by Minerva Howe
“Yes.” There was still six feet of the snow on the ground, and up here at this elevation, there might be snow any given time. It kept things private. “I was sad about our house, but this is a literal castle, and we’ll be together and well-defended.”
“We will. We’ll go home. We will. But this will be a second home, just like Brand’s.” Eagan chuckled. “Though we have a rather grand suite here compared to our rooms at Brand’s.”
“With all these babies, we’ll need room and places for them to learn.” He sat there for a second, just talking it all in. “Are you happy, Eagan?”
“I am.” The answer was so immediate and gratifying. “You and Devon have given me my brothers back, I have the love of my life, and we’re having a family. My heart is so full, love.” Eagan turned to bend over the console to kiss him. “Are you? Happy?”
“I am. Happy. Huge. Ready to see our new home, have a snack, and settle.” And he’d bet Tyson wanted to show off all his work.
“Mmm. Stay there.” Eagan hopped out of the car, then came around to open his door and bundle him into a warmed blanket and carry him inside. The front walk had heated panels, so there was no ice.
The door opened, a wizened, tiny little old woman beaming at him. “Welcome! Come in! I have cocoa for everyone!”
Eagan laughed. “Helena! So glad to see you. How’s Henri?”
“Good. Busy. We’re all so glad you’re home.”
Eagan set him on his feet once the door was closed behind them and introduced him. “Oliver, this is Helena. Helena, my mate, Ollie.”
He stopped goggling at the grand staircase and its stained-glass windows and soaring ceiling with wood beams to say hello. “Pleased to meet you. I’m happy to be here.”
“I’m sure you are. We’ve been making plans to have you all here for a nice, long time. This is an amazing place to be. We’ve been with the family since the beginning.”
He blinked. What did that mean? Did she mean with the moms? Or…
Helena winked. “Now, you come on in. There’s a powder room tucked back here behind the stairs if you need—”
He bolted for it. Oh yes. He did. In fact, he always had to go these days.
The stone walls were covered in tapestries, to brighten things up and to warm it, he guessed, but the bathroom fixtures were all modern and sparkling.
Relieved, he headed back out. “Sorry about that.”
“I had three babies, hon. I understand. Come on now, there’s a comfy nook just off the kitchen, and you can have a cocoa, extra foamed milk.”
Ollie moaned. “Oh, heaven.”
Devon followed him, Arielle on his hip. “The guys are unloading. I’m Devon, by the way. Brand’s mate.”
“Hello, Devon.” Helena pointed out the powder room to him too, then led them to a huge, gleaming kitchen that still managed to look positively medieval with its huge hearth, hanging copper pots, and whitewashed walls. “Here we are. I love to sit here and knit.”
Off to one side was a nook with a bay window, a small wood stove, and an arrangement of plush armchairs and a loveseat. God, it was charming.
“Wow. Is this the common area, then?” Devon asked.
Helena bustled about, putting together a tray with a pot of chocolate and cups and marshmallows. “Oh, dear me no. That’s in the great hall. There’s also a smaller family room, too. It’s lovely as well. So many places to gather, and I’m so glad Tyson has people here now.”
He looked at Dev. “Did you know it was a castle?”
“Yeah, but not like this, man.” Dev chuckled, checking on Arielle, who was sacked out. “This is amazing. Like totally.”
“Would you like to come and sit in the great room? We laid a fire.” She toddled off with the tray, humming along, her long gray braids almost dragging the floor behind her.
“So do you think she’s like, medieval?” Devon whispered.
“I don’t know!” What a freaking adventure. He waddled back along the hall, just staring at everything they passed. There were the requisite weapons hanging on the walls, but high enough Arielle couldn’t reach, and some amazing portraits. As in, life size.
The great room was huge, but the fire was roaring, the couches were cushy and deep, and it was magical. He eased down, and Devon sat across from him, pulling Arielle into his arms from the carrier. “Wow, look at those fire screens.”
“Safety first,” Helena sang at Arielle, who watched her with huge, sleepy eyes. Then she opened her mouth and made an ah sound. When Arielle repeated it, Helena popped a marshmallow in.
Arielle chewed happily, then patted Devon’s chest. “Da.”
“Is he your da? I’m Helena.”
“Nana.”
Helena nodded. “Yes, dear. That works. Such a smart little whip. I’ll be back. You’ll all need snacks, hmm?” She poured them both drinks.
He glanced at Devon, who had tears in his eyes. “Not bad for a pair of orphans, huh?”
“Oh, sweet boys. You have families now. We’re so pleased to have you here finally. The world needs their dragons.”
She bustled off, and Ollie had to laugh. “Wow. I kind of love it already. I was feeling down, but this…”
“Right?” Devon tugged Arielle away from the marshmallows.
She pouted, by not for long. Then she pushed into Devon’s arms and cuddled. “Da.”
“Arielle.”
That soft little giggle amazed him.
He put a hand to his belly. Ollie was ready to hold his babies. He really was.
Soon. Soon his arms would be full.
The dragons appeared at once, all talking together, full of life and energy and so much noise.
As soon as the snacks showed up they were all eating and Eagan was snuggling him on the couch, and he was a little sleepy thanks to the warmth of the fire.
“This is amazing, Tyson. I can’t wait to explore.” First their room, then the nursery, then everywhere else.
“I want you to be comfortable and happy. This is your home for as long as you need it, and then some.” Tyson was proud as a peacock, he could tell.
“It’s been years,” Eagan said. “I can’t believe how amazing it looks now.”
“I wanted you all to be happy here. It’s a work in progress, but it’s coming along nicely.” Tyson beamed at them.
“We’ll help anyway we can,” Brand said. “The library is about to get a makeover.”
They all grinned at each other. Not that Brand was obsessed.
“Can we see our rooms, E? I want to stretch out.” I need to settle in, love.
Of course. I know you’re tired. “Tyson, can you lead the way?”
“Of course. I’ll carry the bags, and you get the mate.”
Eagan stood up and scooped him into those strong arms. “Got him.”
He laughed, wrapping himself around Eagan as best he could. “You’re ridiculous.”
“There’s a lot of stairs,” Tyson said, clomping away.
“Are we all on the same level together?” There were sconces. He loved sconces.
“We are.” They got to the third floor, and they turned right. Okay, right at the landing. Instead of rushes, the floors had warm-toned rugs, layered like they would have been post crusades.
He was going to geek out as soon as he had a nap.
“Thank you for opening your home to us, Tyson.” He looked over at Tyson. “Seriously. You’re amazing.”
Tyson opened a door at a hallway that branched off. “You’re welcome. I needed you all here. This is your rooms.”
Eagan set him on his feet, then took his hand. “Shall we? Come on and drop the bags, Ty. You’re always welcome in our wing.”
“No, you two explore. I want to get Arielle and her fathers settled.”
Oliver thought that maybe Tyson wanted to hold little Arielle for a while. The man was an addict. That would give Devon some rest too.
“Good night. We’ll see you in the morning for breakfast.” Tyson disappeare
d, leaving them to explore together.
“Oh my God, E! Look at this place.” The hallway opened into a huge living room, with couches and a big screen plus a play area they could close off.
There was a bedroom that was waiting to be decorated, a lush master done in blues and greens, and then a huge nursery, complete with cribs and rocking chairs, dressers and a changing table.
“Oh. Oh, look!” Oliver glanced around, eyes wide.
“Do you like them?”
The chairs and cribs were probably Edwardian. A pair of Victorian cradles sat along one wall, and the changing table was custom, made from a Victorian dresser. Somehow they all matched.
“Like them? How did—”
“This was my Valentine’s Day hunt.”
“Eagan—” He grabbed his lover and kissed him, pouring himself into their connection. “They’re perfect.”
“Mmm.” Eagan kissed him back, supporting his weight so he could float. “I told you I was doing something good.”
“It’s perfect. Really perfect.” He wandered around, exploring the furniture, letting his fingers drag over the wood.
“I’m so glad. I felt awful that you were upset. I was an idiot. Our things are in storage pods, and we’ll move them in a little at a time over the next few days.” E’s grin widened. “You can order me about.”
“I am exceptional at that. Tell me you picked out the bed. I need to stretch out.”
“I did. Tyson had to get rid of all the beds. I think they were original.” Eagan grimaced comically.
“Oh dear.” Oliver chuckled, shaking his head. “Good call on his part.”
“Yes. Brand and I insisted. Though there is still a full tester rope bed in one of the chambers. Tudor.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see it.” Well, figuratively. He could hunt for it tomorrow.
“Right now, let’s get you in our bed.” The bathroom in there was sparkling and new, but somehow period.
“We have a fireplace in here. That’s amazing. Does it work?”
“It does. We’ll pick out a screen together, hmm?” They got washed up, ready for a long nap.
“Something sturdy and strong.” Dragon proof.
“Yes. That even three of them can’t topple. Arielle will organize the troops.” E laughed as he herded Ollie to the bed, easing him down. Oh the weight being off his feet made him tear up. “Oh love. It’s done now. You’re home. You can rest now.”
“I can.” Ollie sniffled a little. “Thank you, love. This will be the perfect place to have babies.”
“Yes. And you’ll have your best friend, my brothers, and all our children around you.”
“I couldn’t ask for more.” Maybe to go back to the bathroom. He sighed, but Eagan read his mind, picking him up to take him.
He was a pretty lucky guy, when it came right down to it.
15
“Ollie?” Eagan had been overseeing moving in boxes and furniture, and he wanted to know where Ollie wanted his library table and spinning bookshelf. They had their own small library, or it could go in the main one Ollie and Devon were designing as they went.
But where on earth was his mate?
He searched their rooms, then went to Brand’s. “Excuse me, is Oliver in here?”
“No. Neither is Devon. Did you check the library?”
“Yes.” That had been the first stop.
Brand’s eyes went wide. “Arielle is with Tyson. Where are they?”
He frowned. Oliver?
Yeah?
Where are you?
I don’t know.
What? Where do you think you are?
Uh… Everything went quiet.
Brand shook his head. “They’re lost. Devon has no idea where they are.”
“What?”
“Yeah. Let’s find Tyson.” He needed to find his Ollie.
“Okay.” They raced to find Ty, who was playing in the great hall with Arielle and a huge, shaggy dog he’d not seen before. A wolfhound maybe. Arielle was snuggled up to the dog, her hand holding the dog’s tail.
“Pop-pop! Dog-Gee!”
“When did you get a dog?” Eagan asked, while Brand actually asked the real question.
“Devon and Ollie. Where are they?”
Arielle pierced her father with a glare. “POP-POP! DOG-GIE.”
“Yes, my love. I have lost Dad-eee.” Brand was getting emotional.
“Da?”
Eagan? Love? I’m lost.
Yes, love. I know. Are you aboveground or underground?
“Dog-gie. Da!” Arielle stood, grabbing a hank of hound fur, and off they went.
“Uh… Tiny? Where are you taking my niece?” Tyson looked vaguely confused.
“All she needs is a sword and some armor,” Brand murmured.
Eagan scooped up Arielle. “Go, Tiny. Find Da.”
“Da! Dog-gie! A-Da!”
“Yes. Da and Ollie.”
“Ol!” She cheered, kicking her legs as Tiny the Throwback Wolfhound started hunting.
Downstairs. A lot of stairs.
There was a great deal of sniffing, and Tiny led them to a staircase leading to the extensive basements. Well, then. He would trust the damn dog.
“Onward, Tiny,” Eagan cried, and Arielle roared as Tiny let out a positive fury of barking.
We’re on our way, love.
Oh excellent. Do you hear a dog?
“Da! Dog-GIE!”
“That’s right. Come on, Tiny. Hunt!” Eagan was fairly sure Arielle was a Disney princess who breathed fire and ate a lot of cheese.
Tiny howled like a hellhound, Tyson yodeled, and they all clattered down two flights of stairs into the beginnings of the caves.
Love? It’s very damp down here. What were you thinking?
That there were amazing paintings on the walls. Look as you go. Am I going to be eaten by a demon dog?
No, that’s Arielle’s steed.
Oh, Uncle Ty got her a steed? We’re only giving her a pair of possibly demonic twins. He’s always showing me up.
Don’t tell Devon.
He can hear the dog, E.
Tiny stopped at an intersection of two corridors, then loped down one, howling again.
“Eagan?” Now he could hear Ollie.
“We’re almost to you!”
“Ol! Da! Dog-GIE!”
“Did you bring the baby?” Devon asked.
“DA!”
“That’s definitely the Danger Mouse, Dev.” Oliver sounded tired. “Hello, steed. Devon bites.”
“She brought us.” Eagan slid to a stop next to Ollie, and lifted him off the cold floor. “Oh, love.”
“OL! DOG-GIE!” Arielle pointed.
“I saw! He’s the best doggy ever.”
Ollie’s words made Arielle hoot and throw her arms around him.
“What are you doing down here?” Tyson rumbled. “I’m not even sure where we are.”
“Dragon paintings,” Devon said, holding out his arms. “Someone carry me?”
“Dog-gie!” Arielle reached for Tiny, Devon reached for Brand, Tyson reached for Arielle, and Oliver arched an eyebrow.
“Don’t judge, you. You got lost.”
Tyson grabbed Arielle, letting her lean down to pet Tiny. That way Brand could lift Devon.
“Up!” Arielle shouted, as imperious as any queen, and pointed up the stairs.
“Yeah. Up.” Ollie was laughing so hard he was shaking against Eagan.
The dog led the way.
“Did you always have a dog?” Brand asked.
“Dog-GIE, Pop-pop.”
“Pardon me. Did you always have a dog-GIE, you evil shitmonkey?” Brand asked.
“Eebil-sheet-mommy!” Arielle screamed, and that was it.
Eagan lost it, screaming in laughter while Oliver clung to him.
Tyson wailed, pounding the wall with the hand not holding Arielle.
Devon and Brand might be less than amused…
“No,” Tyson finally sa
id when he stopped wheezing. “He was here when I came home today. Henri introduced us, and he seemed very familiar with me and Arielle.”
“Famlar?” Arilelle asked.
Devon sighed. “Why did you teach her to talk?”
Eagan grinned. “To torture you.”
“You have two coming. You just wait.”
“Yes, sweet angel. Your familiar. Tiny the Doggie.” Ty patted her butt.
“Dog-gie.” She sighed, settling against Ty’s chest and closing her eyes.
They trooped to the great hall, where he wrapped Ollie in a blanket in front of the fire.
Helena came with a tray of hot cocoa, a bottle, and a bowl of water for Tiny.
“Helena, there are dragon paintings in all of the corridors down there,” Devon said. “Where do they come from?”
“We brought them from the boys’ mothers’ home. We have a ton of storage down there.”
“We need to study these, Brand.”
“Mmmm.” Brand made his famous noncommittal noise. “Eagan and I will make detailed photos. Neither you nor Ollie need to be down there.”
“We were okay…” Oliver said, through his chattering teeth. Helena should know things. What hadn’t anyone asked her about their history.
Eagan had said he’d forgotten she existed. Maybe it was dragon senility.
“No, you were cold, love. And I worry that you would never have made it back up the stairs.” Eagan kept it gentle, rubbing Oliver’s back. “And we need to put a gate up, for Arielle.”
Oh, love. Don’t stop. It hurts. “Whatever we need to keep Danger Mouse and Tiny safe.”
His brave mate, not letting on how uncomfortable he was. He kept rubbing. “Tyson, we need to think about that. How they’ll all be mobile sooner rather than later.”
“Dog-gie…” Arielle murmured, sound asleep.
Tiny stood up and walked over, plopping down next to the baby with a huff.
“I know, Tiny. I do.” That was Devon, who… his daughter did indeed take after him. “But she does what she wants. You’ll see.”
He just kept loving Ollie. Warming him. Oliver hummed and snuggled, cheek hot on his chest.
So you feel sick, love?
Tired. Just cold and tired. It was so neat, though, finding the pictures.
