by Maggie Walsh
“Then why do you look so worried?” Raffy asked.
Jesse drew in a deep breath, then released it. “One, this dome over us. Will it hold until the battle, and two, once it’s all said and done, what will be left of the world out there? If we do defeat Hades, the prophecy says the world will be thrown into Utopia, but what will be left? And is that what the prophecy meant? After all is said and done, will anyone still remain? Will it be Utopia because there will be no one left?”
“Those are all good questions,” Laylen replied. “I can answer one with certainty. The protective barrier Ryland and his men put over us will hold. Even if every fae on the planet were gone, that would remain.”
“Well, at least there’s that,” Jesse said and looked up again.
“So why aren’t you in with Micah?” Taylor asked.
“I needed some air. What they have all come up with as a plan to defeat Hades is brilliant, but also scary. I just needed a few minutes.”
“I agree with you, Jess. After listening to what everyone was saying, I feel better about the battle to come, too. What worries me is the aftermath. What will be left for this Utopia?” Haven said.
“Utopia. Now there’s a scary word,” Shelby mumbled. Jesse, as well as all the others, turned to look at him, the same question in their eyes.
“What? Think about it. Utopia? Sounds good on paper, but is it really? I don’t mind fighting this fight for the continuation of life, but I was thinking life for all. I’m not sure I’m willing to die for Utopia though,” Shelby explained.
“Why dat, Shelby?” Noah asked.
“For one, for that reason of how you asked your question alone, Noah. You are unique, and I love that about you. With Utopia, would you still be you?” Everyone got quiet after that, and all got lost in their own thoughts.
“Well, I don’t know about everyone else, but I have to admit, I’m scared,” Raffy whispered.
Shay wrapped an arm around his brother-in-law. “I think we all are, Raff. Kia and I just found Castiel, and I’m not ready for it to be over. I know that if one of us dies, then we all will so I won’t have to spend my life mourning them, but I’m kind of mourning their loss now just thinking about them dying.”
“I feel the same way,” Kia replied and laid his head on Shay’s shoulder.
“I agree. Nikolai and I have only just reunited. I wasted eleven years of my life by not being with him and letting him know how much I love him, but to now think that it will all come to a permanent end is freaking me out,” Thad said.
“I look at it this way,” Laylen said. “I don’t think the gods and Fate would have brought us our mates and each other only to lose one another so soon. I know Jesse and Taylor have been here, what, close to five years now, but as old as I am, that’s a blink of an eye. Then there are the rest of us who have had even less time with our mates. I have faith that Aurora has given us everything we need to defeat Minos and Hades. We just need to remember everything she has told us and be wise with her advice as we put it to use.”
“I scared I lose my babies,” Noah said, his voice choked with emotion.
Jesse looked to his brother, his heart breaking from seeing the tears in his eyes and the anguish on his face. Jesse wrapped his arms around Noah and held him tight. “We are all going to do everything we have to do to defeat Hades, keep your little ones safe, and get you home to them,” Jesse said with conviction.
“That right there is part of what I mean, too,” Laylen replied. “I can’t see Aurora giving Noah and his mates, as well as Dante and his mates those beautiful children just to take their parents from them and have those children grow up without their parents. Aurora wouldn’t do that.”
Dale stepped closer and slid an arm around Noah, too. “I know what you mean, Noah. I know we have to fight this fight, but I am so damn scared of what will happen to my babies if Dante, Dare, and I don’t come home.” The tears slid down Dale’s cheek, and Noah turned to him and embraced Dale, the two trying to comfort one another.
“Cutie, what is it? What’s wrong?” Storm’s concerned voice said as he joined them.
“Dale, what’s going on,” Dare asked, joining them with Storm.
“They’re both worried about the babies and what will happen to them if we don’t win,” Aaron said.
“Oh, Dale, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay,” Dare said and placed a hand on Dale’s shoulder. Dale moved back from Noah’s embrace and immediately turned into Dare’s arms, and Dare held him close.
At the same time, Noah turned and walked into Storm’s arms, buried his face against Storm’s chest, and let the tears come.
“Isn’t there a way we could do this without them? Maybe Dale and Noah could stay with their children and the rest of us can do what has to be done?” Rory said, tears of his own rolling down his cheeks.
Taylor looked to Rory and said, “I was trying to figure out the same thing, Rory, but there is no way. Aurora clearly said we all needed to stand and face Hades together. Then there is always the if one mate dies so does the other mate, or mates. So even if they weren’t in the battle, if one of their mates die, they will too regardless.”
“Speaking of that, what is that? Like if my Viktor dies, will I just drop dead the instant he does? How does it work?” Adam asked.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t think it works that quickly. But then again, I could be wrong. Lay, do you know?” Jesse said.
“Sorry, J-man. I haven’t a clue. All I know is because we share one soul with our mates, that if one dies, so do the others.”
“Which I for one am grateful for,” Slade said as he walked up, joining the group, and wrapped his arms around Sage.
“Why is that, love?” Sage asked.
“My parents weren’t true mates, but they loved one another so deeply, almost as if they were mates. When my father died, I had to watch my mom go through all that pain from losing him. It was only because of me that she went on. Otherwise, I am sure she would have taken her own life because of the heartache. Watching her suffer from the loss of my father almost killed me, but I do know that if I lose you, sweetheart, there will be no life after. I can’t live without you, Sage. So I thank the gods for that clause. We go together, where we belong. Together for eternity,” Slade explained, then held Sage tight as he kissed him tenderly.
“He has a point. If Xavier dies, I don’t want to go on,” Liam commented.
“Me, too,” Raffy agreed. “I’m terrified of what we’re about to do, but I know I wouldn’t be able to sit at home in the safe room waiting while my Christian is out there fighting. I would rather be right there by his side, and if he dies, I want to die with him.”
“I agree with all of you. There is no way I want to go on without my Raphael, but then the other side of me worries about all our boys. I know none of them are underage anymore, but they still need us. Then I think of my mate. Raphael is a big, strong alpha wolf, a warrior, but his power of visions won’t help him in this battle. I know, I know. We’re not supposed to be a part of it, but you try telling Raphael he can’t be there to stand by his sons.” Bailey moved closer to Evan and wrapped his arm around him, giving him a hug.
“I know what Evan means. There is no way our Lucifer is just going to stand by and not help. You all don’t realize how important you have all become to him. I think people would be shocked to find out that the lord of hell could actually love something, but Lucifer loves Mitchell and I more than anything. Then there is all of you. He honestly does look at all of you as brothers and loves you fiercely,” Demi said.
Mitchell nodded as he said, “He talks about all of you all the time. He is very protective of you all. And strangely enough, he has a special place in his heart for Maddy and his mates, as well as Jesse, Micah, and Taylor. When Maddy accepted his help with Milo, without hesitation, that affected Lucifer greatly. And Taylor, he loves that you just go toe-to-toe with him no matter what it is. He said he has never had more fun in his life then when the two
of you join your wicked tongues and use them against some idiot,” Mitchell said with a laugh. Everyone joined him as they thought about Lucifer and Taylor’s antics
“Well, I have to agree with you there, Mitch. Those are some of my favorite moments in life, too. Who would have thought the good Catholic boy would grow up to be such good friends with Lucifer himself? My parents would be so proud,” Taylor replied with a big smile.
“Your parents would be screaming down the street, running for Father Murphy, then bathe you in Holy water and call for an exorcism,” Jesse said as he chuckled.
Taylor threw his head back and laughed hard from Jesse’s words, causing the other to laugh, too.
“And I think the whole good Catholic boy flew out the window the day you realized you loved cock,” Shelby added, making everyone roar with laughter.
“I sure do love cock,” Taylor replied and wiggled his eyebrows.
“Who doesn’t?” Noah said, then giggled.
“Amen,” Kia said and giggled, too.
“Says two of the lucky ones that get to play with two cocks every day,” Shelby replied.
“Mmm, yes two cocks are better than one,” Storm said as he hummed and held Noah tighter.
Everyone turned to him with shocked faces. Then as one, they all burst out laughing.
All the mates seemed to move closer together after that, each hugging another as they gave and received comfort. Even the larger mates like Storm, Dare, Slade, Laylen, and Liam, as their conversation continued.
* * * *
“Hey, guys, what’s going on here?” Micah asked as he, Dante, Lucifer, Phen, and Ryland walked into the kitchen.
Xander, Lexi, Crew, and Cass all sat by the large bay window looking out into the backyard. Xavier turned in his seat at the counter and looked to the newcomers. “The mates have all gathered in the backyard. Including Dare, Storm, and Slade.”
“And we need to worry about that?” Ryland asked as he joined Xavier at the center island and sat on one of the stools.
Bastian sipped from his coffee cup, then answered, “No, but we are worried about them. They are all so deep in conversation. We were going to go out and check on them, but we don’t want to interrupt. They all look like they’re comforting each other.”
“I for one think it’s a good thing,” Viktor added, as he leaned against the counter, his gaze continuing to flick to the window.
“And why is that?” Lucifer asked.
“We’ve all had this strong bond for so long, Micah’s guys and us,” Nicco replied. “It’s nice to see the mates always standing together and supporting one another, even the bigger ones. I know I’m grateful they all accepted my Thaddeus from the moment he stepped foot in Sanctuary and have been there for him.”
“That’s true. It must have been so intimidating for some of them to come into this group of tight friends, brothers, at first, but each one was welcomed by the ones before them, making it a little easier,” Lexi said.
“Except Jesse and Taylor,” Raith said as he strolled into the kitchen with Christian, joining the conversation.
“True. I remember the night Raith brought them here. Jesse and Taylor were so scared. They were attacking Bob, the taxi driver like their lives depended on it,” Crew said.
“What do you expect when Bob kept those damn earbuds in his ears and didn’t tell them shit, just drove them to our house after they asked to go to the bus station?” Lexi replied.
Gabriel chuckled, then said, “Yeah, Taylor told me that as they sat in the back of the cab and looked around. They tried to get Bob’s attention, but he just ignored them. He said he started to panic and could hear banjos dueling.” Gabriel started laughing, and a few others joined in.
“Leave it to Taylor to turn even a terrifying moment into a joke,” Cass replied.
“Oh, he wasn’t joking. He told me about that ride, too. He and Jesse were terrified when that car stopped in front of the house. Jesse vaulted over the seat and started choking Bob,” Lexi added as he chuckled.
“Shit, both of them were just mere humans then, not the kickass, powerful beings they are now. They must have been so scared,” Phen said.
“They were. I’m still amazed I was able to convince Jesse to go up and talk to Micah,” Raith said.
“It was your promise to my mate that you would stay out in the hall the whole time that helped ease some of his tension. So the support of the mates all started with you, Raith,” Micah said.
“And Gabe, Crew, and Lexi, too. They all stayed down here with Taylor while Jesse and I came to see you. They made Taylor feel comfortable.”
“Yes and no. We knew he was freaked out, but you know Tay, he can turn any situation into a party. He spent most of that night teasing Gabe and making Crew and I laugh our asses off. Damn, that seems so long ago now,” Lexi said.
“And since that night, Jesse and Taylor vowed to make all mates feel safe and welcome. And they did, too. When Aaron arrived, all stick up his ass and condescending, Jesse and Taylor still stood up for him and tried to make him feel like he fit in,” Micah added.
Raith chuckled. “Yeah, my little genius mate was a big prick when he got here, but boy has he come a long way.”
“He was just using all that bravado, and I’m a genius crap to protect himself. Once he realized he was safe and loved here, his true self came out,” Micah replied.
“True, but he was scared in his own way coming into this group,” Raith said.
“I think they all were to some point. Hell, we have all spent hundreds of years together creating this bond, and they walk into that. Very intimidating if you ask me,” Christian commented.
“I’m just glad that it was with all of you that those men walked into. You are all amazing men. Good men, and they are lucky to have you all as their family,” Raphael, who had been quietly listening up until now, stated.
“Amen,” Lucifer replied, drawing everyone’s attention. “I, of course, was not intimidated meeting you all, but you do have this brotherhood that is beautiful, and I am grateful you have accepted me into it.”
“Awe, Lucy, are you getting all choked up?” Lexi teased as he gave Lucifer a shit eating grin.
“I’ll choke you up, pup, with my big dick,” Lucifer replied as he grabbed his crotch.
“Yeah, no thanks. My Bailey may be small, but he is a wildcat, and will scratch your eyes out, then kill me if I even talked about your dick.”
“I don’t know what they’re talking about out there, but they are all laughing like loons now,” Dante said with a smile as he watched the mates out the window. Everyone joined him as they too looked to the mates.
“They were really serious before. I’m glad they’re laughing now,” Cass stated.
“What do you think they were talking about?” Crew asked.
“Probably about the battle to come,” Christian whispered.
“They must be so scared. I know they all have some wicked powers, but still. Think about it. Some of them came here thinking they were human, then others, not powerful shifters, or their animals are smaller. This upcoming battle must be affecting them more than us,” Xander said.
“I agree, but it’s not like it’s not affecting us, too. Let’s be honest, this battle we are about to face is terrifying, and I for one am not afraid to admit it has me a little scared, too,” Dante admitted.
“Me, too. The thought of my baby out there in danger is causing my wolf a lot of stress. We’re supposed to keep our mates safe, but here we are taking them right into the battle with us,” Lexi replied. “I understand it’s something that must be done, but my protective instinct is to wrap Bailey up in bubble wrap and hide him away, far from here. And my wolf doesn’t understand it one bit. He’s been riding me hard for weeks to get our mate out of here.”
“Mine, too,” Xavier agreed. “Liam is a strong and powerful fae, and can fight, but my wolf is fighting me, trying to get me to get Liam somewhere safe.”
“I know I am mated
to the great and powerful Guardian, but do you all know how terrifying it is every time my sweet baby steps outside this house? I knew he would be a part of every fight, and there is no way he won’t be a part of this battle. Yes, he can take care of himself. Hell, he can take care of himself better than I can, then take care of me and all of you, but it doesn’t make it any easier. He still has that bull’s-eye on his back. Every day is terrifying for me,” Gabe said.
“Shit, Gabe, I’m sorry. I never thought of it that way,” Nicco replied.
Sebastian moved closer to his best friend and wrapped an arm around Gabe’s shoulders. “As much as it scares you, buddy, I know I speak for everyone when I say, thank you. Without Taylor, we would all be dead by now. Yes, being the Guardian makes our enemies want to get their hands on him, or kill him, but I am grateful we have Taylor, and I know everyone here would lay down their life to protect him.” A mumbling of agreement came from around them.
“You know I know exactly how you feel, cousin. As much as my wolf wants me to hide Jesse away, too, I would rather have him by my side, so I can watch him and hopefully protect him as much as I can, than to have him out of my sight and worry about what’s going on where he is. Because I know that no matter where Jesse is, that is where Hades and Minos are going to show up. And I would rather die right there beside him, then even think of going on without him. My heart and my wolf would never survive losing my Jesse.”
“I had to spend over twenty-five years without my mate, and that was torture, but the thought of Ryland dying and me staying behind is too much pain to endure. Even if we didn’t die with our mates, my life would be over if I lost Ryland. I would die of a broken heart,” Phen said solemnly.
“Oh, love. I couldn’t live without you either,” Ryland said and snuggled into Phen’s embrace.
“I never want to spend another day without my mates, and I know I would die too if I lost them now, but the thought of my mates is what keeps the fire alive inside me. It is for them that I fight. It is for our life together and our love I will fight to the death and take out as many of the enemy as I can before I do,” Lucifer said with conviction.
