Once In a Lifetime Love, Chapter 14a
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Title: Once In A Lifetime Love
Author: Mystical_Dreamer
Rating: R to NC-17
Characters: Luke Snyder, Reid Oliver, Casey Hughes, Bob Hughes, The douche and his father, a few OC’s.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to their respective copyrights. While I love to take them out and play with them from time to time, I do not own any of the characters, except the OC's. Those silly bastards are mine.
Author's Notes: A huge thanks to bmak08 and moonchilddj for taking the time to beta this for me, but in the end each and every mistake is mine and mine alone.
Chapter 14 - Part A
Gabriel excused himself with a small bow and made himself scarce before the two wolves. He wasn't going to get in the way of pack dynamics.
"Why do you think I chose to wait in the foyer, instead of coming out to the patio myself." Bob questioned, his blue eyes glinting at him, sharper and brighter than ever.
"I don't know why you choose to do anything, old man." Reid muttered as he moved past him.
Bob was used to Reid's quips, and he chose to ignore it, since there was a more pressing matter that needed to be addressed. "What is this business with you and Luke?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Luke was kidnapped last night?"
"Yes." Reid said as he extended his arm towards another door, invisible to the human eye. He opened it up, revealing a set of ancient stone steps. He took the lead, descending down the long winding stone steps. "Luke was kidnapped last night. By Noah." Each wall torch they passed lit up by magic, lighting their way. "Noah intended to sell him to the highest bidder at one of those....deplorable auctions."
The stone steps finally ended at the archway of a great room, filled with ancient books and tapestries. A long stone table took center stage in the room, surrounded by high-back chairs. Reid waved his arm and the candles danced to life, filling the room with a soft glow. "Drink?" He asked as he made his way over to a bar in the corner by the grand fireplace, reaching for the brandy to pour himself a glass.
"No, thank you. Though I imagine Luke needs it." The older man frowned deeply. "His scent was intertwined with yours last night. Some were alarmed. Is he all right? He's not hurt?"
"Not physically, no." Reid swallowed his drink in one shot. "But I fear emotionally is another matter all together. Noah...has done damage that I do not think will ever be healed."
Bob Hughes was a kindly man indeed. But get his ire up, mess with those he loved, well, that was a different story. A different side to him that some saw, but never lived to tell about, so it was no surprise that a growl came from him. "That little..." His fist hit the stone wall, and the thud echoed in the large room. "His family?" he inquired, his anger giving way to concern. "Lily? Holden? Are they safe? Does Damian know?"
"Yes. Damian knows. Why do you think Luke is here?" Reid glanced at Bob as he filled his glass again. "And his family is safe. Gabriel has made sure of that." he explained as he made his way to the fireplace, the flames jumping to life with a wave of his hand.
"There must've been some spell, or charm that Noah and his father used. One citizen of Oakdale to slip by, I would've understood. But two," Bob said with a shake of his head. "And no one knew. Yes, not even myself, I'm not too senile to realize I'd been duped as well."
"That thought has crossed my mind as well. And Damian's. But his first priority is his son. He needed to know that Luke is safe. That is why I....bought him last night."
"That explains his scent so strongly upon you..." Bob crossed his arms, gazing to him mildly, voice soft as he spoke. "He must've been terrified, however, even if you meant no harm."
It had been centuries since Reid had a father figure. Centuries since his own family were butchered like cattle and he was taken by men like Damien Grimaldi. For ages he walked alone, unsure and afraid, until he himself was rescued from auction by Bob. He owed his life to the older man. "He fell asleep in my arms last night." Reid said quietly, a small self-conscious laugh slipping through.
Gentle understanding glinted in Bob's kind eyes, and he walked over to place a hand on Reid's shoulder. "Luke is a kind, warm young man. He's extremely sensitive at times, so perhaps he felt safe with you."
"When he asked me to stay," Reid paused, swallowing down his emotions as he took an unsteady breath. "His voice...was so soft and scared. He sounded so small." He turned his gaze over his shoulder. "How could I deny him?" he whispered as he took a silent comfort in older man's warm touch.
Bob knew that Reid was lonely, that he ached inside for his soul-mate. He was there and had watched as Reid shared his life, when the loneliness became too heavy to face, but none were his soul-mate. None he loved with his whole heart and soul. Luke however, well, Bob knew he was wasn't just another someone to Reid. "Did he mention anything to you? Any sort of...closeness, or connection to you?"
Reid furrowed his brows, faking ignorance. "What do you mean? Mention anything to me? You are speaking a fool’s words, old man."
"This old man is not so old, Reid." Bob smiled. “You and Luke share a bond centuries in the making. You were there for him from the beginning, and in that moment, your connection was born. Reid, you and Luke are bound together. Two halves of the same soul. I know he'll be safe with you. He’s a fine young man, and so are you."
Reid gave a small snort. "I am not so young, Bob." he replied with a tiny smile. "But Luke...he is so young and beautiful..." He lowered his eyes as the last word slipped out without thought.
"I know. A few visitors to the town asked if perhaps he had siren blood to him, he draws the eye so easily." Bob chuckled a bit. "And he has a good heart."
"A very good heart. And it amazes me that he does not see how truly beautiful he is. He is oblivious to it...that and other things." Reid turned, making his way back the bar and pouring another shot of brandy. "Is this the only reason you decided to grace my home with your presence?"
"As Alpha, I had to investigate, you understand. The scent was so strong, some thought another wolf had joined you. It was as if it was...ingrained upon you." Bob mused, watching him thoughtfully.
"Yes. As Alpha, you had no other choice." Reid said as he rolled his eyes again. "Why are you looking at me like that? My interest in Luke is purely as protector..." he said softly
Bob simply raised a brow, and didn't say a word. He might've been old, but he wasn't stupid. He could hear the softness, the admiration in Reid's voice. He was half in love with Luke already and didn't know it.
Reid glanced up, and tilted his head at the small smirk on his elder's face. He gave his head a shake as he brought the glass to his lips. He tilted his head back, the cool amber liquid sliding down his throat. He set the glass back down before he looked at Bob. "He...had this dream last night."
"Ah." Understanding glinted in Bob's eyes. If Luke was dreaming, and if one knew what Luke was... "What did he dream?"
Reid took a breath and explained what Luke had told him about the dream. About how Luke saw through the eyes of a wolf and the role he himself had in his dream. He paused once his telling was finished. "He thinks he's going crazy. I explained that it was the brain's way of processing what had happened to him, but what if he's tuning into that side of himself? What if I'm bringing that out of him?"
"So, what if you are? It’s always been in him, Reid. It’s a part of him, just like it’s a part of you. It’s in the blood that flows through his veins. You’ve awakened that long repressed side of him. Remember, Luke is very good at repressing the things he feels for the sake of others, but you make him feel safe enough that that side of him is waking up." Sighing, the older man settled himself down into a chair, and smiled. "You obviously know that Luke is a very special young man. What's happening...he's responding to the wolf in you because of the wolf in him. His mother's mortal bloodline has kept it stable for a few years, but I figured it would change, once he met the one he's supposed to be with. After all...wolves mate for life."
Reid's head snapped around so fast, it would have given a mortal whiplash. "Now I know you've lost your mind, old man. Just what the hell are you talking about? The one he's supposed to be with? You are talking nonsense..." he protested, not looking him in the eye.
"Oh? Have you known anyone else that has responded to you as Luke has?" Bob asked, tilting his head at him as he studied him intently.
Reid hated that Bob was so in tune to him. "No." he conceded honestly. "No one has responded to me the way Luke has. What do I do?” he asked sadly as he swished the amber liquid around the glass. “For the first time, I am torn between my desires and doing what is right.”
“How do you know that they are not one in the same?” Bob questioned gently as he studied his old friend. He could see the pain in Reid’s deep blue eyes and it pained him deeply to see Reid in such conflict with himself. "It seems to me like you're doing just fine." he added kindly. "You're giving Luke comfort and security, something he greatly needs. Your presence is calming to him, at an instinctual level that not even he knows. That he is responding to you, is also a good thing. He recognizes something good to you, something the wolf in him likes."
"Maybe, but he's Damian's son, Bob. I'm supposed to be protecting him...keeping him safe...not...." Reid couldn't finish the sentence as he bowed his head, feeling the conflicting emotions doing battle deep inside. "...Not...."
"Finding something in him the wolf in you likes?" Bob suggested gently. "You are keeping him safe. Someone, with growing feelings such as yours...I don't think he'd have a more protective individual to watch out for him."
"It's not just the wolf in me..." Reid started to say, but quickly bit his lip. "Never mind..." He stood up quickly, almost knocking the chair over. "I have vowed to keep Luke safe, and shall do just that. Nothing will happen to him as long as I am here."
Bob chuckled a little at his stubbornness, but he couldn't force Reid to accept what he wasn't ready for. "Good. You would have a lot of people thanking you for that." He got to his feet. "I should go. Now that I know the situation, I can get back to work. And Reid?" He waited until the man turned to him, and smiled. "Please call me if you need anything, all right?"
Reid gave a very small nod, his eyes full of the understanding that he couldn't voice just yet. "Thank you. Be safe, Bob." he told him as he reached out and shook the elder's hand, before he watched him leave with effortless grace.
He sat back down heavily and his half sigh, half growl reverberated off the walls as his nails dug into the wood of the chair, leaving marks as he thought about not only what Bob had said, but also about what he didn't say.
****
"Sire?" Gabriel spoke softly as he entered the room, not wanting to startle his employer. "I saw Master Hughes leave an hour ago, and when you did not come up...." He let his words trail off. He had waited another hour before his concern finally got the better of him and he decided to check on him. "Do you need anything?"
Reid gave a sarcastic snort as he raised his head to gaze at his friend. "I don't know what I need anymore, Gabriel. I feel as if my life has been turned upside down. Like I have no control over my own being anymore."
Gabriel pursed his lips in thought. "I don't know everything, sire...but perhaps you're getting an after-effect from Master Luke?" he suggested softly.
Reid cocked his head to one side. "After-effect?" he echoed. "What do you mean by that?" He made a motion for Gabriel to join him as he stood up and made his way to the bar, refilling his glass and pouring one for Gabriel. "Explain."
Quietly, the young vampire moved to take a seat with Reid, steepling his fingers together like a student might before a teacher. "Master Luke has had his life turned upside down. He does not know what is happening to him, or going to happen. He has no control. I have seen the bond you have with him, sire. Perhaps...what you feel is what he feels."
Reid was amused at how serious Gabriel became when they had their talks together. He looked young, almost the same age as Luke, but he was old at the same time. Wise beyond his years. "Are you suggesting that Luke and I have...some sort of a connection to one another? We've only met...." He couldn’t tell his young charge about the bond Luke and he had. The less people knew about how their lives have been intertwined since Luke’s birth, the safer Luke’s family, and his own ‘family’, was, so again he played dumb.
"That's why I say I don't know everything..." Gabriel murmured. "But...sometimes people have a bond with a person, that cares little about how long or short one has known the other?"
"Soul-mates." Reid said softly as he offered a small, knowing smile to the other man. "And you think Luke and I share this bond?" He raised an eyebrow at Gabriel as he walked back and set the tumbler glass down in front of him. He hated deceiving his friend like this, but he was curious as to what he thought.
"Perhaps, sire." Gabriel murmured. "Not to offend, but I have never seen you act this way around any other individual. It could be possible."
Reid reached across the table and rested his hand on Gabriel's wrist. "You never offend, my friend. I value your honesty with me." he said before he sat back in his chair and thought for a few minutes about what Gabriel and Bob said. "So how do I proceed?" he finally asked. "I...have never felt so drawn to another as I do with Luke. But he is so young...and he's been hurt so deeply. And he still does not know about his animal side."
"Maybe you just...keep doing what you do? It certainly seems to be working so far. He enjoys your company, and he is calm in your presence. That seems a good start."
"Yes." Reid said with a smile as he remembered how good it felt to hold him and how his arms now ached for him. "Yes...it's a good start." he murmured with a nod. "And how is he?"
"A little sad, I think." Gabriel murmured, looking just a touch apologetic. "He just spoke with his mother. He told her he was going to be away for a while, and about things with Mr. Mayer going sour." He hissed quietly to himself, the name like acid on his tongue. "When I looked in on him, he was laying down."
Reid bit his lip as he thought about his options. "Should I.....what should I do?" he asked, knowing he looked a bit like a deer caught in a set of headlights. "Should I go and check on him? I'm probably the last person he wants to see right now. I am the one keeping him from his family...but...what if he needs...." Reid knew he was babbling but he couldn't help it. He felt all tied up in knots since his talk with Bob and even more so after his small talk with Gabriel.
"Sire." Gabriel smiled a bit when Reid glanced to him hurriedly, and folded his hands in his lap. "You think too much. What do your instincts tell you to do?"
Reid was not one to fight his instincts, but he'd been doing just that ever since he was with Luke last night. "They are telling me to go and check on him." he replied softly as he stood up.
"Well, then." Gabriel got to his feet as well, and dusted himself off. "Then you know what you have to do, don't you?" he replied with a smile. "I'll clean up here, sir."
Reid chuckled softly at the decisive and forceful tone to Gabriel's voice. "Yes. Dad." he teased as he moved to kiss his cheek. "Thank you Gabriel." he whispered, giving his shoulder a squeeze before he disappeared up the stone steps, taking them two at a time.
*****
Reid paused in front of Luke's bedroom door. He could hear Luke's heartbeat pounding in his ears like it was his own and swallowed hard. He ran his hand through his hair before knocking softly on the door. "Luke..." he called quietly as he pushed the door open slowly. "Is it all right if I come in?"
"Reid...?" Luke's voice replied softly, before the blond on the bed turned his head to him, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Yeah. Come on in." he replied with a motion of his hand.
Reid stood at the doorway, his heart breaking at the sight of Luke looking so sad. It killed him to know he was the cause if his sadness. "Are you sure? If you want to be alone, I will respect your wishes." he said softly, smiling and moving into the room when Luke waved him closer. "Are you all right?" he asked as he sat on the bed by his legs.
"I'm okay." Luke replied, unconsciously wiggling closer to his warmth. "I talked to my mom, when I called home...she was confused about where I was, and she cried a little...which got me crying." He gave a small little laugh, and wiped his eyes again. "She understood, though, I think. She didn't try demanding, at the very least."
Reid automatically reached for him, his arms wrapping themselves around him like it was second nature. "I am truly sorry, Luke. I feel like I am the cause of your sadness." he whispered as he placed a kiss to the side of his head, sighing quietly. "But I am glad that you talked with Lily.
Luke burrowed up against him, and gripped onto his shirt. "You're not the cause. I just hate to hurt anyone." he replied softly, his body relaxing at the kiss to his temple, before he turned his head to him. "How did you know my mom's name?"
Title: Once In A Lifetime Love
Author: Mystical_Dreamer
Rating: R to NC-17
Characters: Luke Snyder, Reid Oliver, Casey Hughes, Bob Hughes, The douche and his father, a few OC’s.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to their respective copyrights. While I love to take them out and play with them from time to time, I do not own any of the characters, except the OC's. Those silly bastards are mine.
Author's Notes: A huge thanks to bmak08 and moonchilddj for taking the time to beta this for me, but in the end each and every mistake is mine and mine alone.
Chapter 14 - Part A
Gabriel excused himself with a small bow and made himself scarce before the two wolves. He wasn't going to get in the way of pack dynamics.
"Why do you think I chose to wait in the foyer, instead of coming out to the patio myself." Bob questioned, his blue eyes glinting at him, sharper and brighter than ever.
"I don't know why you choose to do anything, old man." Reid muttered as he moved past him.
Bob was used to Reid's quips, and he chose to ignore it, since there was a more pressing matter that needed to be addressed. "What is this business with you and Luke?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Luke was kidnapped last night?"
"Yes." Reid said as he extended his arm towards another door, invisible to the human eye. He opened it up, revealing a set of ancient stone steps. He took the lead, descending down the long winding stone steps. "Luke was kidnapped last night. By Noah." Each wall torch they passed lit up by magic, lighting their way. "Noah intended to sell him to the highest bidder at one of those....deplorable auctions."
The stone steps finally ended at the archway of a great room, filled with ancient books and tapestries. A long stone table took center stage in the room, surrounded by high-back chairs. Reid waved his arm and the candles danced to life, filling the room with a soft glow. "Drink?" He asked as he made his way over to a bar in the corner by the grand fireplace, reaching for the brandy to pour himself a glass.
"No, thank you. Though I imagine Luke needs it." The older man frowned deeply. "His scent was intertwined with yours last night. Some were alarmed. Is he all right? He's not hurt?"
"Not physically, no." Reid swallowed his drink in one shot. "But I fear emotionally is another matter all together. Noah...has done damage that I do not think will ever be healed."
Bob Hughes was a kindly man indeed. But get his ire up, mess with those he loved, well, that was a different story. A different side to him that some saw, but never lived to tell about, so it was no surprise that a growl came from him. "That little..." His fist hit the stone wall, and the thud echoed in the large room. "His family?" he inquired, his anger giving way to concern. "Lily? Holden? Are they safe? Does Damian know?"
"Yes. Damian knows. Why do you think Luke is here?" Reid glanced at Bob as he filled his glass again. "And his family is safe. Gabriel has made sure of that." he explained as he made his way to the fireplace, the flames jumping to life with a wave of his hand.
"There must've been some spell, or charm that Noah and his father used. One citizen of Oakdale to slip by, I would've understood. But two," Bob said with a shake of his head. "And no one knew. Yes, not even myself, I'm not too senile to realize I'd been duped as well."
"That thought has crossed my mind as well. And Damian's. But his first priority is his son. He needed to know that Luke is safe. That is why I....bought him last night."
"That explains his scent so strongly upon you..." Bob crossed his arms, gazing to him mildly, voice soft as he spoke. "He must've been terrified, however, even if you meant no harm."
It had been centuries since Reid had a father figure. Centuries since his own family were butchered like cattle and he was taken by men like Damien Grimaldi. For ages he walked alone, unsure and afraid, until he himself was rescued from auction by Bob. He owed his life to the older man. "He fell asleep in my arms last night." Reid said quietly, a small self-conscious laugh slipping through.
Gentle understanding glinted in Bob's kind eyes, and he walked over to place a hand on Reid's shoulder. "Luke is a kind, warm young man. He's extremely sensitive at times, so perhaps he felt safe with you."
"When he asked me to stay," Reid paused, swallowing down his emotions as he took an unsteady breath. "His voice...was so soft and scared. He sounded so small." He turned his gaze over his shoulder. "How could I deny him?" he whispered as he took a silent comfort in older man's warm touch.
Bob knew that Reid was lonely, that he ached inside for his soul-mate. He was there and had watched as Reid shared his life, when the loneliness became too heavy to face, but none were his soul-mate. None he loved with his whole heart and soul. Luke however, well, Bob knew he was wasn't just another someone to Reid. "Did he mention anything to you? Any sort of...closeness, or connection to you?"
Reid furrowed his brows, faking ignorance. "What do you mean? Mention anything to me? You are speaking a fool’s words, old man."
"This old man is not so old, Reid." Bob smiled. “You and Luke share a bond centuries in the making. You were there for him from the beginning, and in that moment, your connection was born. Reid, you and Luke are bound together. Two halves of the same soul. I know he'll be safe with you. He’s a fine young man, and so are you."
Reid gave a small snort. "I am not so young, Bob." he replied with a tiny smile. "But Luke...he is so young and beautiful..." He lowered his eyes as the last word slipped out without thought.
"I know. A few visitors to the town asked if perhaps he had siren blood to him, he draws the eye so easily." Bob chuckled a bit. "And he has a good heart."
"A very good heart. And it amazes me that he does not see how truly beautiful he is. He is oblivious to it...that and other things." Reid turned, making his way back the bar and pouring another shot of brandy. "Is this the only reason you decided to grace my home with your presence?"
"As Alpha, I had to investigate, you understand. The scent was so strong, some thought another wolf had joined you. It was as if it was...ingrained upon you." Bob mused, watching him thoughtfully.
"Yes. As Alpha, you had no other choice." Reid said as he rolled his eyes again. "Why are you looking at me like that? My interest in Luke is purely as protector..." he said softly
Bob simply raised a brow, and didn't say a word. He might've been old, but he wasn't stupid. He could hear the softness, the admiration in Reid's voice. He was half in love with Luke already and didn't know it.
Reid glanced up, and tilted his head at the small smirk on his elder's face. He gave his head a shake as he brought the glass to his lips. He tilted his head back, the cool amber liquid sliding down his throat. He set the glass back down before he looked at Bob. "He...had this dream last night."
"Ah." Understanding glinted in Bob's eyes. If Luke was dreaming, and if one knew what Luke was... "What did he dream?"
Reid took a breath and explained what Luke had told him about the dream. About how Luke saw through the eyes of a wolf and the role he himself had in his dream. He paused once his telling was finished. "He thinks he's going crazy. I explained that it was the brain's way of processing what had happened to him, but what if he's tuning into that side of himself? What if I'm bringing that out of him?"
"So, what if you are? It’s always been in him, Reid. It’s a part of him, just like it’s a part of you. It’s in the blood that flows through his veins. You’ve awakened that long repressed side of him. Remember, Luke is very good at repressing the things he feels for the sake of others, but you make him feel safe enough that that side of him is waking up." Sighing, the older man settled himself down into a chair, and smiled. "You obviously know that Luke is a very special young man. What's happening...he's responding to the wolf in you because of the wolf in him. His mother's mortal bloodline has kept it stable for a few years, but I figured it would change, once he met the one he's supposed to be with. After all...wolves mate for life."
Reid's head snapped around so fast, it would have given a mortal whiplash. "Now I know you've lost your mind, old man. Just what the hell are you talking about? The one he's supposed to be with? You are talking nonsense..." he protested, not looking him in the eye.
"Oh? Have you known anyone else that has responded to you as Luke has?" Bob asked, tilting his head at him as he studied him intently.
Reid hated that Bob was so in tune to him. "No." he conceded honestly. "No one has responded to me the way Luke has. What do I do?” he asked sadly as he swished the amber liquid around the glass. “For the first time, I am torn between my desires and doing what is right.”
“How do you know that they are not one in the same?” Bob questioned gently as he studied his old friend. He could see the pain in Reid’s deep blue eyes and it pained him deeply to see Reid in such conflict with himself. "It seems to me like you're doing just fine." he added kindly. "You're giving Luke comfort and security, something he greatly needs. Your presence is calming to him, at an instinctual level that not even he knows. That he is responding to you, is also a good thing. He recognizes something good to you, something the wolf in him likes."
"Maybe, but he's Damian's son, Bob. I'm supposed to be protecting him...keeping him safe...not...." Reid couldn't finish the sentence as he bowed his head, feeling the conflicting emotions doing battle deep inside. "...Not...."
"Finding something in him the wolf in you likes?" Bob suggested gently. "You are keeping him safe. Someone, with growing feelings such as yours...I don't think he'd have a more protective individual to watch out for him."
"It's not just the wolf in me..." Reid started to say, but quickly bit his lip. "Never mind..." He stood up quickly, almost knocking the chair over. "I have vowed to keep Luke safe, and shall do just that. Nothing will happen to him as long as I am here."
Bob chuckled a little at his stubbornness, but he couldn't force Reid to accept what he wasn't ready for. "Good. You would have a lot of people thanking you for that." He got to his feet. "I should go. Now that I know the situation, I can get back to work. And Reid?" He waited until the man turned to him, and smiled. "Please call me if you need anything, all right?"
Reid gave a very small nod, his eyes full of the understanding that he couldn't voice just yet. "Thank you. Be safe, Bob." he told him as he reached out and shook the elder's hand, before he watched him leave with effortless grace.
He sat back down heavily and his half sigh, half growl reverberated off the walls as his nails dug into the wood of the chair, leaving marks as he thought about not only what Bob had said, but also about what he didn't say.
****
"Sire?" Gabriel spoke softly as he entered the room, not wanting to startle his employer. "I saw Master Hughes leave an hour ago, and when you did not come up...." He let his words trail off. He had waited another hour before his concern finally got the better of him and he decided to check on him. "Do you need anything?"
Reid gave a sarcastic snort as he raised his head to gaze at his friend. "I don't know what I need anymore, Gabriel. I feel as if my life has been turned upside down. Like I have no control over my own being anymore."
Gabriel pursed his lips in thought. "I don't know everything, sire...but perhaps you're getting an after-effect from Master Luke?" he suggested softly.
Reid cocked his head to one side. "After-effect?" he echoed. "What do you mean by that?" He made a motion for Gabriel to join him as he stood up and made his way to the bar, refilling his glass and pouring one for Gabriel. "Explain."
Quietly, the young vampire moved to take a seat with Reid, steepling his fingers together like a student might before a teacher. "Master Luke has had his life turned upside down. He does not know what is happening to him, or going to happen. He has no control. I have seen the bond you have with him, sire. Perhaps...what you feel is what he feels."
Reid was amused at how serious Gabriel became when they had their talks together. He looked young, almost the same age as Luke, but he was old at the same time. Wise beyond his years. "Are you suggesting that Luke and I have...some sort of a connection to one another? We've only met...." He couldn’t tell his young charge about the bond Luke and he had. The less people knew about how their lives have been intertwined since Luke’s birth, the safer Luke’s family, and his own ‘family’, was, so again he played dumb.
"That's why I say I don't know everything..." Gabriel murmured. "But...sometimes people have a bond with a person, that cares little about how long or short one has known the other?"
"Soul-mates." Reid said softly as he offered a small, knowing smile to the other man. "And you think Luke and I share this bond?" He raised an eyebrow at Gabriel as he walked back and set the tumbler glass down in front of him. He hated deceiving his friend like this, but he was curious as to what he thought.
"Perhaps, sire." Gabriel murmured. "Not to offend, but I have never seen you act this way around any other individual. It could be possible."
Reid reached across the table and rested his hand on Gabriel's wrist. "You never offend, my friend. I value your honesty with me." he said before he sat back in his chair and thought for a few minutes about what Gabriel and Bob said. "So how do I proceed?" he finally asked. "I...have never felt so drawn to another as I do with Luke. But he is so young...and he's been hurt so deeply. And he still does not know about his animal side."
"Maybe you just...keep doing what you do? It certainly seems to be working so far. He enjoys your company, and he is calm in your presence. That seems a good start."
"Yes." Reid said with a smile as he remembered how good it felt to hold him and how his arms now ached for him. "Yes...it's a good start." he murmured with a nod. "And how is he?"
"A little sad, I think." Gabriel murmured, looking just a touch apologetic. "He just spoke with his mother. He told her he was going to be away for a while, and about things with Mr. Mayer going sour." He hissed quietly to himself, the name like acid on his tongue. "When I looked in on him, he was laying down."
Reid bit his lip as he thought about his options. "Should I.....what should I do?" he asked, knowing he looked a bit like a deer caught in a set of headlights. "Should I go and check on him? I'm probably the last person he wants to see right now. I am the one keeping him from his family...but...what if he needs...." Reid knew he was babbling but he couldn't help it. He felt all tied up in knots since his talk with Bob and even more so after his small talk with Gabriel.
"Sire." Gabriel smiled a bit when Reid glanced to him hurriedly, and folded his hands in his lap. "You think too much. What do your instincts tell you to do?"
Reid was not one to fight his instincts, but he'd been doing just that ever since he was with Luke last night. "They are telling me to go and check on him." he replied softly as he stood up.
"Well, then." Gabriel got to his feet as well, and dusted himself off. "Then you know what you have to do, don't you?" he replied with a smile. "I'll clean up here, sir."
Reid chuckled softly at the decisive and forceful tone to Gabriel's voice. "Yes. Dad." he teased as he moved to kiss his cheek. "Thank you Gabriel." he whispered, giving his shoulder a squeeze before he disappeared up the stone steps, taking them two at a time.
*****
Reid paused in front of Luke's bedroom door. He could hear Luke's heartbeat pounding in his ears like it was his own and swallowed hard. He ran his hand through his hair before knocking softly on the door. "Luke..." he called quietly as he pushed the door open slowly. "Is it all right if I come in?"
"Reid...?" Luke's voice replied softly, before the blond on the bed turned his head to him, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Yeah. Come on in." he replied with a motion of his hand.
Reid stood at the doorway, his heart breaking at the sight of Luke looking so sad. It killed him to know he was the cause if his sadness. "Are you sure? If you want to be alone, I will respect your wishes." he said softly, smiling and moving into the room when Luke waved him closer. "Are you all right?" he asked as he sat on the bed by his legs.
"I'm okay." Luke replied, unconsciously wiggling closer to his warmth. "I talked to my mom, when I called home...she was confused about where I was, and she cried a little...which got me crying." He gave a small little laugh, and wiped his eyes again. "She understood, though, I think. She didn't try demanding, at the very least."
Reid automatically reached for him, his arms wrapping themselves around him like it was second nature. "I am truly sorry, Luke. I feel like I am the cause of your sadness." he whispered as he placed a kiss to the side of his head, sighing quietly. "But I am glad that you talked with Lily.
Luke burrowed up against him, and gripped onto his shirt. "You're not the cause. I just hate to hurt anyone." he replied softly, his body relaxing at the kiss to his temple, before he turned his head to him. "How did you know my mom's name?"