Killian

by T. N. Tarrant

  David Correai walked in, joining the group surrounding the two traumatized males, his mind a calm comfort in the flood of psionic pain.

  Killian and Shiloh had no idea how he got there, and they didn’t care. If anyone could save these two boys, it was David. “He specializes in helping bondmates of any kind to repair their bondlinks.” Araminta had once told them during their phone chats early in her training.

  David touched both young males tenderly. Ssshhh, little ones. You’ve done yourselves serious hurt here, haven’t you? he projected soothingly. They both crawled into his arms, somehow managing not to touch each other. No one tried to force the issue; they all just continued to lavish the two with love, acceptance, and support.

  It’s okay, I know you how much you hurt, but if you want it to stop, you have to heal each other, not just yourselves.

  He’ll hurt me, Jaden whimpered, pressing himself further into David’s side.

  I don’t want to hurt you! Jimmy cried, doing the same. David’s gift had them both instinctively reaching out to him for help, without even realizing they were doing it.

  David cradled them both close, but he didn’t force them to touch each other either. It’s okay, little ones, it’s okay, we’ll work through this. You both have good reason to be afraid, but I’ll help you. Will you trust me?

  Both looked at him for a long time, and then they slowly nodded.

  He nodded gravely back. Then take each other’s hand.

  Fear showed on Jimmy’s face, but he tentatively held out his hand to Jaden, although it shook badly. Jaden stared at Jimmy’s hand like it was some sort of contact poison, but then he, too, slowly reached out to touch Jimmy. As they finally grasped each other’s hand firmly, Shiloh found himself sharing a sigh of relief with Killian.

  For another three hours, everyone stayed right where they were on the floor, offering up support as David helped the two young males begin to repair the damage they had done to each other. Finally, Jaden allowed Jimmy to draw him close and they sought comfort in each other’s arms. The boys were trembling, exhausted, and still in an incredible amount of pain, but they were alive, and now they were finally fighting to survive together. They lacked the joy that should have been present for newly discovered Miisen, but Shiloh finally knew they’d live. They weren’t going to have an easy time of it, but they’d get through.

  Killian, Shiloh, take them to bed with you, Araminta, too. Do so every night for the next few days at least, maybe even a few weeks. They will need a massive amount of support from all of you. And they shouldn’t be left alone either. They need to stay together and you need to stay with them. Under no circumstances are either of them to be left alone with Jimmy’s parents.

  Of course, David, Shiloh and Killian replied in concert.

  I want you all to stay here on the island for a couple of days before you go back to Morgaine house. Go to bed for now, we all need to sleep. I’ll be back in a few hours to work with them again, David told them. “Go on then,” he prompted gently, vocally, when they were slow to move.

  Thankfully, Jaden allowed Jimmy to carry him, tucking his head under Jimmy’s chin. Shiloh picked up Araminta, and Killian supported him as they followed with the younger males. Killian didn’t normally lock his bedroom door but at Shiloh’s urging, he did this time. Hopefully the boys would feel more secure with the world locked away from them.

  After settling the injured pair in the middle of Killian’s bed, the rest of the family crawled in with them. They tucked the children between them, touching them tenderly.

  Caressing each other’s faces, Shiloh and Killian silently communicated their love for one another. They stayed awake until the other three were asleep, then let themselves follow, hands clasped over their family.

  § § § §

  The next five days were exhausting. Normally a very happy, calm, and accepting child, Jaden became fearful and distrustful, even lashing out at Araminta and Killian. Terrified of what would happen when his parents found out about Jaden, Jimmy became prone to crying jags. David and the other Tii-su were in constant attendance, often giving Shiloh, Killian, and Araminta a chance to get away and regroup for a few minutes.

  Sherry, Keith, and the others were sent back to the estate with instructions to say nothing to Cheryl and Arnold Masrei about what was going on with their son. Well aware of the beliefs of her cousin, Lady Masrei seconded the order, calling Cheryl herself to tell her Jimmy had been ordered to stay in Rimalia by the Head of the Council, at the request of the Tii-su. Since Milossa had indeed made that request, no one was lying. Cheryl and Arnold were also assured Jimmy was properly chaperoned; considering there was always at least one adult with them, this was the truth too.

  Shiloh and Killian frequently reached out for the reassurance of each other’s touch, even though circumstances didn’t allow them much time to just hold each other. David finally granted permission for the small family to return to Shiloh’s estate the next day. Natalya and Ignacio had joined them frequently, providing support not just for Jaden and Jimmy, but for Killian, Araminta, and Shiloh, as well.

  Satima Rosetai, another Sennrojai, arrived to work a little of her own magic on the injured lifemates. She ordered everyone else out of the House, telling them to take a break, not just from the situation but each other as well. The group scattered. Taking advantage of the order, Killian asked Shiloh to walk with him to a small meadow not far from his house.

  Shiloh happily agreed, grateful to get just a little alone time with Killian. His girls followed along, running about, barking, and joyfully exploring, as Killian snagged Shiloh’s hand and led the way. They found a nice tree to sit beside at the edge of the meadow, Shiloh snuggling under Killian’s arm as they lavished attention on the dogs, since they’d been somewhat neglected over the past few days. They both laughed as the pups raced around the clearing before coming to get petted, and doing it over again.

  “Are you okay, love?” Shiloh asked Killian as they watched the dogs run wild.

  “I’m not sure. I’ve never heard of such a thing. I mean, your parents don’t choose your Miisen for you. I’ve heard of people having issues because of the gender of their Miisen—but never rejection of a Miisen based on it…” Killian sighed. “I know Jimmy has developmental issues, and that Cheryl has taught him to believe certain things, but it’s really hard for me not to be angry at him for hurting my little brother so badly. Then it’s hard not to be mad at Jaden for hurting Jimmy back so badly…”

  “I know what you mean. Jimmy is the only reason I haven’t evicted Cheryl and Arnold by now, given the complaints I’ve gotten and since you know how things have been on the estate for me with my tenants, you know they’ve been seriously disruptive. Yet at the same time, every single tenant that has asked for their eviction has also asked me to find a way to help Jimmy…” Shiloh sat up as an idea hit him. “Wait a minute! Lady Masrei is still on the island, right?”

  Killian nodded. “Yes, she’s been trying to help. Why?”

  “As Artris, can she take custody of Jimmy? Remove him from his mother’s care?”

  Killian’s eyes widened in surprise. “Yes, she can, if she feels it’s in his best interest. It’s rarely done, but… And David, Kelia, the others, they all agree it’s best that Jimmy remain at your estate for the time being, since he feels at home and safe there,” Killian told him. “We can go talk to her right now.”

  “No, first things first.” Shiloh shifted, straddling Killian’s lap and winding his arms around Killian’s neck. “You’ve been right here, and I haven’t been able to kiss you in days.”

  Killian found himself smiling as he looked into those green eyes he so loved to watch. “That’s terrible, Sprite. Have I been neglecting you?”

  “No more than I’ve been neglecting you, love,” Shiloh answered, loving the way Killian’s hands slipped under his shirt to rub the bare skin of his back. He wiggled his hips a little, feeling his body and Killian’s respond to their closeness and mo
vement. He leaned forward just a little and Killian’s mouth met his in the hungriest kiss they’d ever shared. They kissed for long minutes, pressing themselves close. The hunger slowly gentled into something more tender, healing. For nearly an hour, they kissed and nuzzled languidly, letting their love for each other heal all sorts of hurts from the past few days they hadn’t even realized they had.

  With a certain amount of regret, they eventually left the meadow, followed by contented, tired pups, to go talk to Lady Masrei.

  Chapter 16

  While on Rimalia, Shiloh met with Lady Masrei, Killian also arranged for Natalya to look after his estate in his absence, since Jaden and Jimmy both were going to need him continually for the next few weeks. Killian wasn’t too worried about his tenants; the estate was well run and in good shape, everything flowing smoothly. If there were any issues, Natalya would deal with them and keep Killian informed. Lucretia and Satima had both volunteered their services if necessary to take him back and forth if something major happened. The other Larrestes estates already had managers, or were run by their owners, all of whom were informed that if they needed their Regent, he could be found at Morgaine House for the time being.

  The decision had also been made to tell Jimmy’s parents that Jaden and Jimmy were Miisen. Nobody doubted that Arnold truly cared for Jimmy, but he was a very traditional male and wouldn’t ever go against his wife’s decisions. Considering her devout evangelical beliefs, they weren’t too sure just how Cheryl would react to her son having a male Miisen. Shiloh had received many reports of Cheryl behaving quite affectionately towards him, yet she’d also been overheard saying incredibly cruel things to him. Even when she praised the boy, she tore him down.

  The ingrained need to please, his thirst for Cheryl’s approval, and his parents’ evangelical teachings had clashed with Jimmy’s instinctive need to accept his Miisen and it had all boiled over into the trained response. Lucretia had reported that when she had grabbed Jimmy, it had been off one of the few sea cliffs on the island, which had not been anywhere near where Jaden left him. The young man had gotten pretty far in a short time. They had all shared a stunned silence when they realized just how close these two young males had come to dying that night, because the confusion, guilt, fear and pain had driven Jimmy to commit suicide without any conscious thought on his part. If Lucretia hadn’t grabbed him when she did, he might have succeeded, killing them both.

  Upon their arrival back at Morgaine House in the US, Sherry came out to greet them all—along with Cheryl, Arnold, and quite a few of the other tenants who were still living in the main house. With so many tenants hanging around, not much work was getting done, but Shiloh let it go. They were all concerned for Jimmy and sometimes that was just more important than work that would still be there in an hour or two. Keith informed him he had rooms prepared for everyone, since Lady Masrei had accepted Shiloh’s invitation to stay for a few days, and David and Tristan Rustei were staying to help with Jaden and Jimmy. Jenaia Jonai, one of Tristan and David’s other two lifemates, and also a Tii-su, would arrive the next day.

  Cheryl glared at Jimmy, who flinched, then at Shiloh. “What the hell has been going on?”

  Shiloh decided to start as he had to go on. “Is that proper address for an Artris, Mistress Masrei?” he asked coldly. He knew that while he, Killian, and the Tii-su had been dealing with the crisis, the rest of the Council had been informing every Zahirris property of the changes in Shiloh’s status.

  Cheryl blinked and, not having expected that, backpedaled a little. “No, sir…”

  “Sir?” Shiloh asked, pushing.

  Cheryl glared at him but knew better than to deny him the proper address a third time. “My Lady,” she said snidely.

  “Hmmm.” Shiloh watched her, considering. He waited until she shifted slightly under his stare before he continued. “To answer your question, Cheryl, young Jimmy has found his Miisen.”

  Cheryl’s eyes widened, she looked over at Araminta and Lady Masrei, the only females in the group. “Which of you two claims to be my son’s Miisen?”

  Jaden stepped forward and gently took Jimmy’s hand. “Neither of them do. I am his Miisen,” Jaden spoke softly but firmly. The two had made strides in their acceptance of each other but the initial rejection and resulting pain and confusion still was an issue. However, Jaden would reach out to touch Jimmy now and Jimmy didn’t shy from it, and Jaden allowed Jimmy to touch him as well, so there was progress.

  “That’s impossible. My son would never have a male Miisen, he’s not one of those perverted, damned creatures that flaunt God’s will,” Cheryl said.

  Irritated, Lady Masrei spoke up. “Cheryl, Miisen are Deity’s will—we have no control over who our lifemates are, if we are lucky enough to have one.” She glared at her cousin. “You should be thanking Deity that Lucretia saved Jimmy before he succeeded in committing suicide. Your teachings have so warped and scarred the boy that he rejected his Miisen, sending both he and Jaden into a suicidal tailspin.”

  “There is nothing wrong with my teachings to my son. I’ve made sure he’s a proper, God-fearing young male who would never disgrace himself, or me, by committing such a dreadful, hideous mortal sin.” She glared at Jimmy. “James, come here. You,” she pointed at Jaden, “whoever you are, stay away from my son, I won’t have you trying to pervert him into damnation.”

  “No.” Jimmy and Jaden both answered softly but firmly. Jimmy looked terrified at defying his mother, but Jaden stood beside him, and Lady Masrei, Killian, Araminta, David, Tristan, and Shiloh stood with them, subtly offering support.

  Cheryl’s jaw dropped and Arnold looked stunned. Jimmy had never defied either of them. “I am your mother and you will, by God, do as I say. Get away from him. I’ve made the final arrangements for your marriage to your true Miisen, a good woman who will keep you on the righteous path. Come, James, you know you’re too stupid to go believing everything strangers tell you.”

  “I’ve heard enough,” Lady Masrei said. “Cheryl, I am removing James from your custody.”

  “On what grounds?” Cheryl demanded angrily.

  “Emotional abuse. You have shown no concern that your son nearly committed suicide, and your calling him stupid and perverted only cements my decision. No, Cheryl, for his own health, I’m removing him from your custody. Your raising of him nearly led to the deaths of both your son and Jaden Larrestes.” Lady Masrei glared at Cheryl. “I want the contact information for the woman you think you’re marrying James to; I will decide for myself whether it is a suitable match. Has James even met this female?”

  “Of course not. Why would he? He’s a male, and a stupid one at that. I would be remiss in letting him make such a decision,” Cheryl answered, surprise briefly replacing the indignant look on her face.

  “Why have you not informed me of this impending arrangement, Cheryl?” Shiloh asked calmly.

  “Why would I tell you? You’re merely a male. It’s not your place to be involved. We won’t even begin to get into your lack of honor,” Cheryl answered, completely unconcerned.

  Angered by the continued lack of respect, Shiloh stepped forward, hand on his dagger. “You will apologize for that insult, or you will bleed.”

  Cheryl blinked again, taken aback. “You’re a male, you can’t challenge me, and there’s no honorable woman that would defend you, you are disgraced.”

  “I am Artris Zahirris. I have the right to Challenge regardless of my gender. I don’t need a female to defend me.” Shiloh’s hand remained on the hilt of his dagger.

  “Not to mention,” Lady Masrei added, “I know quite a few women, myself included, who would be pleased to defend Lady Zahirris’ honor were it necessary.” She smirked at the stunned look on Cheryl’s face. There were a few titters throughout the crowd. They were enjoying seeing Cheryl get her comeuppance.

  Cheryl swallowed as she realized that if she didn’t apologize in an acceptable manner, she would have to fight to defend the insult she’d
given. She might be bigger than Shiloh, but the entire estate knew that he tried to find time to practice his training every day. She might have been taught when she was younger, but she certainly didn’t practice. Cheryl stared at him and didn’t like what she saw. He was willing to bleed to defend his own honor, but she wasn’t willing to bleed to insult it, and everybody there knew it.

  She got down on her knees and bowed her head, baring the back of her neck to Shiloh in the traditional manner. “I apologize, my Lady.”

  Shiloh didn’t move his hand from his dagger. “And your claim that I have no honor?”

  Clearly reluctant, she hesitated. “I was wrong, Lady Zahirris. Your honor is unstained.”

  Shiloh waited for a minute, then nodded. “I accept your apology. I won’t a second time.” It was a formal way of stating that you got away with it this time, but next time, you wouldn’t be able to get out of the fight.

  “Yes, my Lady.” Cheryl stood up and Shiloh slowly removed his hand from his dagger.

  Shiloh looked at Jimmy, who had watched the whole thing with a stunned look while Lady Masrei stood behind him and Jaden, a hand on each of their shoulders. Jaden still held his hand.

  Lady Masrei shook her head. Shiloh glanced at Killian who shook his head as well. Shiloh sighed; they were right, Cheryl wasn’t going to accept the pairing and if she didn’t, Arnold wouldn’t.

  “Cheryl and Arnold Masrei, you are relieved of your duties to this estate and to me as owner of this estate. I ban both of you from returning without prior permission from me,” Shiloh announced. “Sherry, Keith, please use as many assistants as you need to both assist them with gathering up their rightful belongings and then escort them off the estate.”