Fic: Doubtless There Are Other Roads 5/7

[rivlee]

Agron and Duro were in their wolf forms when they greeted their last dawn in the woods. It was their time together alone; the special bond between litter mates reinforced as they climbed over rocks and ran through water.

They switched back to human as they approached the cabin. Duro grabbed his arm before they walked into the house.

“You have something to say?” he asked.

Duro nodded. “Brother, far be it for me to get involved in your sex life-”

“Really?”

“-I couldn’t help but notice Nasir carries the scent of a claimed mate and not a bonded one.”

He clapped Duro on the back. “Stop worrying, pup. It’s too early for such proposals. Nasir and I still have much to learn of each other. Don’t go marrying us off just yet.”

Duro snorted. “Like there’s any fucking possibility it will end in anything else.”

“I don’t presume to read the future or trust the fates. Mutual attraction and desire does not always give way to a shared future.”

“Assumptions not to be made for either side of a decision,” Nasir said. He was waiting for them on the stairs, coffee cups in his hands.

“I didn’t even sense you there,” Duro said.

Nasir shrugged. “Sometimes my work requires me to be invisible.”

“I hope you don’t mean that in terms of actual invisibility,” Duro said.

Nasir just lifted an eyebrow in response.

“Okay, I’m impressed,” Duro said. “What else can you do, levitate?”

“Like this?” Nasir asked, floating the two coffee mugs out to them.

Show Off Agron mouthed at him. Nasir just winked.

“What the hell are you?” Duro asked.

“I am that merry wanderer of the night,” Nasir said.

Agron tried really hard not to laugh.

“Translate,” Duro demanded.

“Ask Auctus to explain the finer points of Shakespeare,” Agron said. He pushed Duro towards the house. “Wash up. I won’t listen to Crixus’ bitching about wet dog smell all the way back to Boston.”

Duro muttered a few choice words and playfully bumped into Nasir as he stomped into the house.

“He’s not the only one who shares that smell,” Nasir teased.

“Oh fuck you, I smell like roses and taste like sunshine.”

“Liar.” Nasir smiled at Agron and sauntered over.

Agron didn’t trust that smile. When Nasir took ahold of Agron’s wrist and brought it to his mouth, he really didn’t trust that smile. When he proceeded to nuzzle and lick right over Agron’s pulse, he gave up any pretense of not whimpering.

“I taste the wild on you,” Nasir said. He let Agron’s wrist go. “You do smell of wet wolf though.”

“You are evil.”

“Puck,” Nasir teased. His eyes pulsed a golden glow for only a second before fading back to the normal brown. “I don’t have to hide all my natural tendencies now.”

Agron swallowed very slowly. They could not do this here, not with Crixus already yelling about being late.

“I think I am going to become good friends with your natural tendencies,” Agron murmured.

“Oh, I hope so,” Nasir said.

“I will turn the hose on you two,” Crixus yelled. “You had all weekend to get that out of your systems. Now get in the house and get ready to leave. I’m not missing the Red Sox game for you two jackasses who couldn’t get it up when they had the time.”

“And yet again, I wonder what Naevia sees in him,” Agron whispered for Nasir’s ears alone.

“The same has been said about others in this group,” Nasir teased.

“Pack,” Agron automatically corrected as he followed Nasir.

*******************

Agron followed Auctus down the train platform, silently watching as he checked over all the wild pigeons. Someone had to do the job for birds given over to frostbites and stupid fucks who set them on fire and Auctus was the bird whisperer.

“Equinox is coming,” he said to break the silence.

“I am aware.”

Agron couldn’t believe he was doing this; he was not some ghost-wolf matchmaker. Life was going damn well though, and he’d feel less guilt about being happy if he knew Duro was happy, and taken care of, and not alone. Not that any of them were ever alone, but it was different when the head of a pack took a mate. He didn’t want Duro to feel dislodged or anything.

And Auctus deserved something other than pigeons to light up his ghostly life.

“Look, my brother is one of the smartest damn wolves you’ll ever meet. He just doesn’t understand subtlety; your best course of action is a direct approach.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Auctus, I don’t know why you decided to give up your life for his. He doesn’t even remember you did it and no amount of ghostly googly eyes is going to connect that for him. I don’t want either of you to waste your lives, so to speak, away when you could have something together.”

“Wolf, I’m sure your babbling makes sense in your head; when it comes out of your mouth it’s a different matter entirely.”

“Right, you’re going to make me say this.” Agron rubbed a hand over his face and cursed. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re kind of a touchy-feely pack.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“Well, there’s a reason for that. We communicate through scent and touch. Words lie and wolves tend not to trust them.”

“Your mate is a Bard.”

“Only by profession. We rely on the reactions of a body to talk to us. So when a ghost who takes his four days a year in a human body and completely disappears so Duro can’t read his scent, touch, or taste, he misses a few things over the few decades.”

“I was resisting temptation.”

“Yeah, don’t. Just go with it.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“That the second you get back in bodily form, you grab Duro and lay one on him. With tongue, even. That will get your scent, taste, and touch firmly established. He might get it.”

“Might? Agron, it’s crass.”

“Auctus, we’re wolves. Do you want me to explain how we do courting in our animal forms?”

Auctus shook his head in disgust. “This is not the way I wanted it.”

“Yeah, ghost, we’ve tried your way. Try mine now.”

Auctus looked uncertain and that was far too damn weird.

“You can’t tell me the thought’s never crossed your mind,” Agron said. “Duro’s practically an exhibitionist on a normal day, no matter when the Veils drop and we need our skin to be untouched. In all the years since your death, you’ve never once wanted to just reach out and touch?”

Auctus nodded. “There is a reason I tend to stay in Salem when my body returns. It’s all I can do to resist temptation.”

Agron grinned. “Auctus, this pack doesn’t resist temptation. It claps it on the back, takes it out for a drink, and brings it back home. Fuck all the proper bullshit you’ve got stuck in that head of yours. All that matters is a true heart and a loyal soul. That’s proper.”

He mimed patting Auctus on the non-solid space that was the image of his shoulder. “We’re going to the cabin this time. I’m bringing Nasir and Duro with me. Saxa and Donar are going with Hamilcar to guard the portal. You will be coming with us.”

“You know how I feel about car rides.”

“Deal with it and pray a state trooper doesn’t pull us over again.”

“That ticket was not my fault. I couldn’t very well put a seatbelt over my non-existent body.”

This was all familiar territory and Agron was far more comfortable testing Auctus’ patience then discussing his brother’s love life. He had little doubt theirs would be a mating for the ages. He still had his own mating to worry about, to explain the different degrees and laws of a bonding to Nasir. He promised Hamilcar and Varro he’d sit down for a lecture first, and he had that appointment tonight.

“We done here? I’ve got a meeting at Byway.”

“Let’s go,” Auctus said.

“I don’t recall inviting you.”

“I’m under strict orders from Spartacus to not let you go off to Hamilcar and offer your blood up again like there aren’t, how did he put it, serious fucking consequences for having an alpha wolf’s blood out there for the taking. Train’s coming.”

Agron said nothing about Auctus’ obvious floating onto the train, nor the pigeon that decided to follow him through the doors. Bostonians had certainly seen stranger things than a pigeon riding the T.

“What’s with the bird?” Varro asked when he opened the door at Byway’s Beacon Hill location.

“Seriously?” Agron asked. “I arrive on your doorstep with a ghost to discuss my future bonding with my mate who is a Puck, a mythical creature I didn’t even know about two months ago, the Equinox is coming with its usually chaos and your main concern is the pigeon?”

“How I am to know what to serve this pigeon? Rules of hospitality, wolf. Does he want bread or crackers? He’s a city pigeon, so maybe he prefers SoCo to water. Unexpected guests cause concern.”

Agron growled, satisfied with the loud echo it produced in the foyer.

Varro laughed. “That time of the month, wolf? Or is Nasir waiting until you put a ring on it?”

“Stop trying to be current, it’s embarrassing and you fail at it.”

“At least I have a constant state of travel and time flux to blame. What’s your excuse?”

“Sura thinks television is a sign of the devil.”

“Cute,” Varro said. He gestured for them to follow, passing through various hallways until coming to his study.

Dagan sat at one of the tables re-binding a spell book. Auctus and the pigeon both flew over to him, leaving Varro and Agron to their talk.

“I’m ready to do this if you are,” Agron said.

“Not quite,” Varro said. He dug a beer out of a bookcase doubling as a mini-fridge. He handed them both to Agron.

“It’s going to be one of those talks?”

“Kiss my ass,” Varro sing-songed. “I don’t have a bottle opener here. You’re a wolf; use that supernatural strength for some good.”

“It’s not supernatural,” Agron grumbled but did as was asked. He handed Varro his bottle. “We’re not werewolves. We don’t do the half-and-half thing, you know that.”

“It’s easier to picture you as some half-wolf teenager playing basketball than trying to understand how you, your pack, and even Aurelia go from totally human one second to complete wolf the next.”

There was something about Varro’s tone that caught Agron’s attention. He sniffed the air catching frustration and determination rolling off in waves.

“You’re trying to convince Aurelia to have pups again, aren’t you?”

Varro cursed. “I know she has shit to do near Midwood, but she could come here. We could raise the baby here.”

“Babies,” Agron said.

“Is it always a multiple birth?”

“For my kind, for Aurelia’s kind, yes. Always in wolf form, always a litter. She wouldn’t take the risk of birthing them on this side of the Divide. There’s still the small matter of you only being a claimed mate. The less said about Sedullus trying to take over her pack while she pops a squat to push out the second generation of the pack the better.”

“You’re truly a wordsmith. I finally get what Nasir sees in you.”

“I bet your ass it has little to do with Agron’s ability to use words,” Hamilcar said. He slid next to Varro and stared at Agron.

“Yes?”

“We’re talking now about things I don’t particularly want to discuss. Your relationship with Nasir, I fully acknowledge it is none of my business or concern if you’ve moved from acquaintances to claimed mates to bonded mates, I seek only to offer advice.”

“Claimed not bonded,” Agron assured him.

“Good,” Hamilcar said. “Spartacus and Sura were both unsure. They knew something changed but it’s blocked from them.”

“It’s none of their business.”

“Which is what Mira told them,” Varro said. “Well, her exact words were a slight more explicit but you get the gist.”

Considering Mira’s temper he could imagine. He really needed to have a night-in with Mira. They had a lot to discuss and despite the fact he was currently wrapped up in both his own and his brother’s love lives, he didn’t ever want Mira to feel like she was being left out or left behind.

“Give me your words of wisdom,” Agron said.

“Not so much wisdom as lore on the Pucks,” Hamilcar said. He gestured for Dagan to come over.

A large book was placed in front of Agron. Caked in dust and covered in an old, cracked leather cover he reached a hand out to trace the title. He felt a burning sensation the second he pressed his finger down.

“What the fuck?”

“It’s dragon skin,” Auctus said, “it still carries the flame.”

He glared at the Realm Jumpers. “That would’ve been nice to know.”

Hamilcar’s eyes were wide. “That’s never happened to anyone else who handled it.”

Auctus sighed and the pigeon squawked along with him in annoyance. “Wolves are a bit closer to the animal side of nature, like the Dragons, the Sirens, and the Pucks, I’m assuming. Being creatures of heightened senses, they would still be able to feel the traces of the Dragon’s magic. Think of it as a trip wire for a hidden alarm.”

“Or a bomb,” Agron muttered.

“I promise you if Agron opens that book now, it will reveal words and pages you’ve never found,” Auctus said.

Curiosity would eventually be the death of Agron; he just hoped it wouldn’t be today. He flipped open the cover and suddenly the book grew at least a foot in width.

Varro gaped at Auctus. “What were you while you lived?”

“I spent many years of my life guarding suicidal jackasses who desired war. My grandfather, however, was keeper of the old books at the Court’s library in Ville. He’d left by the time I was born but he still passed his knowledge down.”

“Still not answering my question.”

“I’m not obliged to tell you of my parentage.”

Agron ignored the bickering as he flipped through the pages. It was in a language unknown to him, possibly even coded, and while he recognized puca he didn’t grasp any of the other words. He pushed the book over to Hamilcar.

“Can you read that?”

“I can, it’ll take a while.” Hamilcar stood, already walking off with the book and in research-mode.

Agron tracked his movements, amused when Hamilcar started pulling out and stacking various dictionaries on a desk.

Varro waved a hand in front of Agron’s eyes and pulled him back. “While that was a cute trick, it’s not what we called you here to talk about. Since Hamilcar’s clearly a loss for the next month, I’ll assume full duties of this discussion.”

Agron batted his eyelashes. “I love when you use the big words.”

Varro kicked him under the table. “This is serious, jackass.”

“I’m already here listening to you, fuckface.”

Auctus shook his head. “This is what our world has come to. I’m never been so grateful that I’m already dead.”

“Yeah, you’re not going to be welcoming that incorporeal body when my brother goes into heat,” Agron taunted.

Dagan laughed. “Auctus, you’re finally taking down the big bad wolf? Congratulations are in order. I never thought I’d see the day that someone caught Duro.”

“It’s not, we’re not, nothing’s,” Auctus actually growled. “I plan to make my intentions clear to Duro upon the Equinox. Whatever should happen from thereon out is up to him.”

Dagan nodded. “Just use actions over words, man. Duro’s only slightly less of a suspicious fuck than Agron here.”

“I’ve been advised to undertake such measures.”

Dagan’s smile was truly dirty. “Gods, Auctus, Duro is going to wear you out.”

“I’m officially uncomfortable now,” Varro said. “Auctus, I wish you all the best, but I remember seeing Duro as a cub. I can’t talk about his sex life.”

“No offense is taken,” Auctus said. “Though I’d expect Agron to say as much.”

Agron shrugged. “Wolves care little for clothes and our first initiation from cub to adult takes place in front of the whole pack. Besides, Saxa in general has made me lose any sensitivity to hearing about the sex lives of my pack. I suppose I should be defending Duro’s virtue, but Hamilcar is here and he knows better.”

“Besides which, Agron’s the only one present who’s managed to help induce an orgy, so he really can’t say shit,” Dagan said.

Agron nodded. “That too.”

“Now that we’ve had our Overshare Corner Time, let’s get down to the real business. I have some concerns about Nasir’s long-term reaction to your bond. I don’t doubt that Nasir feels for you, very strongly since his aura has pressed itself onto you.”

“What? Really?” Agron asked.

Varro nodded. “He carries your scent, you carry his presence. It’s not as obvious as a wolf’s mark, but it will definitely deter anyone from even thinking about coming onto you. It’s almost electric. Someone tries to touch you in a manner that Nasir would not approve and they’ll get a zap.”

“We should test that out on Gannicus,” Auctus muttered.

“How does that factor into our long-term relationship? Once we transition from claiming to bond Nasir will bear an actual mark on his soul from my pack.”

“And I’m sure he’ll have a nice mark for you too, but there’s more to it.”

“Like what?”

Varro took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose, gathering his words. “The grand alliance, being the Dragons, Sirens, and Sidhe did something. There’s a rumor, from ages ago, that the grand alliance of fucks cursed the whole lot of Pucks. They didn’t want the Pucks to rise up and seize power, which, considering their skills would be like a Tuesday for them. They made it damn near impossible for the Pucks to ever have peace in their souls. If they’re always on the byways they can’t stay around long enough to form attachments.”

“That’s bullshit,” Agron growled.

“Well, I don’t think they were counting on some wolf who has more balls than brains to ruin it all. He will feel the urge to roam but you could make him stay if you really wanted it,” Varro said.

“I don’t ever want to make him. It must be his choice.”

Dagan cursed under his breath. “You are a wolf, Agron; you can’t just let it end if you’re bonded.”

“I think I know very well what that possible future could cost me.”

A half-life, a drop in power, constant state of being wounded and weak until Nasir would return. A hell of a price.

One he was more than willing to pay.

“I’m not going to let my life be ruled by possibilities. My pack is strong. I am strong. Nasir as well. We’ll only be stronger together. I’ve already lived my life with him in it. I’m not going back. I’ll face whatever’s to come head on.”

Varro gripped his shoulder. “I know, Agron. Just talk to the pack. News will soon travel that you’ve claimed a mate. It will be carried to the Other Side where people damn well know that Nasir’s a Puck. Sedullus will come to challenge for territory.”

“And to take Saxa back, I know,” Agron said.

Sedullus could get her back over Agron’s dead and mauled corpse. He’d take Varro’s words to heart and start to prepare them all. The shit storm would come with the new year, he didn’t doubt that, but for now he’d enjoy the peace.

***********************

The familiar bite of an autumn night was already in the air come September. They were a week from the Equinox and enjoying one last evening at The Temple before they headed to the woods. Auctus was finding it difficult to be around the large crowds, so Nasir and Agron gladly joined him out on the back patio.

Nasir huddled close to Agron’s side as they watched Auctus pace, as only a ghost could, under the night sky.

“Does Duro know what’s coming?” Nasir asked.

Auctus had taken to long discussions with Nasir. He claimed it was easier to share everything with someone who was close to Duro but not his pack leader or brother.

“No,” Agron whispered into Nasir’s hair. “He deserves a good surprise.”

“Are you certain he’ll like it? Shouldn’t he make this decision on his own?”

“Not knowing exactly what went down during the wars, I think he already did.”

Nasir made a confused noise. “How is that possible?”

“Not all claims are declared, some are formed naturally or unconsciously. It’s extremely rare but it can happen under certain circumstances.”

“Such as sacrificing a life for another?”

“That’s my guess. Duro’s human side is oblivious. His wolf has decided. It looks for Auctus when we take to the woods and he’s not there.”

“Why suddenly declare it now though?”

Agron swooped down and kissed Nasir in answer. He sent a wave of emotion and memory through their fledging link.

“Duro’s grown lonely,” Nasir said after he pulled back. “I didn’t see that.”

“It’s been a gradual thing over the years.”

“And we sped up the process.”

“For the better,” Agron soothed. “Now if only we could work on Naevia and Crixus.”

Nasir ducked his head, burying his face in the crook of Agron’s elbow. Agron chuckled. “Naevia already has plans, does she?”

“She may have asked Melitta for some advice,” Nasir admitted.

Agron didn’t push him for more, friends deserved their secrets. He was just so damn proud Nasir had formed his own friendships. It was good for Nasir to have relationships outside the main pack; anything to help him decide to stay. He’d already confessed, after informing everyone what a Puck was and how Nasir lived as one, that he had prior commitments on the other side of the Divide at the Solstice. Agron knew he had to accept that, he just couldn’t bury the fear that once gone, Nasir wouldn’t return.

Nasir clearly sensed his emotions. His fingers tightened on Agron’s wrist and he sent warm, soothing pulses of energy to calm his heart rate.

“Whatever misconstrued notions you are brewing in that head of yours, stop. We must focus on the impossible ghostly heart attack your future brother-in-law is about to have.”

“Ghostly heart attack, hmm? I was going for ulcer.”

“You are both giving me a spiritual migraine,” Auctus snapped.

“Finally he speaks,” Agron muttered. He yelped at the hard pinch Nasir gave to his inner-thigh.

“Behave,” Nasir commanded. He sweetly smiled at Auctus. “We are ready to listen.”

Auctus nodded, his movements jerky as they always were this close to the Veil Drop. He said that it was his soul getting ready to reform his body and made the very act of speech a heavy feat. The added stress of the Confession didn’t help shit.

“You can wait, Auctus. You don’t have to do this now if you’re not ready,” Agron said. He personally thought it was bullshit but ghosts shouldn’t look so pained.

“No, I have to do this now. You’re right, Agron, gods save me for admitting it. It’s been long enough. I’m just, I’m unaccustomed to such a risk.”

Agron’s breath caught in his throat, a mixture of laughter and disbelief eventually worked its way out of his throat. “You threw yourself in front a silver spear knowing it would kill you and this is what freaks you the fuck out?”

Agron yelped at the sharp nip Nasir gave to his hand.

“Death was a certainty in that situation and always a possibility in Auctus’ life before the event. Emotional risk is a wholly different cost. Though,” Nasir said, turning his penetrating gaze to Auctus, “I must confess I’ve always wondered why you did such a thing for a mere acquaintance.”

Auctus settled down in front of them, floating in the air and dropped his gaze. When he raised it again there was a certain light in his eyes. A power that shone from somewhere far beyond any of the Veils.

“I’ve always been able to see into the Beyond.”

Agron and Nasir exchanged a surprised look. That was a gift reserved just for Healers, Reapers, and Oracles.

“That’s...impressive,” Agron said.

“Indeed,” Auctus agreed. “The night before the attempt on Duro’s life, I had a vision of a future yet to be. Various paths led there but all resulted in the same outcome. I stood at his side as his mate.”

“You sacrificed yourself for a vision of what could have been?”

“All roads led there, Agron,” he reiterated.

Nasir looked back and forth between them. “Can a ghost become a mate?”

“It’s complicated,” Agron answered. “Not impossible, not unheard of, but sacrifices are to be made. It’s rare and since it requires the ghost to return to its body permanently, there are costs.”

“Which are?”

“Different for each couple,” Auctus said.

“You took the chance anyway. Why?”

“Fortune favors the brave?”

Nasir did not look impressed. “Pliny the Elder allegedly said that right before suffocating on the volcanic ash from Vesuvius. I wouldn’t use it as my battle cry.”

“Famous battle cries are usually yelled by those who die early. I already have a step up on them.”

“Stop talking,” Agron hissed. He titled his head and caught his brother’s scent. “Duro’s coming.”

“I put up a sound barrier,” Nasir said.

“That’s not suspicious,” Auctus said.

Nasir, channeling Saxa, aggressively rolled his eyes. He snapped his fingers and suddenly the sounds coming from inside filled the back porch.

Duro’s head poked out of the door and leveled them with a suspicious glare. “What are you three doing out here?”

“Just finalizing plans for the Equinox. Auctus is coming with us to the woods,” he said.

It wasn’t a complete lie and Agron hoped there was enough truth in it to not read as one.

“Oh,” Duro said. His face broke into a smile. “I look forward to it. I can’t remember the last time I saw you in the flesh, Auctus. I’ll try not to chase you through the woods.”

Agron didn’t think the amount of pressure Nasir exerted on his kneecap was truly necessary but Agron managed not to make an obvious joke.

“I could use the exercise,” Auctus said

Duro’s nose wrinkled in disagreement. “I well remember you knocking my ass to the ground over and over again during the skirmish. I doubt you’ll need much.”

“Still need to return the memory of movement to long forgotten limbs,” Auctus said.

Agron exchanged a look with Nasir, wondering if they should leave the two of them alone. Nasir’s slight nod saw Agron carefully maneuvering himself and Nasir into the bar without straying into Auctus and Duro’s line of sight. He nudged his brother out onto the patio.

“Stop yelling across the yard,” he ordered.

He made sure to latch the door behind him.

“Auctus can just float through the door, yes?” Nasir asked.

“He can but he knows it freaks Duro out, so he’ll refrain. They can summon one of the Sprites if they get desperate.”

Nasir looked out over the two of them, concern wrinkling his brow. Agron dragged his fingers over Nasir’s face, smoothing out the lines.

“None of that, they’ll be fine.”

“How could Duro not know?”

“About what? Auctus’ feelings or his sacrifice?”

“Both.”

There were certain aspects of wolf behavior Agron wasn’t too keen on sharing where any ears could hear them. He led Nasir deeper into the private quarters of Barca and Pietros’ home, past the guest rooms and the office, past their bedroom, and into one of the most secure rooms this side of the Divide. It was essentially a magical safe room. Nasir gasped as they crossed the lintels made of elder wood.

“It’s okay,” Agron promised, “we’re safe here.”

He ran a hand down Nasir’s back until he calmed and the golden glow finally faded from his eyes.

“You get used to it after a couple of decades.”

“Warn me next time,” Nasir ordered.

Agron nodded, pressing soothing kisses into Nasir’s hair and on his face, running his hand down Nasir’s arms and sending him calm bursts of energy.

“Ready to sit down,” he quietly asked.

Nasir nodded, moving to the closet set of couches. Agron settled at his feet, reaching behind him to grasp Nasir’s legs. He didn’t know if he could talk about this while facing him. It was something he wasn’t exactly proud of, how vicious his kind turned on the battlefield, but Nasir had the right to know.

“Have you ever gone to war?”

“No,” Nasir said.

“Gods willing you never shall.” Agron rested his fingers on Nasir’s ankle, rubbing circles into the skin. “Contrary to what the popular histories and Varro’s jokes say, we are not werewolves. In terms of our physical forms we are either in human form or wolf form, never half one or the other. It’s why when we are in pain we revert to our animal forms; it’s easier to heal without all the emotional attachment. We can still understand human speech and respond to those we consider pack no matter the form. Our bodies are one side or other, but our souls and our instincts are another matter.”

“Agron,” Nasir whispered, hands scratching through Agron’s hair.

Agron leaned into the touch and continued his explanation. “As wolves we are like any other animals, killing only for food or when threatened. As humans it’s a different matter entirely. Our motivations change. We become entirely too vicious to be safe. We aren’t actively engaged in the world around us. We run off bloodlust and thrill of the chase. We are then both human and wolf in spirit. It’s not until after the battle is over and the blood is washed off that we recall what we’ve done, and even then it’s no guarantee. I sometimes think the wolf itself protects our minds. I’ve ripped out many a creature’s throat in my wolf form and have crushed far too many windpipes with my bare hands in human form. I often wonder which side of me should be called the monster.”

“Agron,” Nasir repeated.

“I don’t think Duro’s human side was ready to accept that anyone other than pack cared for him enough to lay down their life. Varro said Duro just went silent when he watched Auctus die at his side. I think the wolf stepped in, took over, and buried the memories of the time deep within Duro’s mind. He dreams about the battle. I’ve woken up far too many times to Auctus’ name being yelled in terror for it to be anything else. We’ve all sort of coasted along since then but it was time for a change.”

Nasir’s hands forcibly tilted Agron’s head back, forcing Agron to look at him.

“As much as we’re sought after to fight in the wars, even more want to see us put down. As fighting wolves, we’re safer over here than there. I can’t ever go back there, Nasir. I won’t be hunted down for what they formed me into.”

“I will never make you return,” Nasir promised.

He dried the tears Agron refused to acknowledge. He didn’t like to think of those dark years. He closed his eyes and breathed in the familiar scent of Nasir until everything felt right again.

****************

Tonight would bring all kinds of changes. Auctus’ body would return with the setting of the sun. The woods were tense, preparing for the Veil Drop. Even the cabin felt suffocating with all the magic in the air. Agron eagerly dragged Nasir out into the woods, breathing in the delightful feel of early autumn.

He had no qualms about tackling Nasir into the scattered leaves, hungrily taking in the bronze skin and dark hair laid out among the red, orange, and yellow. The scent of it all, of Nasir, of his mate, the woods, the hint of frost in the air, it all smelled like peace.

Nasir laughed and lifted a hand to trace the lines of Agron’s face. His fingers drifted over his lips.

“I would always see you this happy,” he whispered.

Agron nuzzled Nasir’s wrist. “Likewise,” he said against the tender skin.

Nasir’s eyes glowed, a small smile spread across his lips.

“What is it?” Agron asked.

“I love you,” Nasir confessed.

“Likewise,” Agron teased, expecting Nasir’s pinch to his side.

“Agron, you truly are the worst at romantic sentiments.”

“I have not the words or the pretty songs. I can only say you are my mate, being part of my very soul, and that love is a far too simple a concept to cover all that I feel but if you insist.” He winked. “I love you with all that’s in me.”

“Better,” Nasir said. “Not perfect, but better.”

Agron carefully nipped at Nasir’s neck and effectively silenced any further taunts.

Nasir laughed and softly sang the opening stanza of The Passionate Shepherd to His Love.

“Come live with me and be my Love, and we will all the pleasures prove.”

Sometimes Agron felt like he was mated to his very own copy of the Harvard Review. No complaints at all when he got to hear such a voice any time he desired. They stayed there, wrapped in each other, surrounded by the fallen leaves until the sun moved low in the sky.

“We should return,” Agron said.

“Hmm,” Nasir agreed, half-asleep.

“Come on, little Puck, we have to go horribly embarrass Duro for being the most oblivious wolf of the century.”

Nasir laughed. “Oh, you might’ve given him a run for that title earlier this summer. Lucky for us both your patience is non-existent.”

“I’m pretty sure I should be insulted right now.”

Nasir bucked his hips. “That’s how you convey being insulted.”

Hamilcar was still working on the translation of that passage but Agron held little doubt that it was just a constant recitation of how evil Pucks were and that all sane creatures should avoid them.

“Problem?” Nasir asked.

“No,” Agron growled out. He carefully moved away from Nasir and forced himself to stand.

Nasir was never allowed to meet Aurelia. Those two would end up conquering the world. They'd do it quietly so no one would know until it was too late.

***************

Agron knew it was crass to make popcorn for the event but he always did it for the Veil Drop. He didn’t want Duro to get tipped off that this time was completely different.

Auctus glared at him.

Agron shrugged. “Tradition.”

Auctus hadn’t bothered to project an image of clothes covering his body. Agron would be lying if he said he wasn’t impressed. Even if it was just impressions of what once was, Auctus was all lithe muscles and tone.

“You have the clothes?” Auctus asked.

Agron waved the bag Naevia prepared. The clothes were woven by Melitta and would only carry scents of the pack.

“Right,” Auctus said. He looked towards the house. “Nasir has Duro distracted?”

“He’s watching Duro stuff himself on a selection of desserts. You know how our appetites get on this day.”

Auctus nodded and turned his eyes back to the sun.

“Any moment now,” Agron soothed.

Auctus looked to be hyperventilating, his image flashing and disappearing. Agron never witnessed a ghost manifesting into their body. He couldn’t imagine going from nothingness to suddenly feeling, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling everything again all at once.

“Does it hurt?”

“Just very overwhelming,” Auctus said. “I don’t normally have an audience.”

“I can leave.”

“No, please, stay. You’re familiar. I’ll need that to pull me out of my head.”

Agron held his breath when the magical pulse rang out over the sky.

“Here it comes,” Auctus whispered.

The woods were suddenly full of noise, howls and calls, and yells. They all covered the pained sounds Auctus made as he curled into a ball on the ground, breaths short and sharp. Agron rushed over to him, wrapping his arm around Auctus' waist and pulling him up.

“It’s okay, we’re here, it’s okay,” he repeated.

Auctus nodded, scrambling for the water jug Agron placed on the steps. He took a long drink before pulling away and coughing.

“Never gets any easier,” Auctus croaked out.

Agron patted his back and handed over the clothes. Auctus hurriedly pulled them on and glared at something in the bottom of the bag.

“Chap stick and lube, Agron, really?”

“Always be prepared,” Agron intoned. “Blame Gannicus for those.”

“Does everyone know?”

“Have you ever tried to hide something from Melitta?”

“Fair point,” Auctus agreed.

Agron patted his back again. He could hear the rapid beat of Auctus’ heart and was already committing his scent to memory.

“Ready?” he asked.

Auctus laughed. “Hell no.”

“Good, just like everyone else in our pack.” He turned back to the cabin. “Get your asses out here and give Auctus a hug, will you?”

“You don’t have to yell,” Duro complained, holding on to his ears. His senses always went hyper-aware during the Veil Drop. “We’re right here.” He stopped on the steps, Nasir crashing into his back.

“Problem?” Agron asked.

“No, I,” Duro cautiously approached Auctus, circling him. “I forgot what it’s like to see you breathe. You,” Duro leaned in and sniffed. “You smell like home.”

Agron was not getting teary-eyed, even if Nasir was pressing a handkerchief into his hands.

“I,” Auctus started. He shook his head and met Agron’s gaze. He nodded slowly and muttered, “Screw it.” He reached out and placed his hands on Duro’s face and pulled him into a kiss.

Duro let out a sound of surprise before quickly grasping onto Auctus’ arms and letting out a truly pathetic whine.

“Oh, that’s a familiar sound,” Nasir said.

“Don’t make me trade you in for another Puck,” Agron teased.

“Do it and I will kill you with my own hands,” Nasir swore.

Duro had his head buried in Auctus’ neck, deeply breathing in his scent while Auctus carefully touched Duro’s hair. It was tentative, overpowering, and sweet.

Duro lifted his head and stared at his brother. “You could’ve told me.”

“You weren’t ready yet, pup,” he said.

Duro didn’t argue as he turned back to Auctus. “How long?”

“Before my death. I had stirrings, you could say, but there were other concerns.”

Duro nodded. He closed his eyes and let out a distressed whimper, his body almost buckling.

“Duro,” Auctus yelled.

“Don’t move,” Agron cautioned. “The wolf is remembering.”

Duro shuddered. “You died for me,” he whispered.

“Yes,” Auctus said.

Duro tilted his head. “You love me.”

“Yes,” Auctus' voice almost sounded broken.

“We should leave,” Nasir whispered, tugging on Agron’s arm. “This is private.”

“Duro’s starting to get overwhelmed,” Agron argued.

“Then distract him,” Nasir ordered.

“Right.” He cleared his throat and yelled, “If you start quoting Savage Garden, I’m disowning both of you.”

Duro turned, and this time it was mostly the wolf who glared at him. “Don’t you two have somewhere else to be?”

“I’m good here,” Agron said.

“We’ll be inside,” Nasir said. “Enjoy the night.”

“Don’t bother us,” Agron warned.

“Likewise,” Duro yelled after them.

Agron kept looking out the windows until his view was blocked. He couldn’t help but worry. He didn’t know if Duro or Auctus held more of his concern. It was only the familiar weight of Nasir’s hand on his neck that brought Agron back.

“Trust them to do what is best,” he said.

“I do.”

“Good.” Nasir pulled them into their room and used his will to slam the door. “Now will you show me why it was in my best interest to stay here past the Equinox?”

“Gladly.”