“So, where did you say you were?”
“Nowhere. I was hanging out with some friends.”
“These friends. Do they all come in extra large?”
Something had happened; it was as clear as the freckles running across Devin’s nose. His hands were shaking, the words tumbling out of him. And the livid scars marring his face had faded to faint pink lines overnight. But Bren knew that with each unwelcome question from him, Devin would bury the truth another inch deeper.
“What’s with the third degree?” Devin’s forehead creased. “They’re on their way over; you’ll get to meet them.” His voice dropped to an exaggerated whisper. “Actually, they wanted to meet you to get your approval, Dad. I think they’re going to ask me to the prom.” He jumped up and down, clapping his hands in mock excitement.
Bren couldn’t help smiling, despite the scathing tone of Devin’s delivery.
“Alright, alright. Don’t go getting salty with me. If I said I’d be back in an hour and never made it home, and my phone was off, would you not worry?”
“Maybe. In between watching Netflix in my boxers. And entertaining gorgeous Germans by the minibus load.”
“You do that when I’m here,” Bren pointed out.
“Well someone has to. We can’t all be monks. And I might have assumed you’d got yourself a life. One that doesn’t involve spending every minute with me.”
Bren bit back his reply. He didn’t plan on having a domestic in front of Speak No Evil, and his annoyance ramped up another notch when two more men walked in without knocking. He gave both of them a quick once over. They were incurably gorgeous, well-built and exuding charisma from every pore. In other words, also not human. His hackles rose, stinging beads of sweat jumping on his back.
There was no chance Devin had accidentally run into three immortals while he was picking up a few things at the local shops. They were targeting him, and Bren was fairly certain he knew why. And when he’d finished dealing with them, he wasn’t so sure they’d be walking out of his front door the same breezy way they came in, as if they owned the place.
“The door was ajar. You should be more careful.” The man admonishing them looked to be scarcely out of his teens, with doe eyes and sun-kissed skin.
“It’s okay. Cap was with us.” Devin’s reassuring smile to the man was sweeter than any Bren was likely to get. He was obviously already under his spell. Anxiety made the last mug of whiskey scorch up Bren’s throat in a killer attack of heartburn. Maybe chased by a tiny sting of jealousy.
“I’m sorry, who are you again?” Bren asked. “And what sort of danger are you expecting, exactly, in a village of three hundred people?”
“My apologies. I’m Fintan.”
Bren took his outstretched hand and was taken back by the softness of the man’s skin. His eyes were impossibly deep and gentle, and Bren felt their calming power beginning to work on him. He flicked it away as effortlessly as a speck of lint from his jumper. He saw the eyes widen. Good. Now Bambi had a better idea of just who he was dealing with.
“Airech.” The other man gave a small nod, not offering his hand.
Bren could sense straight away that this one wasn’t into soothing spells. On the contrary, he liked stirring things up. And from the waves of delicious enticement he was projecting, to stir people up, too. Bren wasn’t totally immune. He couldn’t deny how beautiful the man was to look at, his wavy black hair falling artfully over one eye.
Enchantments didn’t usually work on Bren though. Immediately he started to suspect there must be some connection between them, for him to feel such a pull. Other realms weren’t that different from the rest of Ireland. Most people shared some sort of distant association. That was the thing about an immortal being like Airech—he would have crossed more than his fair share of paths. Bren left his subconscious to tease it out, confident he’d get his answer.
As the seconds ticked by and Bren didn’t offer up his name into the lengthening silence, Devin jumped in to introduce him.
“This is Bren.”
“We saw you performing together, at the cliffs. We wondered about the nature of your relationship,” Fintan said. “Brothers? Cousins? Friends?”
“Lovers?” Airech’s lips twitched into a sardonic smile.
“Same social worker,” Bren quipped.
Fintan looked puzzled, delicate lines marring his handsome face. “Your humour is… epigrammatic.”
Bren gave a small mocking bow. “And your vocabulary is… pretentious,” he said, mimicking Fintan’s long drawn out pause.
“You’re quite amusing.” Airech’s grin grew wider.
Devin frowned. “Don’t encourage him.”
Still looking concerned, Fintan’s gaze sought Bren’s. This time, Bren noticed, he didn’t bother to embellish it with magic.
“We’re very fortunate we ran into Devin. He was kind enough to assist us—”
“Hold on there for a tic, Fintan.”
Bren’s raised palm cut off Fintan’s explanation. He didn’t see the point of wasting time pretending to believe the manufactured back story the man was about to try and sell him. He moved to take charge of the situation.
“Devin, could you put some tea and toast on? I’ve got a killer hangover, and technically it’s your fault. Fintan, why don’t we have it outside? We’ve got a stunning view of the ocean from here. And you too, Airech? And the other one?”
“Cap,” Devin reminded him. “And it’s freezing out there.”
“You know the cold doesn’t bother me. I suspect it doesn’t worry you lads, either.” Bren shot a deliberate look in Airech’s direction. Really, if you were pretending to be mortal, then walking around without a shirt in February probably wasn’t the most convincing way to go about it. He was dressed in actual clothes, at least. Fintan and Cap were wearing enchantments and not much else.
They filed out into the garden, and the second the door closed behind them, Bren went on the attack.
“I know what’s going on here, so you can drop the whole mortal act.”
Fintan smiled, unruffled. Bren had to admit he had a gorgeous smile, even without a spell to enchant it.
“I suspected you knew. And tell me, what are you?”
“Nothing special. I’m human.” He wasn’t worried. Bren suspected that one or all of them had seer abilities, but if they did, they would only discern the truth at this moment, and he’d given it.
“If you say so.” Airech smirked at him.
Bren glared back. “I’m more interested in what you are.”
His grin remaining, Airech put a hand on his bare chest. “I’m a son of Míl. One of the founders of the Irish race. Like yourself, nothing special,” he said playfully. “Cap is a foal-god of the Tuatha Dé. And in his horse form, he’s a particularly vicious aughisky. And this is Fintan Mac Bóchra.” He waved in Fintan’s direction with a dramatic flourish.
“The Fintan Mac Bóchra?” Bren asked, temporarily floored. “The wisest man?”
“Allegedly,” Airech said.
Bren was genuinely puzzled. “So when did you all become the best of friends? Last mythology book I read, you seemed to be pretty intent on destroying each other.”
“You have your facts wrong,” Airech argued. “We made our peace with the Tuatha Dé.”
Bren looked at him in disbelief. “By banishing them to the bowels of the earth.”
A low snarl erupted in Cap’s throat. Airech shrugged and gave him a wink. “Time to move on, Trigger.”
“We’ve united for a common purpose,” Fintan explained, shooting a quieting look at his companions.
“Let me guess—world domination?” asked Bren, rolling his eyes.
“World salvation.”
Bren snorted. “That’s usually how maniacal immortals phrase it. What do you want with Devin? I should warn you now. He’s under my protection. If anything happens to him, you won’t be in any condition for the domination of anything.”
“S
alvation,” Fintan corrected him patiently.
“I think that question should be—what does he want with us?” Airech asked. “Because he’s the one that performed the summoning to bring us here.”
“If that’s true, it was a fluke. He had no idea what he was doing.”
Fintan shook his head. “He visits the Otherworld in his dreams. I’ve seen him there.”
“I’m telling you, he’s as human as I am. I’m not sure what part you expect him to play in your insane domination plans. Sorry, salvation,” he corrected himself before Fintan could, “but he’s got nothing you want.” Bren crossed his arms, his eyes deepening to indigo, dark with warning.
“We’re not the only ones who have shown an interest. The Sluagh seem very keen to acquire him.” Airech’s eyes scrutinised him, searching for Bren’s reaction. He tried to hide the fear lashing at him like the wind whipping the heather at their feet.
“The Sluagh? That’s not possible.”
Not them, too. That means the end is closer than I thought.
“It was in the Otherworld. Azazel was leading them.” Fintan was scarcely better at hiding his alarm than Bren, his expression grave. “Are you familiar with him?”
“Zaz? Black eyes, shit-eating grin, enjoys a good apocalypse? Yes, I’ve come across him before. He’s with the Sluagh now? He used to work for Lucifer.”
“I seem to remember he was chained to a rock, last time I saw him,” Airech remarked. “Some sort of punishment for disobedience.”
“If you know him, you know loyalty has never been his strong point,” Fintan said with grim humour. “It appeared to be Devin he was after. Cap was able to bring him here, but obviously, he’s still in great danger. So I’m proposing he comes to stay with us, in Kilcornan caves. He’ll be safer there.”
“Sorry if I’m being obtuse, but wasn’t he with ye when he was attacked?” Bren asked.
“That was unfortunate. But it won’t be repeated. Anyone can see this place won’t be suitable for him if they escape into the mortal realm. There’s no form of security here whatsoever.”
“You’re looking at him.” Bren faced Fintan, pulling himself up to his full height, dominating him by a couple of inches at least. He ignored Cap’s warning glower and the defiant toss of Airech’s head. They were immortal—time was one thing they had in abundance. They could spend as much of it as they liked arguing with him. He didn’t mind.
He hadn’t looked out for Devin for seven years to have everything he’d worked for snatched away at the last moment by some arrogant gods with an actual god complex. Or was it just a complex, in this situation? It didn’t matter. It wasn’t happening.
“There’s something I don’t think you’ve realised yet,” he said. “I know gods are used to having mortals as playthings, but Devin will never be anyone’s toy. Go ahead and tell him he has to come back with you. Let me know how you get on.”
Fintan looked at him quizzically, the frown lines returning.
“Tell me, is Devin aware of how much you know about the supernatural world? That—”
“That I do believe in fairies?” Bren said caustically. “The answer is no. And I’d prefer it to stay that way.”
Airech cleared his throat in warning as Devin came through the front door, carrying a battered metal tray with four mugs on it.
“I don’t know why you’re all freezing your arses off out here. Sorry it took so long. I had to jump in the shower. Here’s your tea. Forgot about the toast. And the milk and sugar. Have to go, I’m late.”
He shoved the tray into Bren’s reluctant hands and took off towards the side of the house.
“Where are you going now?” Bren called after him, his nerves teetering on the edge. He hadn’t planned on letting Devin out of his sight until he’d figured out exactly what he was going to do about the village’s newly acquired god infestation.
“Chill. It’s Thursday. Where do you think I’m going?”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No need. Anyway, you look wrecked. Airech can come with me. If he wants.”
Airech gave Bren a triumphant grin, toning down the wattage before he turned it on Devin. “Of course, if you’d like me to.”
Devin smiled back. “I could use the company.”
Bren let the jibe slide past him. Devin thought he was being ridiculous and overprotective, and that was his way of telling him to back off. And where had that attitude gotten him so far, Bren wanted to know? In the space of twenty-four hours, he’d fallen into three kinds of god trouble and barely escaped the Sluagh.
But now wasn’t the time to confront him about any of it, not without giving himself away. Instead, he had to stand there and watch Devin drive off with Airech, fuming as he witnessed the casual arm Airech threw over Devin’s shoulder in the front seat of the van.
Chapter 17
Airech
Resting his arm lightly on Devin’s shoulders, Airech slid along the front seat until their thighs were touching. His fingers ran in delicate circles on Devin’s right bicep, making him shift uncomfortably.
“Do you mind?” Devin asked. “I can’t reach the gearstick when you’re sitting on top of it.”
Frowning, Airech lifted his arm away. Grudgingly he moved back, putting an inch or two between them. “You did invite me.”
“To come for a drive. That’s all.” Devin raised his eyebrows. “I suppose as a powerful immortal, consent isn’t something you usually have to worry too much about.”
“I never use force to get what I want,” Airech protested. “It’s abhorrent.”
“Once people are exposed to your magic, it’s pretty hard for them to resist, though, isn’t it?” Devin pointed out. “They’re only human. Unlike you.”
“So you’re saying I am irresistible.”
“Almost.” Devin’s reluctant smile made Airech’s stomach flip.
“Give me another chance.” Airech dipped his head in a playful bow. “May I touch you, Sir?”
“I guess so.” Devin gave a small shrug, his eyes on the road. It wasn’t the enthusiastic response Airech was looking for, but it was better than nothing.
Airech’s laid a cautious hand on Devin’s leg. While he kept a close eye on him, watching for any signs of protest, Airech’s fingers made careful incursions along his thigh, moving closer to his crotch with each sweep. Devin’s hands stayed steady on the wheel and he stared out beyond the windscreen, never once glancing Airech’s way.
Stroking up and down, Airech gradually increased the movement and pressure until he felt Devin stir under his hand. He expected to feel the usual glow of satisfaction. But if he had to be honest with himself, Devin’s cock was the only part of him showing any interest at all.
“Do you like that?” Airech asked, his voice low and teasing.
“It’s grand.” Devin stretched over Airech’s arm to change gear. “Better stop, though. We’re nearly there.”
Snatching his hand back, Airech stared out the window in aggrieved silence. He was officially in unknown territory without a map to Plan B. He’d never needed one before. Devin must have access to some powerful magic, to be able to shield himself so effortlessly from Airech’s hypnotic charm.
The van pulled into a small carpark next to a long, low white building and Devin cut the engine.
“How are you able to resist me so easily? You’re different with Fintan. And Cap. With me, there’s nothing.” Airech deliberately kept his voice light. The last thing he wanted to do was admit to his fit of pique. Petulance was such a human emotion.
Devin turned and looked at him properly for the first time since they’d started out. His expression was guarded, his eyes watchful.
“There’s…something,” he admitted. “I’m good at hiding it. I’m wary, I suppose.”
“Of me? Why?” Airech asked. “I realise I’m not shy about making my desires known. But what’s wrong with an enjoyable encounter between two consenting adults?”
“Absolutely nothing
. It’s usually my preferred option. But I also prefer it to be with someone who has at least a little bit of interest in me.”
“I’m definitely interested in you. I thought I’d made that clear.”
“Abundantly,” Devin said. He rubbed his chin, looking weary all of a sudden. “I don’t know, Airech. It’s like you have to try and seduce me because that’s what you do. I’m not sure you stop and think about whether you actually want to. You started coming on to me before you were close enough to see the colour of my eyes.”
“They’re grey,” Airech said instantly. “Sometimes they’re silver, like steel. And sometimes they’re as dark as a storm cloud. Like now.”
No mortal had ever enchanted Airech before. It had never been possible. Casting a spell over someone was a supernatural gift, not something an ordinary man should be able to do. But Devin had proved him wrong, and it only made Airech want him more.
“You think there’s some sort of special deal with me, destiny or something,” Devin said, as if reading his mind. “But when I say I want a night to be magical, I’m not talking about your particular type of mind fuckery. There has to be real chemistry, and that means liking me as a person. Which isn’t always easy. I’m pretty screwed up, to be honest.”
“What if I told you, I do like you?” Airech said, surprising himself with the urgency of his words. That you make me feel so powerless sometimes, I may as well not be a god?
“I’d still be hesitant. The trouble is, I know exactly what you are.” Devin gave a small, twisted grin. “And please don’t take that as an insult. I only know because I used to be that guy, too.”
“I’ll try not to,” Airech said. “And what sort of person is that, exactly?”
“The kind that lets people fall for you, when you know you won’t be around to catch them.”
Airech struggled to answer, his usual smooth words deserting him.
“But… you’re the same. You just said so.”
“I am. And I’m not.” Devin sighed. “I’ve tried to be honest about it. I was always clear that it was a bit of fun—that they shouldn’t get too invested. It didn’t always work. Sometimes people fall in love with you without your permission. But, you, on the other hand…” Devin’s eyes held his, searching. “I can’t shake the feeling you want them to fall for you. I think maybe you get a thrill from seeing them hit the ground.”
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