by H. M. Wolfe
LIGHT AFTER DARK
THE BASE CHRISTMAS EDITION
H.M. Wolfe
Evera Ellis
LIGHT AFTER DARK, THE BASE CHRISTMAS EDITION
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblence to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All products and/or brand names mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective holders/companies.
Publisher: HM Wolfe & Evera Ellis
Cover Design: CJ Bishop
Editor: Evera Ellis, ClockTower Editing
Beta Readers: Nicole Novack-Ricciotti
The ARC Team: several amazing people, you know who you are!
*This book contains sensitive material that could be a trigger for some
DEDICATION
To mom, my greatest supporter, Evera, the best friend, co-author and editor I could wish for; to Ana-Laura, who loved Ardan and Alasdair before I did; to my amazing ARC team and to the ever-supporting Virginia Lee, a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. May your Christmas be filled with light, peace and joy!
H.M. Wolfe
Contents
List of Characters
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
About the Authors
Books by H.M. Wolfe & Evera Ellis
Books by H.M. Wolfe & E.L. Nelson
List of Characters
PRESENT DAY
ARDAN MACNAMARA - age 35, husband of Alasdair, father of Lorcan, Cian, Axel and Paisley, brother of Brennan, Caleb and Drake
ALASDAIR MACNAMARA-STARK - age 26, husband of Ardan, stepfather of Lorcan and Cian, father of Axel and Paisley, Drake's, Brennan's and Caleb's brother-in-law.
BRENNAN MACNAMARA - age 22, Godfrey's son, Ardan's, Drake's and Caleb's brother, Alasdair's brother-in-law, uncle of Lorcan, Cian, Axel and Paisley, Cillian's fiancé, in love with Elijah
ELIJAH BERGSON - age 25, sentenced to life in prison for treason, tech wiz, Brennan's and Cillian's love interest
CILLIAN ibn-RICHARD ben-ROCHESTER - age 18, Prince of Sabahaddin, Brennan's fiancè, in love with Elijah
CALEB MACNAMARA - age 21, Godfrey's son, Drake's, Ardan's and Brennan's brother, Alasdair's brother-in-law, uncle of Lorcan, Cian, Axel and Paisley.
ROWAN NORTON - age 17, Fabian's protegee
LANCE HANSEN - age 56, Fabian's chauffeur and love interest
FABIAN BLOOM - age 58, Alasdair's uncle,Lance's boss and fiancé, Rowan's protector, Ardan's advisor.
ZACHARY JACOBS - age 33, former Army officer and CIA agent, Saint's and Caleb's life partner.
SAINT - age 35, former police officer and MI5 agent, Zachary's and Caleb's life partner.
LOTHIER DE LAVALIERE - age 35, head of The Base's security division, Ardan's right hand, Brennan's friend, protective of Caleb
EZRA BLOOM - age 29, Peyton's husband, Alasdair's cousin, Fabian”s nephew, Ardan's friend.
PEYTON BLOOM-HUNTER - age 26, Ezra's spouse, Alasdair's and Brennan's best friend.
PAST
ALASDAIR FLEMMING (STARK) - age 16-20, Ardan's love interest/boyfriend, Leon's protegee, Ezra's cousin, Peyton's best friend, Alastair's grandson
ARDAN MACNAMARA - age 25-29, Alasdair's love interest/boyfriend, friends with Landon, protector of Erling
LEON STANLEY - Alasdair's and Ezra's protector, has brotherly affection for Peyton, friends with Seymour
PEYTON HUNTER - age 16-20, Ezra's love interest/lover, best friends with Alasdair, sees Leon as an older brother
EZRA BLOOM - age 19-23, Alasdair's cousin, Peyton's love interest/boyfriend, Leon's protegee, Alastair's great-nephew
ALASTAIR STARK - age 60-64, Alasdair's grandfather, Ezra's great-uncle, brother-in-arms with Leon's father, admires Ardan.
LANDON REDFORD - age 23-27, Ardan's close friend, member of The Crew
SEYMOUR DONOVAN - age 21-25, Ardan's close friend and collaborator
ERLING ROTTMAN - age 17-18, Alasdair's and Ardan's protegee
LORCAN MACNAMARA - age 13, Ardan's son, friends with Alasdair
LOTHIER DE LAVALIERE - age 34-35, Ardan's ally
Would you like to see the photo inspirations for the characters? Check out the Pinterest board HERE
CHAPTER 1
Male on male
Sweating and pale
Skin gleaming
Kissing and trembling
Yet clothed still.
New lovers, new to lust
New to love,
Innocent and broken the both of us
Finding peace in each other’s arms
Do you remember the day still?
Then today sexy and beautiful
As you walk down the aisle towards me
Dressed in gold as my husband to be
You may answer only yes or no
Will you be so?
Will you marry me
Be my spitfire for ages to come?
Through thick and thin, loving through our lifetime and the next.
Surrounded by our loved ones, our children and our friends.
Be my lawfully wedded husband for eternity
YES
Thomas LeFey
****
Present day
Back against the headboard, Ardan wrapped his arms around Alasdair’s torso in a passionate hug, then kissed him on the top of his head, smiling against the younger man’s fiery red curls. “Christmas will be here in two days, and you still haven’t told me how you would like to spend the day. And no, lazing in bed all day long is not an answer.”
“I can hear you grinning, husband of mine.” Alasdair let out a small sigh of contentment as he put his head on the older man’s chest, listening to his even heartbeat. “It was supposed to be a surprise, but it’s been almost ten years since I could keep anything hidden from you, so... This year, Peyton came up with the idea of celebrating the six years since their wedding to Ezra and our engagement by throwing this big family party.”
“Their sensibility and selflessness are two of the qualities that make them one of my favorite people,” Ardan spoke in a gentle voice, his turquoise eyes shining with brotherly affection for his husband’s closest friend. “However, the guest list has to be short as the dining hall is reserved for the child
ren’s Christmas party, and none of the others can accommodate so many people at once.”
“Well, it seems Peyton, like the competent principal they are, did their homework very well. They suggested the Remembrance Hall as the perfect location for the party, and I wholeheartedly approved.” Alasdair fell silent, waiting for his husband’s reaction, a wide grin of satisfaction appearing on his sensual lips.
“The Remembrance Hall? I don’t know where you’re talking about. Can you be a little more specific?” A light frown clouded Ardan’s serene expression as he tried to figure out where the building was located.
“The place where everything started. That empty, large, dark but dry warehouse that served as the first shelter for you, Landon, Carlin, Seymour, Drew and the other kids you rescued from that hell. It’s also where I found out what a lucky bastard I was to have the love of a wonderful man like you. Turning it into a festivity hall, where we can gather and celebrate the happy occasions in our lives, has been my super-secret project for the last three years.” Alasdair shifted in his husband’s embrace, facing him and flashing one of his adorable grins. “Peyton and your younger brothers helped me a lot.”
“So much for them being loyal to me and only me! Those traitorous young men didn’t say a word to me all this time, plotting with you behind my back. I’m very happy you and my brothers are getting along so well. The way my poor twin opened up and let you into his soul makes my heart dance with joy.” Ardan smiled brightly, his turquoise eyes almost incandescent.
“Well, the credit goes to Fabian, whose opinion Fergus values very much. According to your twin, the man spoke highly of me from the first time they met. To be honest, I’m starting to appreciate Fabian’s presence in our life. He’s been a factor of stability, especially after your father... sorry, my Ardan. I didn’t want to make you sad.” Alasdair’s voice was low and laced with regret and worry.
“Nothing to be sorry for, my Spitfire. You just reminded me of another thing I should be, and I am, grateful for. Fabian’s constant presence at The Base and in my life has kept me going during these past few months, not to mention everything he has done for my brothers. If the duty to my father didn’t stop me... Let’s go to sleep, my most beloved. Tomorrow, we have a lot to do.”
Alasdair nodded as his lips lightly brushed over the ones of his husband in the gentlest, most virginal, sweetest kiss ever. Ardan’s neatly trimmed facial hair felt soft against the redhead’s clean-shaven face, making him smile tenderly. The older man sensed his husband’s contentment and hugged his Spitfire tighter, happy to see him so relaxed and carefree.
Fabian Bloom. Ardan’s thoughts wandered onto another, equally pleasant path as he reflected on the radical transformation his ex-archenemy-turned-secret-advisor suffered over the last year and a half. From the cold-hearted, cruel bastard he once was, the man became a protector of the lost and hurt. Riley, Dunbar, Rowan, not to mention his own twin, Fergus, bloomed under his protection and care.
The indifference that turned into a coldness bordering on hate his father had shown him over the past few months brought Ardan closer to the edge than ever before, and he would have fallen into the abyss had Fabian not supported, encouraged, and comforted him. The older man came to know Ardan’s silences and what hid behind each of them better than anyone, except Alasdair, and always acted according to his unspoken words.
This Christmas was going to be unforgettable for a lot of people, my sweet Spitfire included, The Base’s boss smiled inwardly, thinking about his own surprise. It would reflect the recent changes in his life, serving as a lesson for the younger generation about the power of love—that it really surpasses every obstacle and smoothens even the bumpiest of roads. With that thought in mind, Ardan peacefully fell asleep in his husband’s arms.
The next morning, he woke up earlier than usual, excited to supervise the preparations for the Christmas Eve party the crew organized every year for the rescued kids living at The Base. For most of them, the event would be the first of that kind they took part in, the thought breaking Ardan’s heart. On the other hand, his turquoise eyes were shining intensely with joy every time he saw the amazement and surprise mixed on their faces.
“Morning, Boss. I understand that the excitement for this evening’s party can make you lose your sense of direction, but the dining hall is over there.” The wide grin on Lothier’s face when he pointed to the location Ardan was supposed to head in gave him away as one of the plotters.
“Oh, so you are one of them, too! Very well, then. I’ll pretend I don’t know what the lot of you are up to and will do my best to avoid this area until further notice. Is that better now?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about, Boss.” Lothier shrugged innocently, making great efforts not to burst into a fit of laughter. “I thought you wanted to supervise the preparations, maybe also help a little with the decorations. There is a temporary shortage of people at the dining hall, right now.”
“Count me in, then. I’m not good at decorating, but if you need someone to carry boxes or to hand people things when they need them, I’m your man.” Fabian Bloom, who arrived only minutes earlier, joined the conversation. He examined Ardan with a critical eye, pleased with what he saw. “You’re looking good this morning. That husband of yours keeps you in the best of shapes.”
“Good morning to you, too, and thanks for the offer of help. I appreciate it very much. You don’t look bad yourself. Lance is very good at... whatever he does to you. Fergus will be very happy to see you, and so will be Brennan and his soulmates.” Ardan affectionately patted the older man on his shoulder, gesturing to the dining hall. “This way, please. What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Well, the young ones will probably go to some party, dragging poor Dunbar with them, while Lance and I will spend a quiet evening, reading or watching TV. Maybe Zachary and the boys will pay us a visit, bringing the little ones with them. Why are you asking?” Fabian turned to Ardan, making no efforts to hide his curiosity.
“We plan a Christmas party for tomorrow night, and we would really love to have you and Lance as guests.” His signature small smile playing on his sensual lips, The Base’s boss waited for Fabian’s answer.
“You’ve come so far with this place, I can only imagine how much time, effort, and hard work you put into making it a safe haven for the exploited, abused, and neglected. My thirteen-year-old self feels loved and protected every time I come here. It’s like someone whispers in that kid’s ear that he is loved, wanted, relevant. Thank you for the invitation. I will come for sure.”
Without a word, Ardan hugged Fabian, but unlike other times, their moment of affection was abruptly cut short by a little girl’s high-pitched voice. “Papa, quick! ‘Gus wants catch Pa’ley. Up, pwease!” In a visible state of agitation, Paisley threw her thin arms in the air.
“Come here, Paisley MacNamara. Put your jacket on. It’s too cold outside to let you go without it. If your Papa finds out... too late for that, huh?” Fergus stopped in front of his twin, slightly panting, a happy Axel in his arms. “This one got a free ride because Alasdair’s daughter refused to get dressed. Hello, Mister Bloom, I’m very happy to see you.” Fergus turned to Fabian, a gentle smile gracing his beautiful face.
“And I thought she was my daughter.” Ardan kissed Paisley’s nose, temples, and forehead, sighing in adoration. “Papa’s princess doesn’t want this beautiful, pink, fluffy jacket, right? Papa is cold and likes the jacket, so he is going to put it on.” The man smiled slyly, while the little girl tilted her head backward, letting out a fit of giggling.
“Silly Papa, jacket small. Pa’ley want it, cold.” The toddler mockingly shivered, then grinned, showing all her tiny, perfectly white teeth.
“Children make life worth living.” Fergus looked between Ardan and his daughter, then turned his attention to the little boy in his arms, imitating his twin brother. “Thank you for convincing me to move to The Base. I should have done it earlier, seeing all these
kids laughing and smiling makes my heart light and happy.” Fergus took Fabian’s hand in his own, casting him a gratitude-filled look.
The older man wrapped an arm around Ardan’s twin’s shoulders, pulling him closer in a warm, protective gesture, and accompanied by The Base’s boss, they headed to where Selma and Alexis impatiently waited for their cousins. Once the children were placed in Yvette’s affectionate care, the three men went back to the dining hall to help with the decorations.
Feeling awkward at first, Fabian started by carrying the boxes from the storage room, staying away from the crowd busy hanging the lights, tinsel, and ornaments. However, the kids who were on the shorter side kept coming to him, asking for assistance with decorating spots that were out of their reach, and he started to enjoy doing that.
The sound of kids’ joyous, carefree laughter filled the air, most of the kids engaged in playful banter. Even those who came more recently and whose nights were still haunted by terrible nightmares, tried a joke from time to time, contributing to the relaxed atmosphere. Everything was so different from the stern holidays, completely devoid of the Christmas spirit, Fabian and his brothers had experienced as children.
The man’s chest constricted in pain at the thought, but he chased it away, choosing to focus on the good things in his life. Lance’s love, Rowan’s affection, Dunbar’s admiration, Zachary’s and Elijah’s filial respect, Brennan’s gratitude, and Ardan’s full trust were only some of the presents life put under his Christmas tree that year.
Meanwhile, the Remembrance Hall was ready to greet the guests at the family reunion that had been postponed until Christmas Day because Ardan and his brothers didn’t want to miss the kids’ party. Alasdair, who felt a little guilty that he’d told his husband about the renovation project, decided to confess it to Peyton.
