Starlight Star Bright (The Men of Dragons' House Book 1)

by H. M. Wolfe

  Although his mind wandered to the positive changes that allowed him and Ardan to have a harmonious life as a couple, Alasdair also paid attention to the food, smiling when he saw that the eggs turned out exactly how his husband liked them.

  ''Mmmm, delicious.'' the redhead had confirmation a few minutes later when Ardan took the first bite. ''Thank you, my love.'' he lightly touched his Spitfire's hand.

  ''Don't mention it. You wake up at the crack of dawn five days a week to cook breakfast for Lorcan and me, It's the least I can do to...'' The persistent buzz of the doorbell cut Alasdair short. ''I'll get it, finish your breakfast.'' he gestured to Ardan, who started to put the breakfast tray aside.

  The redhead opened the door, staring in disbelief at the woman standing in front of the door. ''Good morning.'' she said, ''Can we speak to Mister MacNamara?''

  ''Y

  es, he's right in front of you.'' Alasdair said, his emerald-green eyes darkening even more. ''Make it quick, I don't have a lot of time.'' he looked pointedly to the impeccably dressed woman.

  ''We...I came to meet my brother. His name's Lorcan.'' a kid's voice spoke. It sounded broken and defeated, making the redhead curse his impulsiveness. The teenager stepped from behind his mother, where he'd been hiding. ''Cian, nice to meet you.'' he extended a shaky hand.

  ''A-Alasdair.'' the redhead stuttered, staring at the fragile boy in front of him. He was sixteen but looked like a fourteen-year-old, and the pained expression on his face made Spitfire's heart bleed. ''Please, come in and take a seat. I'll tell my husband we have visitors. In the meantime, Cian, would you like something to eat or drink? A glass of orange juice, an omelet, anything at all?''

  ''No, thank you.'' the boy tentatively smiled. ''Maybe mom would like something to eat, though...'' he shyly tried.

  ''She looks fine to me,'' Alasdair shrugged, ''and I know what I'm talking about. I'm a doctor, but if you think she needs anything, then yeah...''

  ''What's going on here, why didn't you come back, Spitfire? Who...'' Ardan was coming down the stairs, wrapped in his favorite bathrobe, a towel in hand when the sight of the woman made him stop in his tracks. ''What are you doing here? Go back from wherever you came and never return!'' he harshly spoke at the sight of the woman.

  ''Oh, my god, you are...'' she covered her mouth with a hand, gasping in shock. ''You are him, the boy who...''

  ''My name's Ardan MacNamara, and I'm Lorcan's father.'' the man replied in a flat voice. ''From all points of view,'' he added, casting a significant glance in Eve-Marie's direction. ''Oh, by the name of all gods, dead, alive, and unborn!'' Ardan exclaimed, seeing Cian. ''Hi, sweetie! What a handsome young man you are!''

  ''Hello,'' the boy extended his hand, a barely-there smile playing on his lips, ''nice to meet you. I came all the way from Brisbane to meet my brother Lorcan. Maybe you could take me to him? And, just so you know, that thing with the gods was a good one, you are pretty creative!''

  ''Actually, I picked it up from Mister Alastair Stark, Spitfire's grandfather. He's a distinguished gentleman who will be very happy to meet you.'' Ardan spoke in a low, gentle voice, a melancholic smile gracing his beautiful face.

  ''Hey, Leon, move your firm behind over here. I need your help with something.'' the redhead was speaking over the phone with the man of whose help he always counted on. ''Yeah, big guy. I love you, too.'' Then, turning to Cian, he smiled brightly. ''My older brother will take to meet your twin.''

  From the first second he saw the house, Cian loved it. The edifice wasn't as imposing as the Larapinta mansion, at the sheep farm his mother owned, but it was more gracious and elegant, a big plus in the teenager's eyes. Besides, the lush vegetation surrounding it from everywhere conferred the house with a distinctive air.

  The ride to Dunstan's residence was a quiet one, much to Cian's pleasant surprise. He thought that the driver would assault him with a thousand questions, like his mother's chauffeur would have done to Lorcan. But Leon was a wise, warm, and understanding man, who gave him space and time to get used to the new places and faces.

  ''Here we are.'' the driver turned to the young passenger, stopping the car at the end of the driveway. ''Good luck, or, as they say in Italian, in bocca a lupo.''

  ''Your family has a great source of knowledge.'' Cian smiled shyly, just like his father, ''I've already learned a lot in only a little over an hour.''

  ''Don Francesco Della Rovere taught me his maternal language some seven years ago,'' Leon replied in a nostalgic voice. ''But enough of that, let's feed the trolls; otherwise, they'll raise hell. Especially Gavin, Evan, and Aidan. I swear those three have Van der Meerwe blood in their veins.''

  ''Let me help you.'' Cian offered, taking some pizza boxes and neatly stacking them. ''That's a lot of food!'' he exclaimed, wide-eyed. ''How many are in there?''

  ''I don't know for sure,'' Leon shrugged, grinning, ''but all of them have a monumental hunger, so you better put some slices aside, if you don't want to starve to death.''

  ''Well, let's hope they show mercy to the newcomer.'' Cian grinned. ''I'm not the picky type, you know.'' he continued, climbing the stairs, arms full of pizza boxes.

  ''Food delivery service! Open the door!'' Leon spoke in a warm voice, and the kid could swear he was smiling, although he couldn't see him.

  ''Yay, Uncle Leon!'' a blond, a curly-haired boy around Cian's age exclaimed, helping him with the boxes. ''Please, come and join us,'' he gestured to the little gathering, ''there's plenty of food for everyone.''

  ''Thanks, Aidan. I appreciate the offer, but I have to skip it, for now, my schedule for today is pretty busy. However, I would be delighted if you'd show the same kindness to my young friend here.'' the man gently shoved Cian a step forward. ''I have to go now, enjoy your breakfast, lunch or whatever it is.''

  ''Bye, Uncle Leon!'' the kids shouted, waving at him until he was out of sight, then turned his attention to Cian.

  ''Come over here.'' Gavin gestured to one of the armchairs in what the kids called the rec room. ''Where are you from? What's your name?'' he started the interrogation, only to abruptly stop, staring at the newcomer. ''Yo, Lorcan, this guy looks just like you!''

  Hearing his cousin's words, the kid left his spot on the couch, where he was comfortably reading and headed to where Cian was sitting. He carefully examined the other boy, but in the end, shrugged, confused. He thought that maybe the unexpected guest was from another branch of the MacNamara clan his father or Uncle Dunstan didn't know about.

  However, his cousin Gavin had other ideas. The teenager knew that no one sees themselves in a mirror as the others see them. And he'd looked at Lorcan enough over the last three years to be convinced that the newly arrived boy was his cousin's identical twin. The boy was hellbent on making the others see it, too. So he cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.

  ''So, how come you look so much like Lorcan? Are you his brother? And what's your name? I don't remember you mentioning it. Mine's Gavin, by the way.'' he extended a hand, which was accepted by Cian, who gave it a vigorous shake.

  ''Oh, come on, cousin. Cut it out; you are starting to become obsessed over this.'' Lorcan impatiently waved his hand.

  ''My name's Cian, and I live with my mother in a large house in Brisbane, Australia. You know when parents divorce and one kid goes to the dad, and the other stays with the mom? I'm the one who stayed with mom, and my twin brother lives with his...our father.'' he said in a small, shaky voice.

  ''Why did you come to New York?'' compassion and understanding poured from Natalina's voice, but Cian didn't notice, his brain already in overdrive.

  ''Mom wants to save me from my self-destructive tendencies and thinks that, if I reconnect with my brother, the son she sent away...listen...it's OK not to like me, not many people do, anyway. To be honest, I have no one, except mom, so...''

  ''Whoa, slow down, dude. No one wants to kick you out.'' Gavin took a small shawl, wrapping it around Cian's slumped shoulders. ''Here, you are shivering
.''

  ''Yes, it's true.'' Emery calmly spoke. ''The reason we want to know those things is that we want to help you, but don't know why. Uncle Ardan thinks that, regardless of the adults' sins, the children are innocent. That's why he puts so much time, resources, and energy into rescuing them.''

  ''Do you think money is important?'' Cian suddenly asked, wanting to test the bunch. He wanted to see if they were like all the others.

  ''Of course, it is,'' Lorcan answered first, making his twin flinch, bitterly disappointed. ''I mean, think about it: we use it to buy food, clothes and everything in between for the children at the base. We also use it to pay the teachers', psychologists', cooks' and guards' salaries, and so on. Imagine how many many children would have ended up in life-endangering situations if Pater and the others hadn't rescued them.''

  ''Or the Van der Meerwe Institute. That's where Uncle Rayne, Auntie Maxine, and Alasdair work.'' Lochlin passionately spoke. ''Inventing all those life-saving treatments and serums would be impossible in the absence of sophisticated medical equipment and highly-qualified specialists, who must be paid for their work.''

  Listening to his twin and the blond kid speaking with so much passion about the importance of money as an instrument in offering the less fortunate a better life, Cian's heart swelled with pride, and he smiled inwardly. They were different from the spoiled brats he went to school with. They were so down to earth, generous, kind, and compassionate.

  Gradually, a pleasant warmth slipped into his body, making him relax more with every second that passed. The teen looked at the other kids' faces, and he couldn't see the slightest trace of judgment or rejection in their eyes. On the contrary, they were shining with acceptance and unmasked affection. He was home, Cian let out a sigh of contentment, closing his eyes. If only he had more time to live...

  ''Now, that we are alone, what do you want? And I mean, your real intentions.'' Ardan turned to Cian's mother, speaking in the flat voice from earlier.

  ''I've told you. I want my son to connect with his brother. Spend some quality time together. So they can get to know each other.'' Eve-Marie Griesser looked into the turquoise eyes of the man who'd fathered her son.

  ''I can understand that.'' Ardan nodded in approval. ''It was about time for the boys to meet. They've lived separated for all their lives, and it wasn't my decision.'' When he said the last part, the man's voice became sarcastic. ''What was going to be next?''

  ''Well, if the boys like each other and if they feel comfortable in one another's presence. Then we'll all go back to Brisbane, where Cian's home is.''

  ''O

  ver my dead body! And I'm not so easy to kill, just ask the late Alexander.'' Ardan said in a stone-cold voice.

  ''Listen!'' Eve-Marie straightened her back, a tinge of coldness in her voice. ''I'm not here to argue with you. I can't stand with my arms crossed and watch my son slipping away, only because you have an ego of the size of a goddamn cathedral.''

  ''I didn't intend to intervene since this is a private matter between you and my husband,'' Alasdair said, fighting hard to keep his anger under control. ''But I can't stay silent anymore. Especially not after hearing you talking like that. Lady, that boy is undernourished, pale, and extremely shy. It seems to me that standing with your arms crossed was all you've done since the day he was born.''

  ''Watch your tongue, boy!'' Eve-Marie measured the redhead from head to toe, huffing in contempt. ''You don't know anything about my son or me. I won't allow you to judge me. I did my best, trying to balance my home life and career, and even if I wasn't with him all the time, I...''

  ''You watch your tongue, lady! As I said earlier, I'm a doctor. I know what I'm talking about. You were never there for Cian. I bet my life on it!'' Alasdair heatedly spoke. ''If I'm wrong, tell me, please. When was the last time he had a general health evaluation? I'll answer that! You don't have a clue! You were too busy playing a successful businesswoman. Admit it; the kid is more an obstacle in your life! There's no place for him there!''

  ''I came in peace.'' Eve-Marie smiled, a threatening, cold grimace. ''But if I can't reach an agreement with the both of you, I'll file for Lorcan's custody, too. I carried him nine months in my womb, and between you and me, I'll have the best chances of winning the case.''

  ''The hell you do!'' Alasdair let out a short huff. ''We'll bring Cian's therapist to testify in court because I'm sure that the poor kid sees one. Everyone will see then what an unfit mother you are, and chances are you'll lose custody over him, too. Just try me!'' he growled in warning.

  ''Stop it! Both of you!'' Ardan raised his voice, but only for a moment. ''What if it's the other way around?'' he turned to the woman. ''What if Cian likes here so much, and he doesn't want to go back to Brisbane? What are you going to do, then?''

  Alasdair looked at his husband, the pain he saw in those stunning, turquoise eyes making his heart wrench. It was different than the veil clouding Ardan's vision every time he remembered the horrors of the past. It was more like worry and sadness at the thought that a son of his lived deprived of affection and yearned for it his entire life.

  The worst thing was that the man understood the goddamn wench's point of view. Understood the lack of time she failed to give Cian, even if he didn't approve of it. And, in spite of her bitchy attitude, he was trying to reason with her. He wanted to find a solution in the boy's best interest. Always thinking about the children, putting their needs above his own, that was the Ardan he'd fallen in love with.

  ''Why do you think that would happen?'' Eve-Marie turned to the father of her sons, eyes shining maliciously. ''That's absurd. Why wouldn't he go back where his home is, where I am?''

  ''Because he would miss his brother and the other kids? Who most likely will befriend him?” Ardan's voice sounded innocent, matching the look in his eyes. ''Cian is not a loner, he' lonely and there's a big difference between the two. He craves company, for contact, that boy...''

  ''My son craves my company, and I'll do everything in my power to spend more time with him. I'll rearrange my schedule. I...''

  ''That's not going to work, and you know it,'' Ardan spoke in the same calm voice. ''You wouldn't be here if you hadn't already tried that in the past and failed miserably. Moving here is not a viable solution, either, since almost all your companies' main branches are located in Brisbane.''

  ''What are you trying to do now? Are you putting thoughts in my head? Offering me subtle suggestions about how to run my business and take care of my son?'' Eve-Marie cast the man a venomous look.

  ''Not in the least,'' Ardan replied. ''I only want you to consider all possibilities and options. Even if I was underaged, with no control over my body or mind when I conceived him, Cian is my son, too. Just like Lorcan is. His well-being is my top priority, as it should be yours, too. So, what if he likes here and doesn't want to go back to Brisbane?''

  Eve-Marie was ready to offer another sarcastic reply, but the look in those turquoise eyes made her reconsider. The man hadn't yelled or brought hell upon her for what she, even if unknowingly, did to him. He just asked questions and was waiting for answers. ''It's entirely up to Cian.'' she finally said. ''I won't oppose it if he likes it here and wants to stay for good.''

  ''So,'' Cian shyly started, breaking the silence that took over the room after Lorcan and Emery's passionate speeches about the importance of money. ''I would like to know a little something about each of you. As long as you don't mind sharing.''

  ''Of course not.'' Gavin grinned. ''I can't wait to spill all their dirty little secrets. For instance, your brother here never learns. Some asshole pretended to be in love with him, but it was part of a sick, twisted game. Anyway, just when we thought he'd gotten over it, the kid fell for another arrogant bastard.''

  ''Come on, cousin.'' Lorcan halfheartedly protested. ''Thorvald is not like Brett. Sure, he's only brain-scattered and a tad overprotective, but other than that...''

  ''Yeah, sure.'' Natalina rolled her eyes. ''Says the boy who wa
s enraged because that dude called Spitfire a dog. When and why did you change your mind like that?''

  ''Two days ago, when he came to me and apologized. And because that guy, unlike Brett, admitted he was wrong.'' Lorcan slightly blushed, remembering how Thorvald took his hand and gently kissed it.

  From the corner of his eye, Cian saw it and decided to intervene, giving his brother a helping hand that he needed so much. ''Look, I know I'm swimming against the current here, but why don't you give the guy a chance? I mean, maybe, just maybe, his feelings are genuine.''

  ''It can be a possibility, yes, but...I don't know, man,'' Evan"s voice was doubt-filled, and his expression saddened, ''you should have seen Lorcan after that douchbag Brett sent those photos to virtually everyone in the school. He was devastated, barely talked to anyone, only talked to Spitfire. If it wasn't for him, I don't know...''

  ''Who's this Spitfire guy? You've mentioned him before, and he seems to be a significant person. Judging by Lorcan's reaction when his current crush called him a dog.''