Both Aiden and Ronan sat up at the same time and shouted in unison, “Outside!”
Of all the gifts Ethan could have received as a vampire, he would have the power to conjure fire. Just the idea gave him nightmares. Aiden glared over at Ronan as if he were the culprit behind the gift selection.
“Tonight. I’ll resume working with him later tonight after he and Marcus hunt,” Ronan said, pulling Aiden onto his chest as he stretched out against the throw pillow again. “It’s good that he’s using his power. We don’t want him afraid of it, or he’ll never control it.”
Aiden grudgingly had to admit Ronan was right on that count. Ethan had to be comfortable with his gift if he was ever to learn control. But he’d prefer it if he didn’t practice until the new fire extinguishers arrived. And he’d definitely prefer if Ethan didn’t practice in the house.
It was also reassuring that Ronan had taken Ethan under his wing. While Marcus had been proud of his fledgling mate, he’d also been terrified of his gift. His son not only worried about Ethan’s safety, but also his tender heart if something should accidentally go wrong while wielding his new power. From the first appearance of Ethan’s ability, Ronan had not shied away for a second. He was there every moment, instructing Ethan on breathing techniques and focus. His mate was a wonderful, patient teacher, who had not only helped Ethan feel more comfortable with his gift but also helped him move past his misplaced guilt with regard to Julianna.
Placing his hand in the center of Ronan’s chest, Aiden propped his chin on it as he looked at Ronan. “Ronan, how did you know?”
Ronan blinked his eyes open again and smirked. “What, my king? That I would fit so perfectly in this madhouse of yours?”
Aiden barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes. That was not what he was asking. “How did you know that I was still the man you loved? From the first, you never seemed to hesitate. It’s like you knew. But a thousand years separated us. We both lived through and did horrible things. We’ve both watched people we knew changed into monsters. How did you know?”
There was a surprising softness that crept into Ronan’s expression as he stared at Aiden. One hand touched his cheek and then brushed the hair back from his brow. There was such love in his gaze that it stole Aiden’s breath away so completely.
“You smiled,” Ronan said simply.
“What?” Aiden breathed. It couldn’t be something so small.
“I was watching you so closely when you walked into the party, surrounded by your sons. Beautiful. Regal. So perfectly poised, as if you had been born for that moment,” Ronan explained, his voice low and warm. “You stopped and smiled at each of your sons, touched their faces or shoulders in some small way to connect yourself with them. Even from across the room, I could see your absolute love and devotion to them. In that moment, I knew you weren’t some vampire wearing Aiden’s face, but you were my Aiden. The man I’d loved my entire existence. I just prayed that I could still be the Ronan that you loved so long ago.”
“You are, my prince. You are.” Aiden kissed him sweetly before laying his head down and sighing softly.
Aiden had nearly drifted off to sleep when he felt more than heard the presence of someone new in the room. He reluctantly opened his eyes to find Rafe standing across the room with his phone held up in their direction.
“What are you doing, my child?” Aiden asked, his tone full of warning. “Did you just take our picture?”
Rafe flashed him a slightly wicked grin as he lowered his phone and continued to type something. Of course, Rafe was always full of devilment, so Aiden wasn’t in the least surprised.
“My brothers and I have started something of a sleep advisory service on Instagram,” Rafe murmured.
“A what?” Ronan inquired.
To his surprise, Rafe crossed the room and kneeled next to the sofa, closest to where Aiden was, and turned his phone so they could see the screen. He slowly flipped through a series of pictures of each of his brothers cuddled in bed with their mate—or in Bel’s case, mates. Aiden’s heart swelled to see expressions of love, peace, and pure joy on the faces of his beloved sons.
But the last one surprised him the most. It was of him and Ronan together, arms wrapped around each other. Even as they were both nearly asleep, there were smiles on their lips, looks of pure contentment and peace.
“Beautiful,” Ronan murmured.
“It seems you both discovered the same truth that we did,” Rafe said. His son looked up at Ronan and smirked. “Find a good mate, and happiness will follow.”
“Thank you, Rafe.”
Rafe pressed a kiss to Aiden’s cheek. “Thank you, Father.”
“Now go find your mate. I’m sure he’s missing you.”
Rafe’s bright-blue eyes flared, and his grin turned wicked again. “Always.” He stood and started to cross the room when Aiden called out to him again.
“And stay out of trouble. Let’s wait until the new year to create new mischief.”
“Really, Father.” Rafe snickered. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Aiden groaned but it was lost to Ronan’s chuckle.
“I love being a Varik,” Ronan said, making Aiden smile again.
Yes. It was very good to be a Varik.
Author’s Note
Thank you.
Thank you for letting me tell you about the Variks.
Thank you for falling in love with them.
Thank you for demanding Aiden’s story. I’m so very glad that he got his second chance at love.
As a special parting gift, I have included the original history that I wrote up to help guide my stories about the Variks. I’ve also included a copy of the lullaby that Bel and his family sang to River when he was injured in Waking Bel.
I hope you will join me on future adventures.
Happy reading,
Jocelynn Drake
The Varik Family History
Mother – Julianna (born Julie) Varik
Biological father – Harrison Thatcher
Vampire father – Aiden
First son – Marcus Varik – piano – name means hammer or warrior
Twin #1 – Rafe Varik – violin – name means shield wolf
Twin #2 – Beltran (Bel) Varik – cello – name means bright raven
Youngest son – Winter Varik – guitar – name means winter
The Beginning…
Julianna Varik was a world-renowned opera singer. She was said to have a voice that could make God himself weep. She was also an exquisite beauty, highly sought after in London high society. A party or dinner was not a true event unless Julianna Varik made an appearance.
Despite being an accomplished singer, musician, and being fluent in five languages, she was well aware that she was not part of high society. She was a cherished pet or toy. As long as she could delight and entertain, she knew they would keep her a part of their lives.
She avoided taking lovers to protect her image, but she fell in love with Harrison Thatcher, the second son of a duke. He kept her in great style in an expensive London town house with servants and a generous yearly allowance.