by H. M. Wolfe
''Miss Eve-Marie; there is a Father Peter Donovan here to see you.'' Amra, the loyal maid, who'd worked for her for over three decades, told the twins' mother the next morning. She'd interrupted her while she was looking over some reports.
''Thank you, Amra. I know the way. I've been in this house countless times before.'' a somewhat harsh man's voice spoke, as the priest appeared in the doorway. ''Truth be told, it has been a long time, though.''
''Father Donovan, please, do sit down.'' Eve-Marie smiled, indicating a comfortable chair, as the maid discreetly retreated, closing the door behind her. ''What brings you here? Is there something wrong with my monthly donation? I thought I sent the check a while ago?'' she hesitantly started.
''The check arrived, and it was cashed and spent.'' the priest abruptly stopped her. ''Let's skip the small talk. You know very well the reason for my presence here.''
''No, I don't.'' a small frown of concentration creased Eve-Marie's forehead. Then she realized the reason. ''That whiner called you to do his dirty work. Are you supposed to convince me to give up the idea of bringing Cian home? I intended to keep my promise, giving him a week he asked for, but not anymore. I'm going to...''
''You are not going to do anything.'' Father Donovan abruptly stopped her, his voice commanding and harsh. ''The little whiner, as you call him, is a sixteen-year-old boy. He's hurting for his brother, who is slowly dying. Because you were too busy playing successful businesswoman to take him to a routine medical examination.'' the priest continued an accusatory look in his eyes.
''Wait a minute!'' Eve-Marie widened her eyes in shock. ''It was Lorcan who called you? Not the redhead? He exaggerates. Coming back to Brisbane won't kill Cian. Maybe he'll return to his depressed self again, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I'm not going to let him...''
''Woman, you don't understand,'' the priest interrupted her again, ''your son is sick. Scratch that, he's dying. And most likely, Doctor Stark is trying desperately to find a cure for the heart condition that has claimed Cian because of your lack of responsibility.''
''No, that's impossible.'' Eve-Marie vehemently shook her head. ''Whoever told you that has lied to you! I never skipped my son's general health evaluations. The greatest, most reputable specialists from Brisbane are in charge of his health. I make sure they inform me about the changes happening in his body, no matter how insignificant.''
''So, you call Cian a liar?'' Father Donovan said, his voice filled with sadness. ''He's the one who confessed to his twin and their friends. He was the one swearing everyone to secrecy. Most likely, Doctor Stark found out by subjecting him to an extensive, detailed check and many complex tests. They don't do things superficially at the Van der Meerwe Institute, unlike those reputable specialists of yours.''
An uncomfortable silence took over the room, following the priest's words. The little cogs inside the woman's head started to spin a thousand miles an hour, as she weighed all the possibilities. On the one hand, she trusted the doctors in charge of Cian's health, and couldn't afford to doubt their diagnoses.
On the other hand, to Eve-Marie Griesser, her child was the most significant person in the world. Even if she only spent little time in his company. Not believing him would have meant the end of that relationship in the cruelest possible way. It would have ended with her son's life-ending. An event the woman wasn't ready for.
A discreet knock on the office's door signaled the presence of not only Eve-Marie's maid but also her closest friend. The two of them had practically grown up together. And, at fifteen, Amra followed in her mother's footsteps, entering into the service of the rich heiress. From her position, the woman had witnessed all her mistress's struggles. And her victories as a businesswoman and a mother. She also loved Cian as if he was her flesh and blood.
''What is it, Amra?'' Eve-Marie gave her a radiant smile, knowing that she could count on the woman's discretion and advice in the delicate matter of Cian's health issue.
''I want to talk to you about something that's been on my heart for quite some time.'' the woman wrung her hands. ''I came across something in young master Cian's room. I think you should see it.'' she extended a hand holding a small bottle. ''It was among his meds, but I didn't think it belonged there. I called Doctor Fraser and asked him about it.'' she continued.
''And? What did he say?'' Father Donovan asked, starting to suspect something very wrong had happened. Indeed, when the maid began to talk again, his suspicions were confirmed.
''At first, he was calm. He started to tell me not to worry because the bottle contained some vitamins he prescribed for the young master's anemia. But, when I said the pills didn't look like vitamins to me, the doctor started to yell at me. He then started to threaten me, saying to mind my own business and calling me names.''
''Something tells me that you didn't listen to him.'' the priest said, in a satisfaction-filled voice, while Eve-Marie listened to their dialogue, incapable of reacting.
''Of course, I didn't!'' the maid told him. ''Or better said, I did. I did because the well-being of that boy is my business. I took the contents of the bottle to four different pharmaceutical laboratories to be tested. The results were all the same in all cases. The pills are, in fact, a powerful poison that irreversibly affects the heart.''
''S
hhh, don't cry, please. You're breaking my heart.'' Thorvald rubbed soothing circles on Lorcan's back, holding him tight.
''I don't want him to go.'' the younger teen sobbed. He was clinging onto the shifter's shirt for dear life. ''What can we do to stop her? Not even Spitfire can, and that says something. At least it does to me.'' he continued in a defeated voice.
''Maybe, just maybe, your mother doesn't know how sick your brother really is...was.'' Thorvald tentatively tried to calm down his mate. ''But once she realizes it, the lady will reconsider. She will put Cian's interests above everything else.''
''I hope so. She seemed pretty nice and well-intended to me. And my brother said she loves him a lot, but then again...Wait a minute, did you just say he was sick. As in, the poison's gone now?'' Lorcan's voice was filled with hope, his eyes shining.
''Yes, that's right. His immunity is still very weak, but the poison has been eliminated. He's not in danger anymore.'' Thorvald tentatively touched the longish, dirty-blond strands, his fingers much slimmer than the last time he'd done that.
''Thank you, oh, thank you so much!'' Lorcan wrapped his arms around the long-haired boy's neck. ''And give my thanks to the furry creature, too.'' he smiled through tears.
''Namir is thrilled to hear that; he's purring very loudly right now.'' Thorvald's shy smile warmed Ardan's son's heart. ''Cian's healing required a lot of energy. So we'll stay very close to each other during this entire period. In fact, he's right here. He's invisible to humans, but I can make you see him. If that's what you want, of course?''
''I'd be happy to.'' Lorcan's turquoise eyes, so much like his father's, lightened from behind. ''No tongue, though.'' he grinned.
''Deal.'' Thorvald nodded, the same shy smile playing on his soft, oh so kissable lips. With a gesture of his right hand, the shifter made his animal half appear before them in all its splendor.
''Hello, you whiskery one. It's so nice to see you.'' Lorcan crouched down, petting the leopard's soft ears and forehead. Suddenly, the boy placed a butterfly kiss on the feline's wet nose, leaving him somewhat baffled. ''Gotcha'' he said, a triumphant grin spreading all over his face.
Namir stayed still for a moment. Then gently put his paws on the kid's shoulders; and started to lick his face. The licking was making him laugh in cascades, the crystalline sound that Thorvald had fallen in love with. They were at the shifter's home. It was in one of the city's cozy, quiet suburbs, which was inhabited mainly by families with a six-figure yearly income. His adoptive parents, both working for Van der Meerwe Pharmaceuticals, were no exception.
Desperately wanting a child they could call their own, the two considered themselves blessed when the then
-fourteen-year-old appeared at their doorstep. He had a cute, little Namir in his arms. The couple asked no questions, outside the boy's name. They had loved him unconditionally ever since. The presence of the twins was very appreciated by Thorvald's adoptive parents, as they always brought a smile to their adoptive son's face.
Lorcan started to tickle Namir's chin. It was part of his desperate attempts to avoid the wet, kissy tongue. Instead of deterring the snow leopard, it only earned himself some low, love-filled growls and a couple of soft paws on the cheeks, much to the shifter boy's amusement. The two ended up rolling all over the floor, a laughing and purring mess. The brightest of smiles gracing Thorvald's face as he witnessed the scene.
''He really, really likes you.'' he blushed a delicate shade of pink. ''I would even say the word love, but I know you don't like it. At least not applied to...well...us, so I better not.'' the older, long-haired boy lowered his head.
''People can change, you know.'' Lorcan locked his turquoise eyes with Thorvald's sky-blue ones. ''Often, the first impression can be wrong, no matter if it's a good or bad one.''
''Yes, but they can also change back.'' the shifter replied, in a voice, he tried hard to make flat and indifferent, with no success whatsoever. ''You don't have to like me because of what I...what we did for Cian.''
''Speaking about my brother. I've learned a precious lesson over these past few weeks. The special bond between twins everyone speaks about...it is not a myth. I felt my brother's pain and defeat, but I also experienced joy and happiness at the same time as him. That made me realize a thing or two about fated mates. They feel everything that happens to the other as if...''
''Sorry, but you don't have to do that. We don't want anyone's pity. Especially yours.'' Thorvald whispered in a soft voice. ''In our world, the freedom of choice is placed above anything else, and I can't make you...''
''That's right. You can't.'' Lorcan cupped the older teen's cheek with one hand, caressing his neck with the other. ''I alone can decide on who to love and who not to love. And I'm choosing you. Namir, too, of course.'' Ardan's son smirked, winking in the leopard's direction. ''You look beautiful with your hair tied in a ponytail. Did anyone ever tell you that before?''
''Thank you.'' Thorvald violently blushed. ''no one ever has, because, in our world, no one is allowed to compliment someone who is not...um...their mate. And here we are, right back where we started, at square one.'' he sighed in defeat.
Lorcan didn't reply. He just burrowed his head into the older teen's chest and let out a small, contented sigh. For some reason, over the past few weeks, he'd come to crave the long-haired's boy presence. It made him feel safe and relevant in a way no one ever had before. At first, the boy thought that it was because the shifter, in both human and animal form, had healed his brother. He soon realized it was much more than that.
Day after day, that little seed had grown strong roots. It became more prominent and stronger each time the two of them met. The warmth radiating from those beautiful, sky-blue eyes. The innocence in Thorvald's gaze. The softness in his voice. Everything about him was starting to speak to Lorcan in a way nothing else did.
Stubbornly, Ardan's son fought against budding feelings. He kept trying to crush them under the block of ice his heart had turned in after being stomped on by Brett and his cousins. And here he was, yearning to feel his lips touched by Thorvald's, so delicate and smooth. They must taste heavenly, Lorcan thought, closing his eyes and letting out a dreamy sigh.
''Are you alright?'' the concern-filled, soft voice of the shifter was sweet music to the younger kid's ears. ''You seem...I don't know...lost.'' he continued, starting to rub soothing circles on his back.
''I'm fine, thank you. But I guess this whole Cian situation had done quite a number on me. I know there's nothing I can do to stop his mother; if she wants to take him back to Brisbane. Still...I will miss him very much. I've gotten used to having someone I can share my dreams with.'' Lorcan sighed. ''Speaking of. Did you know his greatest dream is to get himself enrolled at the military school?''
''Even if I didn't have the easiest life, I always believed in the generosity and benevolence of the deities.'' Thorvald took his mate's hand and delicately kissing it. ''If we believe enough and pray for the right thing, they will listen to us. At least, they answered my prayers.''
''What were you praying for?'' Lorcan asked, staring into those incredible blue eyes. ''Maybe it'll work for me, too...''
''I asked the gods to give me enough strength and time to complete Cian's healing ritual. I also prayed for you never to be sad. I'm sure that, in their great generosity, the deities will grant this wish too. As they did with the first wish.''
''You're right. We shouldn't despair. Not when there's still hope.'' Lorcan raised his head, the turquoise eyes shining with newfound confidence.
Then, it happened. Almost without realizing it, the younger boy's lips brushed over Thorvald's. The fleeting touch barely there. However, as tentative as it was, the contact sent pleasant shivers all over the boys' bodies. It made their hearts beat faster, in sync, and with a rhythm of their own. The kiss was delicate and sweet, like the cinnamon aroma of Christmas cookies.
It felt good, in a unique, innocent way. Just like a first kiss was supposed to feel when it was shared with a loved one. Lorcan finally relaxed into the shifter's warm embrace, letting go of all his feelings, embracing his fate.
''I would like to see you. As soon as possible.'' Rayne abruptly started his phone conversation with Alasdair. ''I have news about the progression of Cian's heart condition. All I can tell you is that I still find it difficult to believe this is real.''
''Hello, Uncle Rayne.'' the younger man promptly replied. There was a smile appearing on his face, as he detected the note of optimism in the older man's voice. ''I'm glad you called. I also want to talk to you. The timing couldn't be more perfect. I want to bring Ronan to the Institute. I want to have his DNA tested, and we'll meet each other there.''
''Ronan? The name seems vaguely familiar to me.'' Rayne made an effort to remember where he heard it before. ''Oh, isn't he the new architect Theodore hired a while ago? The one he never stops talking about? What's wrong with the poor guy?''
''Nothing, or at least I hope so.'' Alasdair smiled. ''Well, unless being dad's child counts as a health problem. In which case...''
''What are you talking about?'' The surprise in Rayne's voice was palpable. ''I've only known my brother for a little over three years, but I don't see him as cheating on your mother. Oh, don't tell me he is alive. It would be the best news ever for poor Tyler. Especially considering the events involving Allen.''
''I keep forgetting how close you and dad are. He must've told you the story before I found out about the existence of my second brother.'' Alasdair's voice was warm and relaxed. ''See you at the Institute. I can't wait to hear the news and get our suspicions on Ronan's identity confirmed.''
''S
o, what's the news?'' Alasdair took a seat on the other side of his uncle's desk. ''Judging by the expression on your face, you are dying to tell me about it.''
''First things first.'' Rayne straightened his back. ''The kid is, or rather was, poisoned. It is some nasty shit, and it did quite a number on many organs, with the heart and brain being the most affected.''
''His brain was attacked, too?'' Alasdair's voice broke, his gaze filled with pain and compassion. ''How bad is it?''
''The poison modified the chemical composition of his brain. That most likely gave him suicidal thoughts.'' Rayne struggled to maintain a professional tone, but couldn't.
''Goddamn bastards!'' he cursed. ''How could they do something like that to a defenseless child? And the worst part is that most likely, a doctor is also involved.''
''You're right.'' Alasdair agreed. He was thinking about how Conroy's ghost was still haunting Rayne. It was troubling his peaceful life, even then, three years after the sick fuck's death. ''Is there a way to isolate the compound responsible fo
r the heart and brain's damage and reverse its effects? It wouldn't be the first time we've done it...'' he asked, remembering Liam's episode.
''Actually, here comes the best, but also strangest part of this whole thing.'' the director of the Van der Meerwe Institute ran a hand over his face, sighing heavily. ''Compared to the last MRI, Cian's heart looks much better. In fact, it looks normal for someone the kid's age.'' Rayne smiled shrugging. ''Of course, we have to repeat the blood tests, too. But, if the progress is confirmed, as I hope it will, this is nothing short of a miracle.''
''Remarkable words, especially coming from a reputable scientist like yourself. Someone who only trusts rock-solid, cold facts.'' Alasdair flashed a cute grin in his uncle's direction. ''As for me, I've witnessed Gaspard at work too many times not to believe in the power of magic.''
''Since you brought up the subject of miracles and the like, let's talk a little about Ronan.'' The affection of a caring uncle replaced Rayne's professional attitude. ''I noticed the incredible resemblance between the two of you. And, thanks to the latest technology we recently implemented at the Institute, the DNA test results will be available in about twenty minutes. What are you planning to do next?''
