can. I’ve seen him do it before.’ The blond said with a crooked smile.
‘Have you now?’ Alex asked trying to figure out when this might have happened.
‘After you and he returned from the Order’s tower. Mum had a premonition and Lachlan wiped our memories, so we wouldn’t remember the conversation.’ Quinn explained.
‘I don’t remember.’ Alex said trying to remember what happened that day.
‘You wouldn’t. You were a bit preoccupied with other things at that time.’ The blond smiled warmly. ‘When I got Nan’s powers, my healing abilities kind of “fixed” that memory. I don’t remember every detail, but I do remember mum, nana and Lachlan talking about someone overreacting if they found out.’ Alex took a deep breath at the revelation.
‘Why don’t I remember?’ The Italian asked sadly.
‘Possibly because you’re not a witch. Or rather, you’re not a witch with healing powers my love.’ Quinn giggled, snuggling into his boyfriend.
‘Well, it’s no major I guess. I’m sure he would have only done it if it was important.’ Alex admitted wrapping his arms around the little blond.
‘Of course.’ Quinn agreed. ‘Do you think Giorgio is awake yet?’
‘No, he’s still sleeping. So is Fabz.’ Alex said sensing his two cousins.
‘What should we make for dinner?’ Quinn asked trying to keep the conversation light.
‘Maybe we should order out. I think Georgie needs a good, fatty, greasy meal.’ The Italian said with a laugh. Quinn giggled with him.
‘Just remember Fabz, he doesn’t remember that he was using drugs. Try not to mention it, okay?’ Alex said quietly to his youngest cousin. Fabrizio nodded, his large brown eyes round with solemnity, giving him the appearance of an owl. Alex took the small Italian into his arms and hugged him fiercely. ‘We’ll get through this cousin. I promise.’
‘I trust you Alex.’ The small Italian said as he clung to his cousin.
‘Okay, here he comes.’ Quinn whispered as they heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
‘Hello?’ The older cousin called from the bottom of the stairs.
‘In here Georgie.’ Alex responded releasing his younger cousin. ‘Dinner’s here.’ Quinn finished spreading the Chinese takeaways out on the kitchen island as Giorgio came into the kitchen. The four men began plating their dinner.
‘Where’s Mikhail?’ The older cousin asked when he noticed the Russian’s absence.
‘He had to shoot into work for a bit. He’ll be back soon.’ Alex said as he walked to the table. He sat at the head of the table as the other three men joined him.
‘What’s happened at work?’ Giorgio asked as he shovelled food into his mouth.
‘One of the kid’s parents called the police, saying that he’d been kidnapped. Mikhail is sorting it out.’ Alex said glancing to his cousin briefly. The skinny man was clearly enjoying his dinner.
The four men finished their dinner and Quinn tidied the dishes and rubbish away as Fabrizio, Giorgio and Alex wandered out onto the back deck for a cigarette. The blond joined the men a few minutes later.
‘Hey Georgie, you want to come for a run with me before work tomorrow morning?’ Alex asked as everyone sat down in the outdoor furniture.
‘How far do you run?’ The older cousin asked out of curiosity.
‘For an hour or so usually.’ Alex answered with a smile. ‘We can make it shorter if you want?’ He asked sensing his cousin’s hesitation.
‘Well, I wouldn’t mind coming. But I don’t know if I can run that long.’ Giorgio answered. ‘I’m not as fit as I used to be.’ He said holding his arms out to display his emaciated body.
‘Don’t worry. We’ll go at your pace.’ Alex said with a smile as Fabrizio stood up and walked over to his brother. He sat down next to the thin man and rested his head on his shoulder.
‘I missed you.’ The youngest Italian said with a tear in his eye.
‘I missed you too my brother.’ Giorgio replied wrapping his arms around his younger brother.
‘Promise you’ll visit more often?’ Fabrizio said sniffing the tears back.
‘I’ll try Fabby. I’ll try.’ The oldest Italian said nuzzling into the softness of his brother’s hair.
‘Thanks.’ The youngest Italian said as Quinn and Alex cuddled each other. As the two brothers snuggled into each other, Alex’s phone rang.
‘Hey big guy. What’s up?’ He answered his phone.
‘Ah bugger. You’ll be alright?’
‘Okay mate. Call me if you need.’
‘Sure thing, hold on a second.’ Alex said holding the phone out to his younger cousin.
‘Are you alright?’ Fabrizio said into the phone. He listened for a few moments and laughed.
‘Okay Mickey. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ He paused as Mikhail said a few words.
‘Alright. I love you too. Bye.’ He said disconnecting the call and handing the phone back to his cousin.
‘Everything alright?’ Quinn asked of his boyfriend.
‘Yeah, the parents were threatening to camp out on the street, so the police suggested Mikhail stay in the house tonight.’ Alex answered.
‘Wow.’ Quinn replied.
‘Yeah, it’s okay though. Mickey knows what he’s doing.’ The Italian said with confidence. ‘Alright guys, let’s get to bed aye?’ He said opening the back door and waiting for everyone to get inside.
‘You’ll sleep with me?’ Alex heard his younger cousin whisper to his brother.
‘No place I’d rather be.’ The older Italian replied in a soft tone. Fabrizio’s smile beamed in the darkness as they walked up the stairs.
‘I’m glad things are okay between those two.’ Quinn said with a smile as he waited for his boyfriend to close the doors and windows.
‘Things weren’t ever out of place for them. Fabrizio worries for his brother, and isn’t so much fond of Drew for taking him away.’ Alex said scanning his younger cousin’s thoughts.
‘Really?’ Quinn asked curiously.
‘Mmm. He loves his brother dearly, and wishes he hadn’t moved.’ Alex said quietly as the two men stood at the bottom of the stairs.
‘But surely Fabz understands that Georgie feels the same way? I mean, he has Mickey.’ Quinn said slightly puzzled.
‘But we know Mikhail. We know he would never hurt Fabz. We barely know Drew, hell, we barely see him.’
‘That’s true. I haven’t seen him since they moved into the apartment.’ Quinn said trying to recall if he’d seen him at all in the past year.
‘So that’s where Fabrizio’s fear is coming from.’ Alex concluded as he led the blond up the stairs and into their bedroom.
‘Still, I’m glad things are settling down for them.’ Quinn said as he shucked his shirt and jersey over his head, and removed his jeans and underwear. Alex was already naked and holding the duvet back for his lover to climb into bed.
‘Thank you.’ Quinn said pecking his boyfriend on the cheek and climbing onto the large bed, shuffling over to give Alex room to climb in. The Italian lay down and Quinn snuggled in close, resting his head in the crook of Alex’s armpit, an arm over the muscled stomach and tucked in under his waist.
‘What time are you going for your run?’ The blond asked as he stifled a yawn.
‘I’ll be up at 6 am.’ Alex said tightening his embrace around the blond.
‘Wake me before you leave?’ Quinn asked around another yawn.
‘Of course my love.’ The Italian said as he felt sleep taking over.
‘So Quinn and I are getting married.’ Alex said as he and his cousin jogged along the road. They had been jogging at an easy pace for about fifteen minutes in silence, adjusting to each other’s presence.
'That’s lovely cousin.’ Giorgio said slightly breathless, what breath he had misting in the morning cold.
‘I was kinda hoping you’d be there. Drew as well.’ The younger cousin said his breathing even compared to Giorgio’s.
‘We’ll definitely be there Alex.’ The skinny man said with a smile, despite his laboured breathing.
‘Excellent.’ Alex said as they continued jogging. Several minutes later Giorgio spoke again.
‘Alex, is Fabby okay?’ The older cousin asked his breathing coming with more difficulty. Alex slowed the pace and started walking, Giorgio gasping with relief.
‘He will be. He just misses you.’ Alex answered honestly, but eluding the main issue for Fabrizio’s emotional outburst.
‘I miss him too.’ Giorgio admitted. ‘Drew tends to be a little possessive and doesn’t like it when I’m away from him.’
‘That’s okay cousin, but he does realise how close you are to your family, doesn’t he?’ Alex asked as the two men walked at an easy pace, Giorgio’s hands on his hips, still breathing with marginal difficulty.
‘I’ve told him that, but he says that because of our work hours, any free time I have should be spent with him.’ The older cousin stated with a sigh.
‘Does that include the time you should be sleeping?’ The younger cousin asked managing to hide his anger.
‘I know Alex, I know. I’ve tried to tell him that and he just gets angry.’ Giorgio said with sadness. Alex put an arm around his scrawny cousin and squeezed his shoulder.
‘Don’t worry about it Georgie. Things will sort themselves out.’ The older cousin said with a smile. ‘Let’s start running again.’ He said as he started jogging, the older cousin keeping pace.
‘I’ll try to come over more often.’ Giorgio promised.
‘I promise I will come over as often as I can.’ Giorgio said softly into his brother’s ear. The older brother had his backpack on his shoulder, his younger brother clinging to him on the front deck.
‘Please.’ Fabrizio gasped quietly against the older brother’s neck. The two men released each other, Fabrizio’s eyes glistening with tears. ‘I love you Giorgio.’
‘I love you too my brother.’ The older Italian said cupping his brother’s cheek in his hand. ‘I’ll see you soon.’ He finished as he walked down the front steps and to the taxi waiting in the driveway. He climbed in the front seat and waved farewell to a sobbing Fabrizio. As the taxi backed onto the road Mikhail had his boyfriend in his arms, hugging him fiercely as the tears overwhelmed the little Italian.
‘Come on my zàyka.’ The Russian said gently pushing the crying man through the front door and closing it behind him. They wandered through the house and out onto the back deck, sitting beside the pool, their legs dangling in the water as the youngest Italian cried on his boyfriend’s shoulder.
‘Are you alright Fabz?’ Alex asked coming out of the kitchen with two wine glasses, handing them to the Russian and his cousin.
‘Yes.’ The youngest Italian gasped as he tried to regain some composure. ‘Yes, I’m fine.’ He declared with a sob.
‘Well, have a drink and try to relax okay?’ Alex said as Quinn stepped beside him and offered him a glass of wine.
‘I’m just worried about him.’ The youngest Italian said, his sobs slowly dissipating.
‘We all are zàyka.’ Mikhail said squeezing the little man against his bulking body.
‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Fabrizio said with a weak smile.
‘Blah! Nothing to be sorry about.’ Mikhail said with a hearty laugh. ‘I love you. And he’s your brother.’ Alex and Quinn sat next to the pool dipping their feet in the cool water.
‘You want to come with us to the Sanctuary? We’re going to organise our wedding with Lachlan.’ Quinn asked of the two men. He already knew what the answer would be.
‘Yes!’ Fabrizio and Mikhail both said, the youngest Italian’s answer much louder and happier than his boyfriend’s. Alex and Quinn chuckled at the response.
‘Alright, let’s finish our wine and we’ll head off.’ Alex said taking a mouthful of his Pinot Gris. ‘Actually, we may as well spend the night. I don’t have work tomorrow.’
‘Yay!’ The youngest Italian said his tears all but dry and a smile firmly planted on his face. Quinn grinned at his boyfriend’s cousin. ‘I like it there. And the people are so nice.’
‘It’s very relaxing there.’ Quinn admitted.
‘Daxa has taken quite a liking to you Fabz.’ Alex said with a wink.
‘Has he?’ Mikhail asked with surprise.
‘Oh easy on big guy. Nothing like that.’ Alex said with a laugh. ‘He knows how much he means to you. He means only to make him feel comfortable and safe.’ Mikhail blushed with embarrassment, causing Alex and Quinn to laugh.
‘Sorry.’ The Russian giant laughed, his ears bright pink.
‘What do you guys want packed?’ Alex asked of the couple. Both Mikhail and Fabrizio thought for a moment, but it was all Alex needed. With a blink of the eye, the items they had thought of were in a backpack and said backpack materialised beside the back door, Alex and Quinn’s overnight bag appearing as well.
‘Packing’s done.’ Quinn laughed with Mikhail and Fabrizio.
‘Come on, let’s go.’ Alex said as the four wine glasses disappeared, presumably being stacked in the dishwasher. The four men put their footwear on and skipped down the steps, Alex closing the doors of the house telekinetically. They stood in the middle of the lawn, Quinn tucked under his boyfriend’s arm as Mikhail and Fabrizio both took a hold of his free arm. The three men were pulled along with Alex into the unseen vortex and appeared in front of the veil of leaves. Again, Quinn and Fabrizio took off at a run looking for their friends as the Russian and Italian strolled through at an easy pace.
‘Is he alright?’ Mikhail asked softly of his friend.
‘Yeah big guy. He’s calming down. He was a bit jealous of Drew, but he seems to understand a bit better now.’ Alex answered as the two men strolled across the lawn. Alex searched with his mind and found Quinn and Fabrizio sitting with Lachlan and Rama on the back deck of the Leader’s private cabin. ‘You guys wanna cabin with us?’ He asked of his friend.
‘Yes please Alex.’ The Russian said wanting to be close to his friend, in case Fabrizio had another emotional break.
‘He’ll be fine big guy, but I do like having you guys close by.’ Alex said half hugging the giant.
‘I’ll take our bags.’ Mikhail said gentling pulling his friend’s backpack from his hand and taking off at a jog as Alex redirected his footsteps towards Lachlan and Rama’s cabin. A few minutes later and he was hugging the Leader and his husband.
‘I heard you made my husband excited the other day.’ Rama said releasing the equally tall Italian.
‘Never leave your gun loaded.’ Alex laughed at the Egyptian, whose face flushed pink.
‘Hey Rasputin.’ Lachlan said as Mikhail walked around the corner. The Russian’s huge smile made everyone laugh.
‘Hey pip-squeak.’ Mikhail laughed. He leaned over and gave the Leader and his husband a hug.
‘Jaden wants to know if you want to have a spar in the Circle.’ The Leader relayed the telepathic message.
‘I’ll be there shortly.’ The Russian answered aloud. ‘Want to come zàyka?’
‘Yes, bring Fabrizio. I can teach him some things.’ Caiden’s voice echoed through everyone’s mind. Fabrizio started with surprise at the telepathic communication.
‘SORRY!’ A voice echoed from the Circle by way of apology.
‘That scared me.’ The youngest Italian said with a nervous chuckle.
‘He didn’t mean to scare you.’ Lachlan said with a warm smile.
‘It’s okay.’ Fabrizio said with a blush. Being addressed so directly by the person both his lover and cousin had described as phenomenally powerful made him nervous.
‘Oh leannan. Don’t be scared of me.’ The Leader said with a smile. ‘Your boyfriend and cousin are just over exaggerating.’ Fabrizio chuckled quietly as Lachlan beamed his own star quality smile to the youngest Italian, relaxing him somewhat.
‘What does…?’ Fabrizio began to ask but was interrupted by Rama.
‘It means darling or love. It’s Gaelic.’ The Egyptian winked at the youngest Italian whose face was in danger of remaining bright red.
‘Come on zàyka.’ The Russian said tucking the smaller man under his arm and heading toward the Circle.
‘They’re so cute.’ Rama said watching the two men walking away.
‘Super cute!’ Lachlan said, his smile glowing softly as he watched the Russian and his lover walking toward the Circle.
‘So, we wanted to ask about our wedding.’ Quinn began. ‘In particular, if we decide to go with a “supernatural” wedding, whether you would be able to modify the memories of some people afterward, to make them think it was a normal wedding.’ Lachlan smiled to the blond.
‘Of course.’ The Leader said excitedly. ‘Piece of piss.’ Rama laughed.
‘You know you’ve just gone and made his day.’ The Egyptian said with a laugh as the Leader pointed a finger at his husband, who was blasted off his seat and onto the grass ten feet away, landing flat on his bottom, legs splayed. He exploded with laughter as Quinn and Alex both lost themselves to the humour.
‘Remind me not to piss you off.’ Alex said jumping off the deck and helping the Leader’s husband to his feet.
‘Let’s go and find out what those guys are doing, and leave these two to their plans.’ Rama said putting an arm around the Italian, who smiled to his lover, Quinn taking a moment to wave to Alex.
‘Will you be officiating over the wedding?’ The blond asked after waving to his boyfriend.
‘No.’ The Leader smiled. ‘A friend of mine, Fearghas, is the High Priest of Calanais. He will be.’ The Leader said leaving a very perplexed look on the blond’s face.
‘What was his name?’ Quinn asked having bitten his tongue trying to repeat the name silently.
‘Fee-ah-ghiss.’ The Leader said slowly, over exaggerating the pronunciation.
‘Fer-ar-guss.’ The blond attempted to copy, his mouth similar to that of a gasping fish, causing the Leader to chuckle.
‘Just call him Fergus.’ Lachlan said laughing. ‘It’s easier.’
‘Right, Fergus, I can do that.’ Quinn said blushing slightly. ‘And where is he the High Priest of?’
‘Calanais. It’s on the Isle of Lewis, in the north of Scotland.’ The Leader explained.
‘Is that where the ceremony will be?’ Quinn queried with a small smile, his heartbeat quickening at the thought of the ceremony that would marry him to his lover. Lachlan smiled as the thought crossed the blond’s mind.
‘Yes. It will be held at what was once the altar in the Calanais Stone Circle.’ The Leader clarified.
‘A stone circle?’ The blond asked with surprise.
‘Indeed. A very special stone circle.’ Lachlan said with a smile. ‘The metal your pendant and ring are made out of?’ Quinn looked to his ring as he reached for his pendant. ‘The meteorite that that metal came from broke into fourteen pieces. Well, more like thirteen pieces of the core broke off from the meteorite when it entered the atmosphere. The primary core of the meteorite landed where you and I went to make Alex’s pendant.’ Quinn nodded in understanding.
‘The other pieces landed in the Southern Ocean, on a small island. What’s unusual about this is that they landed in the exact same formation as the Calanais Stone Circle, which was assembled many, many years later, on the exact opposite point of the planet.’ Quinn’s mouth by this point had dropped open in a rather comical “O” shape.
‘Unfortunately, the island is no longer there. What with the tectonic plate movement, it has long since been stolen by the depths of the ocean.’ Quinn’s face shifted to one of disappointment. The Leader raised his index finger indicating he had more to say.
‘The island may not be there any longer, but its power is. And for your ceremony, I’m going to pull that power together and tie it to the stone circle in Calanais.’ Quinn’s angelic face returned to the comical “O” face it had been just moments before.
‘Why?’ Quinn asked not sure why, let alone if, the Leader could or would do that.
‘Yours is a special partnering. You my friend are reason enough to do this.’ The Leader said with a soft smile to the blond.
‘But why?’ Quinn asked with uncertainty.
‘It’s not every lifetime we have a Triumvirate, let alone a member of the Triumvirate marrying the Holy Strega.’ The Leader said with a laugh, Quinn finally comprehending why the Leader would be willing to do this.
‘Quinn, you are so unbelievably special, so utterly unique and magnificent, it’s only right that your wedding ceremony be equally so.’ The Leader said reaching over and squeezing the blond’s hand firmly. ‘And you know Alex and yourself are meant for each other.’
‘Yeah, you’ve told me that.’ Quinn said with sad eyes.
‘Have you told him yet?’ Lachlan asked looking into the blond’s unusually green eyes which were beginning to brim with tears.
‘What if he…?’ Quinn began to ask when the Leader interrupted him.
‘He won’t. You know he won’t. He will understand, and love you all the more for it.’ Lachlan said standing up and pulling the blond into a hug. Quinn cried softly on the Leader’s delicate shoulder, his built up fear releasing slowly with the tears. ‘He’s on his way back now. Why don’t you go for a walk down river and tell him? I think it’s about time he knew.’
‘Are you sure?’ The blond asked as Lachlan stepped back and wiped Quinn’s tears from his face.
‘Absolutely.’ The Leader said dazzling the blond with a bright smile.
‘Okay.’ Quinn said shaking himself gently in an effort to alleviate his nerves and compose himself.
‘Here he comes.’ Lachlan whispered to the blond as he shook his head to clear his mind and vision.
‘How are the plans coming along?’ Alex asked as he came around the corner of the building and spotting his lover and his Leader.
‘All done.’ Lachlan said giving the blond a moment longer to collect himself. ‘I’ll tell you the plan later tonight.’ He finished with a smile as Quinn turned to his boyfriend, the blond’s eyes slightly bloodshot and puffy from crying.
‘Wanna come for a walk with me?’ The blond asked with a nervous smile.
‘No. Don’t read his thoughts. He wants to tell you.’ Lachlan said silently to the Italian who nodded. He reached out for his boyfriend’s hand and smiled.
‘Come then my love.’ Alex said with affection. Quinn took his boyfriend’s hand and they walked off toward the river, their clasped hands swinging between them as the Leader watched them, his heart heavy with vicarious grief for the blond.
The two men were sitting on the grassy bank of Deep River, the sunlight reflecting off the glossy surface. Quinn’s eyes were closed and Alex was watching the smooth water, giving his lover the time he needed to say what he needed.
‘Alex?’ The blond said quietly. Alex turned quickly to look at his boyfriend. ‘It’s hard for me to say. Please, please bear with me.’ Quinn said, his boyfriend nodding.
‘Take your time amore mio.’ The Italian said with love.
‘Gah. Okay.’ Quinn said taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. ‘Remember Lachlan told you that we were meant for each other.’ The blond began.
‘Yeah, he explained about your heart position, and that it will come in handy later on.’ Alex smiled to his lover. Quinn looked down to the grass as tears came to his eyes.
‘Well, there was something else that he knew of.’ The blond said stalling for time, his nerves at breaking point.
‘Quinn, my love. Please tell me. I’m not going anywhere. You know how much I love you.’ Alex squeezed his boyfriend’s hand between his own; physically reminding the blond that he was there. Quinn took another deep breath and sighed as he exhaled.
‘When I was 5 years old.’ The blond began with a sob. ‘My father raped me.’
Book Two - Chapter Two
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