added with arched brows, “if you die, Quinn, I shall not forgive you.”
Quinn barked out a laugh, relief making him almost giddy. “I promise I won’t. You have to do the same.” His smile faltered when Alex’s playful expression died.
“I would give anything to promise you that, dearest boy. But I must end Dracul once and for all. It will be a fight to the death, no holds barred, and I can’t worry about surviving myself to get the job done right. If he and I both go, that’s an acceptable outcome. It’s for the protection of your entire planet, as well as you and the others who have become part of my family. I won’t let anyone down again.”
“Oh, Alex.” Quinn pressed his lips to his man’s mouth then his throat, before burying his face in the crook of his neck. “I believe in you. You won’t fail. Fuck me, please. Help me forget this madness for a little while more.”
Alex held him with a strength that nearly stifled his breath and did exactly as he’d been asked.
* * * *
“Hello, Mr. Alun, such a delightful coincidence. I was planning on coming to speak with you this evening.”
The girl’s greeting helped ease Alun’s nerves. The decision to seek the Queen’s intervention on the matter of who would be included in the attack on Dracul’s lair had been a hard one for him. Making waves and going above someone’s head, wasn’t in his nature. That had been true even before he’d been enslaved. Nothing had changed to make him more inclined to do so, other than his love for his son. Being there to help rescue Merlin had become his destiny. He was sure of it.
“Then I hope it is not inconvenient for us to speak now.” He waited for the girl to gesture him into her room before moving.
“Not at all.” Annika stood aside in clear invitation.
Her silly dog pranced and yipped at him as he entered. He took a moment to bend down and give the animal a pat on her fluffy head, thinking of how much Idris loved playing with the pet. It also made him wonder if it was harder or easier for Dafydd, having his son with him. Knowing that his child was in the clutches of Dracul must be terrifying. But at least being there meant he knew the boy’s condition, unlike Alun, who could only imagine the worst.
“Please sit, Mr. Alun.” Annika was effortlessly gracious. “May I offer a refreshment? Papa Damien keeps our mini-fridge stocked with all manner of cold drinks.”
“Thank you, no.” He sat gingerly on the edge of her sofa, uncomfortable and nervous.
She joined him, although she left a few feet between them, demonstrating that she was in tune with his feelings. “How may I help you?”
“Oh, well…perhaps you’d like to tell me of your needs first?” He couldn’t imagine what the girl wanted with him. His requirements, though, were always secondary to someone in greater authority. It wasn’t likely he’d ever feel differently on that subject.
Annika shook her head, and her multiple braids, threaded with beads, danced and jingled. “No, thank you. It can wait. I know how careful you are to not impose on others. I have to assume that whatever is on your mind is very serious indeed.”
The girl was unnervingly good at reading other people. Her taking control of the conversation relieved him, however. He liked being led. It took the terrible burden of decision-making off his shoulders. Although, if she told him he should stay behind, that was one order—or piece of advice, as she might think of it—that he would not accept. Merlin’s life was at stake, and he found a deep well of courage and conviction where his son was concerned.
“Thank you,” he said in a low voice that he’d cultivated over the centuries. Then, clearing his throat, he forced himself to be louder and stronger. “There has been talk among the boys that Alex and the other warriors are going to force them to stay behind.” He paused, coughed again and continued. “I wasn’t specifically mentioned, but I assume that the edict applies to me as well.”
“Oh, and that isn’t something you are willing to accept, is it, Mr. Alun? Not with Merlin’s life also at risk.”
Relief that he didn’t have to explain himself caused him to relax a fraction. He even managed a brief smile. “Yes, that is exactly right. I…don’t want to cause trouble between you and Alex, and I’m