by H. M. Wolfe
''Going to dad and telling him the big news, obviously.'' Alasdair's answer came instantly. ''Of course, I'll need help from the savant of the family to back up my theory.'' he grinned again, much to Rayne's feigned despair.
Half an hour later, the results of the test had arrived. Ronan joined the two for what most likely was the official confirmation of his real identity. Indeed, with a voice thick with emotion, the director of the Van der Meerwe Institute read the few lines showing the compatibility between the young architect on the one hand. Then the Flemming spouses, Tyler and Pamela, on the other side.
A short pause followed, and the three men could hear each other's heartbeat in the silence that took over the room. Then, Rayne left his seat, and going to Ronan, pulled him into a tight, warm embrace. He was pouring all his affection into that gesture. With one hand, he petted his nephew's fiery red strands. Then he started whispering words of comfort and endearment into his ear — all the same way he'd done with his children, Gerrard and Sophia.
Alasdair joined his brother and uncle, the group hug cementing the relationship between the three men. It was connecting Ronan with the other two on many different levels. Finally, the architect thought he was part of a family, a real family, whose members were bonded not only by blood but also by the sincerest, most pure form of love.
Unintentionally, he compared Alasdair and Rayne's showing of affection with the coldness of the woman who stole and deprived him of his parents' care, attention, and tenderness. More than that, she had the nerve of accusing his mother of being neglectful during the pregnancy, only to cover up her heinous crime.
''So,'' Ronan started, relaxing into the chair, once the first wave of emotion began to dissipate, ''I'm sure the two of you have discussed the matter, but what's the next move?''
''We are going to deliver the great news to dad, first. Then we'll see how we can make that horrendous woman pay for her crime.'' Alasdair answered, boiling in anger when he mentioned the kidnapper.
''There's not much we can do, I'm afraid,'' Rayne said, frowning. ''After a period this long, the kidnapping falls under the statute of limitations law. She can't be accused anymore. Even in the absence of the legal stipulations, the evidence is circumstantial at best. Even if we were able to find witnesses willing to testify in court, the events are by now distorted and blurred in their memory.''
''Wow, Uncle Rayne, take it easy.'' Alasdair raised his hands in surrender, pleasantly impressed by the man's knowledge of criminal law. ''I knew you were an accomplished medical researcher, but I didn't have the slightest idea you were an expert in the statute of limitations and other legal stuff.''
''Oh, it's just Gerrard is writing a study on war crimes and how it applies or not in international law. He's turned father's library upside down, searching for books on the subject. And he's talked poor Timothee and Claran's ears off and making their heads spin.'' Rayne affectionately smiled when he talked about his son.
''Alasdair told me about those boys' amazing achievements in the academic field. I can't wait to meet them.'' Ronan injected. ''It's difficult for me to believe that I'm related to geniuses like you and all the others. I'm afraid I will embarrass you at family gatherings. I'm nothing but a mere architect, while you...''
''Like our dad.'' Alasdair cut his older brother short. ''He's also a mere architect, same as cousin Theodore, not to mention cousin Hayden's husband, Arnett, a mere construction engineer. They are such a disgrace to our family, which is formed only of geniuses!''
For a second, Ronan lowered his head, ashamed of his thoughts. He was finally able to comprehend the dimension of love the others showed and will continue to show him. The family was welcoming him with open arms. Its members were all about accepting, supporting, and encouraging each other on their path to success.
Envy, jealousy, gossip, the desire to steal one another's spotlight had no place here. Ronan thought, recalling the rescue operation. That was where all those men, related or not, acted like one. With their quick thinking and speed of action saving Kaden's life. At that point, he flinched, realizing that it was the day his young friend was going to be released from the hospital.
The architect excused himself to his uncle and younger brother. He explained to them about the emergency, and the three of them agreed on meeting at Tyler's house, later in the evening, to give him the news. The man was going to be on cloud nine, Alasdair assured his older brother with an extra warm, tight hug.
Heading to the Kaden's hospital room, Ronan was greeted by the sound of laughter and voices of young people engaged in a fun, lighthearted conversation. From time to time, the architect could distinguish his friend's voice from the others. He was telling one silly joke or another, adding his contribution to the relaxed atmosphere.
Kaden was no longer in his room, much to his friend's shock. Cold shivers ran down Ronan's spine as he imagined the worst. He forgot about the happy sound he'd heard earlier. However, shortly after that, he spotted the teen in the middle of a pretty big group of young folks his age. Most of them well-dressed boys and only two girls, one of them sitting very close to Kaden.
''Hello, you have to be Ronan, the guy everyone's talking about.'' the girl next to the rescued boy waved shyly. ''Willem Van der Meerwe, nice to meet you.'' he extended a hand.
''Nice to meet you, young gent.'' Tyler's son brightly smiled. ''Van der Meerwe, huh? Aren't you the brother of the one who invented hunger and then passed it down to the younger generation?''
''Yes, that's my brother, Benji.'' the young man showed all his teeth in a broad smile. ''But he only passed down the hunger to Armand, his husband-to-be. Rumors are he got rid of some of it, and that's how the hunger spread into the world.''
''Lies! Don't believe him, cousin.'' a black-haired man with stunning sapphire-blue eyes spoke, giving Ronan's extended hand a firm, energetic shake. ''Hayden Bloom, at your service. I'll guide you through the meanderings of our family's complicated relationships.''
''Hey! Wasn't that Liam's duty?'' a redhead asked, coming forward and wholeheartedly hugging his newfound cousin. ''Just sayin'. I don't want to interfere in someone else's business.'' he feigned innocence. ''Avery, nice to meet you. Allow me to introduce you to the coolest bunch on earth.''
''Don't mind the boys. They are in a permanent competition with one another.'' a girl's voice playfully spoke. ''Let me show you the ropes, instead. I'm Brianna, your cousin, and I'm honored you chose me as your most trusted advisor.''
''Sis, let the man breathe, for the love of all gods dead, alive and unborn.'' another blue-eyed boy stepped forward. ''I'm Royal, this pesky, but adorable creature's twin brother and your cousin. I know this whole business may be confusing at times, but you'll get used to it.'' he offered a friendly smile.
Ronan couldn't say anything, overwhelmed by the warmth everyone was showing him. Above all, he was happy seeing the smile tugging at the corner of Kaden's lips, and the fugitive glances he kept casting in Willem's direction when he thought no one was watching him. Jericho, the man who'd sat next to him in the helicopter, was right: the group had a positive influence on his friend, speeding the healing process.
His cousins and their friends accompanied Ronan and Kaden to the car, waving to them as the vehicle took off. As he was driving to his place, the architect was smiling. He was thinking about the meeting they had planned that evening. He was going to meet his father finally. He was already anticipating the moment. The man's arms would be wrapped around him. His soft, gentle voice whispering in his ear the same way Rayne had a couple of hours earlier.
However, almost without realizing it, the image of his father hugging him was replaced in Ronan's mind by a pair of dark-brown eyes. They were gently gazing at him, while a sweet, melodious voice spoke to him in a language only lovers understood. That left him confused because he was straight. Or was that another lie, like all his life had been until then?
''H
ello, my sexy, beautiful husband. I missed you so much.'' Alasdai
r purred, kissing Ardan's lips, while his hands greedily roamed all over the man's body.
''Hello to you too, gorgeous.'' the older man answered, sliding his hands up and down the redhead's back, stopping right above his ass. ''Mmhhhmm, what do we have here?'' he smirked, lightly squeezing the perfectly shaped cheeks. ''I'm kinda hungry. Will you feed me, husband?''
''Your wish is my command.'' Alasdair started to rut against Ardan's crotch, making him rock-hard. ''Tonight, we're going to go to dad's and take Ronan with us. It will be the surprise of the century for him. I can't wait!''
''Me neither.'' the other man smiled, pulling the redhead closer. ''Did I ever tell you how beautiful a smile you have? I didn't know your mother, but I think you inherited it from your dad. I want to see it on your beautiful face all the time. Promise me it'll never leave your magnificent eyes.''
''It will be as you wish, my Ardan.'' the redhead gently caressed his husband's cheek. He was enjoying the feel of the facial hair against his fingertips. ''On one condition, though; you have to promise me the same.''
''Deal. Now, can we go upstairs? If you are too tired to take the stairs, tell me and I'll carry you to our bed. I want to kiss you all over and make sweet love to you, in the middle of the day. A little afternoon delight.'' Ardan seductively whispered, making Alasdair shiver in anticipation.
''Um, have you see those boys of ours? I wouldn't want them to freak out, hearing our cries of passion.'' the redhead's arms encircled his husband's waist, and he placed his head on his shoulder.
''Not yet, but they are home. At least Lorcan's car is, and that means that his brother is also here. Anyway, you are right. We should check on them and see what they are up to.'' Ardan tenderly smiled, thinking about his sons. ''Since the summer holiday has started, those two are around more than they were during the school year.''
''I noticed that, too.'' Alasdair lightly frowned. ''Do you think they fought with the rest of the gang? It's been pretty quiet around here lately.''
''No, I don't think so. I saw Dunstan today. He would've told me if the boys and his twins had a falling out.'' Ardan spoke in a reassuring voice. ''To be sure, however, I'll ask Lorcan. He never keeps things hidden from us.''
The husbands headed to the twins' room where they opened the door and carefully peeked inside, the sight making them gasp. On the bed, the two teens' silhouettes were sleeping in each other's arms, serene smiles on their faces. The older of the two had long, golden-blond hair spread on the pillow. His arms were protectively wrapped around the younger one's waist.
From time to time, the younger teen, none other than Lorcan would shift restlessly. But a light caress coming from his protector soon calmed him almost instantly. Looking at them, the two husbands could see how perfect they were for one another. They also saw how well the two fit together, almost like the two halves of the same soul.
Right as they were about to leave the room, Lorcan started to thrash around, mumbling incoherently. The noise made Ardan turn around and head straight to the bed. Listening to the words his son was saying, the man turned livid. Cian had been poisoned, the substance damaging his heart. But the boy lying next to Lorcan had healed him at the cost of his own health.
Most likely, Ardan thought the kid was a magical creature, like Gaspard. One who used his powers to absorb the poison. The poison was affecting both him and his leopard pet. The man recalled his husband mentioning something about a leopard boy who was one of the twins' schoolmates; and who spent a lot of time in Cian's company.
At some point, the realization hit him: Lorcan and the blond, magical boy were destined to be together. That made him smile and go sad at the same time. Because, according to his son's mumblings, the kid, named Thorvald, was in great pain. However, the more Lorcan curled up and burrowed himself into Thorvald's chest, the brighter the small smile playing on his lips became.
''Hey, what are you doing there? Come on; let the little ones sleep.'' Alasdair's voice snapped Ardan back, making him smile at a distant memory.
''I remember how you were when we first met,'' he gently spoke, once they were in the master bedroom, ''hurt and scared, but feisty nonetheless. Just like Lorcan, who was worrying for his boyfriend even in his sleep.''
''That means the leopard boy is like you. He's ready to protect the ones he loves at all costs.'' Alasdair replied, softly kissing his husband's lips, savoring their inebriating taste. ''Speaking of love. You were saying something when I came home, but I don't remember what you said very well. You know, old age.'' he smirked.
''Oh, did you forget already?'' Ardan's grin was mischievous and full of promises. ''In that case, let me remind you, old fellow. But how about a shower first?''
''By showering, do you mean lathering my hands with soap, then touching that gorgeous body of yours all over, without missing a single spot?'' As he spoke, Spitfire suggestively darted the tip of his tongue over his sensual, full, pink lips.
''Something like that.'' Ardan shrugged, feigning indifference. ''No big deal. Are you in?''
''Of course, I am. If you are going to insist.'' Alasdair stepped into the bathroom, wiggling his ass, temptingly. ''However, I think it would be better to have you in. I'd feel better that way. It's...sexier. Feeling you deep inside me, submitting to your gentle domination...nothing beats that.''
Ardan cupped his Spitfire's head with both hands, claiming his mouth in a wild, passionate, soul-searing, but also tender and delicate kiss. He didn't give any chance to the redhead, winning the battle for dominance. He continued exploring his mouth, drinking its essence dry and tugging at the velvety and very tempting, pouting lower lip.
Alasdair didn't protest his husband's actions, melting in his embrace. He loved giving up all control and becoming putty in Ardan's hands. At some point, under the shower, the redhead made a feeble attempt to regain control and take revenge on the other man. But he had no success whatsoever.
Once the entire ritual of showering and drying was over, Alasdair was carefully picked up by his husband and delicately placed on the bed. Legs widely spread, he welcomed Ardan's slick finger inside his puckered, tight hole. It kept sucking it inside and asking for more. Soon, a second one was added. They continued sliding in and out, scissoring and circling the tight ring of muscle.
As soon as Alasdair was adequately prepared, Ardan entered him, carefully, patiently, and tenderly, as he always did. He hovered over the redhead, kissing his face, neck, shoulders, and upper torso, filling every moment with sweetness and passion. It was precisely as he'd promised. Sweet love, two bodies, acting in sync and making music together, like two finely tuned instruments.
Like the dutiful, loving husband he was, Ardan took care of Alasdair's needs. He was slowly bringing him close to the edge. It ended with them orgasming almost at the same time, calling out the other's name in the height of passion. Too exhausted to move, they fell asleep in each other's arms. The evidence of their tender lovemaking clinging all over them. ''Nothing a good, steamy shower won't fix.'' Ardan thought as he kissed the redhead's damp forehead.
''Welcome, my boys! What a pleasant surprise.'' Tyler spoke paternally, smiling as he gazed at Alasdair and his husband's intertwined fingers. ''What brings you here? Or did you just stop by to say hello to me?''
''Of course, we did. It's been quite a long time since the two of us talked to each other for more than two minutes at a time.'' Ardan smiled. ''Believe it or not, I miss your words of wisdom. I've learned so much from you...''
''As always, this husband of mine is sweet-talking you,'' Alasdair flashed one of his signature cute grins, ''but this evening, he won't be the center of your attention. We've brought company, in the person of cousin Theo's favorite employee. Come on, Ronan, dad doesn't bite.'' he jokingly said, looking into the entrance hall. That was where a man in his late twenties suddenly appeared.
''I know he doesn't.'' the newly-arrived man said in a whispered voice and averting his gaze while shaking hands with Tyler. ''Good evening, sir. Ronan Parker,
at your service. I'm happy to meet you finally.''
''I had an associate whose last name was Parker. He was back in Seattle, but it's quite a common name, so...Never mind.'' Alastair's son waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. ''Tell me more about yourself. I'd like to know more since we'll be closely working together at the office.''
''Well, I was born and raised in Seattle. That was to a single mother, who constantly blamed me for my father being absent from our lives. If it weren't for my Uncle Robin, I would've probably killed myself.'' Ronan's voice broke.
''You had an uncle named Robin Parker? Was your mother's name Myra? Are you Doctor Myra Parker's son?" Tyler's eyes widened as he shook his head in disbelief. ''Who told you that lie!? The woman you call mother wasn't able to conceive. Her uterus was too dry and barren.''
