by SJD Peterson
“I was trying to be vague, ya know. He was asking me about killing anyone and I explained that war made people do things they normally wouldn’t.”
“You told him about all of them?”
“Not exactly. He was thinking I was deployed recently, and when I explained I was a bit older, he didn’t think I was old enough to have served during Desert Storm.”
“Then you blew his mind by telling him about the Revolutionary War? No wonder he freaked out.”
“I did no such thing. Richard just came out and asked me how old I was.”
“That’s just as bad. People don’t take that shit very well. I don’t know why, but most people have a harder time dealing with dating someone three hundred plus years their senior than they do about the magic thingy.”
“I think it’s the combination of both, you dork.”
Ry pursed his lips. “It is not. I get that same crap from other warlocks. ‘You’re so old’ or ‘you’re too young for me.’ Blah, blah, blah. It’s a frickin’ number. What’s the big deal?”
Tikron ignored Ry’s minirant. “Richard really took the fact that I’m a warlock in stride. Albert was the catalyst, so I think Richard’s relief and appreciation helped with that. We were talking, he was asking questions and really seemed interested in learning more. Then, then suddenly he started ranting and raving about everything he’d witnessed since meeting me, then about the dog, the age, and then suddenly he was laughing. You know, one of those crazy, hysterical kinds. The next thing he was hyperventilating.”
“Yup, you broke him. Geeks like Richard can’t be logic deprogramed too rapidly. It short-circuits their mainframe.”
Tikron flopped down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. “How am I supposed to fix it? I’m not an IT guy.”
“Hey, he must not be that bad off if you’re here.”
“No, really, he was bad last night. I finally got him to fall asleep. The poor guy was exhausted with everything that had happened with Albert and the rest of the crap. I’m not staying long. I want to get back before he wakes up, but I hoped you had some ideas on how to fix him.”
“You can’t. He’s either mentally strong enough to deal with it or he’s not. You know this, Tikron. You’ve seen enough people lose it over the years. Some people just can’t accept it or don’t want to.”
Tikron continued to stare upward, but he was no longer seeing the ceiling. Instead it was the fear he’d seen in Richard’s eyes as he laughed hysterically that haunted him. It had been the oddest sight. As it went on and on, Tikron had felt helpless. He’d only been able to take Richard into his arms and hold him until the hysteria had drained Richard and he collapsed. Still Tikron had held him. Suddenly, it was all he wanted to do. All he needed to do. All he could do. He rolled his head to the side to find Ry looking at him with a concerned expression.
“Unfortunately you’re right,” Tikron agreed. “There is nothing I can do and it sucks big-time. I better get back.”
Ry moved down the bed and kissed Tikron gently on the forehead. He rested his hand on Tikron’s chest above his heart. “Because of this, I know you’ll do what you can for him. Don’t give up just yet.”
“I won’t,” Tikron assured him.
“Good. Now go be with your man and try and get some sleep. I’ll be over later with breakfast and coffee. Together, all three of us will get through it.”
Tikron patted Ry’s hand. “Thanks,” he whispered. Then he was gone.
Richard was right where Tikron had left him, curled up beneath a black-and-red checkered throw, Albert lying at the foot of the bed. Tikron ran his fingers through the soft fur on Albert’s head. “It’s going to be all right,” he whispered, more for his own sake than Albert’s. The little dog licked Tikron’s hand, then settled back down to sleep.
Carefully, Tikron crawled onto the bed and moved up close behind Richard. He wrapped the smaller man in his arms and buried his face in the soft curls at the back of Richard’s neck. Richard stirred momentarily, hugging Tikron’s arms, holding them against his body. Tikron instantly felt a sense of peace wash over him. This was where he was meant to be. He lay there, holding Richard for an immeasurable amount of time, until Richard’s warmth and slow rhythmic breathing lulled Tikron to sleep.
A COCOON of warmth surrounded Richard. He slowly opened his eyes. The early morning light streaming through the window of his bedroom stung his eyes, and he closed them again. He turned his head and burrowed farther into the warmth. His senses filled with the unique scent of Tikron. It took his sleep-addled brain a few seconds to realize he wasn’t dreaming but that his head was resting on not his mattress, but upon Tikron’s broad chest, and it wasn’t the blankets keeping him toasty but Tikron’s strong arms.
Slowly, the events of the night before came back to him. It concerned him how quickly things had escalated and how the stacked discoveries had short-circuited his brain and taken him to the brink of madness. He was also embarrassed as hell. His only consolation for the difficult events from the night prior was he’d awoken with a whole new world of possibilities set out before him.
Isn’t that what I’ve strived for all my life?
He’d studied probabilities, possibilities, and logically and mathematically worked them until he found the solutions. The difference now being rather than a series of numbers and totals at the end of an equation, he found an even more satisfying solution—magic.
Richard couldn’t help but smile. Magic. It explained so much. He snuggled further against Tikron. Richard had been given a great gift—higher knowledge of the world around him—one which few would ever have the privilege of experiencing. He’d be a fool to toss such a gift away because of doubt. No one had ever accused him of being a fool, and he’d be damned if he’d give anyone a reason to do so now. He planned on learning everything he could about Tikron, his powers, his family, and this new world.
An ache in Richard’s hip had him shifting. Tikron instantly tightened his arms around Richard. The feeling of being protected filled him. No one had ever made him feel that way. First it had been himself, then him and Albert against the universe. He’d locked everyone out of his life. He’d blamed the fallibility of the human relationship as the reason. They were statistically destined to fail. He never did anything when there was a high probability of failure and had never understood why someone would set themselves up to fall. It was ludicrous. Or at least he’d thought it was. Now… now he wasn’t so sure. Now he wanted nothing more than to have his prior beliefs proven wrong.
“Good morning,” Tikron said, his voice deep and husky from sleep.
“Morning.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Torn,” Richard admitted.
“It’s to be expected. You were dealt quite the shock yesterday. Not once, but several times.”
“Yeah, I was, but that isn’t what I am torn about.”
“No?”
“Nope.”
“Okay, care to share?”
Richard lifted his head and looked at Tikron. “I’m torn between leaving this nice warm bed and having to get up and use the bathroom.”
“I see the quandary.” Tikron chuckled.
“You could always… you know. Wiggle your nose,” Richard suggested.
“Sorry, that’s beyond the scope of my expertise.”
“Seriously? You can heal the sick but you can’t empty a bladder or make a mouth minty fresh?”
“Oh, I can help with one of those.” Tikron lifted his hand, rotated his wrist, and suddenly a red-and-white peppermint candy appeared between his fingers.
Richard snatched the candy, opened it, and popped it into his mouth. “I prefer spearmint, but this will do.”
“For what?”
“This.” Richard pressed his lips to Tikron’s and gave him a quick morning kiss without having to worry about offending Tikron with morning breath.
Richard rolled from the bed and padded to the bathroom with a huge smile on his face.
Magic is something you make.
Chapter Eighteen
TIKRON leaned down and drew water from the faucet into his mouth. He swished it around, rinsing the toothpaste, then spit, washing it down the drain. Breath minty fresh, he turned off the tap and grabbed a towel to dry his face and his hands.
The sound of Richard’s scream and Albert’s sharp bark froze the blood in Tikron’s veins. He rushed out the bathroom door to find Richard standing against the wall, hands up in defense, and Albert standing between Richard and the newcomer, barking aggressively, hair on his back raised.
“Sic ’em, Albert. Chomp right down on that big ol’ ass.”
Ry looked over his shoulder with an exasperated expression. “My ass is not big.” He held up a tray full of coffee cups and a box of doughnuts. “Is this any way to treat a guest bearing gifts?”
“Yes. This is exactly the way you treat guests bearing gifts who don’t use the front door. What the hell is wrong with you? You scared the crap out of him,” Tikron said, moving to Richard’s side and slinging his arm around his shoulders. The tension in Richard instantly drained, but he was still shaking slightly.
To Tikron’s delighted surprise, Richard stood a bit taller and pointed his finger at Ry. “You do that again and I… I… I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I can promise you won’t like it.” To Albert, who was still snapping and growling at Ry, Richard said, “It’s okay, Albert.”
Of course, Albert apparently didn’t think it was, because he continued his aggressive stance and insistent yapping. Only when Richard leaned down and swept him up into his arms did Albert quiet down. However, the low menacing growl proved he still wasn’t impressed with Ry’s entrance.
“Oh, you do have a spitfire on your hands,” Ry announced, sounding way too amused. He smiled broadly at Richard. “I like you.”
“Well, I’m not so sure I like you,” Richard grumbled. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry about that. Can I make it up to you? I have coffee and bran muffins.” Tikron frowned. “Don’t get your panties in a wad. I didn’t forget the apple fritters.”
Tikron walked over and snatched the bag from Ry, then shoved Ry’s stomach. “C’mon. We’ll eat in the kitchen. You are not allowed in this bedroom. Ever.”
“Yes, sir,” Ry said and followed Tikron.
The instant they were out of the room and away from Richard, Tikron spun around. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he hissed.
“Oh right. You’re allowed to blink your ass into my room when I’m entertaining, but I’m not allowed to do the same. That’s some bullshit double standard right there.”
“That is not my room, and I didn’t let Miss Big Tits know I used magic.”
“Yeah, but Richard already knows about it, and she did have some nice tits, didn’t she?” Ry said, waggling his brows.
“I said big, you Neanderthal. Just don’t do it to him again.” He turned and went to the kitchen.
Ry set the coffees down on the counter. “I’ll make you a deal. You don’t pop into my bedroom and I’ll do the same for you.”
“Deal,” Tikron said without hesitation. He opened the box and found a fritter. He took a big bite. It didn’t taste all that great in combination with the lingering mint, so he washed it down with a shot of coffee and took another big bite. Much better.
Ry took a seat at one of the stools and pulled the lid off one of the cups. He blew into it before taking a sip. “He doesn’t look broken this morning.”
“No thanks to you.”
“Hey, in my defense, I didn’t mean to scare him. I just blinked myself to where you were. I didn’t expect you to still be in the bedroom. Does that mean you got lucky?”
“Do you ever think about anything else?”
“Sure, sometimes, but it is my favorite subject,” Ry said unapologetically. He grabbed a chocolate iced doughnut and took a big bite.
“Shhh.” Tikron nodded toward the hall, where Richard had appeared. “We have coffee and muffins for you,” Tikron announced.
“Thanks.” Richard came over to Tikron and accepted the coffee he held out.
“Sorry I scared you.” Ry held out his hand. “Ryxium Driscoll, aka Tikron’s best friend, but you can call me Ry.”
Richard shook the offered hand. “Nice to meet you, and sorry I threatened you.”
“Don’t apologize to this big nut bag,” Tikron informed him. “He shouldn’t have popped into your bedroom, and he’s promised not to do it again. Haven’t you, Ry?”
“Yup, as long as your stud puppy here promises not to do it to me anymore. Did he tell you he interrupted me and my—”
“Shut it,” Tikron warned him.
Ry leaned toward Richard. “Point is, he does it to me all the time. I was just dishing out a little payback.”
Tikron handed Richard a muffin. “Breakfast?”
Richard eyed it, then considered the box of goodies. “Actually, I think I’ll have that one,” he said, pointing to the only other apple fritter in the box.
Tikron frowned. “I didn’t think you ate stuff like that.”
“I also didn’t think you could pop in and out of people’s bedrooms either. It’s a whole new world I’ve woken up in this morning, and dammit, I’m going to enjoy something yummy and completely bad for me.”
“Wouldn’t you rather have the chocolate one?” Tikron suggested. “It’s even worse for you.”
Ry snatched the fritter out of the box and thrust it at Richard. “Enjoy.”
Tikron’s frown deepened, but Ry just stuck his tongue out. “So, Richard.” Ry patted the stool next to his. “Have a seat and let’s get to know each other.”
A spark of worry zinged through Tikron. No one knew Tikron like Ry did—the good and the really bad as well as some of the most embarrassing moments in his life. The worry left just as quickly as it hit him. While Ry did know everything about him, the most important thing was the fast-approaching deadline. Ry would never do anything to jeopardize that.
Richard took the seat next to Ry, looking a little apprehensive, but excitement shone in his hazel eyes. “I have so many questions.”
“I can tell you anything you want to know about Tikron,” Ry offered.
“Hey, you’re only allowed to tell him about my good qualities.”
Ry cocked his head. “You have good qualities?”
“Haha.” Tikron turned to Richard. “Don’t listen to him. He thinks he’s a comedian, but no matter how many times I tell him he’s not funny, he doesn’t listen.”
“I’m hilarious, thank you very much,” Ry protested. “We’ll let Richard be the judge of that. You have no sense of humor.”
“Do you two treat each other like this all the time?” Richard asked.
“Yes,” they said in unison, then laughed.
“You’ve known each other a long time, I take it?”
“For many, many, many, years.”
Richard took off the lid to his coffee and, seeing it was black, took a sip. “And I don’t have to ask if you have the same powers.”
“Which are totally awesome, huh?” Ry asked.
Richard was taking another drink of his coffee, but Tikron didn’t miss the instant smile partially hidden by the cup. He swallowed down the drink and the smile grew. “They are totally awesome,” he agreed. “A little frightening but a lot awesome.”
Ry cut a questioning glance toward Tikron. Tikron knew the look, and considering he’d woken Ry just a few short hours ago worried about Richard’s mental health, it was understandable. Tikron shrugged. Something had changed in Richard during the night. He’d woken without any signs of the earlier distress. In fact, he woke with a smile and cutting jokes. He even chose a fritter—my last fritter—instead of his preferred bran muffin.
Richard, however, wasn’t done shocking Tikron. Tikron gawked at the man when he asked Ry, “Could someone like me, someone not born into the coven, learn magic?”
“Sur
e,” Ry assured him. “He or she would never be as powerful, nor could they sit on the council, but with the desire and a good teacher, sure you could learn some basic magic.”
“Really?” Richard’s excitement seemed to be growing.
“Yes,” Tikron answered for Ry. “Why do you ask? Is it something you’d want to do?”
Richard shrugged. “Maybe. I think it would be fascinating to learn more about it.”
“There is a lot more to it. It’s not like you can just show up to a meeting and expect to be accepted.” Ry shifted slightly in his chair until he was facing Richard. “As you can imagine, given the nature of our abilities, we don’t go around and publicly invite just anyone. Most humans wouldn’t take it so well to learn warlocks and witches exist. We have to keep things on the down low.”
“I can understand that,” Richard said with a nod.
“Your request to join would have to be considered by the elders. You’d have to meet certain criteria. They only allow a very select few members.”
“What Ry is trying to tell you is until you’re approved, no one is allowed to teach you a single spell. Also, there are only two ways in which to join. One, you have to be born into the coven. The second is to marry into it, and even then it’s not a guarantee.”
Richard picked at his fritter, looking thoughtful for a moment before saying, “Oh.”
“We don’t have to worry about that right now,” Tikron told him. He’d witnessed what happened when too much crazy info penetrated that brain of his. Tikron wasn’t willing to take a chance on driving him to that edge again. “How about we talk about something a little easier. How about you tell us about your family,” Tikron suggested.
“Not much to tell. I’m an only child, and just like me, or like I was a week ago, my parents are mathematicians.”
“That explains a lot,” Ry said lowly. Tikron doubted Richard had heard him since he spoke so quietly, but Tikron had, and he wanted to slap him upside his head. “Be nice,” Tikron mouthed. He then turned back to Richard. “Both Ry and I are only children as well. It’s part of what draws us together, I think. Growing up I always wanted to have a brother, and now I do.”
