At Year's End (The 12 Olympians)

by Gasq-Dion, Sandrine

  “And he’s so fucking sexy!” Dasan blurted.

  Elijah’s head whipped around to Dasan. “Really? You think he’s hot?”

  “He’s not as hot as Ruslan, but yeah, Jaxon’s smokin’!”

  “Ruslan is…?” Elijah fished.

  “Oh! Ruslan Borkosky is the son of a Russian Mob boss. His whole family is dead now, courtesy of the Markovs and Panchenkos. They totally deserved it,” he added hastily.

  “The who and the what?” Elijah’s brows furrowed.

  “Don’t worry; you’ll meet them on July 4th,” Skylar interjected. “You’ll like Nikolai Markov. He’s impossible not to like. Seriously, it’s impossible. He’ll make you like him by force if he has to,” Skylar snickered.

  Elijah’s eyebrows rose. “I’ll take your word for it.” He looked out the window to see lights reaching for the heavens.

  The club’s parking lot was full, but Skylar parked around back in the employee parking lot. The building was brick, and lights dangled from the rooftop in the shape of handcuffs.

  “We sing here?” Elijah’s mouth dropped open at the walls almost cracking with bass.

  “Yep.” Skylar took Elijah by the hand as they walked in. He waved to PJ, who immediately grinned upon seeing Elijah.

  “Hey, boys! Olivia is setting up. She’s going to sing tonight.” PJ extended his hand to Elijah. “Hey, Elijah. I’m PJ, the owner. It’s good to see you back.”

  Elijah shook the much bigger man’s hand and smiled. “It’s kinda weird, but I feel like I know this place.”

  “Well, it sure knows you,” PJ winked. “Have a good time.”

  Elijah held Skylar’s hand as they walked through the club. Jesse was behind the bar and Justice and Jaxon were sitting on stools surrounding it. Elijah waved at Jaxon as their eyes met.

  “Hi!” he yelled when he got close enough.

  Jaxon leaned into Elijah’s ear. “How are you feeling? Not too overwhelmed?”

  Elijah surveyed the club. Barely clad dancers writhed on the floor as the music and lights thumped and blazed. It was beautiful, and he felt a kind of peace flow through him the longer he stood there.

  “I feel great.”

  The lights came up and the crowd whistled as Olivia took the stage. Skylar leaned into Elijah.

  “We’ll be up on stage if you need anything, okay?”

  “Sure. I’ve got Jaxon, though, so I’m good.”

  Skylar caught Jaxon’s astonished face at Elijah’s words and winked at him.

  “Good evening gents and ladies! Welcome to Friday night!” Olivia yelled into the mic.

  Elijah sat on the stool next to Jaxon as the singers began their karaoke portion of the night. Jaxon ordered him a Dr Pepper and he sipped it as people got up on stage and tried to sing. It was funny, yet horrifying for some of them. The lights lowered and Elijah recognized Ryder’s voice over the sound system.

  “Well now!” Ryder shouted. “Who wants to see some nasty?”

  Elijah chuckled as the crowd went crazy whistling, clapping and shouting. Ryder motioned to the men behind him and the lights went down. The music began and the lights focused on Skylar, Ryder, Stone, Dasan and Nate. All of them were undulating their hips. Ryder began singing and the crowd whistled loudly.

  “Well, now that’s how it’s done! A brother singing, and doing it right!”

  Elijah swiveled on the stool and came face to face with a huge man. His fingers tingled as two others walked over. Jaxon leaned into his ear.

  “That’s Lance Walker, Jordy Crain and Travis Rhoades; they’re football players at the college. They’re also children of gods, but they don’t know it yet.” Jaxon leaned against the bar and nodded to Lance. “Are you saying only black men can sing 50 Cent’s ‘Candy Shop’?”

  Lance’s brows furrowed. “Did you just call Ryder black?”

  Jaxon put his hands up. “Sorry, is there a PC way to say that? African-American?”

  Lance doubled over laughing. “Oh my God! Your face was hilarious, Jaxon. I’m a black man; Ryder is a black man. You can call us black.”

  “Can I call you an asshole,” Jaxon muttered, narrowing his eyes at Lance.

  “Is it true what they say about black men?”

  Jaxon moaned and covered his face. Only Killian would ask that kind of question.

  Lance eyed the taller man with an appreciative eye.

  “Oh yeah. I’m fucking hung like an elephant and I excel at all sports.”

  Killian’s brows furrowed and he stared at the man’s crotch. “Elephants are very big.”

  Lance laughed again. “I like this guy.”

  Elijah was laughing so hard, he started coughing. He had missed this. Laughter was something he hadn’t had in a very long time.

  “It’s good to see you, Elijah. I’m glad you’re back.” Lance patted Elijah on his back.

  Elijah glanced at Jaxon. “Me, too.”

  An hour later, the club had slowed down and Ryder stood on stage announcing the next song. Jaxon was seated at the bar next to Elijah. They hadn’t moved in over an hour. Elijah wanted to dance.

  “We’re slowing it down for you now. Olivia is going to sing ‘Gravity’ by Sara Bareilles.”

  Elijah hopped off the stool and grabbed Jaxon’s hand. “Let’s dance!”

  They moved to the middle of the floor and Elijah wrapped his arms around Jaxon. It was the closest they had been to each other since he’d come home. Jaxon’s scent enveloped him and Elijah inhaled deeply.

  Strong arms circled him and Elijah rested his head on Jaxon’s chest. It felt so good. It felt so right. They moved slowly, Jaxon’s nose buried in his hair, his hands at his hips. Heat slid down Elijah’s back to his toes as Jaxon’s warmth flowed through him.

  Something about this man — the one he’d been convinced wanted him dead — called to him. Elijah sighed into Jaxon’s chest.

  “Everything okay?” Jaxon asked quietly, near his ear.

  “Yes. Everything is fine.”

  They closed down the club. Jaxon walked Elijah out to Skylar’s car and tried his best not to hold his hand. Oh God, he missed Elijah so much.

  Jaxon took his keys from his pocket as Skylar walked out with Justice.

  “Um, Jaxon?” Elijah fidgeted.

  “Yes?”

  “Thanks for the dance.”

  “My pleasure,” Jaxon winked and walked toward his bike.

  Elijah sighed watching that perfect ass. He heard a slight chuckle to his right and glanced over at Justice.

  “What?” Elijah glared.

  “Nothing.”

  ~*~

  Jaxon sat on the bench as kids played in the water. The Fourth of July party was in full swing and plenty of boats were out on the water. He’d spent two weeks spending just about every day with Elijah, taking him to the aquarium and back to the sandwich shop on the pier.

  He was coming around, but Jaxon still couldn’t kiss him, and it was proving more and more difficult to be around him. God, all he wanted was to hold Elijah in his arms.

  Jaxon smiled as Elijah got up on his water skis. The boat was being driven by Justice, and Jesse was helping with the other kids on Austin Jacobson’s pontoon boat. The fireman had lent his services just as he had the year before.

  The Esposito twins were bouncing around in a playpen right next to Jaxon, along with Kane Waters. Kane and Matty had been mated as newborns and could talk to each other telepathically.

  Maggie, Matty’s twin, was human but she knew what her parents were, as well as her brother. Jaxon smiled and handed Maggie her juice cup. A shadow passed in front of him and he looked up to see Andrei Panchenko smiling at him. The head of the Russian Mob sat down next to him and motioned to the water.

  “Elijah is good.”

  “He really is.” Jaxon pulled his sunglasses down.

  “How are you? Elijah has not yet remembered?”

  Jaxon shook his head. “No. He’s okay hanging out with me, but I can’t get close to him.”


  Andrei turned on the bench to face Jaxon. “You must not give up. He will remember in time.”

  “That sounds funny coming from you,” Jaxon smiled.

  “Ah yes. You are referring to my husband’s memory loss.” Andrei nodded. “I was afraid at first that if he remembered who he was, he would leave me for his one true love.”

  Jaxon nodded. Special Agent Devin Lyons had been put in charge of Andrei’s safety a while back. Unbeknownst to Devin, his real name was Tanner McKinley, he had been engaged to be married and he had been brainwashed to become Devin Lyons and carry out an assassination.

  “And we all know that ain’t gonna happen, precious.”

  Andrei snorted as his husband plopped down in his lap.

  “Devin,” Andrei drawled.

  “Lover boy,” Devin whispered into Andrei’s ear playfully.

  Jaxon chuckled. “Oh my God, you two are so meant to be together.”

  “I’m not going anywhere sweet cheeks, because you are my one true love.” Devin bit Andrei’s earlobe. Devin regarded Jaxon. “Elijah will remember. The guys who held me captive had years to fuck with my head; they only had Elijah for a little over three months. The kid is resilient, Jaxon.”

  “I just miss him so much,” Jaxon sighed sadly.

  “Well, he seems to like you.” Andrei elbowed Jaxon.

  “He’s my mate — why isn’t the mate bond kicking in?” Jaxon rubbed his face with his hands.

  “Maybe it has, that is why Elijah spends time with you,” Andrei suggested.

  “At any rate,” Devin leaned back against his husband. “His subconscious knows who you are.”

  “How do you know?” Jaxon asked curiously.

  “Because the phoenix that popped out of his chest knew you. It recognized you as Elijah’s mate, which is why you’re not a pile of crispy remains. The rest will come, Jaxon.”

  “God, I hope so.”

  ~*~

  Elijah stifled a laugh. The way Dasan was drooling over Ruslan Borkosky in swim trunks, the whole beach probably knew how he felt. Ruslan was talking with Colin Greystone, boyfriend of Nikolai Markov. It was no secret that Nikolai hated Ruslan, for lots of reasons — including the fact that he had briefly dated Colin, who he was supposed to kill before having a change of heart. Colin had kept him as a friend after he and Nikolai became a couple, much to the hotheaded younger Markov’s chagrin.

  Elijah was getting the gossip on everyone from Ryder, who seemed to know everything about everyone.

  “Lord, does that man not know how hot he is?” Dasan sighed and shook his head.

  “I think his ego took a beating when Colin got together with Nikolai,” Ryder suggested.

  “Hey, Ryder! Check out Dane.” Stone waggled his eyebrows.

  “Yeah? Look at Killian. Even in July he’s wearing a trench coat — on the beach! Who does that?” Ryder cracked up.

  “Oh, I think Justice heard you,” Dasan chuckled.

  Justice was pointing to Killian’s trench coat with a frown and shaking his head. Stone’s eyes widened as Killian made a face, then removed his coat.

  Holy hell and Mother Mary.

  “Oh. My. God,” Ryder whispered. “Look at the size of his biceps!”

  “Dayum!” Skylar whistled appreciatively. He straightened when Justice looked his way with a cocked eyebrow. He mouthed ‘I love you’ and Justice winked at him.

  “He’s okay.” Elijah tilted his head, checking out the shape shifter. All of them turned to look at him and Elijah shrugged. “What?”

  “He’s okay?” Ryder’s eyes were incredulous.

  “Well, yeah,” Elijah said slowly. “He’s not my type.”

  “What is your type then?” Skylar grinned.

  Elijah opened his mouth and then shut it. Jaxon was chasing Matty Esposito down the beach, his massive thighs moving smoothly under tight swim shorts. His bare chest showed off his nipple ring and his colorful tattoos.

  “Uh huh.” Dasan ran his hand in front of Elijah’s face. “Jaxon is his type.”

  “Jaxon’s everyone’s type,” Ryder laughed.

  Elijah’s head snapped back and he glared at Ryder.

  “What?” Ryder smiled smugly.

  Elijah grumbled, but his eyes strayed back to Jaxon on the beach. He’d caught Matty and was twirling him around. Maggie, Matty’s sister, was attacking Jaxon’s legs with her chubby little hands.

  Elijah found himself smiling. Jaxon was sweet and kind. Elijah knew he wasn’t ready to be with him, though. It was going to take time. And although he felt a pull to Jaxon, he wasn’t ready for more with the man.

  “Hey, you okay?” Skylar put his arm around Elijah.

  “Yeah, I’m good.”

  ~*Chapter Fifteen*~

  Cuffs and Stuffs was brimming with people. Jaxon stood against the bar with Justice and Jesse. Elijah was laughing with Skylar and Stone across the floor. Jaxon had tried everything, taken Elijah to every place they’d ever been together, bought him their favorite foods, showed him pictures — and all he had accomplished was convincing Elijah they’d been a couple. It hadn’t brought back his memories; it hadn’t gotten Elijah closer to him.

  Jaxon sighed. He couldn’t do it anymore. He couldn’t be close to Elijah and not be the way they were. Being at the club just made it worse.

  “Jaxon.” Justice gave his brother a knowing look. “Don’t give up, bud.”

  “I’m not giving up, but this isn’t helping.” Jaxon regarded his brothers. “I need time to myself. I can’t be this close and not…” Jaxon shook his head, trailing off.

  “Just a little more — ” Jesse started.

  “What? A little more what? Time? Patience? It’s been weeks. I can’t.” Jaxon straightened up and took a deep breath. “I’m going home.”

  Jaxon crossed the floor just as Olivia and Ryder took the stage. Ryder took the microphone and smiled at the crowd.

  “We’re going to slow things down for you. Olivia and I are going to attempt to sing ‘Say Something’ from ‘A Great Big World,’ featuring Christina Aguilera.”

  Jaxon walked over to Elijah and put his hand out. “May I?”

  “Sure.” Elijah put his drink on the table and took Jaxon’s hand. They went to the center of the floor as the music started.

  Jaxon held Elijah close, reveling in his scent. God, but he wanted Elijah so badly. He just needed some space, some time to get used to not being able to kiss him, make love to him. The lyrics of the song were so damn ironic. Jaxon felt his throat close up and his eyes begin to water. Oh shit, he was going to cry. Jaxon reeled in his emotions and just held Elijah, memorizing every scent, every inch of skin.

  “Is everything okay, Jaxon?” Elijah asked.

  Jaxon pulled back and studied Elijah’s face. He was so beautiful. Jaxon cleared his throat and tried to smile. He had to go, and he had to go now. He palmed Elijah’s face.

  “I have to go away for a bit. I’ll think of you every day that I’m away.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m not sure yet.” Jaxon’s thumb caressed Elijah’s cheekbone. “You have fun, okay? Keep up with the singing, you’re good at it.” If he was going to go, he was going to take something to tide him over. Jaxon leaned in and brushed their lips together.

  Elijah’s breath hitched as their lips met softly. So many feelings rushed to the surface, Elijah almost fell over from the intensity. He opened his eyes and met Jaxon’s.

  “That felt like goodbye,” he whispered.

  “I won’t be gone long,” Jaxon assured him.

  Jaxon made himself pull away and began walking backward through the club, away from Elijah and away from everything he knew. He kept eye contact until he couldn’t anymore. He turned and pushed through the clubs doors, outside and away from the one man he had ever loved.

  ~*~

  Elijah stood in the middle of the dance floor with the searing heat of Jaxon’s kiss still on his lips. The lyrics of the song flowed throug
h his head. Pain sliced through his temples and Elijah cried out, doubling over from the intensity. Memories blasted through his skull like a movie fast-forwarding. Jaxon’s face came into view — laughing, smiling. The memories just kept coming, one after another after another: Jaxon running down the beach in New Zealand, Jaxon feeding him bacon, Jaxon’s face when they made love.

  “Oh my God!” Elijah’s head whipped around to the door. “Jaxon!”

  Elijah ran across the floor, pushing people out of his way. He ran into the parking lot. Jaxon was already astride his Harley, revving it up.

  “Jaxon!” Elijah screamed.

  *

  Jaxon tried to wipe at the hot tears streaming down his face, but the damn helmet was in the way. He let go of the gas and a sound caught his attention. It was Elijah. Jaxon threw off his helmet and shut off the engine.

  “Elijah?”

  “It’s duck season!” Elijah shouted.

  Jaxon’s heart lurched. “What?”

  “It’s duck season! Please don’t go! I remember! I remember!”

  Jaxon ran across the parking lot and grabbed Elijah, holding him close and swinging him around. “Oh, thank God! I was so scared I’d lost you! I love you, Elijah! I love you so much!”

  “You…love me?” Elijah searched Jaxon’s eyes.

  “I’ve always loved you, Elijah.” Jaxon rubbed his nose through Elijah’s hair. He looked up to see most of the guys watching, huge smiles on their faces.

  “I love you, too, Jaxon.”

  Jaxon yelped and pulled away. The necklace around his neck had turned orange with heat. Justice and Jesse both shouted in surprise as their own necklaces heated. Jaxon looked down to see the necklace burning his chest. The pain crawled around his neck. Smoke rose from his skin and Jaxon noticed in astonishment that the necklace had tattooed itself on his flesh.

  “Take it off and give it to Elijah!” Justice shouted, removing his own necklace and placing on Skylar. “Jesse, put it on Noah!”

  Jaxon’s eyes widened in surprise as the necklace cooled around Elijah’s neck. A flash of light exploded and enveloped the six of them. Jaxon’s heart raced as a feeling of peace swept through him. The light dissipated and Justice slumped against the building.