Child of Joy

Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Child of Joy Copyright © 2009 by Andrew Grey Cover Art by Dan Skinner/Cerberus Inc. [email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ ISBN: 978-1-61581-215-8 Printed in the United States of America First Edition December, 2009 eBook edition available eBook ISBN: 978-1-61581-216-5

To Dominic, the source of my joy.

Child of Joy

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HE

WOKE slowly, as though from a deep, happy dream. The sun shone brightly through his windows. He lifted his head and looked out, trying to decide what was different. The view outside hadn’t changed: the trees, the lake, the quiet. Everything appeared the same, and yet things were different. The air felt different, albeit slightly, but it was definitely different. Pushing back the covers, he got up and walked to the window, throwing it open to let in the air, and he inhaled deeply and smiled.

“No, I didn’t imagine it.” He inhaled again before closing the window and going outside. Walking around the house, he continued letting the air flow over his body, trying to determine where the scent was coming from. Then he realized it was on the wind, just barely discernable, but definitely there. “I haven’t sensed this in what must be decades.” He spoke the words out loud even though there was no one around to hear them. It didn’t matter; the excitement inside him built nonetheless. Well, excitement tinged with fear. “I need this, need to be near them, but I can’t let them see me. Who knows what they’ll do if they find me.” Luckily, he was very good at hiding; he’d been doing it long enough. He was also very good at watching without being seen.

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Going back inside, he packed his things into a small bag. There wasn’t much, but what he packed was important. It didn’t take long and his bag was ready. Then he went outside again, making sure the energy was still there. Unfurling his wings, he took to the air. With a wave of his hand, the house disappeared from view and he then headed west. He was going to miss his home; he’d been there for a very long time, but always alone. As he rode the air currents, he wondered what they’d be like. The last of their kind he’d met had been frightening, but maybe these would be different? He let himself hope, but he wasn’t very confident. The scent was getting stronger and he could feel his body begin to react to the energy. Without it, this journey would be too exhausting. On he flew, over forests and cities, lakes huge and small, and rivers. He followed the energy to its source: a patch of land in what looked like the middle of nowhere. But he could definitely feel it; the energy was very strong here. As he flew lower, he passed over a small lake, tall trees, fields dotted with sheep and goats, a house, barns, and then trees again— miles of undisturbed trees. “That looks like a nice spot.” He flew just above the treetops before seeing the shimmer of a small creek in the late evening sun. Swooping beneath the canopy, he landed near the base of a huge tree. The air was so clean, the trees so tall, the forest floor so wild. “This is perfect.” He almost rubbed his hands together in delight as he again looked up at the tree. “You won’t mind if I make you my home, will you?” He smiled when he got his answer, and got to work.

ARTHUR woke suddenly, gasping in surprise. Raising his head, he looked around, but nothing was different.

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“Arthur, are you all right?” The door to his room cracked open. “Yes, Mom. I must have dozed off.” He was sitting at his desk, the light on, books spread out. Her head appeared in the doorway. “It’s nine o’clock. Why don’t you go to bed? You’re working too hard and could use some rest.” Maybe she was right; maybe he was just working too hard and needed a break. Getting up from the desk, he left his room and wandered down the hall to the family room. His dad was watching television—well, more like sleeping in front of the television. Not wanting to disturb him, he went into the kitchen, where his mother was cleaning up. She stopped what she was doing. “Are you hungry?” Arthur smiled. “No, Mom, I’m fine. Thanks.” “You look like you have something on your mind.” She finished wiping the counter and then put the cloth in the laundry. “I just had the weirdest dream, but I can’t describe it. Usually when I dream, they’re images, but this time I had this very intense feeling pulling me toward the farm.” She sat down across the table from him and listened. “I don’t quite know what to make of it. I know Uncle Travis says that satyr dreams are important, but this one was just weird.” “Maybe you should give Travis a call in the morning and see what he thinks.” She got up and patted him on the back before joining his dad in the family room. Arthur lifted himself out of the chair and wandered back to his room. Maybe he was just tired, but he didn’t think so. In the morning he would definitely call Uncle Travis to see what he thought. Back in his room, Arthur closed his books and got ready for bed, sliding beneath the crisp sheets. He fell asleep quickly and had the best dream. He was flying over the farm, with the lake, the

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fields, the trees, all passing beneath him. He could see the sheep and goats in the fields. Instead of landing at the farm, he continued flying, landing near the base of a massive tree. It was a nice dream, but one that was hardly memorable, and in the morning, a pleasant feeling remained, but the details of his dream vanished with night’s darkness.

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ARTHUR arrived back in his dorm room, collapsing on the bed after a marathon day of classes. There were just a few more days until the weekend and just a few more weeks until graduation. He knew he had to get up and pack, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it right now. He wanted a nap before dinner, but there was no way he was going to sleep. The bacchanal was coming up, his body was in overdrive, and nothing he did gave him any relief. Forcing himself up off the bed, Arthur went to the refrigerator for something to drink before sitting at his desk and starting on one of his final reports. Hopefully, he’d be able to make some decent headway. “Yes.” Arthur stretched his back and arms as he yawned through a smile two hours later. He’d been able to nearly complete the report when he heard the door to the room open, and a stack of books landed on the other bed. “Thank God that’s over. I never want to see that damn horse again as long as I live. Don’t know why I have to take classes on large animals anyway. I have no intention of working on a farm.” Arthur’s roommate plopped himself in the old reclining chair in the corner. “Damn thing tried to bite me again.” Arthur snickered as he saved his report and closed his laptop. “Well, if you were nicer to him, Tate, he wouldn’t bite you.”

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“I’m nice to the old nag.” Tate pushed back, sighing as he reclined and put his feet up. Arthur mumbled under his breath, “No, you’re not.” Then he turned around to look at his roommate, wiping the knowing scowl from his face. “We should get some dinner before it gets crowded.” Tate sighed his agreement, obviously disgruntled at having to get up again, and put the recliner upright before getting up. “Let me get my stuff.” He opened one of the drawers from the desk and grabbed his student ID. “Let’s go.” Together they walked out of the room and out of the building toward the dining hall. “I still don’t know why you didn’t want to get an apartment, instead of living in the dorms.” Arthur huffed softly. This was an old discussion. “Do you cook?” Tate shook his head. “Neither do I, and with our class loads, it makes sense to live in the dorm. We’re both doing a three-year program in two years. We don’t need the distractions.” Arthur opened the door to the dining room. “Besides, you’ve asked me the same question for almost two years. We’re done in a little over a month, so could you give it a rest!” Tate turned to Arthur and grinned. “Just yanking your chain.” “I’ll yank something else if you’re not careful.” Tate rolled his eyes, and the grin turned to a suggestive leer. “Promises, promises. All I ever get are promises.” They swiped their IDs and got in line. “Are you staying around this weekend? There’s a party at the Lambda house that I got invited to, and they said to bring a friend.” Arthur was about to nod when his phone vibrated. He fished it out of his pocket and looked at the number. “Hey, Uncle Travis.” “Arthur!” He could hear the happiness in Travis’s voice echo through the connection. “Thought I’d call to see if you were still alive. We haven’t heard from you in weeks.”

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Arthur felt the tension inside him ease a little. “Sorry. I’ve been real busy with classes and labs, but I’ve only got a few weeks to go.” “The bacchanal is this weekend. Are you coming?” Travis asked the question like he didn’t already know the answer. Arthur knew Travis always seemed to have a sixth sense when one of his satyrs needed something, and now was no exception. “Yeah….” Arthur drew out the word on purpose. “I take it you’re not somewhere you can talk.” “I’m getting dinner with Tate.” “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow night. Drive carefully and call us when you leave.” Arthur couldn’t help smiling at the concern in Travis’s voice. “I will. See you tomorrow.” He closed the phone and put it back in his pocket. How in the hell was he going to make it through the bacchanal without exploding? “So you’re going away for the weekend again?” Arthur nodded as they reached the front of the line and took their trays. “What can be so wonderful about your uncle’s farm that you spend every other weekend there? It’s a farm, for Pete’s sake.” Arthur said nothing. Where Travis and Cembran had made their lives together was way more than a farm. It was Arthur’s second home, his satyr home. It was the place where the bacchanal was held and the place where he and his satyr family could be themselves. He and Tate had been roommates since junior year, but he’d never told his best non-satyr friend about that portion of himself, and over the past few months he’d begun to feel guilty about it. Tate had been a good friend, a close friend, and he didn’t want to lose his friendship after graduation. But he knew they’d drift apart if he didn’t tell him.

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He placed his order and then took the plate the server handed him as they continued down the line. “You’re quiet all of a sudden,” Tate remarked. Arthur stopped in front of the dessert station without looking at the sweets. “Do you want to come with me?” The offer was impulsive and he almost wanted to take it back, but Tate grinned in response, and he just didn’t have the heart to disappoint him. “Fuck and Christ, Arthur, I’ve been waiting almost two years for you to ask me. Took you long enough.” Tate bumped his shoulder playfully and they made their way to the drink station and then wound through the throng of students until they found an empty table. “Hey, Tate. You coming to the party Saturday?” Arthur watched as one of the boys in a Lambda shirt ambled up to Tate, flirting heavily. “Afraid not. Got other plans this weekend. Sorry, Kyle.” The boy mock pouted and then flounced off to rejoin his friends. “You could stay and go to the party if you want. You wouldn’t want to disappoint Kyle.” Arthur smirked as he began to eat. Tate was notorious for his attraction to younger guys and his carousing ways. Tate had never met a man he didn’t want to fuck, and he usually got what he wanted. “No way. I’m spending the weekend with my best friend here, down on the farm. Yee-haw.” He actually waved his hands over his head like he was swinging a lariat. “Stop that!” Arthur glared at his roommate and Tate put his hand down and began to eat, looking contrite. “I didn’t mean to upset you; I was just joking.” The smile that had been on Tate’s face faded away. “This farm is special to you, isn’t it?” “Yes, it’s special, and it’s hard for me to explain right now.” Arthur let his expression soften. “But I need to tell you some things

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after dinner.” Arthur was suddenly very nervous. He was going to have to explain to Tate about who he was and what was going to happen this weekend. This was something he’d never done before. Travis was usually the one that helped explain about satyrs and brought others into their community. He’d watched Travis tell people in the past, but Travis had a sixth sense about people and he knew whether they were going to be a threat. Arthur had no such insight, and now he’d impulsively committed himself to bringing Tate to the bacchanal. He needed to step up and tell him. Arthur pulled himself out of his thoughts and ate his dinner, deciding he’d better call Travis and ask for his advice before breaking the news to Tate. “Then let’s finish this gourmet dinner so you can tell me all about this farm of yours.” That got Arthur smiling again. After six years of eating dining hall meals, he hardly tasted it anymore. Making fun of the food was a campus pastime, but after a while you just gave up and ate. “So what did you do to Neverland to make him bite you?” Arthur changed the subject, and they spent much of the rest of their dinner discussing classes and Tate’s hate-hate relationship with horses, or at least that particular horse. After dinner, they left the dining hall. Arthur said casually, “I need to make a phone call. I’ll meet you in the room in twenty minutes.” Tate nodded and continued down the walk as Arthur pulled out his phone and dialed the farm. The phone was answered by Cembran, who seemed as happy to talk to him as Travis had been. “I’m bringing a guest to the farm this weekend. I hope it’s all right.” “You know the bacchanal is this weekend.” He could hear concern in Cembran’s voice. Then the tone changed. “Is this someone special?” The suggestive tone in the older satyr’s voice made Arthur laugh. “He is special, but not quite that way. I want to bring my best

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friend, Tate, but I’m not sure how to tell him about us.” The line was quiet for a while. “Uncle Cembran, are you there?” “I’m here. Just thinking.” Arthur could hear Cembran release a soft sigh. “You need to be honest with him and make sure you explain to him that you aren’t going to hurt him and there’s nothing to be afraid of.” He heard Cembran start to chuckle. “When Travis and Gathod told your Uncle Doug, he didn’t take it very well initially, but he eventually calmed down and listened.” Cembran continued. “We’re probably lucky he didn’t draw his gun.” Cembran’s chuckles subsided. “You’ve known Tate for a long time and we’ve all met him when we’ve visited. My impression is that it’ll be okay. Besides, if Travis thought Tate was any sort of danger to you, he’d have told you long ago. So just be honest and answer his questions truthfully.” “Thanks, Uncle Cembran.” “You’re welcome, Arthur.” The line was quiet for a second. “How are you doing?” “Okay. I feel like I’m about to….” He looked around, making sure no one was listening. “I feel like I’d screw a knothole, to tell you the truth.” Cembran began laughing hard. “I was always lucky there. I never felt the pull of the bacchanal as heavily as most satyrs do, but I do remember how difficult it was once the urges started. Since we mature sexually later in life, it seems our bodies need to make up for lost time. It’s temporary and doesn’t last forever.” “Thanks for the help, Uncle Cembran. I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Okay. We’ll see you then.” Arthur hung up the phone and continued down the walk to the dorm. He found Tate reclining in the chair, a book open on his lap, reading. “So.” He closed the book. “What is it you want to tell me about the farm?” Arthur shut the door and flipped the lock. Tate’s eyebrows rose inquisitively. “Must be important if you’re locking

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the door.” Tate raised the recliner to a seated position. “What’s going on?” “There’s something I’ve never told you and it’s pretty important, particularly if you come to the farm.” Arthur found himself biting one of his fingernails. “What could be so important? What do you have on this farm? Unicorns?” Tate was being his usual dramatic self and Arthur relaxed just a little. “Not exactly, but something that’ll be equally hard for you to believe.” This wasn’t going very well and he figured he should just get on with it. Tate started to say something, but Arthur cut him off with a gesture. “I need to say this, okay?” Tate nodded and said nothing. “I think I told you that my mom died when I was fourteen and that I was in the county home for children for a while.” Tate nodded and leaned forward, clearly interested. “When I was there, I met Uncle Travis and he helped me find a home. It was through Travis that I met Mom and Dad.” “You told me this a few years ago. I always wondered why Travis didn’t adopt you.” Arthur shook his head. “That’s a whole different story and we really don’t have the time right now. There’s a reason why Uncle Travis took an interest in me and helped me besides the fact that he and Uncle Cembran are two of the best people ever. It’s because Uncle Travis realized that I was like him.” “You mean gay. That’s no secret.” Tate leaned back in the chair. “No.” Arthur was finding this even harder that he thought it would be; he really wished Uncle Travis were here to help him. But he wasn’t, and Arthur was an adult and he needed to be able to take care of himself. Besides, he knew and trusted Tate. Suddenly he realized how most other people felt when they came out of the closet. It had never been an issue for him. “Look, I’m just going to tell you, but you have to promise me that you’ll hear me out and

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remember that I’m not going to hurt you and that there’s nothing to be scared of, okay?” “Okay, okay, just tell me already.” Tate was flapping his hands like a big old queen, making Arthur laugh. “Okay.” What the hell. “Tate, I’m a satyr.” He waited for Tate’s reaction but got nothing but a blank look. “Yeah, right, and the farm is filled with half-men, half-horses, with unicorns jumping over fences, and fairies flying through the air.” Tate began to laugh as he slapped the arm of the chair. “This must be pretty bad if you have to take the edge off with a whopper like that.” “It’s no joke, Tate.” Arthur let his cloak slip, and two horns, about six inches long, appeared in his black hair. He also had a tail, but he refrained from dropping his pants to show it to Tate. “Holy shit!” His roommate flew back hard enough that the chair reclined on its own, sending him backward. Tate looked closer as he slowly righted the chair again. “You weren’t kidding, were you?” Arthur shook his head. “How do you hide those?” Tate pointed to the horns. “It’s part of the magic.” “You can do magic too? Like make things disappear for real?” By the look on his face, you’d think Harry Potter had just stepped into the room and they were at Hogwarts instead of Michigan State. “No, I can’t do that kind of magic.” He re-cloaked his horns. “It’s just part of who we are.” “So, this farm—it’s where other satyrs live?” Arthur nodded. “And Brock and Steve, your mom and dad, and uncles, they’re all…?” “Yeah, they’re all satyrs, and there are others as well. You’ll meet them all. That is, if you still want to go to the farm.” Arthur was suddenly wondering if Tate would still want to go, and worse, if he’d just lost his best friend.

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“My God, of course I still want to go.” Tate got to his feet. “No one will believe this when I tell them.” Arthur grabbed Tate’s arm. “You can never tell anyone, ever! It’s the only way we can be safe.” Arthur let go of Tate’s arm. “You must promise me, and it can’t be bullshit or some silly promise on your mother’s life, but a real promise.” “Why the secrecy?” Tate was pacing around the room. “One of the satyrs you’ll meet at the farm is Mr. Vauk. He was captured and spent sixty years in a cage, forced to perform like an animal in circuses and carnivals. You know how people treat others who are different. Imagine how people will treat someone who’s not fully human.” The fear in Arthur’s voice was real—very real. Was he putting everyone he loved in danger? “Okay, Arthur, I promise. I’ll never tell another soul. Not my parents, not anyone.” Then, to Arthur’s surprise, Tate hugged him. “You’re my best friend and I know how hard this was for you to tell me.” Arthur returned the hug, but said nothing as relief flooded through him. He wasn’t going to lose his best friend. Maybe there was hope for what he really wanted to ask. “So what’s this farm like?” “It’s a farm—they raise goats and sheep. But there are other animals as well. Cembran has dogs, there’s a deer, Mika, and there will probably be others if Mr. Vauk has babies he’s rescued.” “Is there something special going on this weekend? Because you wouldn’t leave this close to finals if there wasn’t something special.” “This is the weekend of the bacchanal.” “Ohh-kay. Like I know what that means.” “Satyrs can only get pregnant beneath the full moon, so we hold a bacchanal each month. There’s food and drink, stories, dancing, and, uhh… other stuff.” He couldn’t help blushing just a little. Arthur had never talked with anyone about the feelings he’d

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been having the past few months. He knew what they were, but in some ways he felt like a teenager. Tate’s eyes widened. “You mean you’ve been leaving each month to attend some sort of orgy and you never invited me until now?” “It’s not an orgy.” Arthur smacked Tate on the arm. “It’s a bacchanal. Most everyone is paired up and the sex happens in private shelters around the lake. Well, most of the sex anyway. It’s very impolite to watch unless you’re invited, and most couples are really quite private.” Leave it to Tate to turn something sacred and beautiful into something dirty. “Okay, it’s not an orgy.” Tate rubbed his arm. “But you’ve been leaving each month to attend this bacchanal. No wonder you’ve never shown any interest in anyone at school. I mean, you must get horny, being a satyr and all.” “I do, and I am, but it’s different. We don’t reach sexual maturity until we’re about twenty-three or twenty-four. So, up until recently, I had no desire for sex, but in the past few month’s it’s kicked in with a vengeance, and therein lies the problem.” “What sort of problem? We’ll find you someone and get you laid.” Arthur shook his head vehemently. “Uncle Gathod told me once that a satyr’s first time is very important. He said to be sure to choose carefully, and I believe him.” “Okay, so is there someone you want for your first time? Is there someone at the farm you have your eye on?” Arthur said nothing, but he stared at Tate, waiting. “What?” Arthur sighed in exasperation. “Uncle Gathod said to make sure the person you chose for your first time was special and meaningful, because you would remember that person for the rest of your life. So, I chose you.”

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“Me?” Tate seemed so stunned he just sat there. “Why would you want me? Are you in love with me or something? Like some romance novel character who falls in love with his roommate?” “No, I’m not in love with you. But I do love and trust you. You’re my best friend and I want my first time to be special, and I know with you it would be. If you don’t want to or if you think it will change our friendship, then I won’t hold it against you. I promise.” Tate got up, looking a little dazed. “I love you, too, ya goof, and I’d be honored to be your first time. But what about afterward?” “Afterward? You mean after we come back?” Tate nodded slowly. “We’ll be friends just like we are now, but friends with a very special memory, and you’ll have given me something very special that I will remember for the rest of my life.” Arthur hoped it would be a special memory for Tate; he was sure it would be for him. He and Tate had been close for a number of years, and while he hoped this wouldn’t alter their friendship too much, he wasn’t naive enough to think it wouldn’t change it at all. “But what if it changes our friendship? I don’t want to lose that.” Arthur could see concern on Tate’s face, but he could also tell that his friend was both intrigued and a little excited about the offer. “You won’t. Think of it as giving me something very important and special. I know this will be hard for you to understand, but you’ll be giving me a great gift, a part of who I am.” It was hard for him to explain that Tate would be ushering in his satyr adulthood. Tate smiled and hugged his best friend tight. “You’re giving me something very special, you know. I’ve never been someone’s first time before.”

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“SO

TELL me about this bacchanal.” Tate was sitting in the passenger seat of Arthur’s BMW. His brother, Brock, had given it to him when he’d gotten a new car a few years earlier.

“Think of it as a party with food, drinks, music….” He let his voice trail off. Tate turned in his seat. “Look, I can tell you’re nervous.” Arthur turned his head as he drove. “You always bite your nails when you’re nervous.” Arthur pulled a finger away from his lips and returned to his driving. “I know why you’re nervous and I want you to stop it. If this is a party, then just concentrate on having a good time. If something happens, then it happens. And if it doesn’t, that’s fine too. Okay?” “Okay. I know I shouldn’t be nervous, but I guess I’m worried I might not be very good.” “As long as you give from your heart, you can’t help being good.” Tate relaxed back into the seat, watching the scenery. “I’ve seen you with the animals you’ve cared for. You put your whole heart into the care of each one. So why wouldn’t you give the same devotion to your partner when you make love?” Tate patted Arthur’s leg. “Just concentrate on having a good time and enjoying yourself. The rest will take care of itself.”

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“Thanks.” Arthur kept driving and, thankfully, Tate changed the subject, asking about various points of interest as they passed. Arthur pulled into the parking area near the farm just before the time Cembran had said dinner would be ready. They got out of the car and Arthur grabbed the bags as Tate craned his neck, looking all around. “God, I can’t remember the last time I saw trees so tall.” “Most of the property is old-growth forest. Uncle Travis and Uncle Cembran have about four hundred acres and most of it is undisturbed. I’ve explored a lot of it with Mr. Vauk over the years. There are two small lakes, a stream, and even a river.” Arthur handed Tate his bag and closed the trunk. “Mr. Vauk and Trent have the farm over there.” Arthur pointed across the street. “They’ll be at the bacchanal tomorrow night.” “Wasn’t Trent your teacher?” Tate’s face showed confusion and general disbelief. “Yeah. He met Uncle Travis at an honors dinner and realized he was a satyr.” Arthur led the way down the path toward the farm. “He met Mr. Vauk at the farm and they’ve been inseparable ever since. You’ll like Mr. Vauk. Hell, I think you’ll like everyone.” They exited the woods, cresting a small rise, the farm laid out in front of them. “Holy shit!” Arthur saw Tate shudder. “This place is alive with energy.” Furrowing his brow, Arthur tilted his head as he looked at Tate. “Can’t you feel it?” Arthur shrugged. “Feel what?” He really had no idea what Tate was talking about. “You can’t feel that?” Arthur shook his head, surprised at the look of wonder on Tate’s face. “It feels like this place is steeped in love and sex. The air almost crackles with it.” Tate rolled his shoulders. “Everything seems almost electric.”

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“I don’t really feel it, but maybe I’m used to it. You should ask Uncle Travis about it.” Arthur started toward the house. “Come on. I’m hungry, and Uncle Cembran will have dinner ready.” Tate caught up, putting his arm around Arthur’s shoulder. “What else is new? You’re always hungry.” Tate bumped their hips together as they walked toward the house. Arthur opened the door and entered the farmhouse. “Uncle Cembran, Uncle Travis!” Arthur called, but got no response. Dinner appeared prepped, with food on the counter and dishes out. Then a small sound drifted from behind one of the closed doors. Arthur put down his suitcase and took Tate’s, placing it next to his. “They’ll be a while. Let’s go see the sheep.” The sounds got a little louder. “Come on.” They left the house, closing the door quietly behind them. Once the door was closed, Tate covered his mouth and began to titter behind his hand. “Didn’t they know we were coming?” Arthur shook his head as he led the way to the sheep barn. “They’re satyrs, Tate, and they’re deeply in love with each other. Sex is nothing to be ashamed of or made fun of. Not here.” Arthur looked around as they walked. “You could encounter a couple in the barn, or on the sand by the lake, or in one of the shelters as you walk by. If you do, just continue on your way. I once found Uncle Cembran and Uncle Travis making love on a blanket in the middle of a field of wildflowers. I just turned around and went somewhere else.” “No wonder this place feels so… I can’t describe it. Like the land itself is steeped in passion and can’t help radiating it back.” They reached the door to the barn. “I’ve been turned on since I got here, if you know what I mean.” Arthur opened the door without responding and led them inside. Most of the sheep were in the fields, but some, particularly the new mothers, were still in the barn. Arthur went right to a mother sheep and her lambs. “Aren’t they beautiful?” The mother barely

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moved as Arthur lifted out one of the lambs, cradling it in his arms before handing the soft bundle to Tate and picking up another. “She’ll let you handle her young? That’s amazing. Mothers are usually so protective.” Tate cuddled the lamb against his chest. “They all know we won’t hurt any of them. This farm is a gentle farm and we’re their caretakers. The sheep are raised for their wool, the goats for milk. They are never killed or mistreated in any way. They live their lives here, raise their young here, and are cared for until they die. They are never eaten and they never wander off. The pasture fences are to help keep out predators, but we don’t have a lot of them anymore.” Arthur placed the lamb back with its mother and the small, white bundle scooted close to her and immediately began to fall asleep. “No wonder.” Tate sounded like he’d just had an “aha moment.” “No wonder you’re so gifted. I always thought it was because you studied so hard, but it’s because of this place and who you are.” The lamb shifted in Tate’s arms and then settled, closing its eyes. “Last semester when you argued with Dr. Goodrich about a diagnosis, telling him that he was wrong when he diagnosed colic and you insisted the horse had an obstruction, even though all the symptoms pointed to colic. I always wondered how you knew. But now I realize you’re so in tune with them, they almost tell you when something’s wrong. Am I right?” The lamb yawned and re-closed its eyes, burrowing closer to Tate’s warmth, and Arthur watched as Tate stroked the lamb’s wool. “They’re soft, aren’t they?” Tate nodded as he carded his fingers through the lamb’s wool. “I can’t explain it, but I just know when something’s wrong. I can’t speak to animals, but there’s something inside me that guides me to whatever is causing them pain.” Arthur walked farther into the barn, stopping at another mother and gently patting her head as he checked on her young. “Maybe it’s because being a satyr, you’re—for lack of a better term—part animal. I mean….” Tate tried to backpedal, but he just didn’t know how to express his thought any other way.

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“Don’t worry about it. That’s as good a way to describe it as any. But that’s not the answer. Other satyrs don’t feel what I do. Uncle Travis tells me it’s part of my gift. I stopped questioning it a long time ago.” “Is that why they all seek you out?” Arthur shrugged as he finished looking over the lambs and started to move on. “You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed how even the cantankerous animals like Neverland seek you out when they bite everyone else.” “Tate, they seek me out because I can heal them and because I truly care for them.” He leaned against the railing of the pen. “Then why don’t they react to the rest of us like they do you? We all care for them and try to heal them.” Tate followed as Arthur led him back to the lamb’s mother and indicated that he should put the lamb back with the ewe. “You’ve never seen it, because I have to be careful, but I can heal them—as in lay my hands on them and make them better. I did it for Neverland a few weeks ago. Did you notice that Goodrich stopped using him as an example during clinical reviews? It’s because he can’t explain why his kidney disease suddenly vanished.” Tate opened his mouth to say something, but then snapped it shut and started again. “Is that part of the magic too?” Arthur nodded and shrugged. “As near as I can tell, yes.” Arthur closed the door as they exited the barn. “We should go back for dinner.” Arthur led the way through the twilight back to the farmhouse. Inside, Cembran was making dinner, with Travis’s help. That is, if Travis placing his arms around Cembran’s waist and kissing his neck could be classified as help. But both Arthur and Tate noticed that Cembran wasn’t complaining in the least. “’Bout time you got here; dinner’s almost ready.” Cembran grinned as Travis released him, and he began putting dinner on the table.

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“We were here earlier, but you were busy, so we walked to the sheep barn.” Arthur led the way to the table. “Uncle Cembran, Uncle Travis, you remember my roommate, Tate Bradford.” “Yes, of course,” Travis answered as Cembran returned to the kitchen. “We’re glad you could join us.” Arthur noticed Travis looking alternately from him and then to Tate. “I’ll be right back.” They watched as Travis went to help Cembran. With them out of the room, Tate took the chance to look around. “Jesus, that feeling is even stronger in here,” he whispered to Arthur, as he took a seat at the table. “It’s like the walls are infused with passion.” Tate motioned toward the closed door off the living room. “Is that their bedroom?” Arthur shook his head. “That’s Travis’s office. Their bedroom is over there.” He pointed to the next room. “Do you want to see it? It’s really beautiful. They built it and the office themselves. Cembran had constructed this portion of the house and the guestroom we’ll be using about a hundred years ago.” Tate looked shocked. “Good God, no. If I can feel the passion out here, in there,” he gestured toward the door, “I’d probably explode.” Tate did a double take. “Wait a minute. Did you say Cembran built this a hundred years ago?” “Yeah.” “I’d say you’re full of shit, but after the past two days, I’ll believe anything.” Before Arthur could say anything more, Travis and Cembran returned with the rest of dinner, setting the dishes on the table and taking their seats. Travis began passing the food around the table. “So, what do you think of our little farm?” Tate took the bowl of potatoes and helped himself before passing the bowl to Arthur. “It’s beautiful. Arthur showed me the sheep, and I’ve never seen such contented livestock before.”

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“They’re more than livestock; they’re our charges. We protect and nurture them, and they give us their wool and their trust.” Travis began passing the other dishes. “The goats are the same way. All the animals here live their lives free of want or harm. It’s the way Cembran has farmed this land for,” Travis hesitated, “a long time.” Tate started eating. “God, this is good.” Cembran smiled at the compliment. Tate swallowed and volunteered, “Arthur told me that Cembran built the main portion of the house a hundred years ago.” Travis swallowed his food before elaborating. “Yes, he did. From your comment I’m going to infer that Arthur has also told you about himself and us.” Tate nodded, since his mouth was full, and Travis continued, “Satyrs live longer than humans, sometimes hundreds of years longer. Cembran is almost three hundred and twenty years old.” Travis put down his fork and squeezed his truist’s hand. “Can I ask you something?” Tate swallowed before replying, “Ask away.” “I know Arthur told you about us, and he must trust you a great deal if he’s willing to do that.” Tate smiled as he looked at his best friend. “I’m so honored that he was willing to do that. I know he was worried about how I’d react, but I know how much courage it took for him to take me into his confidence.” Travis put down his fork, looking at Tate and Arthur very seriously before turning to Arthur. “Do you love him?” Arthur huffed softly before responding, “I’m not a child, Uncle Travis.” The two men held each other’s looks across the table until Arthur looked down at the table, releasing his held breath. “Tate’s my best friend. I love him, but I’m not in love with him and he’s not in love with me.” Tate was nodding his agreement, and the answer seemed to pacify his uncle. “Travis, let them eat. They have to be starved after eating nothing but that bland school food.” Cembran passed more of the

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food their way, encouraging them to keep eating. Arthur noticed that Travis’s expression softened, and he went back to his food. But what he didn’t notice was the strange look that passed between Travis and Cembran. One of those “I’ll tell you when the kids are in bed” looks. He should have known that Travis would know what was going on. Arthur could almost swear Travis could read minds. Tate looked at Travis like he was ready to poke the bear. “Can I ask you a question?” Travis smiled and nodded, figuring he had it coming. “Since I arrived, I’ve felt a sensation that I can’t really describe. It’s like this sexy euphoria that seems to come from everywhere, like the very land is steeped in love and passion. It’s hard to explain, but it’s strongest here in the house.” “Other human visitors have told us something similar,” Travis offered. “You mean you don’t feel it? Because I sure do.” “No. None of us does because we’re the source of what you’re feeling. Or, more exactly, our love is the source of what you’re feeling.” Travis took a bite and swallowed before continuing as Arthur and Tate’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m sure you’ve both taken philosophy classes and learned that people have been pondering big questions like why are we here, or the meaning of life, for thousands of years. But I think the answer for us—by that I mean satyrs—is really simple. We’re responsible for bringing passion to the world.” “Uncle Travis. “ Arthur looked across the table, dumbfounded. “You mean without us there would be no love?” “No, I mean without satyrs in the world, there would be no passion. Love would exist, but that deep passionate love that some of us are lucky enough to find,” Arthur watched as Travis slipped his arm around Cembran’s waist and he doubted Travis even realized he was doing it, “would begin to fade away. Everyone has a purpose, even if we don’t know what it is.”

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“Wow.” Tate’s fork dinged as it fell from his fingers. “Are there other—God, I don’t know how to put this—beings… that perform other functions?” Travis looked at Cembran, who shrugged. “I have no idea. There could be, but like us, they’re probably hidden in plain sight.” They finished their dinner and spent the evening talking about animals and their care. Tate had all kinds of questions, and Travis, Cembran, and Arthur tried their best to answer them all. As the evening wore on, Travis and Cembran said good night and disappeared behind their door, with Arthur and Tate going to bed soon after.

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ARTHUR and Tate stepped out of the goat barn, smiling and happy. “I’m really beginning to get an appreciation for the bigger animals. When I decided to become a vet, I figured I’d be working in the city taking care of people’s pets.” Tate stopped as he saw Travis walking purposefully across the farm. “Where’s he going in such a hurry? He looks like he forgot something important.” “He’s going to the lake to make preparations for the bacchanal.” Arthur closed the door to the barn behind them and Tate began to follow where Travis was headed, but Arthur stopped him. “He does it alone. Travis is what we call the baccharist, or our leader, and as such, he presides over the bacchanal, making sure everything is ready. He let me watch once, but he usually does it alone.” Arthur tugged Tate’s attention away from the path Travis had taken and toward the other end of the farm. “We’re almost done with our chores. We just need to make sure Mika’s okay.” Arthur started running toward a pen on the far side of the farm. “Mika? Who’s Mika?” Tate called as he ran to catch up with Arthur. He caught up with him just outside a large enclosure with a high fence. Arthur opened the gate and made a soft sound and Tate watched as a doe walked up to the young satyr. “This is Mika.” The doe nuzzled her cheek against Arthur’s chest. After a few minutes she backed away, and Arthur began to run, with Mika chasing after

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him. It didn’t take long for the deer to catch up to him. Arthur tumbled, going head over heels. Tate raced into the pen and Mika stopped, tensed, and sniffed the air. “Are you okay, Artie?” As he approached, he saw Arthur get to his feet, smiling. “I’m fine. It’s part of the game. She usually doesn’t trip me, though.” Arthur looked around and saw Mika standing still, about ready to bolt away. “Don’t move, Tate. She’s scared.” Arthur walked slowly toward her, speaking softly. She didn’t move, but didn’t make to run away either. When Arthur reached her, he began speaking in soft, reassuring tones, gently stroking her. “Tate, move slowly toward us. Don’t make any sudden moves.” Tate began to approach and got within a few feet of the doe. “Put out your hand, palm down.” Tate did as requested, and a few minutes later, Mika and Arthur moved forward. “Stroke her head, very slowly and gently. You just scared her when you entered the pen. She won’t hurt you.” His voice maintained the same gentle, soothing tone. “My God. I’m petting a deer and she’s letting me,” Tate whispered, as he stroked Mika’s head between her ears. He mimicked Arthur’s tone as best he could. “You’re a beautiful girl, aren’t you? Yes you are. I’m sorry I frightened you.” He turned his attention briefly to Arthur. “How old is she?” “About six years. Mr. Vauk rescued her as a fawn and we made this pen here for her. When he and Trent moved across the street, they didn’t want to uproot her again, so she stayed here. We really wanted to release her back into the wild, but she’d already bonded with us, so we take care of her.” “That’s so cool.” Tate stroked a hand down her back. “You stay here with her; I’m going to make sure she has food and water.” Arthur stepped away, and to Tate’s surprise, Mika remained where she was, but she kept her eyes on Arthur. “We should see if Cembran needs any help before we get ready for tonight.” After giving Mika some more attention, they left the pen,

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carefully closing the gate behind them before walking down the path to the house. Cembran was in the living room reading when they came in. “Uncle Cembran, is there anything we can help with?” “No, just relax for a while. Everyone will start arriving for the bacchanal in a few hours. I suggest you grab a nap. You were up early this morning and the bacchanal usually goes late into the night.” Arthur bent down and hugged his uncle. “Thanks. I think we’ll do that.” In the bedroom, Arthur slipped off his shoes and rested on the bed, with Tate lying next to him. He felt an arm slide around his waist. “Thank you for bringing me here. I think I understand now. This place is amazing!” Arthur rolled over. “Get some rest. You haven’t seen anything yet.” When Arthur woke, he felt Tate pressed against him. His body was already thrumming, with the bacchanal so close, and now he could feel Tate’s hardness pressed against his butt. Slowly, he rolled over, looking at his best friend’s sleep-relaxed face. He leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on his lips, and he felt Tate reach out to him, pulling them close together. Arthur’s body had already reacted to Tate’s closeness, but the kisses and the proximity were sending him into overdrive. They’d napped in their clothes, and Arthur slid his hand under Tate’s shirt, moaning softly into Tate’s mouth when he felt the smooth, warm skin of his stomach. “You feel so good.” Arthur felt Tate’s hands slip beneath his shirt, warm hands stroking his back as a cloud of lust and passion obscured all other thoughts. A knock on the door made them both jump. “You should be getting ready, guys.” They heard Travis’s footsteps as he backed away from the door.

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Tate pulled his hand away from Arthur’s skin. “We’ll pick this up later.” Arthur could only nod before sighing and then getting off the bed. “Do you think he knew what we were doing?” Tate whispered, as he started changing clothes. “I don’t doubt it, but what I don’t understand is why he’d mind enough to stop us.” Arthur finished changing, waiting for Tate, who was just pulling on his pants. “I don’t know about him minding, but he loves you very much and maybe he thinks you might get hurt.” He fastened his pants and slipped on a belt. “We don’t have to do this, you know.” Arthur smiled and put his arm around Tate’s shoulders. “I know.” They finished dressing and left the bedroom. The house was quiet and Arthur led Tate outside and across the fields toward the lake. Tate was speechless as they emerged from the trees. Tall, majestic trees surrounded a small, crystal-clear lake. Satyrs had already started gathering. “This is a safe zone for us, so no one will be cloaked.” Arthur let his own cloak slip. “Cool.” Arthur turned to gauge Tate’s reaction, but all he saw was fascination and curiosity. “Hey, little brother!” Arthur found himself engulfed in a bear hug, which he returned enthusiastically. “Hey, Brock.” They separated, but not after Arthur found himself nearly breathless. “Hey, Steven,” he greeted his brother’s mate. “You both remember my roommate, Tate?” They shook hands and exchanged greetings as others continued to arrive. Arthur made introductions and said hello to everyone. “There’s no way I’m going to remember everyone, Artie.” The first hint of concern colored Tate’s voice. “Don’t worry about it. Everyone here is like family.” Arthur was going to say more, but got interrupted.

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“Welcome to the April bacchanal!” Travis stepped from the woods that surrounded the lake, Cembran at his side. The air became electric with anticipation. “Today is a very special bacchanal. Arthur Kraus is joining us for his first full bacchanal and is hereby welcomed as a full member of our satyr bacchan.” Everyone clapped, and Arthur looked at his adopted parents and saw them beaming with pride. His mom sniffled as she wiped her eyes. “I’d also like to welcome Arthur’s friend Tate to our gathering and invite everyone to share their stories of their first time.” Travis and Cembran moved through the group, greeting everyone and shaking hands. When he got to Arthur, Travis pulled him into a warm hug. “I love you, Arthur.” “Love you too, Uncle Travis.” Arthur released Travis and moved to Cembran. “I love you too.” Arthur settled on the sand next to Tate and watched as everyone finished gathering, and, to his surprise, Cembran began telling a story. Arthur had been attending the story portion of the bacchanal for years and Cembran had shared very few of his stories, and only after Travis would ask him. “My first time was almost three hundred years ago and I can still remember like it was yesterday.” Arthur saw Cembran glance at Travis before continuing. “Our village was small and remote, tucked in a valley of the Jura Mountains, and I knew everyone and everyone knew me. I came of age when I was just a little younger than Arthur here. It was then that I noticed that my childhood friend Gathod”—Cembran glanced around the fire, looking at the large satyr across from him; Gathod nodded and Cembran continued his story—“was the most handsome satyr I’d ever seen.” “The problem was that I knew my father would never tolerate me becoming involved with another male. I was expected to marry and have children. My father had even picked out who my mate should be. But as soon as I noticed Gathod, he was it for me. I followed him around town and found any excuse to visit him at

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work. It didn’t take him long to figure out why I was paying him all this attention, and to my delight, he felt the same way.” Cembran stopped talking as he looked around the fire. Every eye was on him, the only sound the crackling of the fire. “Gathod first kissed me behind our house. I was bringing in the firewood when Gathod startled me, and I dropped the logs on his feet. To my surprise, he didn’t cry out or get mad. Instead, he pulled me to him and kissed me. No one had ever kissed me like that before and I didn’t know what to do, so I just stood there. Lucky for me Gathod knew what to do, and he kissed me again. I can still remember the feel of his arms around my body and his lips as they moved over mine, and for the first time in my life, I felt another’s excitement press against my body.” Arthur watched as Travis sat behind Cembran, putting his arms around his mate—telling him that it was okay, that he wasn’t upset or jealous. “I heard someone coming home and we broke apart. I felt both guilty and completely alive for the first time. I walked on air for days; just the memory of that kiss was enough to put a smile on my face. After a while, it got so that we were sneaking off so we could be together, kissing and touching. For the first time, I knew I was in love.” Cembran rested against Travis as he continued. “It was my turn to tend the flock, so I went up to the shelter on the hillside to watch over the sheep. As I sat in the shelter, I saw Gathod coming along the path and waved to him as he approached the shelter. He said, ‘I thought I’d keep you company.’ “My heart leapt as he sat next to me. We were alone, with only the sheep for company. Gently, Gathod guided me onto the bed cushions in the shelter and he made love to me—gentle, passionate love. When we joined for the first time, he told me that he loved me, that he’d loved me for a long time and had just been waiting for me, hoping I could love him too.” Cembran’s voice was becoming rough, but he managed to continue. “We made love the rest of the

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afternoon, evening, and most of the night, stopping only long enough to eat.” Cembran stopped talking and reclined against his mate. Arthur saw Travis gently wipe tears from Cembran’s cheek and he couldn’t help thinking how much he wanted what Travis and Cembran had. Arthur knew, as did most everyone else, that Cembran’s father found out about Gathod and gave Cembran an ultimatum. Cembran left the village rather than submit to his father’s domineering will. “Rather than tell you about my first time, I’d like to tell you about the first time Brock told me he loved me.” Steven scooted onto Brock’s lap and Arthur watched as his brother snuggled the smaller satyr against his chest. “We’d been dating for a few weeks and we’d come here to the farm for the weekend. Cembran took me out to the barns to see the animals; Brock and Travis stayed behind, talking. I found out later that they’d been talking about me.” Steven’s eyes gleamed with reflected firelight as Brock nuzzled his neck. “If you keep doing that, I’ll never be able to finish the story.” Brock whispered something and then pulled his lips away. Steven actually shuddered before continuing. “When we returned from the barns, Cembran and Travis left to complete their chores. I realize now it was a ruse to give the two of us some time alone, but I didn’t know that then. Once they’d gone, Brock sat next to me on the sofa and we began kissing, which, with Brock, invariably leads to something more interesting. Pretty soon, Brock disappeared into the guestroom we’d been using, returning with the comforter from the bed. Brock spread it in front of the fire and tugged me to him.” Brock whispered something to Steven and Steven answered, also in a whisper. Arthur took the opportunity to look to Tate sitting next to him. His friend was sitting on the sand with a look of astonishment on his face. Arthur whispered, “Are you okay?” Tate nodded very slowly. “I’ve never heard people talk this way. It’s so uninhibited—so candid and unbelievably wonderful.” Arthur breathed a sigh of relief; he’d been a little afraid that Tate wouldn’t understand.

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Steven continued with his story. “Brock slowly stripped off all our clothes and made love to me in front of the stone fireplace. With our bodies joined, Brock stopped moving and leaned very close to me. ‘I love you, Steven, with my whole heart, body, and soul.’” Everyone held very still, waiting. “I cried. With tears running down my face, I gasped through sobs that I loved him too. Then Brock took me to heights of passion I never knew existed. Up ’til then, we’d had great sex, but since he told me he loved me, we make passionate love.” Steven rested his head against Brock’s chest, the two of them whispering softly back and forth, sentiments meant for only them. Arthur’s adopted parents, Jim and Sue, then told the story of their first time, with Sue crying softly when Jim said that with his incredibly loving mate, every time was better than the last. Arthur felt Tate lean toward him. “Why are those three sitting together like that?” Arthur whispered very softly, not wanting to be too obvious. “That’s Jeremy, Phillip, and Dovino. The three of them are together.” The look on Tate’s face was absolutely priceless. “The lucky bastards.” “The most memorable day of my life was the day I met my future truists, Dovino and Phillip.” Arthur had heard this before. “My first bacchanal….” Arthur let Jeremy’s words go in one ear and out the other. He’d heard their story before, and after all the other stories, his thoughts were definitely elsewhere. Suddenly, it became very important that his first time be as wonderful as Steven and Brock’s, Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy’s, and, if he was lucky, Cembran’s. “Tate, I can’t.” After hearing all these stories of passionate love, he knew he had to wait until he had that too. A first time arranged with a friend just wasn’t enough anymore.

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His best friend’s head turned slowly, whispering so he wouldn’t disturb anyone near him. “I know. You deserve to have your first time be as wonderful as these stories. Hell, I want my next first time to be as wonderful as their stories.” Jeremy finished his story, Travis gave a small signal, and music started. Tate looked around. “Where is the music coming from?” Arthur got up and began to dance along with the other satyrs. “It’s part of the magic.” They moved together around the fire, shuffling and whirling to the flowing, sensual music. “This is how satyrs express joy.” The light from the flames skipped and flickered across the surface of the water, imitating the movement of the dancers on the sand. “Where are they going?” Tate motioned toward a few couples, including Brock and Steven, who were walking into the woods. “That’s how satyrs express passion. They’re heading toward the shelters. Remember what we talked about earlier?” Tate nodded and they returned to the dance. Arthur lost himself in the music just like he usually did, letting the energy and joy he felt deep inside flow out of him through his body. Grabbing Tate, he whirled his friend around the fire, giving him a taste of the energy and joy that pounded through him. “Who’s that?” A large figure stepped from the trees wearing only a pair of shorts and a loose shirt. Arthur saw Tate’s eyes widen. “What is that?” “That’s Mr. Vauk.” Arthur watched as Tate stopped dancing, staring open-mouthed at the tall, broad satyr with huge, powerful horns and legs covered with thick, goatlike hair. “Stop staring. He’s really nice,” Arthur admonished, before bounding over and throwing himself into Vauk’s thick arms. “Mr. Vauk, I’ve been watching for you.” “You have, huh? I take it you want to dance.” Arthur nodded and took Vauk by the hand, dragging him to where Tate was

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standing. At least his mouth wasn’t hanging open anymore. “Mr. Vauk, this is my roommate Tate. Tate, this is Mr. Vauk.” The huge satyr shook Tate’s hand, greeting the much smaller human warmly. “And this is Trent. He and Mr. Vauk are mates.” Tate shook Trent’s hand as well. “It’s a pleasure to meet both of you.” They made small talk for a few minutes before Arthur dragged both Tate and Trent toward the fire. He tried to drag Vauk as well, but the large satyr declined, sitting on the sand to watch instead. “Artie, he’s huge.” Trent laughed as they danced together. “He looks fierce, but he’s really a big pussycat.” Arthur joined in Trent’s laughter because he, too, thought of Vauk as one of the kindest people he knew. “Be that as it may, I’d give anything to have someone look at me the way he’s looking at you.” Tate shifted his gaze from Vauk to Trent. Vauk got to his feet and stepped into the ring of dancers. The music changed instantly; thrumming, tribal rhythms replaced the flowing melodies, and Vauk pulled Trent to him. Arthur and Tate stepped back as Vauk and Trent, along with some of the other satyrs, began leaping and bounding around the fire like passionate predators stalking their sexual prey. “Holy fuck, Artie.” Tate grabbed onto Arthur’s arm, holding on to his friend as his body began to shake. “What’s wrong, Tate?” Arthur saw his friend stiffen and his eyes roll back in his head as his fingers dug into Arthur’s arm. His friend swallowed and tried to catch his breath, still hanging on to Arthur’s arm. “I just—shit, Artie—I just had the most powerful orgasm of my life.” Tate was breathing heavily, and Arthur helped him remain on his feet. “How can that happen?” “You’re a human at a satyr gathering, and if what you’ve described is true, then your mind probably got overwhelmed by all the sexual energy.” Arthur pulled Tate into the woods toward the shelter that Travis had said they could use. Retrieving a towel, he

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handed it to Tate so he could clean himself up. “Do you want to dance some more?” “No. I think I need to lie down for a while.” Tate sat down on the cushion that covered the floor then lay back on top of the blankets. “Can I bring you something to eat or drink?” Tate yawned. “That would be really nice, Artie. Thanks.” “I’ll be right back.” Arthur went back to the clearing and filled two plates, getting two glasses of beer before returning to the shelter. “I got some food and beer.” “Thanks.” He sat up and together they wolfed down the food and drained their mugs. “This is really good. Does Cembran make the food?” Arthur shook his head. There was no way he could tell Tate where everything for the bacchanal came from. “I’ll tell you in the morning.” When they were done, he set the plates and glasses on a small shelf and slipped off his pants and shirt before climbing beneath the blankets. Tate followed suit, and soon Tate was curled in Arthur’s arms “Good night, Tate.” “Night, Artie. Thanks for bringing me with you. I’ll never forget this. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” Tate yawned and began to fall asleep. Neither of them could see, but just beyond the trees, someone else said a silent good-night, watching as they fell asleep before silently melting into the forest.

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“I

LOVE this time of year. All the flowers are blooming and everything is so green and fresh.” Arthur followed Vauk as he blazed a path through the back areas of the property, stopping occasionally to examine a patch of while trillium, or in the low areas, yellow cowslips.

Vauk stopped and turned around. “You’re just happy that school’s over and you’ve only got your clinical to finish.” “Well, I am relieved that my training is almost over, but I have to admit that I miss Tate. We’ve spent so much time together and gotten so close. It’s hard not having him around.” They wove their way around some particularly dense undergrowth. “How’s he doing? He really seemed to have a good time at the bacchanal last month.” “That’s an understatement.” Arthur stopped and started to laugh. “On our way home, he actually asked me how he went about finding a satyr to love. I think you made a particular impression.” “Me? He liked me?” Vauk stopped looking around and stared at Arthur. “Yeah. Tate really likes big men, and you’re the biggest person he’s ever met. I think that he’d make a play for you if you didn’t have Trent. He found you absolutely fascinating.”

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Vauk shook his head as if he was finding that hard to believe. “So he wants to find a satyr of his own.” Arthur nodded and chuckled softly. “That’s pretty wonderful, you know. Many of us spend most of our lives alone.” “I thought it was pretty wonderful too.” They started walking again, going farther from the farm. “Have you been here before?” Arthur was sure he’d never been to this part of the property. “I was here a long time ago, before I met Trent.” Vauk changed direction and began weaving around some briars. “I missed you at the May bacchanal; we all did.” “I missed everyone too. I just couldn’t get away. It was too close to finals, but Tate and I closed our door and thought of everyone. We even raised a glass of Cembran’s beer between hours of studying.” Arthur kept smiling as he thought about how supportive his friend had been ever since he’d told him he was a satyr. Vauk stopped moving and signaled to Arthur to stop. “Did you hear that?” Arthur shook his head and listened intently. “There it is again.” Vauk’s whisper was barely audible as he cocked his head to hear it better. “It’s coming from over there.” Vauk pointed in the direction of a small creek. “Sounds like someone walking through the woods. Stay behind me and be careful. It may be nothing.” The noise came again and this time Arthur heard it too: footsteps, sticks breaking, and what sounded like a voice, but the words were too far away. Slowly, they moved forward toward the source of the noise. The undergrowth was particularly dense and Arthur wondered as they moved forward how anyone could get to this portion of the property, or why anyone would bother. Vauk stopped and motioned for Arthur to stop. Slowly he moved forward and pushed aside a tangle of branches and peered through the opening. A young man, and from what Arthur could see, a rather handsome one at that, had slipped down the creek bank and was

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trying to climb back up, muttering as he struggled. “Stupid things. How can anyone use them anyway? Never get used to the clumsy things.” He tried again to climb up the bank, but only managed to slip down again, nearly ending up in the water. But to his credit he tried again, grumbling continually to himself. “Rotten moss! These things are nearly useless.” Arthur put his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing as the young man slipped back down yet again. Then, as the young man struggled yet again, Arthur stepped into the clearing. “What things are useless?” The young man gave a small yelp, stumbled again, and began to slide back down the bank. Only this time, instead of grumbling, Arthur heard a splash at the end. The young man was sitting at the bottom of the bank, his butt in the water, looking up at him. “Whwh-who are you?” Arthur felt Vauk bump him as the big satyr stood beside him. “The important thing, young man, is who are you?” The young man squeaked again, his eyes widening as he stared at a very fiercelooking Vauk. “I… I….” The young man’s voice was high and cracked a few times as he stammered. “I’m Gaelen.” “I’m Arthur, and this is Vauk.” Arthur stepped forward and slowly climbed down the bank. “Let me help you up.” Arthur extended his hand but Gaelen didn’t move. “I’m wet.” His eyes widened with surprise. “Of course you’re wet. Your butt is in the water. Come on; give me your hand and I’ll help you up.” Gaelen finally raised his hand and Arthur pulled him up onto what appeared to be unsteady legs. “Are you hurt?” Gaelen shook his head and Arthur’s attention faltered slightly as he looked into those huge blue eyes. “No, I’m just wet.”

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“Well, that’s good anyway. From the way you were struggling to get up that small bank, I thought you might have been hurt.” Arthur climbed the bank and extended his hand again, steadying Gaelen as he climbed up behind him. The stranger almost fell again, but Arthur steadied him. “Now that you’re out of the water, can you tell me what you’re doing here?” Arthur watched as Gaelen’s gaze alternated between him and Vauk before settling on him. “I got lost and couldn’t find my way out of the woods. I wasn’t watching where I was going and fell.” Suddenly his tone changed and became more defensive. “I’d have gotten out on my own.” Arthur couldn’t help himself. “Maybe. After all, from what we saw, you were doing a great job on your own.” The young man glared at Arthur. “Well, if you just got—” He cut himself off and began to back away, almost tumbling back down into the creek again. Arthur reached out to steady him. This had to be one of the clumsiest people Arthur had ever met. “We’re not going to hurt you.” Gaelen still seemed unsteady on his feet, so he held the man’s arm to steady him, and then turned to Vauk. “We need to get him out of here and back to the farm, so he can get home.” Vauk wasn’t paying attention, but appeared to be listening intently. “Can you take him back? I think I hear something in trouble.” “Are you sure you should go alone?” “I think it’s a deer that got caught.” Arthur knew Vauk had exceptional hearing. The big satyr could always hear if a creature were in trouble, even deep in the forest. “We’ll meet you back at the farmhouse.” Vauk didn’t answer; his attention was elsewhere as he took off through the underbrush almost as though it didn’t exist. “Come on, Gaelen. I’ll lead you out of the woods.” Arthur began to move, but Gaelen stayed where he

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was. When Arthur turned around, Gaelen looked like he was trying to decide what to do. “I won’t hurt you—I promise. Besides, we need to get you into some dry clothes so you don’t catch cold.” He seemed to make up his mind and slowly stepped toward Arthur, but stumbled after a few steps and caught himself before falling. “You really are clumsy, aren’t you?” Arthur found it kind of cute. “Yes, I guess so.” He stumbled again and looked to see what caused it. There was nothing there but moss. “Come on. Hold my hand and I’ll lead you out.” Gaelen reluctantly took the offered hand and they began to slowly weave their way through the trees. With Arthur to steady him, Gaelen’s clumsiness seemed to abate, but that didn’t keep him from stopping to admire the various flowers they encountered along the way. Arthur watched as Gaelen bent, touched, and sniffed each type of flower, caressing the petals gently with his fingers before moving on to the next. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, they emerged from the trees and into the May afternoon sunshine. Gaelen clapped his hands with what appeared to be delight. “You have a damhnait?” Arthur looked at him funny. “You mean the deer? That’s Mika.” Seeing the fence, Gaelen’s eyes became hard—sort of fierce. “What is she doing here? She should be in the woods, running free, not in a cage.” Arthur stepped away, unsure what would cause such a serious reaction. “Not that it’s your business. Her mother was killed when she was young. We rescued her, but she got too used to humans to be released. So we take care of her.” Arthur saw the look in Gaelen’s eyes lessen slightly. He could understand Gaelen’s reaction. After all, he reacted the same way if he thought an animal was being harmed or mistreated.

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“You mean like a pet?” The word pet was said with such loathing. “No. Here, she’s loved.” As if she knew they were talking about her, Mika turned and looked at them, watching intently. Arthur moved close to the fence. “Come here, girl.” Mika walked over and put her nose to the fence, nuzzling Gaelen’s fingers. Arthur couldn’t believe it. Mika never approached strangers right away. “The gate’s down here.” He led them to the gate, with Mika following them on the other side of the fence. Arthur opened the gate and ushered Gaelen inside, closing the gate behind them. Mika walked right up to Gaelen, nuzzling his hand and rubbing against him. She then ambled over and greeted Arthur, rubbing against him as well. “How’s my girl?” After getting some attention, she nuzzled him gently and then walked toward the corner of the enclosure to her food bowl. “We should get you some dry clothes.” “Thank you. These are starting to feel funny.” “I bet they are. Come on; you can borrow some of mine.” Arthur led Gaelen out of the pen and down the path toward the house. Inside, the house was quiet. Arthur led Gaelen to the room he was using. “Here’s a pair of jeans and a shirt. They may be a little big for you, but at least they’ll be dry.” “Thanks.” Gaelen took the clothes and, before Arthur could leave, he opened his wet pants and pulled off his shirt, standing naked in the bedroom. Arthur tried not to be surprised, but he couldn’t help it. He also couldn’t help looking at the perfect round butt and creamy white skin. Then he remembered his manners and got up, quietly leaving the room so Gaelen could change in peace. Shutting the door behind him, he sat in the living room, waiting for Gaelen to finish dressing, his mind swirling with images of that beautiful light skin, firm butt, and damn if Gaelen’s legs

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weren’t something else—long and, like the rest of him, lean and…. “Oh God, he’s so beautiful.” “Who are you talking to? Is someone else here?” Gaelen was standing just outside the door, looking around. “Sorry.” He was about to ask where Gaelen lived so he could take him home when the door opened and Arthur heard Travis’s voice. “The sheep are really doing well this year….” He stopped in midsentence when he saw Gaelen. “Arthur, who’s this?” Cembran followed right behind Travis, closing the door. “Gaelen. Mr. Vauk and I found him on the far side of the property near where the creek comes into the river. He fell in and got wet, so I brought him back here.” “What were you doing on the property?” Arthur saw fear rise in Gaelen’s eyes. “I got lost and was trying to find my way out when Arthur and the big man you call Vauk found me. Arthur was good enough to bring me back here and loan me some dry clothes.” He seemed very nervous. “Where do you live?” Arthur had never seen Travis react this way to anyone. He was usually so welcoming, so helpful. He kept looking at Cembran, even stepping to block the line of sight between Gaelen and Cembran. “In town.” Gaelen kept looking from Arthur to Travis, the tension and fear in the room rising by the second. Arthur couldn’t figure it out. This was a stranger; why would Travis behave this way toward someone he’d never met? And more importantly, someone Arthur was trying to help? “Where in town?” Travis’s tone was becoming harsh, demanding. “Ummm.”

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“Uncle Travis, I was just about to take him home.” Arthur moved toward Gaelen to usher him out of the house. Whatever was going on, he thought it best to get Gaelen out of the house as quickly as possible. “Not until I have some answers. What were you doing on my property?” Travis didn’t even wait for an answer. His tone was becoming more and more urgent. Cembran tried intervening. “Travis, let Arthur take Gaelen home.” To Arthur’s surprise, Travis glared daggers at Cembran. He’d never seen Travis react that way before, and poor Gaelen was just standing in the doorway, rocking on his feet, looking scared and completely confused. Arthur had the urge to go to him and comfort him. “Uncle Travis….” “Not now, Arthur!” Travis yelled at him. In the ten years he’d known Travis, he’d never raised his voice to him. Ever. Travis took a step toward Gaelen, glaring at the scared, confused young man. Arthur looked from Gaelen, to Cembran, to Travis, trying to figure out what was happening. “What were you doing on my property?” Travis stepped closer, glaring at Gaelen, waiting for an answer. Gaelen opened his mouth, but all that came out was a squeak, and then with a small pop, he was gone. Everyone just looked at one another, wondering if they’d just seen what they thought they’d seen. Cembran was the first one to move, stepping up to Travis and slapping him on the arm. “Why’d you scare him like that?” “What just happened?” Arthur peeked into the bedroom, halfexpecting to see Gaelen, but it was empty. “I….” Travis turned to Cembran, looking lost. “I don’t know. What the hell just happened?” His gaze traveled to Arthur, who shrugged, and then back to Cembran.

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Cembran crossed his arms, glaring at Travis. “I believe that was a fairy.” Arthur had never seen him react that way before, or heard that tone before. “A what? Cembran, fairies are gone.” “Well then, you explain it, Mr. Rude and Inhospitable, because from where I’m standing, it looks like you drove the young man away. What I can’t figure out is why.” “I don’t know why.” Travis looked so confused. “I don’t know why, but I felt threatened somehow.” Travis’s gaze fell to the floor. “Like he was going to lure you away.” Cembran led Travis to the sofa. “It’s all right. No one could ever take me away from you.” Cembran pulled Travis close. “But I think we’re missing something more important here. If Gaelen is a fairy and your reception drove him away, one thing is for sure: he certainly won’t come back.” “I’m sorry.” Travis just looked confused. “You didn’t know, and you were being protective. Cavemanlike, but protective.” Cembran smiled slightly before continuing. “If Gaelen is a fairy, then we need to try to make contact with him again. He may need our help. After all, he was in human form for a reason.” Cembran looked to Arthur. “He may respond to you. He most certainly won’t respond to Travis or me. Not after this.” Arthur started toward his room. “I’ll go back to where I found him in the morning and hope he’s there.” He left Cembran and Travis talking quietly on the sofa, closing the bedroom door. He hoped he could find Gaelen, and that if he did, Gaelen would talk to him.

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ARTHUR woke to the sound of rain on the roof and someone moving through the house. He hadn’t slept well, Gaelen’s face appearing in his dreams with constant regularity throughout the night. Getting out of bed, he drew on his robe and stepped into the next room. The house was mostly dark. The only light was coming from the kitchen area, and Arthur saw Travis moving quietly. “Morning, Arthur.” Travis spoke softly. Arthur yawned broadly, covering his mouth with his hand. “Morning, Uncle Travis.” He walked to the kitchen and Travis poured a mug of coffee, handing it to Arthur. “I’m sorry about yesterday. I have no idea what came over me.” Travis looked troubled and definitely embarrassed. “I had this strong feeling as soon as I saw Gaelen and it sort of swept through me.” It was Travis’s turn to yawn. “Where it came from, I have no idea. Are you going to try to find him?” Arthur nodded, sipping his coffee. “Good. If you can, tell him I’m sorry and that he’ll get a much better reception the next time. That I can promise.” “I dreamed about him last night.” “Gaelen?” “Yeah. Nothing specific, but the entire night, I was left with this feeling that if I never saw him again, I’d be missing something.”

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Arthur took a minute to organize his thoughts. “I kept having this feeling that he’s important to me somehow, like….” Arthur wasn’t sure how to express his thought. “Dreams are important, especially to satyrs.” Arthur put down his mug. “In the dream, I felt like he had another part of me.” He looked into Travis’s face. “But I just met him yesterday. Isn’t it too soon to feel something like that?” “I can’t tell you. That’s something you have to answer for yourself. But I can tell you that after I first saw Cembran, I dreamed about him for years. To satyrs, dreams are important. It’s how the gods communicate with us. So if you’re dreaming about Gaelen after meeting him once, you have to find him.” “I know.” Arthur finished his coffee and went back into the bedroom to change. It was still raining, so he put on his wet-weather gear and left the house, heading through the woods to where he and Vauk had met Gaelen the day before. It took him quite a while. The overcast skies combined with the early hour made the thick forest extremely gloomy. Shadows danced everywhere, and a few times Arthur had been startled by moving tree limbs. He’d often walked in the woods; he knew they didn’t hold any sinister creatures, like in fairy tales, but there were times that it became a little unnerving. Arthur had almost reached the spot when it began to rain harder, and he stayed close to the trees, their leaves siphoning off much of the rainfall. “Gaelen, it’s me, Arthur. Please come out.” He continued walking toward the creek. “Gaelen, please show yourself. We’re sorry about yesterday. No one will hurt you.” Arthur wasn’t sure how far his voice was carrying—the rain on the leaves was creating a lot of noise—but he kept trying, calling out Gaelen’s name. “Are you there? Can you hear me?” Arthur reached the creek and could still see the last remnants of where Gaelen had struggled, the rain having washed much of the turned earth away. The water sluiced off his hat and down the back

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of his raincoat as he turned to look around him. He had no idea which way to turn or where to go. So he stood, quietly, reaching out with his senses, hoping to get some indication of where Gaelen might be, but there was nothing. “Gaelen, please show yourself. We’re sorry.” He headed north along the creek, following the small waterway as it meandered through the forest floor. At a few spots, he thought he saw signs of activity, but he wasn’t sure. “Gaelen!” He tried to keep the frustration out of his voice. A small sound traveled to his ears. He could barely hear it over the sound of the rain. “Gaelen?” Arthur stood in one place, turning slowly, hoping to hear the sound again. But all he heard was rain on the leaves. He took a few more steps and the sound reached his ears again. This time he could tell where it was coming from, so he slowly headed in that direction, stepping carefully on the wet ground. “Gaelen, is that you?” “Arthur?” At hearing his name, he turned to see Gaelen sitting at the base of a tall tree, his knees pulled to his chest, arms curled around his legs, whole body rocking softly. He looked absolutely miserable. Water soaked his hair, plastering it to his head and face, running down his soaked clothes—the ones he’d borrowed from Arthur— before dripping on the ground. “Gaelen. Thank Bacchus I found you.” Arthur knelt next to Gaelen. “How long have you been here?” “All night.” His voice sounded small and afraid, but he didn’t seem to be afraid of Arthur himself. “Why?” He reached out, touching Gaelen’s forehead, moving his blond, almost white, hair from his eyes. “After the one called Travis scared me, I transported away, but forgot to think of my destination clearly and I ended up here. After that I didn’t have enough strength to get up to my house, so I was stuck here on the ground.” Gaelen looked up into the canopy of leaves.

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“Is your house up there?” Arthur followed Gaelen’s gaze. “I don’t see anything.” “It’s invisible to anyone but me.” Of course. “How do you get to it?” “I usually fly, but I can’t in this form.” “Okay. We need to get you someplace warm and dry. We can talk after that. Can you walk?” Gaelen nodded and rose to his bare feet, but stumbled and fell to his knees. “When was the last time you ate?” Gaelen gave him a confused look. “I never thought about it.” No wonder he was weak and stumbling around. “Lean on me and I’ll get you back to the farm.” Gaelen pulled away from him, shaking his head, and promptly stumbled. “I’m not going back to where that mean man is. He scares me.” “I know, and I don’t blame you, but it’s where there’s dry clothes, hot food, and a warm bed.” Arthur helped him back to his feet. “Travis is sorry for the way he acted. He said that if I found you to tell you he apologized for yelling, and if you’ll give him a chance, he’d be sure to treat you the way a guest should be treated.” “He said that?” Gaelen’s eyebrows narrowed. “Then why did he act that way?” Gaelen seemed just as confused as Arthur. “I don’t really know, and I don’t think he knows either, but he apologized for his behavior before I left this morning. I know he feels bad for the way he treated you. I’ve known Uncle Travis for a long time and I’ve never seen him act that way before.” “Will you be there?” “I won’t leave you alone, I promise.” “Then I’ll go with you.” Gaelen let Arthur help him navigate through the forest. He stumbled a few times and it took a while, but

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they made it back to the farm and Arthur helped Gaelen cross the fields and into the house. Cembran was inside, cooking up a storm. “Gaelen! Thank goodness he found you.” Cembran turned off the stove and bustled to where Gaelen stood dripping on the rug. “I set out some dry clothes for you on the bed. I figured you’d need them. Once you’re done changing, I’ll have breakfast ready.” Arthur took off his boots and raincoat, hanging them up to dry. He then guided Gaelen toward his room, and the young man went along, craning his head to watch Cembran. “I don’t understand why they’re being so nice today.” “Uncle Cembran is always nice. So is Uncle Travis, come to think of it.” He slipped off his boots and pushed down the rain pants. “I don’t know what happened yesterday, but I can tell you that Uncle Cembran threatened Uncle Travis with sleeping on the couch for a week if he ever acted that way again.” Arthur couldn’t help snickering. After kicking off his rain pants, he hung them in the bathroom. He came back into the bedroom to a naked Gaelen standing in the middle of the room. Arthur reached into the bathroom and grabbed a towel. “Use this to dry yourself.” Arthur handed Gaelen the towel and tried to take his eyes off him, but he just couldn’t. He wasn’t just beautiful; he was luminescent: pale hair, creamy white skin, and a lean body. Arthur shivered with excitement and his body reacted forcefully. Gaelen held the towel in front of himself, staring back at Arthur. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “Sorry.” Arthur turned away. “You’re just so beautiful.” God, he was so embarrassed, staring at a guest like he was a dish at a buffet. But damn if his satyr instincts hadn’t kicked into overdrive at the sight of the beautiful man. He’d always thought Uncle Cembran was gorgeous, but in his opinion, Gaelen had Uncle Cembran beat hands down. Arthur couldn’t help peeking in the mirror, catching an occasional glimpse of leg or arm as Gaelen dressed.

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“You think I’m beautiful?” Arthur nodded, his gaze still turned away. “You can turn around.” Arthur pivoted, and the sight that greeted him was almost as breathtaking as seeing him naked. Gaelen was wearing only a pair of jeans, his smooth chest with its pink nipples calling to Arthur. Arthur’s ardor, which had begun to subside, returned with a vengeance, and his pants suddenly felt a size too tight. “Yes, you’re beautiful. But what I don’t understand is, if you’re a fairy―” Gaelen stopped him. “We are Fey, not fairies.” “Sorry. If you’re Fey, then why are you surprised that you’re beautiful? You could take any form you wanted. Couldn’t you?” “Yes, I suppose, but I chose this one because it feels natural to me. Anything else seems forced and ill fitting, but this feels right.” Arthur stepped closer, expecting Gaelen to move away, but he didn’t. “It looks right to me too. Very right.” He wanted to lean in and see how Gaelen would react to a kiss, but he’d never done that before and didn’t feel confident enough to actually do it. “We should go. Uncle Cembran will have breakfast ready.” Gaelen pulled on a shirt before slipping on a pair of socks. “I never knew cold until last night. My teeth chattered so much, they hurt.” Arthur opened the door and Gaelen followed him into the living room. Cembran was just putting breakfast on the table and Gaelen stopped when he saw Travis sitting in one of the living room chairs. Arthur touched his arm. “It’s okay, Gaelen. I’m here.” Travis stood up, smiling. “I see you found him.” Arthur nodded as Gaelen stepped back. “I’m not going to hurt you, Gaelen.” Travis took a step forward, extending his hand. “Please let me apologize for yesterday. I don’t know what got into me other than a severe case of being overprotective.” Gaelen reached out and tentatively shook Travis’s hand. “Would you join us for breakfast?”

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Arthur led Gaelen to the table as Cembran finished setting out the food. He sat gingerly and waited for Arthur to take the chair next to him. Travis began to pass the food around and Arthur noticed that Gaelen took some pancakes and fruit, passing the meat by. Not wanting him to feel uncomfortable, he made a mental note to ask him about it later. Travis set down the last plate and began eating, talking between bites. “Gaelen, am I correct in assuming that you are Fey?” Gaelen nodded, and Arthur noticed a small smile at the use of the correct term. “How long have you been living near us?” “I first felt you about what would be eight of your months ago. I moved onto the property shortly after. But after I moved here, I felt nothing more than the underlying love that radiates from this place, and I was too weak to do much anyway. In the past few months, because of that love, my strength has increased.” Gaelen ate small bites from his plate, chewing carefully and then swallowing. “This is very good.” Cembran smiled. “Thank you.” Arthur watched as Gaelen took a bite of the fruit. He could almost see the moment the strawberry flavor burst on his tongue, and Arthur’s eyes widened in surprise as a thought occurred to him. “Gaelen, when you aren’t in human form, do you eat?” “No. In Fey form, my energy comes from the power given off by all living things. I don’t need to eat, per se.” “Is this the first time you’ve ever eaten?” Arthur watched as Gaelen continued eating the fruit with obvious enjoyment. “No, but it’s been a long time since I was in human form for any length of time. Since then, I’ve been in human form for just a few hours, and eating wasn’t necessary, so I never thought about it. But I was so tired yesterday, I didn’t have the strength to change back into Fey form, so I got stuck outside and I hadn’t eaten, so I got weaker and weaker.”

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Travis swallowed and inquired, obviously concerned, “You didn’t sleep?” Gaelen looked up, hearing the concern in Travis’s voice. “No. I was too cold, wet, and, quite frankly, scared. I’ve never spent the night in the open before.” Arthur finished his breakfast, having eaten with his usual speed. “After breakfast, you should sleep for a while. That will help you get your strength back.” Gaelen looked doubtful, but didn’t argue with him. Travis finished his breakfast, pushing back from the table. “I have chores to finish.” He turned to Gaelen. “But you’re welcome to stay and rest for as long as you need.” After kissing Cembran goodbye and ruffling Arthur’s hair—sometimes he still treated him like a kid—Travis pulled on his rain gear and headed outside. Gaelen had finished his own breakfast. “I feel so fat and sleepy.” Both Arthur and Cembran laughed. “That’s because you’re stomach’s full and you didn’t sleep last night. Let’s get you to bed for a nap.” Gaelen let Arthur lead him to the bedroom. Behind the closed door, Arthur pulled back the covers on his bed. “You might want to get undressed.” “Oh, okay.” Gaelen pulled off his shirt and dropped his pants, for the second time in a few hours standing naked in front of Arthur. This time, Arthur kept his mind on the task at hand as Gaelen climbed beneath the covers. “Why did Travis put his lips to Cembran’s when he left?” “He kissed him. It’s a sign of affection and love.” “Oh.” That light hair, angelic face, and big blue eyes were the only things visible above the covers, and damn if those eyes didn’t draw him in. Leaning forward, Arthur brushed his lips gently over Gaelen’s before slowly pulling away. “Sleep well.” Damn, Arthur

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ached for him. He knew he had to leave the room or he’d pull off his own clothes and get into the bed. It was too soon for both him and Gaelen. Besides, there were things he had to know first. Those blue eyes widened and those sweet lips smiled. “That was nice.” “Good. I have to go see someone, but I should be back when you wake. Cembran will be here otherwise, so you have nothing to worry about. Just relax and sleep. You’ll feel a lot better when you wake up.” Leaning forward, he gave Gaelen another soft kiss before leaving the room, getting his rainwear from the bathroom, and closing the door quietly behind him. Cembran was sitting in the living room, waiting for him. “You really like him, don’t you?” He hadn’t expected Uncle Cembran to be so direct or to the point; he generally let things unfold on their own. It was Uncle Travis who usually forced the issue. “Yeah, I do. There’s something about him that’s just so different, so unique. And it’s not because he’s Fey. Did I tell you that Mika came right up to him yesterday, without any hesitation whatsoever? She’s never done that with anyone.” Arthur’s voice was so full of excitement. “Just be careful and take your time. I know this is a tough time for a satyr. Your instincts are running rampant and, I have to tell you, you’ve done remarkably well up to now.” Cembran saw the disappointed look on Arthur’s face. “I’m not telling you to walk away or that he’s not right for you. Just look, and think, before you leap.” “Thanks, Uncle Cembran.” Arthur bent down to give Cembran a hug. “You’re welcome. Now get bundled up and get going. Gathod is expecting you any time.” Arthur looked so surprised and Cembran chuckled softly. “Who else would you run off to? You’ve got to have a million questions, and Gathod is always the answer-man for

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satyr lore and history. So, go on. I’ll call you when Gaelen wakes up.” Arthur thanked Cembran again before cracking open the bedroom door. Gaelen was sound asleep curled beneath the covers, his sweet face relaxed, eyes closed. With a soft sigh, Arthur closed the door, put on his gear, and left the house. As he walked the path toward the lake, his thoughts naturally strayed to Gaelen. The thought of being with him felt so right, like they were meant to be together. He just hoped Gaelen felt it too.

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“ARTHUR!” Gathod opened the door wide, ushering him into the house before greeting him properly with a huge hug. “Haven’t seen you for a few days. You must be keeping yourself busy.” “Between helping on the farms and preparing for my clinical in the fall, my days are pretty full.” Arthur had been helping both his uncles and at Trent and Vauk’s farm across the road. “Well, come in and tell me what’s on your mind. Cembran told me you had some things you wanted to ask me about.” Gathod led them into the spacious living room with its huge windows that looked out on the trees. The lake could be seen peeking through the branches. “I always wondered why you didn’t build closer to the lake. You would have had a much better view out these windows.” Gathod joined Arthur, admiring the view. “It was one of your Uncle Travis’s conditions when he sold us the land. He wanted the view from the lake to remain unspoiled. You can’t see this house or Brock and Steven’s cabin from the lake unless the leaves are off the trees. To Travis, that small lake is almost sacred. You know the small beach on this side of the lake, right over there?” Gathod pointed out the window toward the property next door and Arthur nodded. “Near the edge of the beach is a small fire ring made of rocks.”

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“Your Uncle Travis built that ring when he was a teenager. It was from that spot that he first saw your Uncle Cembran. I know you’ve heard the stories, but I noticed he always leaves out a few details.” Gathod pointed to the far side of the lake. “You can just see through the trees, where the creek comes into the lake on the far side. That’s where Travis first met Cembran.” “Is that where he rescued the lamb and saw what he thought was a beautiful god?” “That’s the place.” “What I don’t understand is why he had the parcel next to you carved out from the rest of the property if it’s so important to him?” Gathod shrugged and said nothing, but the look on his face spoke volumes. Arthur was sure Gathod knew the answer, but figured it wasn’t for him to say. “Cembran said on the phone that you had some questions for me.” Gathod motioned Arthur to one of the huge, comfortable chairs and went into the kitchen, returning with two mugs of coffee. “So what is it you want to talk about?” He handed one of the mugs to Arthur and then took a chair. “What can you tell me about the Fey?” Arthur sipped his coffee, watching Gathod’s face carefully. He saw just a hint of surprise. To Gathod’s credit and patience, he didn’t ask what prompted this inquiry. “Let me see. The only things I know are old stories that I heard as a youngster, but I’ll tell you what I remember.” Gathod picked up his mug and sipped. “Long ago, many hundreds of years ago, there were isolated valleys like the one Cembran and I came from where satyrs and Fey lived in close proximity. The problem was, according to the stories, that we satyrs desired sex with Fey folk above all else. Unfortunately, some went too far and began to force themselves on the Fey. It wasn’t right and most satyrs didn’t, but it only takes a few to ruin happiness for everyone.” Gathod

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stopped and sipped his coffee, while Arthur ignored his mug, his attention riveted on Gathod’s story. “Eventually, the Fey folk banded together and left the satyrs behind, establishing their homes high up in the trees.” “But what happened to the Fey?” “The Fey live a long time, but not forever, and eventually, according to the stories, their magic died out.” “Didn’t they have children?” “I don’t know. By then satyrs and Fey had no contact whatsoever, so the stories don’t tell us what happened. All I know is that the Fey are gone.” Arthur sat back in the chair, relaxing. “How do you know they’re gone?” Arthur knew for a fact they weren’t all gone, because one was currently sleeping in his bed. Just the thought of Gaelen’s naked body in his bed was enough to get him going again. Concentrate, Arthur. “According to the stories, even though they left, the Fey still needed satyr energy, so they stayed close—just far enough away to avoid direct contact. So as time went on, it was the satyrs themselves who witnessed the Feys’ decline. As far as I know, a Fey has not been seen since centuries before I was born.” Gathod finished his coffee. “Now, why don’t you tell me the reason for your questions?” “Well… the reason I’m asking is because there is a Fey asleep in my bed as we speak.” Arthur couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he watched Gathod stare at him in disbelief. He practically leapt from his chair in surprise. Arthur then went on to tell him about finding Gaelen, Travis’s unusual behavior the night before, and his trek to locate the Fey that morning. “What I don’t understand is why Travis acted that way yesterday. He says he was being overprotective, but I think he was jealous.”

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“Jealous of Gaelen? I can’t believe that. Travis has Cembran. He’d never look twice at anyone, Fey or not.” “No, I think Gaelen somehow made Travis feel jealous and protective of Cembran. Like Gaelen would lure Cembran away. I know it’s not logical, but neither was his behavior.” Gathod settled back in his chair again. “The attraction of a satyr for a Fey could be very powerful and unpredictable, at least until they join. There are stories of great love between satyr and Fey, and sometime I’ll tell them to you.” Gathod nodded to himself, like he was putting some pieces together. “Satyrs might have unpredictable reactions to Gaelen if they don’t realize what’s happening.” “I don’t know what you mean.” “Travis is always protective of Cembran. When they meet new people, he always puts himself between them and Cembran, like he’s scoping them out to make sure they don’t pose a danger to his mate. I’ve noticed Brock doing that with Steven too. And I think that Gaelen may intensify those feelings. Jealousy may be a part of that intensification; it’s hard to tell. But there are stories of satyrs fighting to the death with their horns to win the heart of a Fey.” “What did you mean, ‘until they join’?” Arthur was finding this conversation incredibly interesting. “Once a Fey joins with another, then his energy is centered on his partner and not at the world in general. One story has a satyr fighting multiple satyrs, winning the heart of the Fey in question, and spending the rest of his life in happy quiet bliss, raising sheep. That just wouldn’t happen if something didn’t center the Fey’s energy.” “Are you sure about all this?” Gathod shrugged. “I can only tell you what I can draw from the old stories. This Gaelen is the first Fey any of us has

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encountered in centuries.” Gathod laughed a little nervously. “You’re going to have to figure it out for yourself.” Further conversation was interrupted by the door opening. “Gathod, honey, are you in here?” “Living room, Doug.” Heavy boots clomped through the house. Arthur stood up and Doug encased him in a huge hug. “Hey, Arthur. Didn’t expect to see you.” “I just stopped by to ask Gathod some questions.” Doug gave Gathod a funny look and Arthur knew their entire conversation would be recapped once he left. They all sat back down and talked for a short while before Arthur got up to leave. “Thanks for the information.” “You’re very welcome. Hope it helps.” He hugged both Gathod and Doug before leaving them alone. He’d seen the look on Gathod’s face and knew what it meant. There was one thing he’d learned over the past ten years: never come between a horny satyr and his mate. It’s just not pretty. The rain had stopped and he slipped off his raincoat as he walked around the lake. The sun was trying to peek through the clouds as he reached the entrance to the path to the farm, and by the time he reached the farmhouse, the first rays of filtered sun lit the green fields. Inside, the house was quiet. Cembran sat in his chair with a block of wood and a knife, working on one of his carvings. “He’s still sleeping. Poor thing must have been exhausted and scared half to death.” Cembran put the piece he was working on in his carving box by the chair. “Go check on him, and I’ll start some lunch.” Cembran raised himself from the chair. “There is one thing I am curious about. Why was he in human form in the first place?” Cembran went to the kitchen, and Arthur walked to the bedroom door. He’d never given a second thought as to why Gaelen was in human form at all. He’d been living on the property for months.

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Why show himself now? Had something happened? If he got a chance, he’d try to figure out a way to ask. Slowly, Arthur cracked open the bedroom door. Gaelen was still asleep, his body burrowed under the covers, his light hair tussled on the pillow, blue eyes still shuttered. “Gaelen.” Arthur stepped into the room, closing the door silently behind him. “Gaelen.” Arthur sat on the side of the bed, and for the first time since he’d walked in, its occupant began to move. He stroked the soft skin of Gaelen’s arm and heard a nearly silent murmur. He pulled his hand away and smiled as the arm began to move, searching for his touch. He started stroking Gaelen’s arm again, and after a few minutes, huge, blue eyes fluttered open. “Oh, I thought I was dreaming.” Gaelen smiled, but a yawn contorted his face and Arthur couldn’t help smiling. “Dreaming of what?” He knew what he hoped Gaelen was dreaming about. “I thought I’d dreamed you up, but you’re here.” Gaelen’s eyes were blinky with sleep. “Did I dream the rest or was it real?” “The rest of what?” “Did I dream you touching your lips to mine?” Arthur leaned forward. “Let’s find out.” Slowly, he brought his lips to Gaelen’s, just like he’d done a few hours earlier when he’d helped Gaelen to bed. With the first touch, his body reacted, parts of his anatomy pointing directly to Gaelen, his mind clouded with unabashed desire. Slowly, as through a haze, he pulled out of the kiss. His mind cleared, but only a little. “Were you dreaming?” “No.” Gaelen’s other arm snaked out from beneath the covers and both of them wrapped around Arthur’s neck. “I like that—like kissing.” This time when they kissed, neither of them was as gentle. Their lips pushed past each other and Arthur shifted on the bed as Gaelen pulled him lower. As he moved, he could feel Gaelen’s arousal through the blanket. Desire surged within him and it

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overpowered him, his mind short-circuiting as his body took over. Gaelen whimpered beneath him as his weight pressed Gaelen into the mattress. He wanted to be naked, wanted to feel that soft skin against his, wanted desperately to know what that skin tasted like, what that body would feel like around him, in him. God, he wanted it all and he wanted it now. Arthur let out a soft growl as he deepened the kiss, letting go of the last of his control as he began pushing down the covers to get to Gaelen. A knock on the door interrupted him and he snapped back to himself, stopping all movement. “Lunch will be ready in a few minutes.” “Thanks, Uncle Cembran. We’ll be right out.” He was barely able to keep his voice level. Gaelen was so close to him, he could smell him. That tight body was still pressing against him. Carefully, he lifted himself off Gaelen, standing by the edge of the bed. “I’ll let you get dressed.” Not trusting himself to keep his hands off Gaelen, particularly if he saw him naked, he turned and quietly left the room. Cembran was putting plates on the table. “Arthur, what happened? You look almost… lost.” “Gaelen kissed me.” Cembran smiled. “Given the fact that you like him, I’d think that was a good thing. Why the long face?” “He kissed me and I lost all control. I practically ravished him right there in your guest room.” Arthur only hoped he didn’t look as miserable as he felt. Cembran stopped what he was doing, dropping the silverware on the table with a clang. “Tell me what happened.” “Gaelen woke up and asked me if he dreamed the kiss, so I kissed him again to find out. He said it wasn’t a dream.” As he retold the story, Arthur sounded more and more miserable. “Then he put his arms around my neck and pulled me into another kiss, and

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my mind short-circuited. All I wanted was him. It was like the world went away and everything narrowed. If you hadn’t knocked on the door, I don’t know what would have happened.” Arthur felt like some sort of total pervert. “What if I hurt Gaelen? I’d never be able to forgive myself.” Cembran had to will himself not to smile and remember that, in some ways, Arthur was very inexperienced and a little naive. Cembran hid his reaction momentarily by turning around and sitting on the sofa, motioning for Arthur to sit next to him. “First off, Gaelen kissed you. Secondly, and this is important, if with a simple kiss you forgot about everything else but Gaelen, if, as you say, the world narrowed to only the two of you, that’s pretty amazing. Let me ask you this: If Gaelen had told you no, or given you any indication at any time that he wanted you to stop, would you have?” “Of course.” “Then you have nothing to worry about. What happened was only what happens to most satyrs when they’re with someone special. I know I shouldn’t tell you this, but when your Uncle Travis and I are together, the house could burn down around us and we’d never know it, or care. The entire world narrows to just the two of us.” “But it was just—” Cembran shushed him softly. “That’s part of what makes it special. For whatever reason, you have a connection with him. I suggest that you talk to him. Maybe go for a walk around the lake after lunch. You’re a satyr; he’s Fey. You need to talk about things and not assume you think the same way, because you don’t. You have very different experiences and outlooks, so don’t just react or assume things.” The bedroom door opened and Cembran got up from the sofa and continued setting the table. “Lunch is almost ready.” Gaelen stepped out of the bedroom, looking a bit disheveled. His shirt wasn’t buttoned evenly and he wasn’t wearing socks or

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shoes. The look of confusion on his face made Arthur feel about two inches tall. He knew his hasty departure after such a wonderful kiss had put that look on Gaelen’s face and he knew he had to do something about it. “Did I do something wrong?” Arthur pressed his eyes closed. Crap… crap, crap, crap, crap, crap! Arthur stood up and met him as he walked toward the sofa. “If I did, please tell me.” “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I thought I did.” Cembran was right; they really did need to talk. “After lunch, would you like to take a walk around the lake?” Arthur unbuttoned Gaelen’s shirt, his fingertips brushing lightly against the hot skin as he refastened them properly. “There; you look better.” He ran his hand down Gaelen’s chest before pulling back. They sat at the table and Cembran brought their plates. Arthur noticed that Gaelen’s plate contained no meat. “Aren’t you eating?” Arthur half-gasped between inhaled bites. “Travis will be in soon and I’ll eat with him.” Arthur knew what that really meant. Uncle Travis was working to finish chores so he and Cembran could eat lunch and spend part of the afternoon alone. They didn’t talk much while they ate, but Arthur saw Gaelen stealing glances his way and he did the same. Pretty soon they were both smiling at each other and Arthur felt the small knot in his stomach unwind. When they’d finished eating, Arthur took their plates to the kitchen and was rinsing the dishes when Travis came in the door. “Gaelen. Feeling better?” Travis hung up his jacket and greeted Cembran with a kiss. “It looks like the nap did you good.” “It did, thank you.” “Arthur, just leave those in the sink. I’ll finish them later.” He knew that was Cembran’s cue.

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Arthur smiled to himself. “We’re going for a walk and then I’ll check on the young ones.” Gaelen got up and thanked Cembran for lunch before following Arthur outside. Arthur led Gaelen across the field toward the lake. “It felt rude to eat and then leave like that. Are you sure they’re not insulted?” Arthur turned to Gaelen, realizing he was serious. “It would have been rude of us to stay. They wanted some time alone, if you know what I mean.” Arthur nudged Gaelen gently and watched as Gaelen mouthed the word “oh.” They remained quiet until they reached the lake. “Arthur, why’d you leave so quickly earlier? Did I not kiss you right? Am I not very good?” Gaelen’s matter-of-fact expression seemed very inconsistent with the questions he was asking. It was the tone of his voice that told Arthur he was serious. Instead of responding with words, he cupped Gaelen’s cheeks in his hands and kissed him. Gaelen’s lips parted a little and Arthur let his tongue explore the curvature of that sweet, sensuous mouth. Just like the last time, Gaelen filled his senses until there was no room for anything else. Gaelen’s scent, that small, whimpery noise he made when Arthur sucked on his lip, Gaelen’s hands pressed against his chest, all combined to block out everything else. “Does that answer your question?” Gaelen nodded and then they were kissing again, only this time it felt like Gaelen was trying to climb up Arthur’s body. When they eventually broke apart, they were both breathing like sprinters and Arthur felt a little lightheaded. Taking Gaelen’s hand in his, he led him down the path that wound around the lake. The sun sparkled off the water as they walked together along the path. “Why are you here? I mean, when we found you yesterday, you were already in human form, so I’m wondering why. Wouldn’t you be safer as a Fey?” Gaelen stopped walking, letting go of Arthur’s hand. “I was coming to find you.” Arthur looked at his companion in unabashed

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surprise. “I told you I’ve been here about six months, and I felt the passion and love that permeates this place.” Arthur nodded, not wanting to interrupt. “After getting here and making a place to live, I was so weak that I spent the first few months building up my strength. Then I began to venture out to see what you were like. I could sense a lot of love and I thought the satyrs here might be different from the ones I knew in the past. So after I got up the energy, I changed into human form and tried to make it out of the woods. But I wasn’t very steady on legs and that’s when you found me.” “But why were you looking for me?” “I saw you at what you call the bacchanal last month and you’re the first satyr I’ve ever heard of who turned down the opportunity for sex in favor of love. You had the chance to have sex with your friend, but changed your mind and decided to wait. The satyrs I knew before would never have done that.” “You saw me?” Gaelen had the decency to look repentant. “I heard the stories and heard you tell Tate that you wanted to wait. I couldn’t help you, but I figured he deserved a reward.” Arthur laughed hard, holding his sides. “You mean you’re the orgasm fairy?” Gaelen started to laugh as well, and when their mirth subsided, Arthur took Gaelen’s hand once again. Together they completed their circuit of the lake, talking quietly. When they arrived at the path to the farm, Arthur led Gaelen back toward the farm and to the barns. “I need to check on some of the kids and lambs. It shouldn’t take too long.” Arthur opened the door to the goat barn and headed to one of the pens. A mother was nursing her kids, looking very haggard. Arthur explained, “She had more kids than she can care for, so I help her out and bottle-feed some of them.” Arthur got two bottles. “They’re adorable.” Gaelen took the kid Arthur handed to him along with the bottle, bringing the nipple to the kid’s mouth. They

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smiled at each other as they fed the kids. Gaelen looked into the pen. “You really love the animals, don’t you?” “Yes, I really do.” He took the small goat from Gaelen, placing it back with its mother, and continued his way through the barn, making sure all the kids were healthy. Then he led Gaelen to the sheep barn where Arthur checked on the lambs while Gaelen fed the orphans. “They really seem to love you. Even Mika came right up to you.” Gaelen didn’t know how to respond, so he just put the lamb back with his mother. “I really need to get home and rest. I’m starting to get tired again.” “Okay. Do you want me to walk you back?” Gaelen stepped to Arthur, standing close—very close. “No, I should be good.” Gaelen leaned in and took Arthur by surprise, kissing him hard as he pulled their bodies together. Arthur deepened the kiss when Gaelen began making those small, moany noises. “Would it be okay if I came to breakfast in the morning?” “Uh huh. But it’s going to cost you.” Gaelen cocked his head. “A kiss should cover it.” Gaelen gladly gave him one and then one more before stepping back, smiling, and then vanishing. “Wow, you sure know how to make an exit.” Arthur smiled to himself and got to work.

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ARTHUR woke with a smile on his face, looking around the room. It had been a week since he met Gaelen and… what a week! He and Gaelen had kissed—a lot—but hadn’t done anything more. Arthur knew part of it was his being a little unsure of himself and part of it was because he didn’t want to push Gaelen into anything. He shuddered a little as he remembered the taste of Gaelen’s kisses. His body remembered those kisses, too, reacting with gusto to the memories. They’d also talked a lot, mostly about general stuff, and Arthur got the feeling that there were things that Gaelen wasn’t telling him. Whenever he asked about his companion’s past, Gaelen would subtly change the subject, one way or another. Arthur didn’t want to pry, but he was starting to become quite curious. Gathod had told him earlier in the week that the Fey had been alive for a very long time, and Arthur thought Gaelen had most likely experienced things that were very painful. When he asked Cembran for advice, he’d told him, “He may not be ready to share those painful memories yet. Just give him time.” Arthur had agreed, and he’d kept that agreement, but he was finding it harder as the days passed. Arthur got out of bed and trudged to the bathroom before returning to find he wasn’t alone. “Morning, Gaelen.” He watched as Gaelen’s eyes raked over his naked body and he felt his body react, bold as you please.

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“Looks like someone’s happy to see me.” Gaelen stepped close, his body fitting perfectly against Arthur’s, his hands tracing down Arthur’s back, sliding past the small, before caressing the smooth butt. Their lips came together and small moans began. Arthur’s hips thrust gently on their own, his erection rubbing against Gaelen. God, he wanted to feel that smooth skin against his. Arthur worked his hand between them, fingers sliding beneath the band of Gaelen’s pants. Arthur practically screamed in frustration when he heard knocking on the door. “Breakfast is almost ready. Is Gaelen here yet?” Arthur gave a silent cry and then backed away, feeling like his head was going to explode. “Yes, Uncle Cembran.” He managed to keep his voice from cracking, somehow. “We’ll be right out.” Backing away from Gaelen, he began getting dressed. His jeans were really tight and he had a little trouble pulling them over his hard-on. When he was finished dressing, he drew Gaelen into another kiss. Then they left the room for breakfast. Cembran and Travis were working together to make breakfast, looking like a couple of lovebirds. “Breakfast will be ready soon. Arthur, would you set the table?” Gaelen sat while Arthur got the utensils and set places at the table. “Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy are joining us. They’ll be in soon.” Arthur got the additional utensils and set the large table for seven. He was just finishing when the door opened and the three satyrs entered. Cembran greeted them from the kitchen. “Morning, guys. Have a seat. The food’s almost ready.” “Thanks.” They took their places while Gaelen and Arthur helped bring the food to the table. “Hey, Gaelen. How’s it going?” Dovino usually did most of the talking for the three of them. “Good. How’s the new house coming?” They’d bought the parcel of land next to Brock and Steven and were building their own house.

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“Really well. We should be done by the end of summer.” They looked at each other before Dovino continued. “We loved the cabin, but it was getting a little cramped and we really wanted a home of our own.” Travis set down a plate of blueberry muffins. “We understand, guys. You don’t have to feel like you’ll hurt our feelings. We’re both pleased that you’re happy.” “We know, but you’ve been good to us.” Travis touched the shoulder of each of them as he passed before taking his chair. “That goes both ways, you know.” Cembran brought the last of the food and the conversation diminished as food was passed and mouths filled. Everyone ate heartily, discussing farm business and making plans for the rest of the day. “Say, Gaelen,” Phillip spoke up between bites. “After breakfast, could you help us with one of the ewes? She’s been ornery and we need to check on her lambs. She nearly bit me this morning.” He swallowed before answering. “Sure, be glad to help.” Arthur looked across the table and smiled at Gaelen, who smiled back and continued eating. When everyone was done eating, Arthur helped Travis clean up while Gaelen went with Cembran and the guys to check on the ewe and lambs. They’d just begun the dishes when someone knocked on the door. Travis looked at Arthur, both of them wondering who it could be. They rarely got unannounced visitors, and friends usually called out before entering. Travis wiped his hands and opened the door. Two men in official-looking brown shirts and pants with DNR patches stood outside. “Good morning. We’re sorry to disturb you. I’m Bob Johnson and this is Steven Fisher. We’re with the Department of Natural Resources. We’ve had a report of oak wilt on the property to the north of you, and we need to make sure it hasn’t spread.”

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Travis opened the door a little wider and invited the men inside. Arthur could tell that his uncle’s suspicious nature had definitely been aroused. “We’ll check it out. Where do we call if we find anything?” “We need to inspect the property ourselves. Department policy.” Travis turned back to Arthur, mouthing “Call Doug” before turning back to the men. Arthur almost missed what Travis was trying to tell him, but finally figured it out. Calmly walking to the room he was using, he picked up his cell phone and dialed Doug’s number. “Uncle Doug, there’s some men here at the farm claiming to be from the DNR. I don’t think Uncle Travis believes them.” “What do they want?” He could hear Doug moving around on the other side of the connection, probably grabbing his coat. “They want to check for something called oak wilt on the far edge of the property.” Near where Gaelen had his home. “I’m on my way. Try to stall them for a few minutes.” “Thanks, Uncle Doug. I can hear Uncle Travis talking to them through the door. He’ll keep them talking.” Arthur hung up and left the room, quietly rejoining Travis. The DNR officer was in the middle of an explanation. “It’s department policy that we investigate all claims of this type in person.” “I’m sorry. My answer is no. You do not have my permission to be on the property. I’m not really interested in DNR policy. My policy is that no one wanders around the wild portions of the property disturbing the wildlife.” Arthur watched as the men started becoming restless. “The portion of the property you wish to enter is undisturbed and has been for a very long time. We rarely go back there and when we do, it’s with great care. So no. We’ll check it out ourselves and call anything we find in to the DNR.”

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“If we have to we can get a warrant.” The words held just a hint of threat. Arthur knew that their threats wouldn’t faze Travis at all. “Then go ahead, but I have to tell you, the man who’ll serve that warrant lives right over there. In fact, here he comes. I think you can explain to the sheriff what you want.” Arthur saw the gleam in Travis’s eye as the two men swallowed hard and really started looking nervous. “What can I do for you gentlemen? I’m Sheriff Green. Can I help you?” Arthur saw both men go a little white before recovering. He had to keep himself from laughing as he released the breath he’d been holding. “We’ve had a report of oak wilt on neighboring property to the north and we need to check to make sure it hasn’t spread. Department policy requires that we visually investigate these reports. But the landowner is refusing us access to the property.” “That is his right. This is private property and your authority here is limited.” Doug was glaring at the two men; their nervousness was becoming quite apparent. Arthur stepped back and watched the exchange. Then it hit him. They weren’t who they said they were, or at the very least, they weren’t telling the whole story. The property to the north of Travis and Cembran’s belonged to Vauk and Trent. If they suspected that their trees had some sort of disease, the first thing they would do would be to consult with Travis and Cembran, not call the DNR. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but the property owner has denied you permission, and I’m afraid that’s that for now. I’ll call the regional director and check this out. Before you go, would you please let me see your identification?” Doug’s expression signaled that he’d broach no argument, and both men reluctantly handed over what he requested. “Thank you, gentlemen.” Doug checked them over and then handed back the identification after jotting down their names.

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The men looked at each other and then turned to leave. Obviously realizing they weren’t going to get anywhere, they turned and left the house, with Arthur and Doug watching them go. Doug shut the door. “Their ID didn’t look quite right and I don’t buy their story. I’ll check it out.” Arthur stepped forward, his curiosity getting the better of him. “Why didn’t you arrest them?” “For what? While I don’t believe their story, I don’t have any proof. Besides, I didn’t call for backup and I didn’t want to put any of you in danger. So I let them go. I suspect we put a good scare in them.” Arthur wasn’t convinced, but didn’t argue. “Why would they want access to the far north portion of the property? What’s there that could interest them so much?” Arthur answered, “Just trees, woods, and it’s where—” He didn’t get to finish his thought because Phillip ran into the room, leaving the door open behind him. “Arthur,” he said, breathing heavily. “Gaelen saw those men who left the house. He said something like, “They found me,” and then he just disappeared into thin air.” “Damn it.” Arthur made a dash through the door. “Arthur, you can’t.” It was the tone of Travis’s voice that stopped him. “If you go dashing off to where you think Gaelen is, they may see the activity and wonder what’s going on.” Arthur must have looked heartbroken because Doug came to his rescue. He put his hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “Come on. I’ll take you. We’ll make it look like a police call.” Arthur rushed down the path, beating Doug to his car and waiting for the sheriff to catch up. Doug unlocked the doors and Arthur scrambled in, waiting for Doug to start the car. Could he find Gaelen again? Would Gaelen even allow himself to be found? The car’s engine roared to life and they pulled onto the road, with Doug going as fast as he dared. As they approached the section of the property the men were interested

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in, they saw a car. Two people scrambled in and then took off. “Drop me off.” Doug shook his head and continued. “There may be others; I’m not leaving you in any danger.” He flipped on the lights and hit the accelerator, radioing in for backup. Doug followed them for a short distance and then they pulled over. “Stay here.” Doug waited until he heard another siren and then slowly got out of the car. Arthur watched as Doug questioned the men in the car. There was a lot of talking back and forth, but then the men were loaded into the other police car with one of Doug’s deputies. Arthur half-watched all of this, his mind and concern back at the property with Gaelen. What if he never got to see him again? Arthur was sick with worry. Gaelen hadn’t been his lover, although if Arthur was honest with himself, he was really hoping he would be. But Gaelen was his friend—a friend who kissed him and made him vibrate with want every time their lips touched. Arthur let his head fall forward, resting on the dash. If he was honest with himself, he knew he had to admit that he loved Gaelen. There was something about his playfulness, the way he understood Arthur’s terrible jokes, and the way he looked at him. “What am I going to do if I never see him again?” He lifted his head and tried to watch what was happening, but gave up and put his head back on the dash. The car door opened and he turned his head as Doug got in the car. “I’ll drop you off at the farm and then I need to go into town.” Arthur didn’t answer, his misery taking over again. “It’ll be all right, Arthur.” “Drop me off where those men were. I’ll walk back to the farm.” The look on Doug’s face clearly showed that he didn’t think that was a good idea, but to his credit, he didn’t argue. Turning the car around, they headed back toward the farm. A few minutes later, Doug stopped the car. “You call me on your cell if you see anything strange.” “I will.” Arthur got out of the car and waited for Doug to drive off before checking out the area. He saw a few footprints, but

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nothing that went more than a few steps beyond the road. Slowly, parting a few branches, he stepped into the undergrowth. He looked around and began walking carefully toward the creek, taking care not to trample any delicate plants. It took a while to get his bearings, but soon he heard the creek. Approaching the sound, he realized he was on the other side and looked for a place to cross. A bit downstream, he found a fallen log over the creek. He stepped across, then headed toward the area where he’d first met Gaelen. The usual forest sounds accompanied his trek: the babbling of the water, the occasional creak of limbs, the breeze rustling the leaves. But there were no sounds that didn’t belong, nothing to tell him where Gaelen might be. “Gaelen, it’s me, Arthur. Please talk to me.” He kept walking, hoping Gaelen could hear him, hoping he was still there at all. “Gaelen, please. I don’t know what happened, but talk to me.” The only sounds he heard were from the forest itself. As he walked he came upon the tree where he’d found Gaelen curled in the rain a week earlier, but this time, there were no big blue eyes looking up at him. “Gaelen, please.” There was no answer, and he realized he was pleading with the air and trees. Slowly he turned around, hoping some small sound would reach his ears, but he heard nothing. Finally, he shrugged and began to walk away. Turning around, he looked up into the treetops. “I’ll miss you, Gaelen.” Then he turned and slowly walked back to the farm. When he emerged from the trees, he trudged across the pastures, completely ignoring Mika and the sheep, too lost in his own disappointment to see anything but his own misery. Cembran must have heard him approach. He threw the door open. “Did you find him?” Arthur shook his head and went inside. Travis and the guys were still talking, but Arthur ignored their conversation and went straight to the room he’d been using, closing the door behind him. After a few minutes, he emerged again, but said nothing. All the eyes in the room silently followed him as he

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walked back through the living room and outside, his feet carrying him automatically to the sheep barn. He tried to get some chores done. There were orphaned lambs to feed and ewes to check on. But every time he did any of those things, he thought of Gaelen and how for the past week they’d done them together. Even chores like cleaning pens hadn’t been bad when he and Gaelen had done the work together. There were some times he knew Gaelen was helping in other ways too. Tools would appear close at hand, bottles would be mysteriously ready to go—little things that Arthur knew meant Gaelen returned his feelings. “Gaelen, why’d you leave?” Arthur spent the entire day completing every chore he could think of. By the time the sun was setting, the sheep barn had never been cleaner and the goat barn smelled of fresh straw and hay. The sun was setting when he finally stepped inside the farmhouse. “Dinner is almost ready.” “Thanks, Uncle Cembran, but I’m not hungry.” Cembran was having none of that. He sat Arthur down and made him eat something. Arthur picked at his food, eating just enough to get Cembran to stop fussing. When dinner was over, he said good night and went into his room, going right to bed. Maybe if he was lucky, he’d at least get to dream about Gaelen.

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ARTHUR cracked his eyes open, looking toward the foot of the bed. He had hoped to see Gaelen’s face staring back at him, but the room was empty and dark. Throwing back the covers, he pulled himself out of bed and padded to the bathroom before pulling on a robe and opening his bedroom door. He was surprised to see Uncle Cembran sitting in the living room reading. “What are you doing up?” “I was about to ask you the same thing.” “I just couldn’t sleep.” He turned his head toward the closed bedroom door. “Besides, your Uncle Travis has a touch of a cold and is snoring loud enough to wake the dead.” Arthur had to smile. “Seems to be going around. I couldn’t sleep, either.” “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Gaelen, would it?” Cembran patted the cushion next to him and Arthur sat down, curling his feet under the robe. “I thought so.” “It’s been three days and nothing at all. Not a word. I keep wondering if he’s just hiding or if he’s already left.” Cembran shifted on the cushions, put his book down, and waited for Arthur to continue, but he didn’t. He just bit his nails nervously.

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“Why don’t you tell me why you’re so worried about Gaelen? You’ve only known him a little over a week. Why is he so important to you?” Arthur sat there, his mouth hanging open in surprise as much at Cembran’s question as the fact that he couldn’t easily answer it. Why was Gaelen important? He looked at Cembran, feeling at a complete loss. “He just is. I….” Arthur let his voice trail off as words failed him. To Cembran’s credit, he just waited, and Arthur knew he was waiting for him to try to verbalize what he was feeling. But his thoughts and feelings were a jumbled mess. “I feel like he’s a part of me that I’ll never get back. Like without him I’m missing something.” “Have you ever felt like this before?” “A little bit when I think I’m about to make the wrong decision. I think the last time was when Tate and I were at the bacchanal.” Cembran nodded but remained silent. “Sometimes I feel like I have these expectations that I’m supposed to live up to, like something that keeps pushing me in a particular direction.” Arthur saw his uncle nod and encourage him to continue. “Like I’m destined for something.” Fuck, that was it. That was exactly it. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized it was true. “And it feels like Gaelen is a part of it, and with him gone, something’s missing.” Cembran was nodding and smiling. “You knew, didn’t you?” Cembran took a deep breath and Arthur could see he was choosing his words carefully. “I’ve known, just like your Uncle Travis has known, that you were destined for something important, but I didn’t know what it was. And before you ask, neither did your Uncle Travis. We’ve just tried to encourage and support you in your choices and occasionally guide you when we had the feeling you were about to veer away from your path.” “Is that why Uncle Travis had everyone tell their first-time stories at the bacchanal? Because you thought that Tate and I might…?”

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Cembran nodded. “A satyr’s first time is very special, and we wanted your first time to be special, not convenient.” Arthur stared openmouthed, then smiled and leaned to his uncle. “Thank you.” He threw his arms around him, hugging him tightly. Cembran returned the hug. “If Gaelen is part of your destiny, then you’re a part of his and he can’t deny it any more than you can.” Cembran kissed Arthur’s head softly. “Go back to bed.” Arthur got up and said good night, closing his bedroom door softly. He tried to sleep, but all he did was toss and turn. He must have fallen asleep eventually, though, because Arthur woke later to a still-dark room, listening. Any noise in the house made him wake up. He kept hoping it was Gaelen, but every time he woke, he was alone—no Gaelen standing by the edge of the bed, no big blue eyes looking down at him. Flopping back on the bed, he tried to will himself back to sleep, but it wasn’t working. Giving up, he got out of bed and put on his robe before leaving his room. The rest of the house was quiet, so he got a quick snack from the refrigerator and turned on the television, putting the volume on low. There wasn’t much on, but he sat and watched anyway, not really caring. Arthur was just hoping that something, anything, would lull him to sleep. “Arthur.” Someone was shaking his arm, or at least he thought someone was. He was having a really nice dream. “Arthur.” A whisper reached his brain and he smiled. He knew that voice. This was a good dream. “Arthur.” The shaking became more insistent and he finally realized that what he was feeling wasn’t a dream, and if that was true, then maybe the voice was real too. Slowly he cracked open his eyes. Dawn was just lighting the living room windows and someone had put a blanket over him and turned the television. Turning his head, he found himself looking into a pair of familiar blue eyes. “Gaelen?” He threw back the covers and jumped off the sofa, the blanket puddling on the floor.

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“I just stopped to say goodbye.” He sounded as bad as Arthur felt, but at that moment he was too frustrated to care. Part of him wanted to reason with Gaelen and part of him was almost ready to walk away, but it was a third part of him that took control. “Oh, no you don’t!” Arthur’s growl surprised himself for a brief moment. Then he had Gaelen in his arms, kissing him hard. Hell, it felt like he was trying to suck Gaelen’s brains out, he was kissing so forcefully. Arthur put his hands on Gaelen’s butt and lifted, drawing the Fey into his arms as he walked them toward the bedroom, kicking the door closed with a slam, before dropping Gaelen on the bed and watching as he bounced on the mattress. “This is your last chance to say no.” Gaelen looked at him wide-eyed and said nothing. Arthur growled again, “Do you want this?” Gaelen nodded slowly. “You have to answer me.” His eyes bore into Gaelen as he felt all the pent-up desire and frustration from the last week bubble up to the surface. “Yes. I want this.” Arthur glared at Gaelen and watched the man on his bed shudder under his gaze. “You worried me to death.” Arthur opened the robe he’d been wearing, letting it fall to the floor. “I worried about you for days.” He pulled off his socks, his eyes never wavering from Gaelen’s. “I looked for you, called for you, wandered around the woods wondering if you were okay.” He pushed his underwear to the floor, standing so Gaelen could see his naked body. “I spent the last week wanting you so bad it hurt. Every time you touched me, I thought I’d burst into flame I was so hot for you.” He stepped to the bed, where Gaelen was looking up at him in surprised wonder. “Every time you kissed me, my brain melted and I could barely control myself.” Arthur grabbed the front of Gaelen’s shirt, using it to pull him closer and closer until he crashed their lips together. “This was all part of your little test, wasn’t it? You watched me and Tate, you kissed me and touched me all week, to see how I could control

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myself.” Arthur kissed him again, sucking hard on Gaelen’s lips, ravishing the Fey’s mouth with his satyr tongue. “Did I pass your little test?” Gaelen stared at him with wide eyes. “You want this. You love being told what to do in bed, don’t you?” Gaelen nodded feebly. “But you had to be sure you could trust me. So can you?” Gaelen shifted on the bed, kneeling on the mattress. “Yes, I can trust you.” Arthur leaned forward, this time kissing Gaelen a little more gently, his frustration beginning to drain away. “The real question is, do you trust me?” Gaelen thought for a split second. “Yes, I do.” “Then put your hands behind your head.” Gaelen lifted his arms and placed his hands behind his head, elbows sticking out to his sides. “Are your clothes real or magic?” “They’re as real as I am.” Arthur lifted his hands to the front and back of Gaelen’s T-shirt collar and pulled. The fabric ripped loudly and then fell from Gaelen’s chest and back, hanging in tatters from the waist of his pants. “Don’t move your arms.” Arthur put his hand behind Gaelen’s head on top of his hands and brought their lips together as he slowly lowered him to the bed. “Leave your hands where they are until I tell you otherwise.” “Yes, sir.” Arthur pulled back. “Don’t call me that. This isn’t some game where I play some role. This is just you and me making love.” “Arthur.” The want and passion in that one word almost made Arthur lose control. But he couldn’t. He needed to stay in control so he didn’t hurt Gaelen. “Lie back. I know you haven’t spent much time in human form, so I’m going to show you what you’ve been missing.” Gaelen whimpered softly as Arthur swirled his tongue around one of his pink nipples, the bud getting hard almost instantly. “Like that, Gaelen?” He got a sigh as an answer and licked the other nipple, this

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time using his teeth slightly. Gaelen hissed and he felt hands on his head, pushing him against Gaelen’s chest. Arthur pulled away and sat back up, swatting Gaelen’s leg. “Hands behind your head, Gaelen.” The growl was harsh, and only when Gaelen’s hands were back did he continue. This time, Arthur used his hands to feel his way along his lover’s body. This was the first time he’d ever touched someone this way, and he needed to learn what his lover liked. However, from the way Gaelen was reacting, he just wanted more. Leaning forward again, he kissed his way down to the waist of Gaelen’s pants before popping the fastener with his teeth and parting the fabric. He could smell his lover’s arousal as soon as the fabric parted. He couldn’t wait any longer, and from the movement of Gaelen’s hips, his lover couldn’t either. Pushing the fabric down Gaelen’s hips, he waited until his arousal popped free. Then he stopped, looking up at Gaelen, seeing the delight on his face. Then Arthur turned his attention to what he really wanted. Gaelen’s hardness was right there, and he was aching for a taste. Sticking out his tongue, he slid it around the head and down the shaft. Arthur had no idea if he was any good at this, but he was going to bloody well try. Opening his mouth, he sucked the head in, letting it slide over his palate. His tongue burst with flavor and he sucked more, slowly taking as much as he could. Arthur could feel Gaelen vibrating beneath him and the cock in his mouth flex and jump. “Arthur.” He felt Gaelen’s hips begin to move, but he stilled them, not sure he was quite ready for that. “Dancing daffodils, Arthur, what are you doing to me?” At first, Arthur was afraid he was doing something wrong, but Gaelen’s eyes were closed, his breathing heavy, and he kept trying to thrust forward. “Arthur… please.” He lifted his head, Gaelen slipping from between his lips. “What do you want?” The look he got was pure confusion. “I don’t know.” Arthur smiled as he realized Gaelen had no idea what his body was capable of, and while Arthur wasn’t experienced, he was determined to show

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him, starting now. “You can use your hands.” Taking Gaelen into his mouth again, he sucked hard, applying as much pressure as he could. He felt Gaelen’s hands on his head almost immediately and felt him thrusting into his mouth. Arthur made no move to stop him, determined to give him what he wanted, because he had every intention of getting what he wanted as well. Gaelen was like a man possessed, thrusting deep, almost too deep, and Arthur had to pull away. Wrapping his fingers around the length, he did to Gaelen what he liked and began stroking. “That feel good?” “Uh huh.” Gaelen watched with rapt attention as Arthur continued stroking. “What’s happening?” Gaelen’s body tightened and his breathing became shallow. Arthur felt his lover’s release flow over his hand as Gaelen cried out, screaming through his orgasm. Then he was kissing him, letting his lover know he’d done well. “Arthur, was that supposed to feel that way?” “Oh, yes.” Gaelen rested back on the pillow, breathing hard as he came down from his post-orgasmic high. “I’ve seen others do that, but I never imagined it would feel that way.” That simple statement raised so many questions, but Arthur didn’t have time for them now. “Can I try that?” Arthur nodded and sat back. Gaelen scooted around and began tasting his own way. Soon Gaelen had Arthur deep in his mouth, sucking to beat the band. Neither of them may have been experienced with this, but they both seemed eager to learn and learn fast. Arthur could feel a tingle at the base of his balls and he knew he wasn’t going to last long. He tried to cry out, but it was too late; his climax burst from him before he could stop it. Gaelen did his best to swallow. Once Arthur stopped shaking, he pulled Gaelen into a hug, holding him tight. “If you ever disappear on me again, I will hunt you to the ends of the earth, and when I find you….”

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Gaelen smiled and moved against Arthur’s body. “Is that a promise?” “Promise, threat, whatever you want it to be.” Gaelen kissed him and then winked. “Let’s see about that.” Then he vanished and Arthur found himself hugging air. “So you want to play, do you?” Arthur leapt from the bed and threw open the door. Suddenly he was a satyr on a mission. “Breakfast will—” Cembran closed his mouth and stared as a naked Arthur stalked into the living room. Satyrs by nature aren’t particularly shy, but Cembran nearly dropped the pan he was carrying into the sink. Arthur walked to the table beside the sofa and opened the drawer, finding the tube he knew was there. “Arthur—” Cembran stopped again as Arthur glared at him, before prowling toward the front door, closing it behind him with a bang. “Gaelen, you better be naked and ready for me, ’cause when I find you….” Arthur passed Phillip, who looked like he could barely believe his eyes, his feet pounding against the turf between the house and the sheep barn. He had no idea how he knew where Gaelen was, but there was no doubt he was there, and as soon as he opened the barn door, he could smell him. “I know you can hear me, and I’m gonna make you squeal.” Closing the door with a bang, he marched up the ladder to the loft, seeing Gaelen sitting on a bale of hay, still wearing his pants. “I believe I told you to be naked when I found you.” Gaelen squeaked and jumped at Arthur’s voice, opening his pants again and pushing them down his legs. “Can you conjure up a blanket?” Gaelen nodded and one appeared on top of the straw. Arthur spread it across the bale. “Lie on your back.” Gaelen reclined on the blanket, his feet on the floor. Arthur lifted Gaelen’s legs, spreading them. Opening the tube in his hand, he slicked a finger and carefully slid it inside. His Uncle Travis had told him some time ago that satyrs knew almost instinctively what their partners liked,

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and Arthur could feel that happening right now. He felt no doubt, only that it was right, as his finger sank into Gaelen’s body. “Arthur.” He felt a small spot inside and Gaelen cried out. “Dancing daffodils! Do that again.” Arthur smiled and pulled out, adding more lube, and pushing in two fingers. He found that spot again and started rubbing slowly. Each time he did, Gaelen cried out. He added a third finger to make sure Gaelen was truly ready for him before pulling away his fingers and placing his slicked length at Gaelen’s entrance. “Is this okay, Gaelen?” He needed to be sure this was what Gaelen wanted. “Yes, oh yes. Want you, Arthur. Want you so bad.” Slowly, he pressed forward and felt Gaelen’s body open to him, taking him inside. He went as slowly as he could, trying to let his lover adjust to him. Gaelen felt so hot, so tight around him, like a tunnel of hands squeezing him. Arthur heard the barn door open below them, and he grunted loudly as he buried himself in his lover. Then the door closed again and Arthur began to move, slowly and shallowly at first, but then with increased frequency and depth. “Love how you feel around me.” He leaned forward, kissing Gaelen hard as he throbbed deep in his lover. Every time he moved, he could feel Gaelen vibrate beneath him. “Arthur, please.” “Please what, Gaelen?” “I don’t know! Please, I want you, want a part of you inside me.” Those blue eyes glowed as they locked onto Arthur’s. Those words, combined with the intensity of those eyes, broke the last tenuous thread of control that Arthur had. His feet planted firmly on the floor of the loft, Arthur withdrew and then surged forward, crying out as Gaelen’s body gripped him tightly. Then he did it again. Each time, Gaelen gave a whimper and a sigh. Gaelen

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began to work himself with his hand and Arthur picked up the pace even more. “Do it again, Gaelen. Come on me. Want to feel you while we’re joined.” Gaelen began whimpering steadily, his strokes becoming erratic, and soon he cried out and Arthur felt him tighten around him. And then Gaelen was coming, ribbons shooting onto his chest, pulling Arthur over the edge as well. He groaned, swore, and probably screamed as he emptied himself into Gaelen’s body. Then he collapsed onto Gaelen, kissing him sweetly. “You told me that you were looking for me because I was willing to wait for love. Now that I’ve found it, are you going to make me wait again?” He certainly hoped Gaelen understood what he was saying. Gaelen shook his head. “No, but I’m afraid you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.” Slowly, Arthur lifted himself off Gaelen and handed him his pants. “After breakfast, I think you’d better tell us then, because I’m not letting you go. You remember what happened when you met Uncle Travis that first morning.” Gaelen nodded, a slightly fearful look on his face, even though the two of them had gotten past that days ago. “Well, remember that that protective nature of his now includes you.” “He told you that?” Gaelen looked incredulous. “He didn’t have to. I know Uncle Travis. He’s protective of all of us and he can be quite formidable.” Gaelen didn’t look completely convinced. “I don’t know how formidable he can be against this.” Arthur winked. “You don’t know Uncle Travis.” Gaelen put on his pants and Arthur lifted the blanket off the bale and wrapped it around himself. “You came out here naked? Weren’t you embarrassed?”

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“As Uncle Travis says sometimes, ‘It’s a satyr thing.’ Come on; let’s get back so I can get dressed and we can eat. Then we need to talk.” Yeah, they definitely needed to talk. About a lot of things. “Okay. Take my hand.” Arthur gave Gaelen his hand and the next thing he knew, they were both standing in the living room. Travis and Cembran both started in surprise. Cembran dropped his fork with a clang and said, “God, boys, don’t scare me like that.” They both shook their heads and went back to their breakfast. Gaelen turned to Arthur, snickering softly before whispering, “It’s a Fey thing.” Arthur managed to stifle his laughter until they were in the bedroom. After getting dressed, they rejoined Travis and Cembran for breakfast, smiling the entire time.

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BREAKFAST was quiet, with little conversation and a lot of curious looks. Arthur suspected they were both wondering why he’d been wandering around naked, but Travis and Cembran kept their curiosity to themselves, for now. Arthur had no delusions that one of them wasn’t going to pump him for information later. But right now, his attention was centered on his lover, Gaelen. His lover. The very thought made him smile between bites as he watched Gaelen eat and occasionally squirm ever so slightly on the hard chair. Once they’d finished, Cembran shooed them out of the house so he could clean up, and Arthur led his lover down to the lake and to one of the shelters. “What are these for?” Gaelen looked at the small, three-sided, stone structure. “These are used during the bacchanal to give couples some privacy. This one is Uncle Travis’s and Uncle Cembran’s.” Arthur led the way inside. Opening a sealed wooden box at the back, Arthur pulled out a cushion and some pillows, setting them on the wooden floor. “Won’t they get mad at us for using it?” Gaelen stepped out of the way as Arthur got things set. “Of course not, as long as we put things away.” Arthur sat on the cushion and motioned for Gaelen to join him. “These shelters are

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places where we share the love we have for each other. I thought this would be a good place for us to talk.” Gaelen sat where Arthur indicated, his gaze wandering around the inside of the small structure. There was a small fireplace at one end and some recessed hooks by the open wall that Gaelen figured could be used to enclose the shelter with some sort of curtain. Arthur sat patiently while Gaelen’s gaze wandered around the shelter, looking everywhere but at him. He figured Gaelen was nervous and stalling, maybe trying to get his thoughts together, so he sat patiently, or as patiently as he could. The butterflies in his stomach were fluttering wildly. Finally, Gaelen’s gaze fell on him. “Did you mean what you said earlier?” He met Gaelen’s gaze levelly. “I meant everything I said earlier. What specifically are you referring to?” Gaelen’s gaze fell to the floor. “You said… you….” Suddenly his eyes shot to Arthur. “You said you loved me—didn’t you?” Arthur kept his face level. “Yes, I do believe I did.” He burst into a huge grin. “Yes, I love you. I realized it in the middle of the night when I was awake, worrying about you, wondering where you were, hoping you hadn’t already left.” “I couldn’t leave. After I saw those two at the door, I transported to my home in the trees, fully prepared to pack the few things that are important and get away before they found me. As I was ready to go, I realized I couldn’t pack what was most important to me: you. Then I heard you calling for me, but I just couldn’t bring myself to go to you. I had to be strong and I knew I couldn’t leave if I saw you, so I hid and waited. When you left, I was alone and miserable, a situation I know all too well.” Arthur wasn’t sure how to react to what Gaelen was saying, so he tried to keep his face neutral and waited. “When the men didn’t come, I lost track of time. Last night, I decided to wait until morning and say goodbye.” Arthur pulled him close. “I’m glad you decided to see me.” He touched his lips to Gaelen’s and felt his lover relax against him, a

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small sound coming from deep in his throat. “I have a lot of questions that I hope you’ll be willing to answer.” Arthur noticed that Gaelen hadn’t responded to his declaration with an immediate “I love you too.” But Arthur didn’t need that. He knew by the way Gaelen looked at him and responded to his touch that he had feelings for him. Just the fact that he had to come back to say goodbye meant that he felt too much to just walk away. Gaelen was going to need some time, and Arthur was going to give it to him. He kissed him again and tried to figure out where to start. “I’ll answer what I can.” “Okay. Let’s start with the most important.” Gaelen nodded and pulled away. “Those men from yesterday—” Arthur put a finger to Gaelen’s mouth. Arthur shook his head. “That’s not the most important thing.” Gaelen’s eyes widened in confusion. “Then what is?” Arthur tightened his grip, letting the heat from their bodies blend together. “What happened to you? Someone hurt you badly, and I want to know what happened.” Gaelen lifted his head to look into Arthur’s eyes, but said nothing. “Those men from yesterday are important and we’ll get to them later, but someone hurt you and that’s what’s most important right now.” “But those men, they can hurt all of you.” Gaelen was becoming a little agitated, but Arthur soothed him patiently, or as patiently as his body would allow with Gaelen so close to him, his scent filling his senses, those lips right there for the kissing. “We’ll get to them eventually, but first I want to hear about you.” “Where should I start?” “Why don’t you start at the beginning?” It seemed logical, but Gaelen made a snorting noise and Arthur realized he was laughing.

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“That would take years.” Gaelen continued snickering. “I’m sorry, but I’ll start by telling you that my first memory is my mother helping me fly out of Rome just ahead of a huge fire. We were visiting the city when the fire broke out and I couldn’t transport yet.” Arthur gaped in openmouthed wonder. “Are you telling me you’re almost two thousand years old?” Gaelen nodded. “Holy crap!” “Yeah. We lived in a Fey village in what you call the Black Forest, but my mother wanted to see Rome, so she took me. After the fire, we returned to the village, but it wasn’t the same. We’d attracted a group of satyrs who’d moved nearby and they kept trying to seduce us. At first it was okay and many satyrs and Fey mated, happily.” “Uncle Gathod said some satyrs went too far and tried to force themselves onto the Fey.” Gaelen nodded and sighed. “At one point something changed. I don’t really know why and no one wanted to talk about it, but the satyrs began attacking the Fey, taking them without permission. I tend to believe it was a few bad satyrs and that the situation got blown out of proportion. But we Fey began separating ourselves from the satyrs, moving our homes into the trees. We couldn’t move too far away, because at the time satyrs and Fey needed each other, but the Fey felt they needed to be safe.” Arthur wasn’t sure what this had to do with who’d hurt Gaelen, but he wasn’t going to stop him now that he was talking. “I was still young when a satyr caught me away from the others. I tried to get away, but couldn’t. I hadn’t learned to transport and he had my wings pinned to my back. I think he thought I was playing.” “Did he….” Arthur swallowed, anger welling inside him. “Did he hurt you?” He couldn’t bring himself to use the more descriptive words.

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“No. Another satyr showed up, and as the two of them fought over me, I escaped. I was much more careful from then on. After that, we Fey stayed away from the satyrs altogether, but we watched them to see if they showed any signs of changing. Unfortunately for us, they didn’t.” “Why was it unfortunate for the Fey?” “Over time, the satyrs went their own way and our numbers diminished. We slowly began to die out. I don’t really know why for sure, but I think that the Fey needed the satyr energy and, without it, we couldn’t survive. Somehow, some of us were able to adapt and derive energy from nature instead of the satyrs, but we still weren’t able to reproduce and our numbers continued to dwindle. I haven’t seen another of my kind in centuries, and I’ve spent most of that time in a sort of hibernative sleep.” “You mean you’re the last of the Fey?” “I think so, and when I die, we’ll be gone.” He paused as an unreadable look passed across Arthur’s face. “I think you know that satyrs bring passion to the world.” “That’s what Uncle Travis told me.” “He’s right, and the Fey bring joy. So when the last of us dies, that special sense of joy that wells up from inside and just can’t be contained,” Gaelen began to glow from the inside, and Arthur could feel what he was talking about, and then it faded again, “will diminish and eventually fade away.” Arthur made a note to himself to ask Gaelen to show him what he looked like as a Fey. “How do the Fey reproduce?” Gaelen shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t really know. My mother told me once before she left that the Fey are born of joy, but that’s all I know.” Gaelen waited for a moment and then continued with his story. “So in order to preserve what little of the joy that the Fey bring to the world is left, I’ve only woken from my hibernation when I felt satyrs, hoping I’d meet one who was worthy.” Gaelen

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sighed loudly. “I thought I’d met one in the 1760s. I was still in the Black Forest, living in the same place I had for centuries, waking up every few years to see if anything had changed, when I felt a slight pull of satyr energy coming from what you call Paris, so I packed my things and transported there. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for me to meet Francois. He was indeed a satyr, although I don’t think he knew he was one. But as I got close, I could feel his energy, and being near him helped make me strong again.” Arthur felt a growl well up in his throat. He didn’t like where this was going, and the thought of anyone hurting Gaelen made him angry. Arthur heard Gaelen squeak in surprise when he pulled him onto his lap and nuzzled his lover’s neck, kissing that sweet skin to reassure him. “Sorry if I startled you, but the thought of anyone hurting you makes me feel very protective.” “Oh. Do you want me to stop?” Arthur turned Galen’s head, kissing him hard. “No, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to like what you have to say. I need to hear it, but I know I’m not going to be happy.” Gaelen returned Arthur’s kiss and continued. “At first he was really kind to me and I thought….” Gaelen swallowed. “It started with simple games. Him tying me to the bed, spankings, stuff like that, but he never made me feel like you do.” That comment explained a lot. “You mean he never…?” Gaelen shook his head. That shouldn’t have surprised Arthur. From Gaelen’s earlier reaction, he’d apparently never experienced sexual release, at least not in human form. Gaelen continued, breaking Arthur out of his thoughts. “I should have seen the signs—his eyes were always so cold—but I either didn’t see them, or just ignored them. Eventually, Francois began bringing home women, and he’d do the most humiliating, terrible things to them.” Arthur felt Gaelen shudder against him. “He never did those things to me, but sometimes he’d make me watch

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him with them. He never said anything, but I knew he was telling me he’d do that to me if I displeased him.” “Why didn’t you leave? You were more powerful than he was.” “I thought I loved him and I was feeding off his satyr energy. I needed it. I’d barely had the energy to make it to Paris, and after a few months with the Marquis, I was so much stronger. He became like a drug; I was addicted to him.” “The Marquis?” “That was his title. He insisted I call him that; it was part of his game.” “What happened?” Arthur saw Gaelen’s eyes close and felt the body in his arms shudder. “He had me shackled to a table and tried to cut me with a knife, and iron is the only thing that can permanently harm a Fey. If he’d cut me deep enough, I wouldn’t have healed. I panicked and began to fight him, which only made him more determined. But I couldn’t get free because the shackles were iron. I really thought I was going to die.” Arthur held his breath as he waited for the rest of the story, his heart feeling for Gaelen. He didn’t know what it felt like to be abused, but he certainly knew what it felt like to be hurt. “How did you get away?” Arthur could feel his heart beating with stressed excitement. “I didn’t. For some reason, he stopped and let me go. To this day, I have no idea why. I put him to sleep, grabbed my things, and left.” Arthur felt Gaelen’s shaking begin to subside and he let him rest against his chest. “What happened to him?” “Eventually, the authorities got wind of what he was doing to these poor women and they sent him to prison. I think he ended up in an asylum.”

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Arthur saw a tear flow down Gaelen’s cheek. “I went back home, but it was gone. The tree my home was in had been cut down and hauled away. I didn’t know what to do, but I was strong and I’d heard about the New World while I was in Paris, so I transported over here and found verdant, untouched forests. I made a home in what they call the Adirondacks and conserved my energy. I had gorgeous trees, a beautiful lake, and lots of wildlife, and I wasn’t disturbed until about nine years ago.” Now Gaelen really began to shake and his breathing became uneven. Arthur felt his entire body tense. This was fear—no—terror in its most primal form. “Do you want to tell me about it?” Gaelen shook his head before burying his face against Arthur’s shirt. “I know I have to, but I don’t want to. I don’t want you dragged into this.” The words were muffled against his shirt, but Arthur could make them out. “Does this have to do with the men who were here yesterday?” Gaelen nodded, but didn’t lift his face away from Arthur’s shirt. “Then I’m already involved, as are Travis, Cembran, Doug, Gathod, and everyone else who loves this place.” Gaelen lifted his face, looking up at Arthur. “What are we going to do?” Arthur smiled. “That’s better. First we’re going to lie down for a while and rest. I think we’re both tired. And second, we’re going to get everyone together and you’re going to tell us what you think is going on.” Arthur leaned forward, his lips close to Gaelen’s ear. “When all that’s done, I’m going to give you a reward like you’ve never had before.” Gaelen tensed again; he always did when it came to Travis. “I know Travis scared you that first day, but you have to trust that he can help.” Arthur grabbed two pillows, laying them on the end of the cushion. “I think it’s my turn to tell you a story.” He lay down on the cushion and Gaelen lay next to him. Arthur pulled his lover close, spooning their bodies together.

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“When I was fourteen, I was smaller and weaker than the other kids, and they picked on me a lot. I didn’t know why, but I wasn’t maturing like the human kids were. To make matters worse, I came home from school one day and found my mother on the kitchen floor. She’d collapsed there. I called emergency and they sent an ambulance. After putting her on a gurney, they helped me into the ambulance with her and we rode to the hospital.” It had been a long time since he’d told anyone this story. The last time was years ago to Uncle Travis and Uncle Cembran. “When we got there, they wheeled her inside and I sat in a waiting room. I waited for hours and no one would tell me anything.” Arthur felt Gaelen’s hand on his leg, the fingers stroking gently. “Finally, a doctor came out and told me I could see my mom. They made me put on this suit and wear a mask, but they led me to her. She was lying on a bed with all kinds of machines attached to her. They said she had AIDS and that I shouldn’t get too close because she couldn’t fight off infections, but they did let me hold her hand for a while.” Arthur wiped his eyes and swallowed the lump that welled in his throat. “That was the last time I saw her. She died a few hours later.” “This woman who said she was from Child Services came and got me and took me to this place with a lot of other kids. I was so lost. I had a picture of my mother and I’d stare at it hoping that if I wished hard enough, she’d come back.” Arthur fished in his pocket and pulled out his wallet, opening it to show Gaelen the faded photograph. “I sat for weeks in the home, talking to no one until this tall man with black hair sat down next to me and started talking to me. He looked at the picture I was holding and asked me about my mother. Then he told me about his lambs and sheep and goats.” Gaelen twisted his head to look at Arthur, but said nothing. “Then he told me about his own mother and how he’d lost her when he was young too.” Arthur laughed softly as he remembered. “I remember thinking that he needed a hug, so I gave him one. When I did, he held me right back and I started to cry. For the first time, I grieved for my mother, and this man held me the entire time.” Arthur swallowed the huge lump in his throat so he could continue talking.

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“When he had to go, he promised me he’d be back and that he’d bring a friend with him. A few days later, he came back and he brought a lamb with him. He let me hold her and pet her. It was wonderful, like I was home.” Arthur could still remember the warm, happy feeling he’d gotten deep inside the first time he’d held that lamb. “He came back a couple times a week to see me. The last time he came, he brought Jim and Sue with him. I was so scared when I met them for the first time. Jim didn’t know what to do, so he shook my hand, but Sue just pulled me into a hug, called me a sweet boy, and cried over me like I was something precious. Then they talked to the lady in charge and took me home with them. They gave me a home, a brother, and love.” “That’s a wonderful story.” Gaelen rested his head against Arthur’s arm, snuggling in close. “In case you don’t understand, the man who talked to me about my mom, brought lambs to visit, and helped find people who’d love me, was Uncle Travis.” Gaelen was quiet for a long time. “Okay.” Arthur closed his eyes. “So what’s my reward going to be?” He could almost feel Gaelen smiling even though he couldn’t see it. “Something very satyrish, so rest now. You’re going to need it.” Arthur gave Gaelen a taste of what was to come as he pressed his hips against Gaelen’s butt.

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ARTHUR woke when Gaelen jerked himself upright. “Is something wrong?” He watched as Gaelen looked and listened intently. A few seconds later, Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy walked down the nearby path, heading toward the lake, their happy chatter drifting to his ears. Arthur reassured him, “It’s okay; you’re safe here.” “Arthur, those men were here two days ago and they’ll be back.” He could hear the fear in Gaelen’s voice. “You and your friends would be safe if I wasn’t here.” Arthur sat up and glared at Gaelen through squinted eyes. “Run away—that’s your answer? These men threaten you and you run away. You’re two thousand years old. Maybe it’s time you grew up!” Gaelen winced at Arthur’s tone. Then his face contorted in anger. “You know nothing about what I’ve been through or about what’s happening!” “Maybe not!” he yelled right back and then did his best to soften the tone. “But unless you tell us what’s happening, we can’t do anything about it and we can’t help you.” “There’s nothing you can do to help! This is beyond your control.”

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Gaelen was shaking, and Arthur reached out, putting his hand on Gaelen’s shoulder. He left it there until he felt Gaelen’s fear begin to subside. “They’ll hurt you.” That was it. Arthur understood, or at least he thought he did. “I know you want to protect me, but your kind of protection leaves me without you and I don’t want that. I want you here with me.” Arthur stood up and began putting away the pillows and cushion. “I’ll make a deal with you.” He rolled up the cushion and packed it away. “You let us decide what what’s beyond our control. It just may surprise you.” Gaelen stepped back as the last of the pillows were put away, waiting for the rest of the deal. “And I’ll give you your reward.” Gaelen shook his head. “I should have known. With satyrs it always comes back to sex.” Arthur grinned devilishly. “That’s rich, coming from the orgasm fairy.” Arthur ran out of the shelter with Gaelen right behind him, his legs beating on the ground as he ran toward the farmhouse. As he approached the door, he saw Gaelen waiting for him. “That’s cheating.” Arthur smiled and stopped, wrapping Gaelen in his arms and spinning him around. “You were supposed to run.” Now it was Gaelen’s turn to snicker. “You run your way and I’ll run mine.” Arthur set Gaelen back on his feet and opened the door. To Arthur’s surprise, Travis and Cembran were sitting together on the sofa, Cembran’s legs across Travis’s lap. It seemed awfully early for their afternoon relaxation. “Lunch will be ready soon.” Arthur nodded and turned his attention to Gaelen, prodding him gently. “Umm… Arthur says that you can help me.” Cembran pulled back his legs and got up from the sofa to check on lunch while Travis turned so he could see them clearly. “We’ll try our best. Does this have something to do with the men who were here a few days ago?”

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Gaelen nodded resignedly. “Yes, but it’s more than just them.” Travis stood up, a look of concern on his face. “Is this something for me, or is this something that affects all of us?” Gaelen looked at Arthur and then at Travis, concerned and confused. “It’s okay.” Arthur took his hand. “We’re here to try to help.” It was clear to Arthur that Gaelen didn’t know how to answer the question. “Uncle Travis, I think we can classify this as one that could affect us all. These people have already tried to get access to the property.” Gaelen found his voice, but it was filled with fear. “The only reason they were here is because of me.” “Why do they want you and how do they know about you?” “They know about me because their boss wants me, or more precisely, wants to control me.” “Do you know who their boss is?” Gaelen shook his head. “Do you know why they want to control you?” “I think so. Their boss wants to overthrow Bacchus, and if I’m under his control, he thinks he can do it.” Arthur watched as Travis’s expression changed from surprise to disbelief to realization all within a few seconds. “I’ll get everyone together and we’ll talk after lunch.” Travis became a whirlwind of activity, making telephone calls and spreading the word. By the time they sat down for lunch, Travis had everyone charged up. Arthur was pleased that even Gaelen seemed to be in better spirits. “I don’t know how much we can do, but it feels good to be doing something,” Gaelen whispered as the food was brought to the table. Arthur squeezed his lover’s leg, letting his fingers travel a little. “You haven’t seen anything yet.” He leaned really close, his lips plucking at Gaelen’s earlobe. “I’m sorry I got upset earlier.”

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“Me too.” Gaelen shivered and jerked away as Travis and Cembran joined them at the table. “Be good.” “I was. I was being very good.” Arthur kissed the skin just behind Gaelen’s ear and then turned his attention to the hearty lunch Cembran had made. They were just finishing up when the door opened and Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy entered. The door had barely closed when Gathod called out his characteristic “Are you decent?” before bursting inside. “Doug’s on duty, but he said to call if he can do anything.” “We’re just finishing up. Grab something to drink and take a seat. We’ll be ready in a few minutes.” Travis had begun helping Cembran clear the table when the door opened again. This time it was Arthur’s brother, Brock, and Brock’s mate, Steven. Hugs, greetings, and introductions were made. Arthur noticed that when Steven was introduced to Gaelen, Brock tried to put himself between them, just like Travis had done with Cembran a week earlier. Brock sat, pulling Steven onto his lap. The smaller satyr laughed at Brock’s machismo, but snuggled close nonetheless. Brock’s voice carried over the din of multiple conversations. “Trav, you said this was important. What’s going on?” Travis joined the gathering while Cembran finished cleaning up. “Arthur and Gaelen have some things they think we all need to know.” Travis sat down and turned the floor over to Arthur. “As most of you know, I met Gaelen a little over a week ago and I’ve become attached to him. In fact, I love him. But, Gaelen isn’t human and he isn’t a satyr—he’s Fey. As far as he knows, he is the last of his kind.” Some of those in attendance already knew, but some didn’t, namely Brock and Steven, and they looked at each other in disbelief. “A few days ago, men posing as DNR officers tried to gain access to the portion of the property where Gaelen makes his home. Gaelen believes that those men work for someone who is at this time trying to gain his power and then use it to

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overthrow Bacchus.” The room burst into overlapping conversations with several people asking questions at the same time. Travis stood, and the room quieted. Brock spoke up. “I think we need to hear from Gaelen.” Arthur took Gaelen’s hand, encouraging him to speak, but Gaelen kept looking at everyone and then back at Arthur. “It’s okay.” Gaelen began to fidget nervously. “Those men who came weren’t really men. Well, they were, but they weren’t. They were minions. They’re controlled in a loose way by their boss. I don’t know who he is, but about a year ago, they captured me.” Gaelen turned to look at Arthur, who nodded and mouthed his encouragement. “I can only be hurt by things made of iron, and they lured me into a room in a nearby house where they’d lined the walls with iron and then covered it. Once I was in the room, they shut the door, so I couldn’t transport. While they held me, I heard them talking about how pleased their boss was going to be and how they were going to be rewarded when he replaced Bacchus.” Brock, being the high-powered lawyer he was, couldn’t resist asking questions. “Do you know who their boss is?” “No. They never used his name.” Arthur put his arms around Gaelen’s waist. “How did you get away?” “I got lucky. A storm came up, and with so much iron in the walls, the house was hit by a lightning strike that shattered one of the walls and I was able to transport away. I spent the next six months trying to heal from the effects the contact with the iron had on me. Then I felt your energy on the wind and set off to try to find you. I’ve survived for hundreds of years on the energy from nature, but when I felt satyr passion on the wind, I felt compelled to follow it. That passionate energy is what led me here to you.” Gaelen turned to face Arthur. “I’m sorry I brought this on you and your friends.” Gaelen turned to look at everyone in the room. “You, all of

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you, are nothing like the satyrs I knew so long ago, and I’m so sorry I brought this burden to you.” Brock continued with his questions. “Why do they need to capture you?” “If whoever this boss is can control my abilities, he can use that power in what I think is some sort of bid to overthrow Bacchus in the realm of the gods. I don’t know for sure, but that’s what I think.” “Why come after you now?” “I think it took them a while to locate me. I’ve given this some thought and I think that whoever their boss is isn’t one of the gods, but is with the gods and wants to become one. If he overthrew Bacchus, then he’d be elevated to a god to take his place.” Arthur saw Travis and Cembran exchange worried looks, but neither said anything. “See, Arthur, I told you there was nothing anyone could do. This is way out of our hands,” Gaelen said. Arthur pulled Gaelen close and waited to see how the others would react to the news, but everyone sat still, looking from one person to another, clearly confused. Even Travis seemed at a loss for words, which was unusual. “Uncle Travis, we have to do something to help.” “I don’t know what we can do. None of us can influence anything in the realm of the gods.” Travis turned his attention to Gaelen. “Can you go there?” “I don’t know, but I doubt it.” This was so frustrating. Arthur couldn’t remember a time when, collectively, they couldn’t solve a problem, and he refused to believe that there wasn’t something they could do. “Uncle Travis, do you think Bacchus knows about the threat?”

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Travis half-shrugged, but then he seemed to get an idea. “I don’t know, but we can warn him.” Gaelen seemed dumbfounded. “We can?” “Yeah, we can.” Travis was suddenly full of energy again, and Cembran smiled at his mate’s vigor. “You three take care of that. The rest of us will wait here, and you can tell us what we need to do when you get back.” Cembran’s knowing look stopped Travis from arguing, and Arthur covered his mouth with his hand. He knew that since Travis and Cembran had become Truists, almost ten years earlier, they could feel each other’s emotions. But over the years, Arthur had watched them, and sometimes he swore they could read each other’s minds. They followed Travis outside and down to the lake and watched as Travis dug a small hole in the sand and let it fill with water. Once the water cleared, he signaled for quiet and began chanting softly. Arthur had heard some of the words and phrases before, but he really didn’t know what they meant, only that Travis used them when communicating with Bacchus. When he was done, Travis beckoned them over, again signaled for quiet, and they waited, their heads bowed. “I hope we’re not too late.” “Too late for what, Travis?” The water began to swirl and then calmed. When it did, they saw a face. Arthur immediately recognized it as Bacchus, but he looked different: older and definitely much more drawn than when he’d seen the god years earlier. Gaelen gasped, stepping back, and Arthur took his hand. “What’s so urgent, Travis?” “It seems that someone is plotting your demise.” The face in the water laughed. “Yes, someone is, but it’s not something you need to worry about.” The face shifted on the surface of the water. “Is that Arthur and Gaelen?” “Yes, it was Gaelen that brought the plot to our attention.”

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The smile on Bacchus’s face drifted away, the expression turning serious, the voice now hushed. “Take care of him and help him as best you can. It’s my fault that he’s in danger.” The face in the water turned away and then returned. “I have to go.” Then the face was gone and only water remained. Travis stared at the small pool, unmoving, his face twisted in what looked like confusion and worry. “What are we going to do?” In all the time he’d known Travis, Arthur had never seen him at a loss. “He told us not to worry,” Gaelen mumbled as he looked on. Arthur barely heard what Gaelen had said. His attention was on Travis, who looked dejected and helpless. “Uncle Travis, there has to be something we can do.” “I don’t think so, Arthur. Not this time. This one does seem to be out of our hands. All we can do is help keep Gaelen safe, like he asked.” “That doesn’t seem right. He’s always helped us, protected us, provided for us….” Arthur let his words trail off as his thoughts raced. “Maybe there is something we can do.” Arthur took Gaelen’s hand and started walking back toward the house. “Come on, Uncle Travis, I’ve got an idea and we need everyone.” Arthur was already partway up the path when he turned around and saw Travis slowly making his way behind them. The living room was still full of people waiting for them to return. When the door opened, every head turned. Arthur blurted out, “Bacchus knows about the threat. He said for us not to worry.” Travis entered after Arthur and Gaelen, closing the door behind him. Steven jumped off Brock’s lap. “Is that all there is? We’re just going to do nothing?” Travis didn’t know what to say, but Arthur interjected himself in the conversation. “I’ve got an idea. Bacchus asked us to keep Gaelen safe, and with your help, I’ll do that.” Every head in the

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room nodded in agreement. “And I think I know a way we can help Bacchus.” Arthur turned to Travis, but spoke to everyone. “Each month, Bacchus provides us with the bacchanal. The food, drink, music, and blessing, all come from Bacchus. In return, we send him the energy from our reveries.” “Yes. What’s your idea?” Travis wasn’t sure where Arthur was going. “I propose that this month, we provide our own bacchanal and we invite everyone we can—satyrs, friends, and supporters. We make this the best bacchanal possible and dedicate it to Bacchus, send him all our thoughts and some of our strength.” Gathod stood up, patting Arthur on the back. “Excellent suggestion!” Gathod turned to Travis. “Maybe it’s time for the Children of Bacchus to show him just how much his care means to us. He’s provided for us for centuries; it’s time we provided for him. I could contact the villages and ask them to do the same.” Arthur felt himself filling with energy. “Exactly. Each of us has a talent we can offer. Steven and Cembran are fantastic cooks. Mr. Vauk is great with music, so I nominate him to handle that.” Murmurs went through everyone assembled as heads began to nod in earnest. “Every one of us needs to contact all our friends, satyr or otherwise, and invite them. We need to make this the best bacchanal ever.” Arthur looked at Travis, who was actually smiling. “Yes, let’s make this the best bacchanal we’ve ever had. Gathod, would you have Doug find out about a permit for fireworks? Dovino, call your father and tell him what we’re doing and why. Ask him to pass the word to everyone he knows.” The energy in the room had completely changed in the past few minutes. Arthur could feel it, like a cloud had lifted. They may not be able to directly influence the outcome of Bacchus’s struggle, but they could sure as hell do something.

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The room began to clear out as everyone got their task and went to get started. Arthur turned to Gaelen, kissing the lips of his smiling lover. “You were brilliant, Arthur. That was a splendid idea.” “You did well too. I know it wasn’t easy for you.” He hugged his lover tightly. “I just hope we’re not too late.” “I don’t think so. Whoever is challenging Bacchus might try to do it just after the time of the bacchanal because Bacchus would be vulnerable after providing for the bacchanal. I’m not really privy to how things work in the realm of the gods, but this makes sense.” The house was now nearly empty and largely quiet. Cembran had gone to the dairy to start on a special batch of cheese for the bacchanal, and Travis was on the phone, spreading the word. “Come with me. It’s time you had your reward.”

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ARTHUR led Gaelen outside and then stopped halfway between the house and the sheep barn, as though he wasn’t quite sure where he wanted to go. This really confused Gaelen, who’d expected to be led to the bedroom rather than outside. “Where are we going?” Arthur turned his attention to his luminous lover. “I don’t know, but you do. Would you take me to your home?” Arthur watched as Gaelen’s mouth hung open. Obviously that wasn’t at all what he’d been expecting. “You… want to go to my home?” Gaelen obviously wasn’t sure he’d heard right. “Yes. Would you show me where you live?” Arthur looked deeply into Gaelen’s eyes. “I’d really like to see your home.” Arthur watched as emotions flickered behind Gaelen’s eyes. “Okay.” Arthur smiled. “Close your eyes.” Arthur did as Gaelen asked and he felt a strange sensation, as if the wind were blowing past his body. Then as quickly as it started, it stopped. “You can open your eyes now.” Arthur cracked his eyes and then opened them fully. He found himself in a small room with smooth walls and big windows. Stepping to one, he peered out and found himself looking over the top of the trees. A sea of green leaves spread out before his eyes. “Gaelen, this is beautiful.”

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“You should see it in the fall with all the colors.” Gaelen had joined him near the window, standing close enough that he could feel the heat from his body. “Look.” He moved around the room. “Over here you can see the trees around the farm and lake.” Arthur followed. The view was just as spectacular with the tall trees around the lake peeking above the others. “Did you build this?” “Sort of; it’s built with my magic. The materials are real. I just fashion them magically. To everyone else, it’s invisible. I’m the only one who can see it. Well, I was, anyway. Now that you’ve been here, you can see it too.” He turned his attention away from the window. The furnishings were unusual: simple, but seemingly comfortable. “Is that where you sleep?” Arthur looked at what appeared to be a cushion on the floor covered in pillows and blankets that shimmered. Gaelen smiled. “Yes, that’s where I lay when I need to build up my energy.” “Why do the blankets shimmer?” Arthur knelt down and touched the fabric; it felt like silk. “They’re gossamer. It’s one of the few things that I’ve actually carried from place to place with me.” The room had very little else in it. The only other thing that looked like furniture appeared to be a chair of some kind, but it didn’t have a back—just two wide slats coming up from the back legs. “Is that a chair?” Gaelen nodded and actually bit one of his fingernails nervously. “There’s something I need to tell you, or rather show you.” Arthur waited as Gaelen stepped back and watched as Gaelen began to change. The human form he’d seen over the past week dissolved, and in its place stood a creature of indescribable beauty, naked in all his glory. Arthur was speechless. The Gaelen he knew,

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or thought he knew, was gone, and in his place was this white, shining form. He’d seen a touch of this earlier when Gaelen had spoken about joy, but he had no idea. As his eyes moved to Gaelen’s face, Arthur smiled. The hair was white, but otherwise looked the same. It was Gaelen’s eyes—those same deep, rich, blue eyes he’d looked at while making love—looking back at him. That alone told him this was still his Gaelen, his lover. “You look so different.” Arthur was having trouble getting over the difference. He knew this was Gaelen, but…. His thoughts were interrupted when something spread from behind Gaelen’s back. Arthur felt his eyes widen in surprise. “You have wings.” Gaelen had mentioned that, but seeing them was a completely different matter. Gaelen turned around to let Arthur see them better. They weren’t made of feathers like a bird’s wings; they were more like shimmering, translucent silk. “Arthur, are you okay with this? I know I look different.” A touch of worry colored Gaelen’s voice. “You’re beautiful.” Arthur kept watching as light from the windows danced and flickered across his wings. “You sound the same and your eyes look the same.” Gaelen stepped closer, picking up Arthur’s hand and pressing it against his skin. “Do I feel the same?” Arthur nodded as Gaelen brought his lips to Arthur’s. “Do I taste the same?” Gaelen kissed him softly and Arthur moaned before putting his hands on Gaelen’s waist, pulling him close, deepening their kiss and taking charge. Arthur began stepping them back toward Gaelen’s bed. “You may look different, but you kiss the same and you make me feel the same.” Carefully, he lowered Gaelen onto the bed, standing over him, watching as his lover got comfortable. “Don’t you worry you’ll crush your wings?” Gaelen rolled over and showed him how they folded up against his body. “See? So you don’t have to worry.”

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Gaelen rolled back over and Arthur knelt beside him, kissing him. “You ready for your surprise?” “Very ready.” “Okay.” Arthur stood back up, pulled his shirt over his head, toed off his shoes, and dropped his pants, standing naked where Gaelen could see him. “Hands over your head.” Gaelen complied, his blue eyes turning almost black. “I don’t want you to move unless I tell you. Just keep your body still.” “Okay.” Arthur could already see that Gaelen was going to have trouble with this; he was already vibrating with anticipation and excitement. “Good.” Arthur reclined next to Gaelen, enjoying his lover’s warmth against his skin as he let his fingers explore. His skin was white, but not in a pale way. It shimmered with a rich radiance. He flicked his tongue over Gaelen’s nipple, teasing the bud to a hard nub as his lips and tongue explored this new body. “Why are you smiling?” Gaelen’s speech sounded thin and breathless as Arthur kept exploring. “It’s like I have one lover with two bodies and I get to explore each of them.” He latched onto the nipple, teasing it gently between his teeth. Gaelen started to move and Arthur stopped, chastising him with his eyes. Gaelen glanced away and pressed himself firmly against the cushion. The Fey was so relieved. He’d been afraid that Arthur would reject him when he saw what he truly looked like. He knew he wasn’t ugly, but he didn’t know how Arthur would react, and Arthur’s acceptance—hell, fascination—really eased his mind. Well, that and the fact that Arthur was acting like a starving man at a banquet. Gaelen was already moaning softly and he could feel his body shifting slowly on the cushion. Arthur smiled and kissed down Gaelen’s chest and stomach, the muscles contracting as he went. He

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couldn’t help smiling when Gaelen hissed softly as Arthur ran his fingers along Gaelen’s length before teasing the head with his tongue. “Ar-thur.” Gaelen saying his name like that urged him on and he slid his lips down the hard, hot, silky length, sucking gently as he bobbed his head. “Arthur, please.” Slowly he raised his head, letting Gaelen slip from between his lips. “That’s the sexiest word ever.” “What is? Please?” Arthur nodded and Gaelen said it over and over as Arthur took him deep. “Arthur, I can feel it starting.” Arthur pulled away, letting Gaelen’s hard flesh bounce against his skin. “Not yet, lover. Not yet.” He shifted on the cushion, lifting Gaelen’s legs. “I want to taste you first.” “What are you doing? Arthur, you’re… ahhh.” Gaelen let his head rest back on the cushion as Arthur probed his opening with his tongue. The last time they’d been together, he’d wanted to do this, but he’d been in too big a hurry. Now he had Gaelen where he wanted him. Gaelen was making a chorus of small sounds, trying to hold his body still. Arthur probed the puckered skin with his tongue, lips sucking on the skin as Gaelen’s musk filled his nose. The muscle was really tight and he kept working it until he could feel the ring start to relax. Then he started probing, opening Galen’s body. Judging by the sounds Arthur was hearing, Gaelen was loving it. “Are you ready for me?” “Yes…. Please, Arthur.” Positioning himself between Gaelen’s legs, Arthur slowly pressed into Gaelen’s body. His lover let out a low moan as Arthur slid into his body. Arthur leaned forward, capturing Gaelen’s lips as he slowly began thrusting. “You can move now.” Gaelen responded by pushing against Arthur, taking him deep, telling him in no uncertain terms that he wanted him.

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Arthur answered, “Love you, Gaelen. Love how you feel, how you taste, how you sound.” Arthur began thrusting harder, driving into his lover. Gaelen was making these whimpering moans each time he pressed into him. “Those sounds you make.” Gaelen suddenly became quiet. “I love those sounds.” Gaelen began moaning again, meeting each of Arthur’s thrusts. “Tell me how you feel!” “Loved. I feel loved.” Gaelen’s eyes locked on Arthur’s. “You are loved, Gaelen. You’re loved very much.” Gaelen cried out and came, shooting almost invisible ribbons on his skin. Arthur raked his eyes over his reclining lover. The trust and the way Gaelen gave himself to him filled him with warmth and love. The sight of his beautiful lover, his skin glistening with sweat and glowing in the light, those eyes shining whenever they looked at him, was almost too much. He leaned forward, kissing him hard as he took him in his arms. The feel of the gossamer wings against his skin sent him over the edge of desire and he cried out his love as he poured himself into Gaelen, telling him how he loved him. Easing himself out of Gaelen’s body, he rested against him on the cushion, reaching over his lover’s head and drawing down his arms. “Love how responsive you are.” He just couldn’t get over how Gaelen gave himself to him so willingly, so fully. As he lay next to him, caressing Gaelen’s skin, he realized with a start how much responsibility that entailed. By taking Gaelen as a lover on these terms, he’d made himself responsible for Gaelen’s happiness, his fulfillment. Without fully realizing it, he’d committed to always putting Gaelen first and making sure that he knew he was desired, loved, and cared for. “Wow.” What surprised Arthur most was that he craved that responsibility. It scared him, but it also thrilled him beyond words. Gaelen was his; he’d given himself to Arthur, and Arthur would accept it as the greatest gift he’d ever received.

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Gaelen burrowed himself under the blankets, resting his head on Arthur’s shoulders. “That was definitely… wow!” Arthur turned his head, kissing him softly. He realized that Gaelen had misunderstood what he’d meant, but that was okay. He would protect and love this incredible creature with everything he had. “You were incredible.” “I’m not a disappointment?” Arthur rolled onto his side, facing Gaelen, surprise on his face. “Who made you feel that way? Francois?” Gaelen nodded. “I’d kill him if he wasn’t already dead. You are not a disappointment; you’re amazing. Did he ever see you like this?” “No, the time I was with Francois was the last time I spent any amount of time in human form. I never let him see me like this. I’d hate to see how he’d have treated me if he’d known about my powers, so I never told him.” “So, I’m the only one?” “Yes.” Arthur smiled. He liked the thought of being the first, because Gaelen was his. “You’re my first too. My first lover, my first love.” He leaned close, capturing Gaelen’s sweet lips. “I have something I need to ask you.” “And I have something to ask you.” Arthur shifted, straddling Gaelen’s body, looking into those rich, blue eyes. “What do you want to ask me?” “Well, everyone else is helping with the bacchanal. You and Vauk are doing music; Cembran and Steven are doing the food. What can I do to help? I feel like this is my fault, and I want to do something.” Arthur smiled and he lowered his head, capturing Gaelen’s lips. “This isn’t your fault—even Bacchus said that. But yes, you can help. What would you like to do?”

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Gaelen thought for a while. “Maybe decorations? Make it a real party.” “Okay. You’re in charge of decorations.” Arthur couldn’t help smiling as he kissed Gaelen again. “There was something you wanted to ask me.” “Oh, yeah.” He’d almost forgotten. “I was wondering. Since you said you built your house with magic, I was wondering if you would be able to move it?” “You don’t want my house here?” Gaelen wriggled from under Arthur, pushing him away. “You said you loved me.” “I didn’t mean it that way at all, Gaelen. I wanted you to move your house closer to the farm so we can help protect you.” Arthur slipped his hands around the Fey’s waist, Gaelen’s wings tickling his chest as they fluttered between them. “I want you closer to me.” Gaelen slowly turned around, wet lines on his cheeks. “I thought you were asking me to go.” “No, not at all.” Why did Gaelen jump to the worst conclusions? “Maybe when we’re done here, we can look and see if there’s a tree that will work for you near the lake.” “When we’re done here?” Arthur kissed the wet streaks away. “Yeah.” He guided Gaelen back to the cushion. “We’re not done yet. Not by a long shot.” He lowered Gaelen onto the bed, kissing his lips and stroking his skin. The small moans started again, and Arthur added his own sounds of pleasure to Gaelen’s. “Love how you give yourself to me.” Gaelen wrapped his legs around Arthur’s waist, opening himself to his lover. “You know that’s not a condition, right?” Gaelen became very still, his eyes locking on Arthur’s. “I love you and I love how responsive you are, how willing you are to trust me and give yourself to me. But that is not a condition of my love.” “I don’t understand.”

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“I want you to be you. I love you, period. Submissive or aggressive, docile or animalistic, I just want to make you happy.” Arthur pulled away and rolled onto the cushion, pulling Gaelen on top of him. “I’m yours, love. All yours.” Gaelen squealed with delight and attacked his satyr lover, lips locking onto him, exploring and tasting. “Can I love you like you loved me?” “You can love me any way you want. I trust you. Just like you trust me.” Arthur spent the rest of the afternoon showing his lover just how beautiful, desirable, incredible, and trusted, he was. By the time their stomachs reminded them that it was dinnertime, they were both so sated and tired that neither of them had the energy to walk back to the farm. Gaelen somehow managed to transport them to Arthur’s bedroom, where he again took his human appearance. They dressed comfortably and joined Travis and Cembran for dinner. After eating and helping with the cleanup, they disappeared into the bedroom once again for more loving, and then sleep.

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ARTHUR woke to Gaelen rolling over next to him, the sun shining through the windows of Gaelen’s home. “Arthur, go back to sleep. It’s early,” Gaelen mumbled groggily, as he pressed his backside closer to him, his folded wings fluttering slightly against Arthur’s chest. “Tell that to the sun.” Dawn’s first light was flooding through the windows and there was no way he was going to be able to go back to sleep. Gaelen slipped an arm from under the covers and waved it about. The windows darkened, blocking out the light. “Is that better?” Arthur nodded against Gaelen’s skin, pulling his lover closer. “Good. I’m still tired.” “I know. Thank you.” Gaelen rolled over him in his arms, their faces so close that they could feel each other’s breath. “What are you thanking me for?” “For moving your house closer so I can protect you.” Gaelen smiled a wry smile and propped his head on his hand, looking down at Arthur. “Contrary to what you seem to think, I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for hundreds of years. And for your information, Mr. Big Protective Satyr, I moved my house to be closer to you because I want to be close to you.” Gaelen leaned

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forward, kissing Arthur with a smile, pulling on his lower lip as he pulled back again. “I’m not any safer here than I was before,” Arthur started to protest, but Gaelen silenced him by putting a finger to his lips. “Isolation and inaccessibility acted as protection. Remember, I could come and go easily where others couldn’t.” “Then why’d you let me talk you into moving your house here?” He was really confused. What if Gaelen was safer living deep in the woods and he’d convinced him to move closer to them? If anything happened to him…. Arthur felt his breath hitch and he forced himself to let it out. Looking up into Gaelen’s eyes, he realized that if anything happened to him, he’d be heartbroken, regardless of where Gaelen lived. Putting his arms around Gaelen’s neck, he drew him close, kissing him hard. Once he released Gaelen’s lips, Arthur watched as Gaelen pulled back slightly. “I moved my home here because I wanted to be closer to you. For me, it doesn’t really matter where my home is located. Now that your love has helped make me strong again, I can come and go easily.” Gaelen was kissing him again, and Arthur figured this was not the time to remind Gaelen that he couldn’t get into Gaelen’s home without his help anyway. There wasn’t a door and Arthur didn’t have wings. Instead, any cohesive thought flew from his mind as those lips touched his. But a stab of fear shot through him and he pulled away. “What’s wrong?” “Am I like Francois?” Gaelen shook his head no. But Arthur continued anyway. “You said you stayed with him because you needed the energy you got from him. Is that why you’re staying with me?” Gaelen sat up, looking down, and Arthur suddenly felt cold under his glare. He’d never seen that kind of look from Gaelen before. “No, Arthur. I’m not staying with you because of what I get from you.” Arthur wanted to shrink away, he felt so bad. He hadn’t meant to call Gaelen a liar or hurt his feelings, but he now realized how

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what he’d said must have sounded and he lowered his eyes, unable to meet Gaelen’s gaze any longer. “Maybe I should go.” Gaelen touched his back as he pushed back the covers to get up. That simple touch stopped him in his tracks, but he didn’t turn around. “No, Arthur. I stayed with Francois for many reasons, his satyr energy being the one that was easiest to hide behind. It was easy for me to tell myself that I needed the energy I got from him when the truth was that I wasn’t strong enough to leave him. He abused me and I let him because I thought he loved me.” Arthur turned to look at Gaelen. “What you give me is so much better and stronger than anything I ever got from Francois, because what I get from you is love. I could live for centuries on what you’ve given me already.” “So you don’t need me anymore?” “I do need you, but only because I love you and want you as part of my life.” “You do?” Gaelen nodded and Arthur pulled him into a happy kiss that quickly turned into something else. Or would have, anyway. “Arthur.” He heard Travis’s voice calling him and he humphed against Gaelen’s lips. The last thing he wanted was to be interrupted. After all, it was morning, he was horny, and Gaelen had just for the first time told him he loved him. Arthur muttered under his breath. “Uncle Travis, you have perfect timing.” “I heard that.” Arthur looked at Gaelen, who couldn’t contain fits of laughter. “Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. If you want to eat, you need to get moving.” Arthur peered out the window that overlooked the lake and saw Travis standing on the beach, looking around. Arthur looked over his shoulder at Gaelen, who was still on the bed, rolling with laughter. “Sorry; I couldn’t resist. The house amplifies sound so I

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can hear if someone approaches. It’s part of my protection system, and when Travis called you, I was about to answer him, but instead it picked up your muttering.” Gaelen began laughing again. “Travis, we’ll be right there.” Arthur saw Travis look around, shrug his shoulders, and head back toward the house. Gaelen settled down and got out of bed, his appearance beginning to change to his human form. “Don’t. Not yet.” Arthur watched as the changes reversed, leaving Gaelen in all his radiance. Arthur got up from the sleeping cushion and walked to Gaelen, his arousal pointing the way. Taking him by the hand, he tugged Gaelen to him. “I know you’ve been around satyrs before, but there are some things you need to know.” Arthur took Gaelen’s mouth possessively, staking his claim, while at the same time making sure Gaelen could feel his excitement. He needed his lover to know the effect he had on him. “When a satyr falls in love, it’s part of his nature to be protective.” Arthur could feel Gaelen reacting to what he was doing, in so many ways. He’d already begun making those soft noises and he could feel his hard arousal against his skin, but then he felt Gaelen’s wings extend and wrap around him, fluttering against his skin. “Uncle Travis told me once that I was destined for something or someone, and I think you’re part of it.” “What makes you think so?” “There have been times in my life when I’ve done things that just didn’t feel right. Like when I was going to let Tate be my first time. I’d thought it through from a practical perspective, but when it came time to actually act on it, it didn’t feel right.” “Are you sure Travis’s story night didn’t influence you?” Gaelen smirked against Arthur’s lips. “Remember: I was there.” Arthur smiled and then continued, “I’m sure it did, but I think that was also fate using Travis to keep me on the path, and I think that path was the one to you. So I want you to understand that I’m not going to give you up easily. I’ll fight for you if I have to, and I’ll

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protect you with everything I am.” Gaelen shivered a little in his arms. “Uncle Travis fought a Traumsinn challenge with Uncle Cembran’s father to protect him. Trent rescued Mr. Vauk when he was taken. Dovino, Phillip, and Jeremy have been together for eight years, defying some who feel their relationship isn’t proper, even for satyrs.” Arthur couldn’t help rolling his eyes. “I know you’ve taken care of yourself for a long time, but I can’t help it; I feel this need to keep you safe.” “I know you do, but do you realize that you’re not the one who’ll be hurt in the long run?” The tone of Gaelen’s voice made him pause. “You’ll likely live a long time—two, three, maybe even four hundred years, but I’m over two thousand years old and could live another two thousand years or more. If we live our lives uninterrupted by anything or anyone, you’ll still die long before I do.” Arthur could almost hear the loss behind Gaelen’s voice. “That doesn’t mean that I don’t love you or want you with me, because these past few weeks have been some of the happiest of my life. I just need for you to understand.” “I do.” Arthur put his head against Gaelen’s shoulder. “Doug and Gathod have had to deal with the same thing. Doug is human; Gathod’s a satyr. But we all deal with that. Cembran is almost three hundred years older than Travis. Talk about a May/December relationship!” They both chuckled softly, and then Arthur turned serious again. “I can’t change who I am or who you are. All I can promise is to love you.” After another kiss, Arthur stepped back, knowing if he didn’t they’d never get to breakfast. “I need to find my clothes.” “Stand still.” Arthur did as Gaelen asked and felt the air in the room whoosh around him, caressing his skin. When it died down, both he and Gaelen were dressed and Gaelen was in his human form. “We should go.” Arthur felt the air whoosh again. He blinked to protect his eyes and then he was standing next to Gaelen in Travis and Cembran’s living room. Gaelen bumped him with his elbow. “It’s good to be Fey.”

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Arthur whispered, “I still say you’re the orgasm fairy.” Gaelen elbowed him in the ribs. “Be good, or I’ll whisk away the clothes.” Arthur turned toward him, waggling his eyebrows. Gaelen rolled his eyes. “You’re impossible.” “It’s a satyr thing.” Cembran was carrying food to the table. “What are you two going on about?” Arthur felt the color rise in his cheeks. “Nothing.” Gaelen wasn’t about to let him off the hook that easily. “Every time you misbehave you tell me it’s a satyr thing.” Arthur, Travis, and Cembran looked at one another and responded in unison, “Well, it is.” The three of them burst into laughter, with Gaelen looking incredulous then joining them. They sat down to breakfast and began eating, all of them excited about that evening’s bacchanal. Arthur was eating at a furious pace; even Gaelen was eating quickly. Almost as soon as they cleared the table, the telephone started to ring. “Arthur, would you get that?” Travis called from the kitchen, as he and Cembran began cleaning up. Arthur picked up the phone and heard his brother’s voice. “Hey, Brock. Travis and Cembran are busy.” “That’s okay, little bro. Would you tell Travis that Roeder and Blayne are coming? They wanted to know if they could bring another couple with them. I told them it was okay, but I wanted to let Travis know.” Arthur relayed the message. “Travis says that’s great. The more the merrier.” They talked for a few minutes and then hung up. The phone rang again almost as soon as it touched the cradle, and Arthur answered it. “Artie, it’s Tate. My car broke down and I won’t be able to make it.” He could hear the disappointment in his friend’s voice.

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“Everything’s loaded and ready to go, but the freakin’ car won’t start.” “I’m sorry. I was looking forward to seeing you.” He really was. He hadn’t seen his best friend in almost a month and he’d been hoping to introduce him to Gaelen. Gaelen nudged him in the ribs, mouthing, “Who is it?” Arthur put his hand over the mouthpiece. “Tate. His car broke down.” “Artie, are you there?” “Hold on a minute.” Gaelen had this wicked look on his face. “Tell him to unload his suitcase and carry it back inside, and to lock the door behind him.” Arthur repeated the message. “What’s going on, Artie?” “Just trust me, Tate.” He heard a sigh and then Tate disconnected. Arthur turned his attention to Gaelen and waited. A few minutes later, he felt the same rush around his body and then Tate stood next to him, blinking. “What the fuck was that?” Tate’s mouth dropped open when he looked around and realized he was looking at Arthur and standing in Cembran and Travis’s living room. “How did I get here?” Arthur stepped forward and embraced his friend. “Have I got things to tell you.” Tate returned the hug and then stepped back. “Judging by that little display, I bet you do!” Arthur slipped an arm around his lover’s waist. “Tate, I want you meet Gaelen.” Tate extended his hand warily and Gaelen shook it warmly. Tate released Gaelen’s hand, looking questioningly at Arthur. “So what just happened?”

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“Gaelen is very special. He’s a Fey and he used his powers to transport you here.” Tate was speechless, so Arthur continued. “Tate, I wanted you to meet him, and when he heard your car wouldn’t start, he brought you here.” “You could have at least warned me.” Tate shrugged. “Although I suppose I should get used to surprises from you.” “Let me put your bag in the bedroom and we’ll answer all your questions while we finish up chores. This is going to be a huge bacchanal and there’s a lot to get done.” Arthur put Tate’s bags in the bedroom and returned to find Tate and Gaelen already talking. “Gaelen’s in charge of decorations, I’m helping with the music, and everyone is helping with setup later this afternoon.” Arthur was interrupted when the door opened and Trent came in carrying two huge bowls of food that he handed to Cembran before scurrying back outside. “I thought you told me that Bacchus provided for the bacchanal?” “He usually does.” Arthur headed for the door. “Come on. We’ll fill you in while we work. There’s a lot to get done before tonight.” The three of them headed outside and down to the barns, with Tate asking questions the entire time. As they approached the barn, Gaelen saw to Mika while Tate and Arthur checked on the sheep and lambs. Gaelen returned a while later and they worked together, getting the chores completed in record time. Gaelen was able to help with some of the chores, but others required hands-on attention. At about noon, they went in for lunch and were greeted by a full house. Arthur’s mom and dad had arrived early and Sue was already hard at work in the kitchen along with Steven and Cembran. Arthur hugged both of them warmly and introduced them to Gaelen. Sue wiped her hands and hugged Gaelen, her face showing her pleasure. “I’m sorry I don’t have more time to talk. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

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“Me too.” Arthur slipped his hand into Gaelen’s as he spoke. “Arthur has told me so much about you, I feel like I already know you.” Sue blushed and motioned them toward the table. They ate rather hastily and then got out of the kitchen, heading out to help get things ready. The lake was a hive of activity. Tables were being set up and a tent was being erected to cover the food. Gaelen pulled Arthur aside. “I have some things to get ready for tonight, so I’ll see you later.” Gaelen kissed him and then popped away, literally. Tate tapped him on the shoulder. “How do you get used to that?” “It’s part of who he is.” Arthur leaned close conspiratorially. “Wait ’til you see him when he’s not in human form. It’s incredible.” Arthur cut off Tate’s questions. “We should see what we can do to help.” Trent and Vauk were already working to set up the tent, and they went to work, helping them finish. They had decided that they didn’t want electric lights, so torches were set up around the party area for light. As the afternoon wore on, Arthur and Tate began setting up the shelters with cushions and pillows. Usually couples set up their own shelter, but with everyone pitching in elsewhere, Arthur had volunteered to do it. They’d just finished setting up Travis and Cembran’s shelter when Gaelen reappeared, making Tate jump so high he hit his head. “Sorry.” Tate rubbed the top of his skull. “I’ll never get used to that.” Gaelen placed his hand on Tate’s head. Tate immediately looked at Gaelen. “The pain’s gone.” He smiled. “Thanks.” Gaelen returned the smile and nodded. As the afternoon wore on, everything was very nearly ready. Gathod and Doug were working on some secret surprise on the far side of the lake, and the food was nearly ready. Arthur watched as Travis surveyed everything they’d accomplished. “This is going to be the best bacchanal ever.”

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The words were barely out of his mouth when Dovino ran out of the woods. “Travis!” He was breathing hard. “I just got off the phone with my father. He said that they had a freak snowstorm last night.” “Is that normal this time of the year?” “No. It gets cold, but it’s really late for snow. I spoke to Vauk a few minutes ago and he said Christoff told him they were getting snow as well. That’s just too coincidental. So I logged on to the Internet: Zurich was seventy-five degrees.” “Sounds like someone is trying to interrupt our festivities.” “That’s what Pa thinks, too, but it didn’t work. Look at these.” Dovino pulled out his phone and showed Travis pictures his dad had sent. “They built big snow rings and put torches in them all around the clearing, lighting them like big lanterns. Pa said it’s quite a sight. Beautiful, actually.” Travis couldn’t help smiling. Vauk joined them in the clearing and relayed Christoff’s message. “We never get snow this late.” “What did they do?” “They cleared it away, built huge fires, and went ahead.” Vauk opened his phone and handed it to Travis. “Christoff, is that you?” “Yes, Travis. Listen.” Christoff held up the phone, and Travis heard singing. He held the phone near Vauk’s ear so he could listen. “It’s an old folk song, but they’ve changed the words. They’re singing to Bacchus while they dance.” Travis watched as Vauk began to move his own body as he listened to the song. “Uncle Travis!” Arthur pointed to the west. “Looks like we’re in for something too.” A black cloud was growing and moving toward them rather rapidly, considering the air was calm and rather dry. Just then the wind picked up and began to swirl around them.

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Travis took charge. “Get everyone inside! Now!” A crack of lightning split the afternoon air. The wind built as they raced through the trees. Arthur heard metal banging and fabric ripping and he knew the wind had flattened their tent. Bursting from the trees, they raced across the field as lightning flashed again. This time, the thunder was deafening and the scent of ozone filled the air. Arthur tripped over his own feet and fell face-first on the ground. Getting up, he saw smoke rising from the woods to the west. “Uncle Travis…. Fire!” He pointed to the plume of smoke blowing toward them on the wind. “Stop!” Arthur scrambled to his feet and turned around. Gaelen was standing near the trees that surround the lake, and he was huge. His wings spread out to either side, his body white and shining with his own inner light. Those wings, spread to their full width, glistened with reflected radiance. Arthur was speechless, watching as Gaelen moved his arms with definite purpose, pointing at the cloud. “You will not mess with those I love!” His right arm thrust forward. “Air, stop this wayward cloud and return the sun!” A blast of air shot toward the cloud and it blew apart. The sun immediately broke through and the wind died away. “Uncle Travis, we need to put out those fires.” Arthur began running toward the smoke. “No, Arthur.” Gaelen’s voice stopped him in his tracks. Gaelen moved his arms again, calling out, “Water, quench this unholy fire.” A spout of water lifted from the lake, arcing over their heads, dousing the flames with a loud hiss. Everyone looked at Gaelen, who seemed to shrink back to normal before their eyes. Arthur rushed to him, throwing his arms around his lover’s neck, kissing him hard. “Thank you.” He didn’t hear the others approach, nor did he hear Tate snicker, “Get a room.” All he sensed was the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears, the feel of Gaelen’s lips on his, and the flutter of those wings as they encircled him.

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“Arthur, we have an audience.” Arthur didn’t care; he crashed his lips against Gaelen’s, his very being thrumming with desire. Arthur pulled back just enough to put his lips to Gaelen’s ear. “Want you so bad, right now. Need you.” He was practically climbing up Gaelen’s body. Arthur felt Gaelen’s hands stroke his back. “I think we need to see what damage was done.” Arthur released Gaelen reluctantly and watched as he shifted back to his human form. Travis led the way back toward the beach, with everyone else following. It was an unbelievable mess. The tent was twisted, ripped, and floating on the water. The tables had overturned. Some of the torches that had lined the lake were floating on the water. Most dramatic was the fact that there was a ring around the lake where the water level had dropped by almost a foot. They stopped and stared. The bacchanal was set to start in a few hours and all their preparations had to be redone. “Let’s do what we can.” Travis picked up one of the tables and set it back in place. “I think I can help with that.” Gaelen began signaling and the tent flew out of the water, the fabric knitting together as it came to rest back in its place. The torches flew from where the wind had carried them, landing back where they’d been set. The tables and chairs righted themselves and festive umbrellas stuck themselves back in the sand. Everything looked much like it had before. “Thank you, Gaelen.” Even Travis was at a loss for words. Arthur stood next to his lover, his hand slipping into his back pocket. “Yes, thank you. You saved the bacchanal.” “Arthur.” Gaelen turned to face his lover. “All that wasn’t aimed at you. It was aimed at me. I was being tested to see how strong I was. The storm, the fire, the wind—all of that was easily repaired. But now, whoever is doing this has no doubt how strong I am, and they’re going to redouble their efforts to get to me. They may even try to use you to try to get to me.”

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“Let them try.” He pulled Gaelen closer. “At least the bacchanal will go on as planned, and maybe Bacchus will defeat whoever this is.” “I’m sorry to say, but this isn’t over. Whoever is behind this is threatened by what you’re doing and they’ll try something else before the night’s over. I just know it.” Arthur stepped back, looking Gaelen square in the eye. “You have to make a decision, Gaelen, and you need to make it now!” He knew he was being a little harsh, but Arthur felt it couldn’t be helped. “You can run like you have for centuries. But I have to tell you, it’s become a habit and it’s not very flattering.” Arthur stepped aside, giving Gaelen a clear path. “If having someone who loves you for who you are isn’t enough reason to stay, then you should go.” He swung his arm in a be-my-guest motion. “If having people who are willing to put themselves on the line to protect you and make room in their lives for you isn’t enough, then you should go.” Arthur took a deep breath, his insides shaking with fear. “If having one person who’ll miss you more than breathing isn’t enough for you,” his voice rose on its own, “then you should go.” Arthur watched and waited to see how Gaelen would react and what his decision would be. He saw a myriad of emotions flash behind those blue eyes: fear, anger, embarrassment, and pride, all in the flick of a heartbeat. “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?” Those eyes hardened, but Arthur saw behind them something that hadn’t been present before: hope. “No. But I do know that we’ll be in it together, all of us.” He opened his arms and Gaelen fell into them, holding tightly. Arthur released the breath he’d been holding and returned the hug.

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ARTHUR looked out the window of Gaelen’s home overlooking the lake, while Gaelen paced nervously behind him. He’d asked Gaelen to transport them there so they could be alone for a while before the bacchanal. “Stop fussing and come here.” He held out his hand and felt a warm hand slide into his. “Look at everyone gathering below.” He could hear people talking and he realized that Gaelen had activated the sound amplification. “Hear how happy they are. You made that possible.” “But by staying here, I’m putting all of them in danger.” “I thought you already made your decision. Don’t secondguess yourself.” Arthur turned to Gaelen, fire blazing in his eyes. He was getting a little tired of “Gaelen the martyr.” “Do you think they’re unfeeling enough to really care about the danger? Do you think our way of life isn’t in danger if Bacchus is replaced? Whoever’s trying to replace Bacchus isn’t going to be the benevolent, caring father figure Bacchus is. He’s power hungry and he’ll tear apart the fabric of who we are.” “You don’t know that.” “Yes, I do. I feel it down to my soul. Don’t ask me how, but I do. Besides, Bacchus asked us to protect you. You heard him, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to disappoint him. You know as well as I that standing together is part of being in love.” He waved his hand at

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everyone gathering below. “They taught me that, and I won’t let them down either.” Arthur let his frustration diminish, knowing that getting upset with Gaelen wasn’t going to help. “You’ve been alone for a long time. Even when you were with Francois, you were still alone. But you’re not anymore. You have every one of us behind you.” He pulled Gaelen close to him. “And you should know by now that satyrs don’t let go easily.” “Stubborn, mule-headed satyrs,” Gaelen muttered under his breath as his resistance crumbled. “That’s right. And now I think it’s time we joined the rest of the stubborn, mule-headed satyrs down there for the bacchanalian celebration.” Arthur’s eyes shone brightly. “I’ve been looking forward to this for days.” Their kiss was hot, scorching hot, curling Arthur’s toes. “And especially after seeing you in action this afternoon.” Arthur thought Gaelen’s display of power as well as his calm under pressure was incredibly sexy and he had every intention of showing his lover just how much he liked it. “We should join them. Can you transport us to my bedroom?” Gaelen didn’t answer; instead, Arthur found himself standing in the room beside Gaelen. “Thanks. Let’s join the party.” He opened the door and they stepped out into the living room. “Are you ready?” Gaelen nodded, looking a little apprehensive. “I guess.” “You have nothing to be worried about. These aren’t the satyrs you knew before. All these people are friends of mine. I’ve known most of them for years.” Taking Gaelen’s hand, he led his lover outside and across the field to the lake. Satyrs had already begun gathering. Arthur’s parents were already there. His mom hugged him tightly and fussed over him, just like she always did. Arthur reintroduced them to Gaelen. His mother, in her usual exuberant way, gave Gaelen a hug, while his dad smiled brightly and shook his hand. He’d told them about Gaelen, but today was the first chance they’d had to really meet— earlier, things had been a little rushed. It was important to Arthur that Gaelen and his parents like each other.

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“Arthur!” Tate walked across the sand with Vauk and Trent. He greeted his best friend with a hug. “Did you have a good afternoon?” “The best. Vauk showed me the young ones he’s caring for and gave me a tour of their farm. It’s really cool.” Arthur’s gaze shifted to Vauk, who just smiled indulgently, looking slightly embarrassed. More people arrived and his attention was drawn to the new arrivals. He spent the next hour or so introducing Gaelen and Tate and meeting new people. Brock and Steven arrived with two other couples. “Hey, guys. I have some people I’d like you to meet. This is Roeder Hart and his mate Blayne Mullen, and Rudy and Alice Stevens.” Brock flashed a proud smile. “This is my little brother, Arthur, his boyfriend Gaelen, and Arthur’s best friend, Tate.” “Is this your first bacchanal?” Arthur inquired as they shook hands and exchanged greetings. Blayne answered for the group. “No. Roeder and I were here last month, but this is Rudy and Alice’s first gathering of this type.” He watched as Blayne put an arm around Roeder’s waist, pulling him close. “When Brock told us that this was a special bacchanal, we asked if they’d like to join us.” Arthur turned his attention to Rudy, and the big man smiled warmly. “I’m glad you could come. This is truly a special gathering.” “Rudy! Is that you?” Arthur heard Doug’s voice carry across the water. “It is!” The two men clasped hands before Doug pulled the older man into a hug, slapping him on the back. “How wonderful! And this must be your lovely wife, Alice. Rudy’s spoken of you many times, but we’ve never met. I’m Doug Green.” Her face broke into a huge grin. “I feel like I know you already.” She pulled him into a hug. Doug must have seen the bewildered looked on the faces around them, because after hugging Alice, he explained. “Rudy’s

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the sheriff in the county just to the north. We’ve met at conferences and law enforcement gatherings for years.” Rudy looked serious for a second. “I didn’t know you were a satyr.” Doug shook his head. “I’m not, but my partner, Gathod, is. Unfortunately, he’s a little busy making final preparations right now, but I’ll be sure to introduce you later.” Doug led Rudy and Alice away, their voices fading as they chatted. Dovino captured Tate’s attention, and he wandered off to talk. Arthur turned and led Blayne and Roeder across the sand and through the trees to the shelter that he and Tate had used two months earlier. “Look, Blayne, this is the same one we used last month. Didn’t Travis say it belonged to someone who wasn’t here last month? I hope we’re not putting anyone out.” Roeder fidgeted near the shelter. “You’re not. Just enjoy yourselves.” Arthur smiled and slipped his arm around Gaelen’s waist as he guided him away. “Isn’t that your shelter?” Arthur nodded and smirked knowingly at Gaelen. “Then what are we going to use?” “I’ve got that all worked out.” Arthur led Gaelen by the hand deeper into the trees, away from the gathering area. “It’s not quite finished yet, but I hope you like it.” Arthur stopped beside a threesided stone enclosure with a low, wooden roof. “I modeled it after Uncle Travis’s, but I still need to add a fireplace and chimney so we can use it all year long.” “When did you find the time?” “I’ve been working on it for a long time. I’ve always liked this spot and it’s away from everything else, so it’ll be nice and quiet.” Arthur ducked inside and tugged Gaelen in after him, kneeling on the pad that cushioned the floor. “This is ours—yours and mine. When it’s finished, we can come here whenever we like.” Arthur began kissing his lover, pushing him back onto the cushion, his

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hands slipping beneath Gaelen’s shirt, sliding over the warm, smooth skin. Gaelen moaned softly into Arthur’s kiss, spurring him on. “Arthur, we should wait.” His protests seemed feeble and Arthur kissed them away, his passion shutting out everything else. “Arthur, we should make sure your friend is okay.” He pulled away from Gaelen’s lips. He was right. He’d been neglecting Tate, but damn if Gaelen didn’t just short-circuit his brain. Getting up, he helped Gaelen to his feet, pulling him into another kiss before leading him back toward the group. As they walked down the lakeshore, Arthur saw that the gathering had grown considerably in the brief time they’d been gone. There had to be almost a hundred people milling around. As they approached, many satyrs, horns visible, called out and waved as Arthur returned their greetings. Arthur let his own cloak slip, but noticed that Gaelen remained in his human form. “You can show your true self if you wish. It’s safe here.” Gaelen nodded and didn’t disagree, but remained in human form nonetheless. They mingled with everyone else, talking and greeting friends until the sun began to set. The torches around the lake had been lit and the food was set on the tables. Lanterns burned beneath the tent and a huge fire blazed on the shore. Arthur looked at Gaelen to see what he had planned. Travis and Cembran stepped from the trees, signaling that the bacchanal was about to begin. “Welcome to the June bacchanal in honor of our father, Bacchus!” Everyone applauded and Gaelen waved his hands in a circle above his head. Suddenly, the treetops filled with thousands and thousands of fireflies blinking in the leaves, their tiny lights looking like small, twinkling Christmas lights strung in every tree around the lake. The effect was stunning and it left everyone speechless. Travis was the first to recover. “Welcome, everyone—satyrs, companions, and friends! This month’s bacchanal is extra special. Tonight we give thanks to Bacchus for everything he does for us. Usually Bacchus provides for our revels, but tonight, we provide for ourselves, giving everything we have to him. Tonight, as with every bacchanal, we

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begin with stories, our stories of what Bacchus has done for us.” Travis stepped to the fire. “So everyone eat, drink, and join together around the fire!” The group moved toward the food, filling plates and glasses and gathering by the fire, talking and eating. Arthur held back, waiting until the crowd cleared out, before helping Gaelen through the buffet. “Take whatever you like.” Travis and Cembran fell in line right behind them. “Gaelen, I’d like to introduce you to everyone,” said Travis. “You mean as a Fey?” Travis nodded gently. “They can’t help protect you if they aren’t aware of who and what you are. This is a safe place and you’re among friends. But I won’t do it unless I have your permission.” “I’d really prefer you didn’t. Whoever is behind all this could be using anyone, and I trust everyone I’ve met so far because Arthur trusts them, but there are too many people here.” Gaelen looked like he was going to try to slink away. “Okay.” Travis picked up a plate and began filling it from the table and Arthur saw Gaelen relax and finish getting his food before filling a mug of beer and heading back toward the fire. Arthur finished getting his food and joined Gaelen at the fire. He sat between his lover and Tate, who was watching a big satyr sitting on the other side of the fire. “Who’s that, Artie?” “I don’t know; I’ve never seen him before. He looks like he’s alone. Why don’t you go over and introduce yourself?” Tate stayed where he was and actually looked shy, which was cute and so unlike him. “Go on.” Arthur jabbed him in the ribs to prod him, and he sighed heavily before getting to his feet and walking around the fire. Arthur smiled when he saw Tate sit next to the big satyr. Gaelen leaned close. “What was that about?”

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“When Tate was here last time, he asked how he could find a satyr lover.” Arthur looked across the fire and saw Tate and the other satyr talking earnestly. “I think he found his answer.” “I think I found my answer too.” Arthur turned and saw Gaelen’s eyes shining in the firelight. Arthur leaned close, his lips zeroing in Gaelen’s full, moist mouth. Travis stepped next to him. “That’s enough, boys; save it for later.” Arthur rolled his eyes as Travis winked at him and got everyone’s attention. “I thought I’d start off the story period if no one objects.” Everyone quieted and stilled, the noise level diminishing to only the breeze in the leaves and the crackle of the fire. “When I first met Cembran, we traveled back to his village to confront his father. He’d been attacking my dreams for months and we decided that we needed to put an end to it.” Cembran interrupted, “And as usual, Travis let his mouth run away with him.” Snickers erupted from around the fire. Even Arthur found himself stifling a giggle. He knew his Uncle Travis could get carried away, particularly when he thought he needed to stand up for someone else. “My father challenged him to the Traumsinn, or dream challenge.” Travis took over. “I had no idea what a Traumsinn even was, but I found myself fighting for Cembran.” Someone in the crowd asked, “What were the terms?” “If he won, Cembran agreed to stay in the village and marry the woman of his father’s choosing. If I won, Cembran was free to pursue his own life and Cembran’s father had to step down as baccharist and was barred from all satyr contact.” Cembran began speaking again, and from the way they were telling the story, you’d think they’d rehearsed it this way. “Travis and my father stood at opposite ends of the darkened meadow, high in the mountains, staring at each other. Hundreds of satyrs ringed the edges. Since Travis was human, he couldn’t attack; he could only defend. First my father assaulted Travis with scenes of his father’s

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rejection, his initial fear at finding out I was a satyr, gruesome images of death, and even me making love to Gathod centuries before. Each time, he turned my father’s attacks to scenes of love. His father’s forgiveness, the first time we made love after Travis realized my being a satyr didn’t matter, Gathod healing one of the lambs that had been poisoned, and finally a glimpse of our shared passion.” Cembran and Travis moved closer together as if drawn together like magnets. “After the last scene, I was exhausted and about to collapse, when I felt a hand on my shoulder and realized that a satyr was standing behind me, tall and erect. Slowly, the entire assemblage moved behind me. They’d voted me the winner. But the best part was when Cembran ran from the trees and threw himself at me, telling me I’d won.” Cembran looked up at Travis and smiled, before picking up the story again. “Travis, in true sportsmanlike fashion, walked to my father and offered him his hand, but he refused to shake it. When Travis turned away, my father attacked and turned to butt him with his horns. Travis turned around, and my father froze in place. It was Bacchus; he intervened and then appeared out of the mist.” Cembran sniffled. “He blessed our love and told Travis that he was worthy, and then took my father with him.” Travis pulled Cembran to his side. “It took me a while to realize what Bacchus meant, but I finally did, and a month later, I accepted his offer. And he made me one of his children.” Travis released his cloak, allowing his horns to appear. “Bacchus, you’ve been a true protector, father, and confidant. Thank you for all your gifts, especially my Cembran.” Travis leaned forward and captured Cembran’s lips with his. Soon, everyone around the fire was sharing their love, dozens of couples kissing passionately, grateful for the love in their lives, including Arthur, who kissed Gaelen hard and long, letting him know in no uncertain terms that the deep passion expressed wasn’t confined to just Travis and Cembran.

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As he pulled back from the kiss, he noticed that Vauk was standing above the assemblage. “Many years ago, I was captured and sold to a circus.” Everyone’s attention was drawn to the tall, imposing satyr. “Bacchus brought me to Trent and he allowed me to say goodbye to Miki.” Many people already knew the details, and Vauk rarely spoke of it. “Bacchus helped Miki return my Triuwe so I could join properly with Trent.” Vauk bent down and tugged Trent to his feet before kissing him hard. “I owe Bacchus my love and my freedom. He even took Sasha away after he returned and tried to hurt us.” Glasses were raised, clinked together, and then drained in a silent toast. The stories continued, each person taking a turn telling how Bacchus had helped or inspired him or her. Arthur sat with rapt attention, listening to the stories—some he’d heard before and some new. “Uncle Travis.” He tapped him on the shoulder and pointed toward the street. “What are those flashing lights?” Travis turned and jumped to his feet, signaling Doug and Rudy to join him. Arthur turned to Gaelen, immediately concerned, and from the look on his lover’s face, he knew that Gaelen was thinking the same thing he was. Gaelen’s prediction was coming true. “Stay here close to Vauk. If you need to, transport home.” Arthur kissed him quickly and then took off after Travis, catching up as they entered the trees. “Don’t move!” They stepped from the trees and saw half a dozen state police officers staring at them, guns ready. Doug immediately took charge. “What in hell is going on here?” The officers were definitely taken by surprise. “I’m Sheriff Doug Green, and I want to know what you think you’re doing.” “Doug? Is that you?” “Smitty?” Doug looked around the flashing lights. “What the hell’s going on here?”

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“Stand down, men; this man is who he says he is.” Arthur watched as the tall, broad officer stepped forward, an odd smile on his face. “We got a tip that there was a huge party going on here with drugs and underage drinking.” Doug turned to the man standing next to him. “This is Sheriff Rudy Stevens from just north of us, this is my nephew Arthur Kraus, and this is the landowner, Travis Freeman. I don’t know who misled you, but there is indeed a large party going on. It’s sort of a summer celebration.” Arthur smiled at Doug’s description of the bacchanal. “And I can assure you that there are no drugs and absolutely no underage drinking.” “I’m sure you’re right, but we really should look for ourselves.” Travis stepped forward. “Absolutely not! I will not have you interrupting my guests and casting a pall over the party.” Arthur knew that Travis was concerned that the bacchanal remain as free and open as possible, and that he didn’t want strangers wandering through, intimidating satyrs into cloaking themselves. One of the beauties of the bacchanal and the remoteness of the land was that it allowed everyone to be himself or herself with no need to hide. Arthur knew that it was very important to Travis—to all of them— for that to be maintained. Smitty looked at Travis and actually flinched. “I really should check it out, just to put an end to it. While the call was anonymous, we were able to trace it to someone at the DNR.” Travis, Doug, and Arthur exchanged looks of concern, and finally Travis heaved a huge sigh. “All right. You can check out the party, but you’re not to disturb my guests.” “Agreed.” Smitty turned to the man next to him. “Kent, you come with me. The rest of you stay here. We’ll be right back.” They led the two officers through the trees and toward the party. Arthur saw satyr horns vanish behind cloaks as they approached, but the officers didn’t seem to notice anything. They looked around for a few minutes and then excused themselves. “We’re sorry to have

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disturbed you.” Smitty had just turned around when Arthur heard Kent say something under his breath. Smitty obviously heard it as well. “What was that, Kent?” The young officer wiped the look of disgust from his face. “Nothing, sir.” Smitty glared at the other officer. “It better have been nothing.” Then he pointed Kent toward the flashing lights and they walked through the trees. Arthur found Gaelen standing near the fire next to Trent and Vauk. “There you are.” Gaelen returned Arthur’s smile. “Have they gone?” “Oh yeah. Whoever called them didn’t count on two sheriffs being here.” Arthur looked across the fire at Doug and Rudy. “They realized pretty quickly that the call was false.” “Do you think it was them? The men from before?” Arthur saw the same familiar fear in Gaelen’s eyes, but this time, there was something else as well. He thought it might be a glimmer of determination. “No. Doug said they went to pieces while he had them in custody. They’re being held pending a psych evaluation. So it couldn’t be them. It must be someone else. Not very bright, whoever they are.” “Minions usually aren’t bright; that’s why they’re minions. They’re easily controlled and suggestible.” Arthur took him in his arms. “Well, they’re gone now.” At that moment he heard a whoosh and then an explosion as fireworks raced into the sky from across the lake. One after the other, they screamed skyward before exploding in bursts of fiery color. Arthur stood next to Gaelen, their body heat melding as they watched the fireworks display, the interruption quickly forgotten. As soon as the last shell burst, Vauk started the music and everyone began to dance as the party really got under way.

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VAUK and Arthur had discussed the music and they’d agreed to start slowly and work up to a more athletic beat. The first song was a classic waltz, and the older couples took to the sand with vigor, whirling and circling the fire with flowing movements. Arthur smiled at Gaelen before taking him in his arms and moving him around the fire. He really didn’t know how to waltz, but that wasn’t necessary. He had Gaelen close to him, their lips nearly touching. Their eyes locked together, their feet shuffling on the cool sand. The fire threw long shadows onto the water as the waltz ended and was followed by another. Then Arthur heard the songs shift and the tempo began to increase, the beat becoming more rhythmic. Arthur peeked over Gaelen’s shoulders and watched briefly as everyone danced. Slowly, he began to move Gaelen away from the others, the firelight dimming as they moved along the beach. “I’ve wanted to get you alone for hours.” Gaelen nodded as Arthur kissed him while he continued guiding him down the beach, leaving behind concerns and cares from earlier in the day. As they danced toward the edge of the woods, Arthur stopped their movement, took Gaelen’s hand in his, and, after brushing his lips across the back of his hand, led him through the trees to their shelter. They could still hear the music, but just loud enough that it became background music. Approaching the shelter, Arthur stepped inside first. “Just watch, Gaelen. Tonight is special, just for you.

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This is your first satyr bacchanal and I want it to be special.” He pulled his shirt over his head, dropping it in the corner, and watched as Gaelen’s tongue ran over his lips. “I know that being around satyrs has been hard for you, given your history, but I hope we’ve shown you that we aren’t like those who hurt you long ago.” Arthur opened the top button on his jeans teasingly before slowly popping the others, letting the denim slide down his hips. The jeans barely hung in place as he took the small steps needed to approach Gaelen, who was still standing in the doorway. “You all have, and I’m starting to wonder if those I knew were just a bad lot, because everyone has been so supportive and wonderful.” Arthur brushed his lips over Gaelen’s and felt his lover’s hands caress his skin. As soon as Gaelen touched his pants, the fabric slid over his hips and down his legs, pooling at his feet. “I think this is how I like you best: a sexy, naked satyr. My sexy, naked satyr,” he managed to correct, before lips and tongue put his mouth to other uses. Arthur loved the feel of Gaelen, the taste of Gaelen, the smell of Gaelen, and right now all his senses were assaulted in the most wonderful way by his lover. It felt so decadent, so naughty, to be standing with him, completely naked, and him still fully clothed. “Do you want me to join you?” Gaelen backed away slightly and Arthur could almost feel Gaelen’s eyes roaming over his body. Arthur stepped away and sat back on the cushion covering the floor, his eyes never leaving Gaelen. “Uh huh, but first, why don’t you take off your clothes.” Gaelen smiled and waved his hand, but Arthur stopped him. “No, Gaelen. Not with magic, but with your hands.” Gaelen leered down at Arthur, who smiled back and waited. Slowly, Gaelen pulled his shirt free of his pants and drew it over his head. Arthur knelt on the cushion, and as Gaelen’s skin came into view, he put his arms around his lover’s waist and began caressing the exposed skin. Hands stroked above his lover’s hips; lips suckled the skin around Gaelen’s navel. Arthur loved the taste of his lover and he wanted all he could get.

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Gaelen began to giggle and the shirt stopped moving, tangling around his arms and head. Arthur chuckled gently against Gaelen’s skin and kept on with what he was doing. Eventually Gaelen managed to get his shirt off, finally able to speak again. “Do you want me to continue?” Arthur looked up from what he was doing. “If you want me to kiss you there, then by all means.” Gaelen smirked and opened the top button of his pants and Arthur kissed just above the fabric, licking and sucking on the tender skin. Gaelen moaned softly and opened another button, exposing a little more skin. Then another button popped, and another. Arthur was having a hard time containing his desire by this point and completely gave up on the game, pushing Gaelen’s pants down his legs and stroking the smooth skin of Gaelen’s hips and butt. “I thought you wanted me to do it.” “You’re complaining?” Arthur mumbled, as he tongued the soft skin of Gaelen’s balls. Gaelen nodded his head vigorously. “Oh, no,” he moaned, and threw his head back when Arthur sucked his balls into his mouth. “Ar-thur!” Arthur couldn’t help smiling slightly as he rolled his tongue around the hot, soft skin and ran his hands over Gaelen’s smooth glutes. Bringing his face up to Gaelen’s, Arthur kissed him hard as he maneuvered him into the cushion. “You know, you were terrific today, the way you helped after the storm. You were so strong, so confident.” He licked his lover’s throat as he settled him on his back. “It was really sexy.” Arthur began stroking his lover’s length and Gaelen started to quiver beneath him. “You really think so?” Arthur didn’t answer right away. Instead, he shifted his head and took a nipple between his lips, ratcheting Gaelen’s quivering up a notch. “You really do, don’t you?” The words were clouded with the barest hint that he might actually believe them himself.

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“Yes, I do. And there’s something I want from you.” Gaelen got this “I thought so” look and doubt clouded his face. “I want you to love me, Gaelen. I want you inside me.” Gaelen became very still, his eyes locking on Arthur’s, searching for something. “I’m serious. I want you.” “But, what if I hurt you?” “You’d never hurt me, not in a million years.” “But I could. You saw today what I’m capable of.” Arthur lifted his head, looking into Gaelen’s eyes, making sure he’d heard right. “Is that it?” Gaelen looked at him, confused. “Is that what?” “I thought you were so careful, and for lack of a better word, submissive because of what Francois had done to you, but I think I see now. You have a great deal of power, don’t you?” Gaelen nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Arthur’s. “It takes a lot to harness it, doesn’t it?” This time, Gaelen answered out loud. “When I was weaker, it was easy because my powers were mostly dormant. But being around all of you for the past weeks has allowed them to build to their full strength, even stronger than they were with Francois, and I’m afraid I may not be able to control them.” “Yes, you will. You’ll control them because you love me and because I love you. You’ll never hurt me. I know that, just as you know that I’ll never hurt you.” “I know.” “Then make love to me as yourself. Show me how you feel.” Arthur looked into Gaelen’s eyes and waited. He really wanted his lover to know that he trusted him with his happiness the same way that Gaelen had trusted him. At first Gaelen said nothing and didn’t move. Then Arthur saw him begin to change. His skin began to glow and lighten, becoming an almost pearlescent white that Arthur knew was the true Fey

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appearance. Arthur backed away and knelt, watching as Gaelen’s transformation completed, his wings fanning out, skin glowing, eyes shining. His lover’s beauty shone so brightly, he had to stop himself from shading his eyes. “You’re sure about this?” Arthur nodded, and Gaelen took him into his arms and guided him onto the cushion. Their kisses started again and built rather quickly. Arthur lifted and parted his legs, circling them around Gaelen’s waist. “I love you.” “Love you, too, Arthur. I really do.” “I know. I didn’t need to hear it, but I knew.” Gaelen’s eyes grew dark with passion. “You didn’t have to say it for me to know. I could tell by the way you looked at me, but I love hearing it.” Gaelen’s head lowered, their lips touched, and Arthur jumped slightly when Gaelen’s fingers ghosted over his entrance. Gaelen did it again, and this time, Arthur was ready for it, deepening his kiss as Gaelen skimmed his fingers over the satyr’s flesh. Then a finger, long and lean, slid slowly into his body, and Arthur released a ragged moan as the digit sank deeper. He’d wondered what this would feel like, how it would feel to have Gaelen inside him. He knew this was just a taste, but it felt good. “Are you okay?” “Yes. More, please.” A second finger joined the first and Arthur felt a slight stretch: not painful, just different. As Gaelen scissored his fingers, Arthur arched his back into the feeling of ecstasy that ripped through him. “Do that again,” Arthur gasped, his voice barely above a whisper as he heaved for air. Gaelen did and smiled into Arthur’s eyes. “Want you.” Gaelen shook his head. “Need to make sure you’re ready.” He began sliding the fingers in and out of Arthur’s body. “I’m ready!”

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Gaelen added a third finger, and this time the stretch was greater, accompanied by a slight sensation of burning, which quickly faded. Arthur hissed and Gaelen pulled back before stretching him again. Then the fingers slowly pulled away and Arthur felt pressure as Gaelen began to press into him. “Breathe. Take it easy and breathe.” Arthur complied as Gaelen entered him for the first time. Dots of light splashed behind his eyes as his lover sank deeper and deeper into him. This was Gaelen, his love, joining with him. The thoughts and emotions flew through him and he felt himself turning inward, letting the feelings run rampant. “Open your eyes. Look at me, please.” Arthur complied and brought his arms up to stroke Gaelen’s face as he felt Gaelen’s skin against his hips. “You’re glowing, Gaelen. The light looks like water inside. You look like you come from heaven.” Arthur pulled him down, kissing his lover as he began to move inside him. “You feel so hot around me. Is this what I feel like to you?” Arthur gasped as Gaelen stroked across his pleasure spot. “Yes, like a furnace stoked with love.” “Yeah.” Gaelen swallowed hard and Arthur moved with him, encouraging his lover to set whatever pace he wanted. He wanted Gaelen to have control, wanted his lover to know that they were equal in the relationship, that Gaelen was just as important as he was. Hell, to Arthur, Gaelen was more important. His satyr protective instincts had been kicking in big time and he’d do almost anything to make sure his lover was happy. And right now, as he looked into his eyes, Gaelen was glowing, literally, with happiness. “I can’t last.” “Don’t, Love. I’m right there with you.” Arthur began stroking himself and Gaelen’s rhythm became ragged, his breathing heavy. With a small cry, Gaelen thrust deep, and Arthur felt heat shoot into him. Arching his back, he stroked hard and came with a shout. “Gaelen!”

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Gaelen collapsed forward onto his body and Arthur stroked his lover’s back, letting him catch his breath, enjoying the weight on his body. Gaelen started to pull away, but Arthur calmed him. “You feel good; just relax.” Gaelen did, and to Arthur’s regret, he could feel Gaelen slipping from his body. He tried to will his body to let them stay connected, gasping softly when they separated. “Can we stay here?” Gaelen shifted. It seemed he was getting comfortable. “If you like.” Arthur stroked Gaelen’s back. “The bacchanal is still going on, and I’d really like to dance with you some more— hold you in my arms while we shuffle and sway on the sand.” He brushed his lips over Gaelen’s, his hands stroking the fine, soft, white hair. “You would?” “Sure. There aren’t many things that are more intimate than dancing, particularly with someone you love.” He felt Gaelen’s lips brush over his and then the weight lifted from his body. Arthur began looking for his clothes, taking his eyes off Gaelen for just a second. When he turned back, his lover had already reverted to his human form. “You can be yourself if you want.” Arthur watched as Gaelen nodded slowly and smiled indulgently before starting to get dressed. “Just put on your pants; you don’t need the shirt.” Gaelen dropped the fabric he’d been holding onto the cushion and pulled on his pants. Once they were both ready, Arthur took Gaelen’s hand and led him back toward the fire. They could see that the gathering appeared to have thinned considerably, but Arthur knew it wasn’t because people had left, but because they were doing what Gaelen and he had been doing. As they walked, small sounds reached his ears, moans and whimpers, snippets of loving conversation, and even a familiar bellow that made Gaelen jump. “It’s all right. That was just Mr. Vauk.” As they continued walking, a number of incredibly passionate cries echoed over the lake, each one sounding like it was being carried to heaven.

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Gaelen stopped moving and Arthur felt him shiver. “I can feel so much passion and love.” Gaelen held his arms open, as if he was letting the feeling he was describing wash over him. Arthur knew it was there; he’d been told by Tate that he could feel it. “I don’t feel anything different.” It felt the same as it always did to him. “Maybe I can help you.” Gaelen waved his hand and the sky filled with swirls of color that started in the woods and whirled their way around the fire, across the water, and up toward the stars. “The red is love.” Gaelen pointed to a thread of color coming from what Arthur knew to be Travis and Cembran’s shelter. “The purple is passion and the orange is joy. See how they mix and are carried on the air?” “What’s the yellow?” Arthur pointed toward small streaks of yellow that slowly mixed with the other colors. “That’s hope.” Gaelen looked around, but couldn’t identify where it was coming from. “You’ve all given someone something very special: the belief that their life can contain happiness.” “The yellow seems to be diminishing.” “Yeah, it’s turning red. Someone found love when they never thought they would.” “And the green?” “That’s me.” “You?” “Yes, that’s my Fey energy being redirected.” Gaelen looked at Arthur and smiled. “I saw what my Fey energy did to Travis when I first met him. I didn’t realize it then, but he was just reacting to me. Most of the satyrs here have gotten used to it and don’t seem to notice it much anymore, but I noticed people reacting when we first arrived, so I’ve been redirecting my energy as well.” Arthur watched as the colors swirled away. “Where are they going?”

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“Normally, they spread out all over the world, but tonight, we’re sending them to Bacchus.” Gaelen waved his hand and the colors disappeared again, and the two lovers approached the fire. Tate bounded up and pulled them over to the roaring blaze. “Artie, Gaelen, this is Vladimir.” The huge satyr shook their hands and then pulled Tate close, smiling at him as he smiled back. Arthur couldn’t help chuckling to himself. Tate was so obviously smitten. “We’ll see you later.” Tate was actually giggling as Vladimir led him away toward one of the shelters. The music was still playing. Arthur look Gaelen into his arms and they joined the other couples that were slowly dancing around the fire. “This is really nice.” Gaelen rested his head against Arthur’s shoulder as they moved together. “Trent and Mr. Vauk taught me to dance years ago. They said it was how satyrs expressed joy.” He pulled Gaelen close. “I didn’t realize until tonight what they meant.” Gaelen kissed Arthur’s neck as they moved together, the night filled with the sounds of love. The fire crackled and the music carried them along. Others joined their dancing, but they didn’t see them. “This is so nice, and everything worked out after all.” “Yes, it did.” Arthur smiled as he tilted Gaelen’s head up so he could kiss him. He’d leaned forward and just brushed their lips together when a deafening crack split the night. Arthur turned his head in the direction of the sound and then heard the creak of splitting wood followed by a thud and then a huge splash. The sound had come from one of the trees around the lake, but it was too dark to see. He felt Gaelen gasp and then hold onto him tightly, his head buried against his neck. “Are you all right?” His only answer was silence.

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ARTHUR was afraid to look again. Hell, he didn’t really want to see. He already had a pretty good idea of what had happened, and right now he was concentrating on comforting a scared lover. Damn it. Why did this have to happen now? “Gaelen, Love.” He felt Gaelen’s head lift off his shoulder and those eyes lock onto his, fear the only emotion he could see. “We should see what happened.” Gaelen nodded slowly and together they walked down the beach toward the source of the noise as he heard Travis’s voice, speaking to the group by the fire. “It’s all right. A tree fell and splashed into the lake. Enjoy yourselves and we’ll clean it up in the morning.” Arthur stopped walking to listen to what else was being said. “I guess we have an answer to the old adage, ‘If a tree falls in the woods….’” Arthur heard people laugh softly, and then the music began anew. Turning around, Arthur saw people beginning to dance again. Arthur turned his attention to Gaelen, who was quivering next to him. Slowly, he walked them closer and saw the huge tree that had contained Gaelen’s home, the trunk lying on the shore, the crown partially submerged in the water. As he stepped closer he saw that there was more. Broken bits of wood floated on the water, walls and roof crushed beneath massive limbs. Arthur tilted Gaelen’s head up so he could try to reassure him. Every time they were threatened, Gaelen had tried to run, and Arthur was sure that he wouldn’t be

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able to stop him this time. Whoever had done this was hitting too close to home. When he lifted Gaelen’s face to look into his eyes, he did a double take. Instead of seeing fear, he saw a fierce anger. “How can he make light of what happened to me?” Gaelen hissed beneath his breath. “I really thought he was different, that you all were different.” Disappointment and rage rang in his voice. “Who?” “Travis!” Gaelen began gesturing toward the baccharist. “I lost my home and he cracks jokes. I ought to turn him into a pile of dog doo.” Arthur would have laughed if Gaelen hadn’t been so serious, but Gaelen would probably turn him into a pile of poo. Arthur tried to keep his voice level. “Travis couldn’t see your house. All he saw was a fallen tree. Remember, besides you, I’m the only one that can see it, because you let me in.” Gaelen was still grumbling and ranting under his breath, describing what he was going to do to whoever had destroyed his house. “Is it possible that the tree fell on its own?” Gaelen looked at him and Arthur took a small step back under the withering gaze. “No! This tree was as solid and healthy as any tree here. You think I can’t tell a healthy tree from a weak one?” Arthur stepped farther back and held up his hands in surrender, not knowing what else to do. Gaelen had just lost his home and had every right to be upset, but Arthur really didn’t like being the target of his anger. “I’m just trying to help,” he said softly. “I know. I….” They heard footsteps approaching from behind. Arthur turned and saw Travis approaching. He saw Gaelen begin to quiver with anger. “It’s a real shame to lose a tree like that.” Arthur spoke quickly, before Gaelen could explode. “Travis, that was more than a tree. It was Gaelen’s home, or what’s left of his home.” Travis’s expression changed from one of mild interest to a look of concerned sadness.

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Before either of them knew what was happening, Travis had put an arm around Gaelen’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry.” Travis covered his mouth with his hand. “I didn’t know. Me and my big mouth!” He turned and looked back toward the fire, where the bacchanal continued unabated. “I just thought it was a tree falling. It happens every so often, particularly after high winds.” “Uncle Travis, you need to keep everyone away from the tree. There’s glass and splintered wood that could hurt people, and they can’t see it.” Travis nodded, looking at the fallen tree. Arthur thought he was trying to see the broken bits of Gaelen’s house. With a soft sigh, he turned back to them. “I’m really sorry, Gaelen.” Travis seemed at a loss for what else to say and quietly headed back down the shoreline toward the fire, his shoulders slumped in sadness. “I’m sorry too.” Arthur returned his attention to Gaelen, who looked miserable. “I thought he was being mean.” “Don’t worry about it. Besides, it’s okay for you to get angry. Be as angry as you want at whoever did this. Fuck, I am! I want to rip his ears off and stuff them down his throat!” Arthur felt his venom at what had happened to Gaelen swell within him. To his surprise, Gaelen started laughing. “Okay, tough guy, I think you made your point.” The momentary laughter died away. “What do we do now?” Gaelen looked over the wreckage that was once his little house. His shoulders slumped; his eyes looked very tired. “Can you straighten the tree back up? At least that could be saved.” “No, it can’t be saved.” Gaelen sighed softly. “The one thing I don’t have power over is life and death. I could straighten the tree back up, but I can’t undo the damage to it. Unfortunately, it’ll die either way.” Gaelen stroked his hand over the rough bark of one of the limbs. “I’m sorry you died because of me.” At first Arthur didn’t understand until he realized Gaelen was speaking to the tree. “Be at

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peace. You’ll provide warmth and won’t be wasted; we’ll all see to that.” Arthur thought he actually saw the tree shudder slightly and become still. He looked to Gaelen, but decided to ask him about it later. “Could you lift the tree so I can see if I can salvage anything?” The crown of the tree lifted off the ground and Arthur was able to pry his way inside the crushed building. There wasn’t much left. Gaelen’s chair had been crushed and the table smashed, but he could see Gaelen’s bed beneath one of the far walls. “Can you lift the wall as well?” “I’ll try.” Arthur saw the wall move, and as quickly as he could, he made his way to the cushion, removing the gossamer bedding. “I can’t hold it much longer.” Arthur could hear the concern in Gaelen’s voice. He turned to leave and saw a small box in one corner. Grabbing it, he stepped out of the wreckage as the wall collapsed with a creak. “I’m almost out.” “Hurry.” Arthur dashed away as the tree limbs thudded and splashed back into place. He almost ran into Gaelen in his rush to get away. He handed Gaelen the few things he was able to find. “I’m sorry. This was all I could reach.” He handed Gaelen the gossamer and the box. Gaelen took both items and held them close. “Thank you.” “What’s in the box?” “Something I forgot about.” He suddenly looked very tired. Arthur put an arm around his waist. “We can talk about it in the morning.” “Okay. Let’s get you someplace quiet.” Gaelen nodded and Arthur led him down the shore and around the group of revelers. Arthur looked around, but Tate and Vladimir were nowhere in sight. After exchanging greetings with a few people, Arthur led Gaelen

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back to the farmhouse and to his room. “This will be quiet for the rest of the night.” “Thanks, Arthur. I’m sorry I ruined the bacchanal for you.” “You didn’t.” Arthur encircled Gaelen in a tight hug. “You made love to me, danced with me, and showed me magical things. That’s what I’ll remember most.” Arthur rested his forehead against Gaelen’s. “I feel bad that you lost your home.” Gaelen nodded slowly, but didn’t respond. “Let’s go to bed. We can deal with it in the morning.” Arthur pulled Gaelen to him, holding him in his arms. “It’ll be all right.” “As long as you’re here it will be.” “I’m not going anywhere.” “Neither am I.” Arthur smiled to himself. Maybe something good will come from this after all. “I have to confess: I was afraid you were going to run and I wouldn’t be able to stop you. Not that I could blame you, after everything that’s happened.” Gaelen slipped out of his clothes and beneath the crisp sheets. “I wanted to so badly.” The bed dipped as Arthur joined him. “Everything in me told me to run and hide. You’d be safer and your friends would be safer.” Arthur was just about to pull Gaelen close, but stilled his hands, turning to face him. “What stopped you?” He knew he shouldn’t feel pissy about this, particularly since he was getting what he wanted, but he just couldn’t help it. Gaelen’s answer to every crisis was to run and hide. If he was honest with himself, he was starting to get a little tired of it. Gaelen rolled onto his side to face him. “I know I haven’t given you much cause to think I won’t try to run again, but I stayed because of you.” Gaelen moved closer, relaxing when Arthur didn’t stop him. “When Travis scared me, you looked for me. You

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protected me when the minions tried to find me, and you were there to comfort me when I lost my house.” “Yeah.” “It’s hard for me, but I’m starting to count on you.” “Isn’t that good?” Arthur watched as Gaelen closed his eyes, looking like he was trying to find the right words. “It scares me, because I… I think I could love you so much. I mean, I already do, but….” Gaelen searched for words again. “I could grow to love you so much; I could lose myself in you.” Gaelen shook his head. “No, that’s not what I meant.” Arthur didn’t move and waited for him to continue. “I could love you so much that if I lost you, I’d lose part of myself.” “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do? What we’re all supposed to do?” Arthur slid a lock of hair out of Gaelen’s eyes with his finger, just brushing against his skin. “Isn’t that what you’ve been trying to keep possible all these years?” Gaelen looked confused, so Arthur continued, moving his face closer, his voice becoming more intimate. “The Fey bring joy to the world. Isn’t that what you said? So why shouldn’t you be allowed to feel some of that same joy?” “But it’s frightening loving you this much.” “I’ll let you in on a secret. It’s frightening for me too. Every time you talk about running away, my stomach gets all bunched up and my mouth goes dry because I know and my body knows that I wouldn’t be the same without you.” Gaelen touched Arthur’s lips with a finger, ever so slightly. “Mine wouldn’t be the same without you, either. I think I’m just starting to realize that. I’ve been alone for a very long time and sometimes I think I don’t know how to be anything else, but I’m going to try.” Arthur pulled him close, snuggling them together. “I’m sorry about your house.”

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“It’s just a house, Arthur. I can create another one just like it. What’s got me upset is that they killed the tree to try to get to me.” This was surprising to Arthur. He’d be very upset if someone destroyed his home or the home of one of his friends. Hell, he seemed more upset about Gaelen’s house than Gaelen was. “Doesn’t it make you mad that someone destroyed your home?” “Yes, but I can replace it easily, and they must have known that.” Gaelen sighed loudly. “This is so confusing. Whatever game he’s playing just doesn’t make any sense, unless he just wanted me to know that he can get to me.” Gaelen yawned and Arthur waited, unsure if Gaelen wanted to continue talking or go to sleep. “I don’t know who is doing this, but they couldn’t penetrate my magic, so they had to kill the tree in order to destroy my house.” Arthur had spooned Gaelen against him. He smiled when Gaelen rolled over to face him. “We have to figure out who’s doing this. I think they’re beginning to get desperate. They tried two times to stop the bacchanal, and when they couldn’t do that, they tried to make it personal by destroying my house.” “I just wish I knew who we could ask. When Mr. Vauk needed help a few years back, everyone got together and talked through a plan. But I don’t think that’s going to work this time.” The level of frustration was starting to eat at Arthur. He hated the thought of just waiting around for something else to happen. “If we do nothing, the next strike could come from anywhere.” “I know, but I don’t know what else to do. If we were fighting an earthly villain, we could track him down, but we’re not. We’re fighting someone who’s with the gods.” “Would it be one of the other gods?” Something Gaelen had said struck a chord with Arthur, but he wasn’t quite able to put it together. “I doubt it. Bacchus is pretty minor as the gods go, so most of them wouldn’t bother him.” Gaelen yawned again and burrowed

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deeper under the blankets, the night air flowing through the open windows. “It’s probably someone who sees this as his chance at power, his chance to become immortal.” “I feel like I’m missing something.” “Let’s talk about it in the morning. We’ll both be able to think straight once we’ve had a chance to sleep.” Arthur watched as Gaelen closed his eyes, and soon his lover’s breathing began to level out. He envied him that ability, especially since his mind just wouldn’t turn off. There was something he was missing, he was sure of it, but he just couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He lay there for hours, turning things over in his head, trying to look at things from all different angles, but nothing would come. “Arthur, go to sleep. You’ve been tossing and turning for hours.” Gaelen put an arm over his chest, resting his head on his shoulder. “We’ll deal with it in the morning.” There was so much that Arthur didn’t understand, and sleep definitely wasn’t coming. The most confusing thing was Gaelen’s reaction to the destruction of his house. He held Gaelen close and tried not to move, looking at the sleeping form next to him. “You surprise me constantly,” he whispered. “Just when I think I know something about you, you surprise me again.” The farm was now quiet, with only the occasional animal noises drifting in through the window. The bacchanal seemed to have wound down, and finally, Arthur allowed himself to drift off to sleep.

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“TATE, I didn’t expect to see you for….” Arthur checked his watch; it was really early. “Hours yet.” Farm life usually started at dawn, but it was even earlier. Tate yawned and covered his mouth as he failed miserably to look awake. “I heard you two and wanted to say thanks.” Arthur was a little taken aback and looked to Gaelen for insight, but he didn’t have any either. “Vlad is wonderful,” Tate gushed, as he looked toward the shelter. “I just wanted to thank you for the invitation.” Arthur smiled and was about to reply when a deep, gravelly voice wafted from the trees. “Tate, where’d you go?” Arthur had never seen Tate smile like that before, and he knew his friend was definitely smitten and that he’d had quite a night. Tate called out, “I’ll be right back.” “I hope so, Baby.” This time the voice was sultry, filled with plenty of innuendo, and Arthur actually saw Tate shiver a little as a huge, nearly naked satyr walked to the edge of the clearing, leaning against a tree. Jesus, he had to be related to Vauk. He was freakin’ huge. Tate forgot what he was going to say, and Arthur thought his friend was going to start drooling all over himself. “Go on; have fun. We’ll talk later.” Arthur watched as Vladimir scooped the smaller man into his arms and carried him

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back to the shelter, with Tate giggling like a love-struck schoolgirl the entire time. Well, he watched until he felt an elbow in his ribs. He turned to face a scowling Gaelen standing next to him. “Put your tongue back in your head.” Arthur wasn’t sure how to react to Gaelen’s little fit of jealousy. Part of him was kind of flattered, but part of him wondered…. “He is handsome, you know, and I was only looking.” He had only been looking, after all. Gaelen continued to glare at him before spitting out, “Then maybe I should look like that,” and storming down the beach. Arthur caught up to him in two steps, pulling him into his arms. “He may be handsome, but you’re spectacular.” He smiled and watched as Gaelen’s scowl faded to a smile. “Good answer.” “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.” “I was not!” Gaelen tried to squirm away, but Arthur wasn’t letting go. “Well, maybe a little.” Gaelen smiled and Arthur tickled his ribs, making him squeal and squirm. “More than a little.” “Okay, okay.” Arthur let go and they continued down the beach, Arthur smiling like a Cheshire cat. “Don’t get a big head or anything over it.” They both laughed as Gaelen slipped an arm around Arthur’s waist. The good mood and playfulness lasted until they reached the fallen tree. Gaelen stood back, looking at the limbs and his crushed house while Arthur peered among the branches. “Look at this.” Arthur pulled back on one of the limbs to display a large bunch of leaves and sticks. “It’s a squirrel nest, and there are little ones inside.” Arthur continued looking around and sniffing before stepping away. “I think their mother was killed when the tree fell. Could you conjure up a basket with a lid?”

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Gaelen nodded and a basket appeared next to Arthur’s feet. Carefully, Arthur lifted the nest from the tree and placed it along with the small squirrels in the basket. Gaelen peeked inside, looking at the small bundles of fur before Arthur closed the lid. “They’re so small and precious. What are you going to do with them?” “I’ll bring them to Mr. Vauk. He’ll know how to care for them until they’re big enough to be released.” They turned to see Travis striding purposefully in their direction. “Morning, Uncle Travis,” Arthur said levelly. “Morning, you two. I just wanted to let you know that our bacchanal appears to have been a success.” “How so?” Gaelen asked. “I had a very vivid dream, and in it Bacchus told me that he’d been able to fend off the challenge. He said that our efforts were a big help and that there shouldn’t be any further issues.” “Are you sure it was from him and not some sort of trick?” “Pretty sure, yes. When Bacchus sends me a message, it carries a certain feeling, if you know what I mean.” Arthur was completely confused, but Gaelen nodded his head slowly and began to smile. “Then it’s over.” “It appears to be, yes.” Travis followed Arthur and Gaelen’s gaze, looking between the branches. “There really is a house under there?” Travis jumped back in surprise before turning to look at Gaelen. “I’m sorry.” “Would you stand back?” Travis and Arthur stepped away and things began to happen. The small branches whisked themselves into the woods, falling onto the forest floor. The larger branches fell away before breaking into firewood-sized pieces and stacking themselves against a nearby tree trunk. Arthur watched as Gaelen directed all this activity with his hands. The tree trunk righted itself

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before plunging into the ground, and then the broken pieces of Gaelen’s house knitted themselves together and came to rest on top of the massive tree trunk. It looked like something from a fastforward movie or a Disney cartoon. Arthur stood gaping as all this took place in front of him within a few minutes. Travis was speechless as Arthur turned to Gaelen and said, “I guess that explains why you weren’t more upset about losing your house.” “The house I can fix; the tree I can’t.” “Are you okay, Uncle Travis?” “Yeah. That was just pretty unbelievable.” Travis turned back toward where the others were stirring. “I should see to my guests,” he said rather blankly before walking back up the shore. Arthur bent down to pick up the basket. “You sounded like you didn’t believe him.” “I didn’t really mean to, but after everything I’ve been through, you can’t blame me for a little skepticism.” “I suppose not.” “Besides, he convinced me. It looks like it’s over.” Arthur could see tension he’d never noticed before—because it had always been there—slip from his lover’s face, making him look even more handsome. Arthur looked up at Gaelen’s house, then at the basket of babies, and sighed softly. “Come on. We need to find a home for the little ones. You’ll wait ’til later.” Arthur and Gaelen followed Travis up the beach, catching up to him near the now-cold fire circle. “Are Trent and Mr. Vauk still here?” Travis shook his head and answered. “No, they left earlier.” Travis craned his neck. “What’s in the basket?” Arthur smiled and carefully opened the lid, letting Travis see the small gray bundles of fur all curled together. “Baby squirrels.

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We found them in the tree.” Arthur closed the lid and shifted the basket to his left hand, taking Gaelen’s in his right. “You feel like walking?” “Sure.” “We’ll be across the street if you need us.” Travis nodded in acknowledgment and smiled a little to himself. Gaelen’s hand felt warm and comfortable in Arthur’s. “You know, ever since we met, I’ve felt this need, almost a compulsion, to protect you. Even before I knew you needed it.” Arthur lifted their joined hands and kissed Gaelen’s fingers. “I feel lighter now, happy, like I can just enjoy being with you.” “It is nice, isn’t it?” They crossed the road and started down Trent and Vauk’s long driveway. “I’ve felt like I’ve been on the run for as long as I can remember.” He relaxed his head against Arthur’s shoulder. “Do you think we can make it without the other drama? I mean, will I be exciting enough for you without it?” Arthur stopped walking and very gently set down the basket. “You are the most wonderful, kind, caring, stubborn, pigheaded….” Arthur smiled brightly as Gaelen cuffed him on the shoulder. “Hot, sexy person I know. Would you stop worrying? You surprise me all the time.” “You like surprises?” Arthur grabbed Gaelen’s butt, giving it a light pinch. “Yeah— especially sexy ones.” “Damn satyrs. Everything comes back to sex.” Arthur crossed his arms and mock glared at Gaelen. “Well, duh. You’re complaining?” This coming from the orgasm fairy. “No, I just wanted to make sure we were clear.” “Oh, we’re clear.” Gaelen smirked and began running away as Arthur tickled him. Arthur laughed and retrieved the basket, checking on the babies

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before again taking his lover’s hand. Gaelen mused, “Sometimes I wonder what you see in me.” Arthur wasn’t particularly surprised at his words. Underneath Gaelen’s behavior was a deep sense that he didn’t understand his own self-worth. “After everything that’s happened, I find it hard to believe sometimes that you’re still here. That you didn’t go running for the hills.” Arthur looked to the horizon. “They’re too far away.” That got him another cuff on the shoulder. “Ow.” He rubbed his shoulder. “You meanie.” Arthur grinned and turned his face to Gaelen’s. “Kiss to make it better?” He got a smile and a light peck on the lips. “Hey, guys.” Any further kissing was interrupted by Trent approaching from up the driveway. “What’s in the basket?” Arthur opened the lid. “Aww, they’re adorable. Vauk’s around back.” Trent led them around the sprawling ranch house to the backyard. The huge satyr was under attack by a pack of bounding, licking puppies. “Vauk, hon! Arthur and Gaelen have something for you to look at.” The big satyr got to his feet, the puppies bounding around him, jumping on one another. “What’s in here?” Vauk took the basket and lifted the lid. “Where’d you find these little ones?” “They were in the tree that fell yesterday. Their mother wasn’t so lucky.” Vauk took the basket and began to walk toward the garage. He opened the lid on a small hutch and placed the babies inside. “I need to feed them. Luckily they were almost weaned, so it won’t be too difficult.” Vauk began fussing over the babies, and since he wasn’t playing anymore, the puppies lost interest and bounded over to Arthur and Gaelen. Their feet were attacked, and small wriggling bodies jumped and bounced to get their attention. Arthur sat on the ground and was immediately mauled. Gaelen looked like he wasn’t sure what to do, until Arthur pulled him down, too, and the puppies divided, jumping over both of them. Arthur heard a squeal and turned to find Gaelen rolling on the ground, puppies jumping on him, licking his face and yipping happily. The tide of puppies converged on Gaelen with yips and an answering cry of delight when Arthur got up to see what Vauk was doing.

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“Are they going to be okay?” Arthur felt Vauk’s big hand on his shoulder. “Yes. They’ll just need a few weeks of care and then they can be released.” That was a relief. He was really good with the animals that needed help, but it was Vauk who always seemed to know just what to do for the orphans. “Thanks.” “Any time, Arthur. You know that.” Another squeal diverted their attention to the rolling mass on the ground. The dozen or so little terriers were having the time of their lives. Arthur watched as Luka ambled up, and he knelt to give the proud papa a scratch behind the ears. “We should be heading back; I’ve got to help with chores.” Trent came out of the house carrying a bag that he handed to Arthur. “You can’t leave empty-handed.” Arthur recognized the glint in those eyes. “Gaelen.” His lover sat up, balls of fur bounding in his lap and one cradled in his arms. “Which one do you want to take home?” An hour later, they walked back up Vauk and Trent’s driveway, Arthur carrying a large bag of supplies and Gaelen cradling a tawny bundle in his arms. “I don’t understand how you can own animals. It just isn’t right.” Arthur chuckled softly. “I think you’ll find out very quickly that he thinks he owns you. Besides, it isn’t a matter of ownership; it’s a matter of love. That little bundle in your arms will love you in a way you can’t imagine. Just wait and see.” They crossed the road and walked along the path to the farmhouse. “I have to go back to the university for a few days to meet with advisors and some potential mentors for my clinical. I was wondering if you’d like to come with me.” “Can I bring him?” “You really need to pick a name.” Arthur rolled his eyes. “And I’m a veterinary student. Of course you can bring him.”

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Gaelen held up the puppy, a smile shining on his face. “How about Sir Poops-a-lot?” Arthur laughed. “I don’t think so. Could you imagine calling him in the morning?” He put his hands to his mouth. “Here, Sir Poops-a-lot! Come inside, Sir Poops-a-lot!” Arthur nearly doubled over at his own joke. Gaelen tried to look disgusted, but failed when he burst out laughing as well. Arthur was happy that Gaelen really seemed to enjoy the idea of a puppy. His lover had very strong feelings about animals and how they should be treated. Arthur wasn’t sure how he’d react to bringing home a puppy, but honestly, one look from those huge puppy eyes and Arthur knew Gaelen was a complete and total goner. “I think I’ll call you Lucius.” Gaelen was making all sorts of cooing noises as he hugged the puppy. Arthur was definitely surprised by Gaelen’s choice, but what the hell. Gaelen had surprised him so many times—what was one more? When they got back, the beach area was a hive of activity. Everyone was up and about, putting their things away and getting ready to leave. They found Tate and Vlad yawning and stretching outside their shelter. “You remember the meetings we have this week?” Tate nodded between yawns and Vlad ambled into the woods after giving Tate a sloppy, half-asleep kiss. “So how did things work out?” Tate peeked to where Vlad had disappeared and smiled. “He asked me out and invited me to visit.” Arthur could see the excitement in Tate’s eyes. His friend was definitely smitten. “Way to go.” A few days later, Arthur was getting ready to leave. His bags were packed and ready and he’d said his goodbyes. He jumped slightly when Gaelen popped into the room, holding Lucius in his arms. “Where’re your things?”

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Gaelen looked around and held up a small bag. “I just need Lucius’s stuff; I can conjure up anything else I need.” “Okay, but you might want to conjure some clothes before we leave.” Arthur stepped close for a kiss and to cop a feel. “Not that I’m complaining.” Gaelen kissed his lips softly and Lucius puppykissed his chin. “Let’s go.” Arthur looked over at the bed. “You can’t stop time, can you?” Gaelen shook his head, and Arthur saw clothes appear on Gaelen’s body. Damn. “Are you ready?” Arthur nodded and then he felt the air whirl around him. When he opened his eyes, they were at Tate’s small offcampus apartment, standing in the living room. Arthur looked around and saw the two naked bodies on the sofa rush to cover themselves. “You’ve got to stop doing that.” Tate pulled the blanket over himself and Vlad. “You scared me half to death.” “Sorry, but we did tell you what time we were coming.” Arthur grinned as he turned away, giving the two of them a chance to make a break for the bedroom. “Yeah, yeah. You could at least warn me next time.” Arthur heard a deep laugh that could only be Vlad. “Besides, we need to be on campus in half an hour.” “Shit!” They heard bumping and fumbling as Tate rushed to get ready. Gaelen put down the puppy, which immediately raced into the bedroom, returning with a sock and Tate chasing after him, calling out, “Give me that!” Lucius ducked under the sofa, the sock still clenched in his teeth. “Tate, just get ready. Gaelen will get your sock.” They were both howling with laughter as Tate lost his battle, returning to the bedroom grumbling under his breath. Then they heard different sounds, soft sounds, and Arthur knew that Vlad was making everything okay.

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A few minutes later, Tate emerged, his clothes a little disheveled and his lips looking very kissed. Arthur leaned to Gaelen, who’d retrieved Tate’s sock from Lucius. “We should be back in a few hours and then we’ll have some fun.” “Don’t worry; we’ll be fine.” Vlad emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later and the three of them left the apartment. Arthur’s meetings had gone very well. His advisors were pleased, and he thought he’d found a clinical mentor who was only twenty minutes from the farm. When he and Tate got back to the apartment, they found both Gaelen and Lucius asleep on the sofa, the puppy curled up on Gaelen’s chest. That lasted until Tate closed the door. Those puppy ears perked up and he jumped off the sofa, racing to Arthur, ready to play. “Hi, sweetie.” Arthur bent and kissed Gaelen’s soft lips. He felt arms slink around his neck, pulling him closer for a longer, deeper kiss. “I was dreaming about you. It was a really nice dream.” Gaelen seemed to remember where he was and pulled back slightly. “I thought we could walk through the campus and I could show you around. There are parts that are really beautiful.” Arthur turned to Tate. “Do you want to join us?” “No, thanks.” He was already heading to his bedroom. “Vlad’s invited me for dinner at his place.” The look on his face was devilish. “Don’t wait up.” Arthur threw one of the sofa pillows at the now-closed door. “Shall we go?” Arthur got the puppy’s things. “We can walk; it isn’t far.” Arthur fastened the collar and leash on Lucius and they left the apartment, walking the few blocks to the edge of campus and along the tree-lined paths. “When I was a student, I always wondered what it would be like to walk through here with someone.” “You mean like a lover?”

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Gaelen’s eyes were dancing as Arthur took his hand. “Exactly.” “Does it feel like you thought?” “Better.” Arthur leaned in, giving Gaelen a light kiss. “Much better.” A few students glanced their way as they walked, but most paid them no attention. Two men walking hand in hand was a common occurrence on the huge campus. The lawn around the stream looked like it had been turned into a beach. Students were sunning themselves, reading, throwing footballs, playing Frisbee, and just enjoying the summer sun and warmth. As they approached the stream itself, a group of coeds approached, kneeling down to pet the puppy. “He’s adorable,” a blonde with huge boobs gushed as she stroked Lucius and made eyes at Gaelen. “Is he yours?” Gaelen swallowed and nodded his head, obviously a little out of his element. “I haven’t seen you around before, and believe me, I’d remember you.” The brunette actually stroked Gaelen’s arm. Arthur had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing outright. “And your puppy is adorable.” She bent to stroke the dog, nearly falling out of her blouse. “So are you,” another coed chimed in. “Can I pet him too?” They were starting to form a group. Gaelen found himself surrounded by six or seven girls all gushing about Lucius while making puppy eyes at him. Arthur finally took pity on him and came to the rescue, standing next to him and slipping an arm around his waist. “I’m Arthur, this is Gaelen, and the cute one is Lucius.” “Oh.” The light dimmed in the girls’ eyes. “Why is it the beautiful ones are always gay?” The group began to fall apart. “Did you see those eyes?” Their voices diminished as they crossed the bridge.

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Gaelen shivered next to Arthur as he watched the girls walk away. “What was that?” Arthur couldn’t contain his mirth any longer. “That was a fullon MRS degree press. I thought they were going to eat you for lunch. Not that I can blame them.” Arthur rubbed the pad of his thumb over his lover’s lower lip. “They’d have to look long and hard to find someone as beautiful as you, and I’m not talking about what’s on the outside.” Arthur gazed into Gaelen’s eyes, love rushing through him. Being here with Gaelen, spending time and enjoying each other’s company, watching the sun play off Gaelen’s hair, he was in love—pure, fantastic love. Gaelen bent down and released Lucius from his leash, letting the puppy run and play. It was definitely against the rules, but he couldn’t help laughing as the tawny terrier puppy began chasing butterflies through the grass. When the butterflies flew away, the puppy bounded over to one of the students and began to play. Gaelen whistled softly and Lucius bounded over, following them across the bridge—at least until he noticed the ducks floating in the stream. With a splash, he dove off the bridge and swam toward them, scattering them into the air. “We better get him before we get in trouble.” “Yeah, I suppose, but I hate having him on a leash.” “I know.” Arthur felt the same way Gaelen did. Every time he put the collar and leash on him, he could almost feel it being put on himself. When he’d put Lucius’s collar on at the apartment, he’d begun pulling at his own shirt collar just to make sure one wasn’t there. “It’s for his own protection, but I don’t like it either.” Arthur bent down and attached the leash, picking up the dripping puppy, who immediately began to shake in his hands. “Can you?” Gaelen made a slight movement with his hands, and the water disappeared. “We should head back. If we go a different way, there are some outdoor cafés where we could stop for dinner.” “Okay.” Lucius bounded along ahead of them as they walked back through campus.

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They stopped at a garden café for dinner, with Lucius sitting under the table and exploring the flowerbeds for predator butterflies. “Thank you for inviting me. It was a fun day, but I should probably get him home.” Arthur couldn’t help being disappointed, and it must have shown on his face, because Gaelen put down his fork. “What I meant was that I’d leave when you go to your meeting tomorrow.” “Oh.” “When are you done?” “Day after tomorrow. I should be ready at five.” Gaelen smiled wickedly. “Then I’ll transport you from Tate’s to your room at the farm.” “Will I get a proper welcome?” “I think I can promise a proper welcome for my satyr lover.” Arthur grinned back at Gaelen and they talked softly. While they ate, the light dimmed and candles were lit on the tables. At one point, Lucius tuckered out, hopping onto Gaelen’s lap and falling asleep. They lingered over coffee and dessert before paying the check and walking the rest of the way home, with Arthur carrying an exhausted Lucius in his arms. In the apartment, they found a note from Tate saying he wouldn’t be home and asking them not to disturb the neighbors too much. After cleaning up, they crawled into bed, making quiet love that lasted well into the night. In the morning, Arthur got up quietly and, after kissing Gaelen goodbye, left the apartment to go to his meeting. Tate arrived at the meeting a few minutes after Arthur, with the same lack-of-sleep look that Arthur was wearing. The meetings went well, and Arthur spent the night on Tate’s sofa, followed by another day of meetings to finalize arrangements. A few minutes before five, Arthur stood in Tate’s living room, his bag packed. He said goodbye, hugging his best friend. “I’ll see you and Vlad at the farm next month.”

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“Wouldn’t miss it for anything; you know that. I’ll call you so we can arrange transportation on the Gaelen express.” They both laughed and Arthur stepped back. A few seconds later, he felt the familiar swirl of air around his body and closed his eyes. When he opened them, he expected to see his bedroom and maybe a naked Gaelen waiting for him. Instead he saw nothing but a vast empty blackness. No sound, no feeling, no light, nothing. Absolutely nothing at all.

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ARTHUR looked all around him, turning slowly in a circle, but every side was the same: a swirling blackness with no up or down, absolutely nothing to see. And silence, with absolutely no sound or even a feeling. Just nothingness—a black, empty nothingness. Arthur put his hands to his lips and called out, but he couldn’t even hear his own voice; the blackness swallowed everything. Arthur stood, tensely, wondering where he was and if Gaelen was all right. He knew something must have gone very wrong. Had Gaelen made a mistake and left him in limbo, or…? Arthur had no clue. Two summers earlier, he and Tate had visited Wind Cave in South Dakota. During the tour, the ranger had turned off the lights to demonstrate just how dark it was two hundred feet under the ground. This was just as dark, except in the cave he could feel the rock beneath his feet and hear the sound of the other people on the tour. Here, there was nothing. Shifting from foot to foot, he tried to stand still, but he couldn’t. He tried to walk but didn’t appear to move anywhere. Slowly, he knelt and tried to sit, but as soon as he did, he had the strangest sensation of falling, without ever hitting bottom. Waves of dizziness washed over him and he stood up again and the sensation stopped. “Great.” He said the words out loud, but they went nowhere. On reflex, he checked his watch, but he couldn’t see it. Even if he had, he would have seen only that the hands had stopped. So he waited with only his thoughts and worries for

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company, and they were increasing with each passing second. Would anyone come for him? Did anyone know where he was? Was Gaelen all right? And the worst thought of all, the one he tried to push away: Had Gaelen done this to him for some reason? But no matter how hard he pushed it away, he couldn’t stop it from coming back. No answers were forthcoming, and he waited, turning slowly in case there was some tiny chink in the blackness. “What the hell is going on? What the hell am I doing here?” He actually said the words. Even though the sound went nowhere, Arthur needed to hear the words in his head, needed something to break up the complete silence. Minutes, hours, days—time passed with no point of reference. Sleep didn’t come, not that he could do anything but stand anyway. Nothing changed, nothing happened; he just waited and waited, alone with his thoughts, hoping for something, anything. “Gaelen!” Arthur called out in his mind, hoping, willing his message to get through. “Can you hear me?” “No, he can’t. At least not yet.” A voice entered his mind, answering his question. “Is someone there?” Arthur began looking around again, but there was still nothing to see, and he started to wonder if he was going crazy and answering himself. “Is Gaelen okay?” “He’s fine for now. But you, my young friend, are in a world of hurt. At least you could be if I don’t get what I want.” “Who’s there? What do you want?” “Questions, questions. You’re just full of questions. Too bad you have no answers.” Arthur looked around again, but all that greeted him was the same inky black emptiness. He repeated his questions, but this time he got no answer. The voice in his head, or whatever it was, remained silent. Slowly, as if by measures, Arthur thought he saw something or someone else in the gloom. The shape slowly took form, but it was

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still too dark for Arthur to see anything clearly. Then he realized that things weren’t as dark as they had been. The gloom had become lighter and he could definitely see someone coming toward him. “Who the hell are you?” “Interesting choice of words.” A certain mirth could be heard in the voice as the figure continued to advance. “Who I am isn’t really important.” Arthur saw the shape continue to gain definition and even color. Yes, it was getting lighter. There wasn’t anything to see, but at least the inky blackness was fading to a sort of fog-filled gray. “Where am I, then? Will you at least tell me that?” Arthur stared at the figure, watching as it continued to gain definition as he tried to keep his fear under control. “That I will tell you. You’re in between.” Arthur could now see that the figure coming out of the gloom was a satyr—a huge satyr, bigger than Mr. Vauk. Keep yourself calm. He can probably make himself look bigger than he is here. He probably wants to intimidate. Arthur looked again as the figure approached. It’s working. “In between what?” “In between worlds. The world of the living, the world of the dead, and the world of the gods.” He could now see the huge satyr clearly. He shuddered, but quickly tried to get himself under control, not wanting to show any weakness. “How did I get here?” Arthur watched the other satyr smile. “I brought you here, with a little help from your fairy friend. It was surprisingly easy to stop you here once you started transporting. You see, every time you transport, you must come here before arriving at your destination. I just stopped and hid you.” “But why?” “Ah, that’s the real question, isn’t it?” The satyr stood still, staring down his nose at Arthur. “You’re smart. I think you can figure it out.”

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“Exactly. You’re the bait for your little lover.” The satyr spat as his face contorted into a look of disgust. Arthur looked into the big satyr’s face, trying to get some sort of read on him, to see how much his expressions gave away. This was definitely an old-time über-satyr. Like Vauk, he was covered with thick hair, but unlike any of the satyrs he knew, this one had powerful goat legs and massive horns. This satyr was like the satyrs in Uncle Gathod’s stories. Arthur stared into the satyr’s face, looking for something he could key off of, some chink in his armor, because Arthur had the distinct feeling that he wasn’t going to consciously tell him anything he didn’t want to. “Who are you?” There was something vaguely familiar about this satyr, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. “Who I am isn’t important.” Arthur could detect a slight hint of impatience and he thought he might have detected the first little bit of information from his captor. Not that he knew what to do with it, but he did find it interesting that his captor didn’t want him to know who he was. “But you look familiar for some reason.” Arthur tried to keep the conversation going with his captor. First, because it seemed to frustrate him just a little, and second, because he really did look familiar. There was something about his eyes that fascinated Arthur. He knew he’d seen those eyes before, but for the life of him it wouldn’t come. “If you won’t tell me who you are, will you tell me why you’re doing this?” His captor’s eyes shifted and Arthur could see a river of anger flowing behind them. “You and your friends ruined my chance at Bacchus. He was so weak, but damned if your friends didn’t rally to save him. By the time I got wind of your plans, it was too late for me to stop them.” The leer turned to a grin. “But I was able to find out just how much power your little friend has. His stunt with the storm and putting out the fire from the lightning using the lake water

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was impressive, very impressive. With him under my control, I can still get what I want.” “What is it you want?” Arthur knew he had to keep him talking to stall for time. Maybe he could think of something if he stalled long enough. “To be a god, of course, and with the last fairy under my control, I would have the power to do whatever I wanted.” Jesus, the look of evil delight in his captor’s eyes left Arthur cold. This was truly someone without compunction or a conscience of any kind. He almost expected him to throw his head back and let loose an evil, cackling laugh like the villain in some bad movie. “So the bacchanal did work.” Arthur couldn’t help showing a slight smile. The satyr stepped forward, leering down at him, the anger close to the surface. “A lot of good it will do you. Soon I’ll have your precious Gaelen, and then I’ll have Bacchus himself.” His face returned to normal, or what Arthur thought passed for normal. “And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” Arthur was sure of that. At least right now, there was nothing he could do. He just hoped Gaelen stayed safely away. Arthur continued studying his captor’s face. The more he watched, the more sure he was that he somehow recognized him. Arthur found himself drawn to his captor’s eyes. It was as if he’d seen them before, and there was something familiar about this. Then Arthur had it. He didn’t know how, but he knew where he’d seen those eyes before. “So, you think you’ve figured it out, huh?” Arthur watched as his captor folded his arms across his chest. “You think you know who I am?” Arthur nodded, mimicking the big satyr’s gesture and stance. He had no intention of telling him what he thought. Let him wonder for a while. “It took you long enough.” “Yeah, well. I have to admit, I never would have connected you if it wasn’t for the eyes.”

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Who would have thought that such a simple declarative sentence could be said with such venom and hatred? Arthur stepped back slightly but didn’t let his gaze falter from his captor’s face. “Yes, Cembran’s my son.” He spoke like that was something he was ashamed of. “Then you must be Darthan?” The big satyr nodded, a small smile on his face. Arthur had heard stories about him from Uncle Travis, Gathod, and even his parents. This was the last person he ever wanted to be alone with. Just having his suspicions confirmed was chilling. This person standing in front of him was the reason his parents had snuck out of their village. They’d had to get away from this controlling tyrant, and that was all Arthur wanted right now as well—to somehow get away from him and back to the farm. “So what happens now?” Darthan smiled wickedly. “We wait. Your little friend will know where you are soon enough and then he’ll come for you.” “What if he doesn’t?” He had to try to plant a few seeds of doubt to knock the smug look off his captor’s face. “And if he doesn’t, or doesn’t care enough to come get you, then you’ll just rot here, alone… forever.” He said it like it was a pleasant concept. Damn, this bastard was cold; Arthur could feel the chill. Arthur really wanted to get out of here, but he didn’t want Gaelen coming to get him. The last thing he wanted was Gaelen in danger. In order to calm his nerves, he decided he’d try to keep Darthan talking. “How’d you get those guys to do what you wanted?” “Humans are so easy. All you have to do is start messing with their dreams, make them think their dreams can tell the future, and suddenly they’ll do whatever you want. And when I’m done with them, I just go away. If they tell anyone, they think their crazy.” He

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seemed pleased with what he’d done, like using others for his own gain was some great accomplishment. Arthur was running out of questions and he wasn’t sure what to do next, so he got quiet, letting his thoughts run over all the stories he’d heard about Darthan. His parents always refused to talk about him except in general terms. Then he remembered that Darthan was his mother, Sue’s, brother. That put a smile on his face. “What are you grinning about?” Arthur shook his head and continued smiling. I never thought being adopted would have benefits, but at least I’m not related to him. Arthur let the smile fade from his face. “Yes, I know my sister adopted you. Why she adopted some bastard kid is beyond me, but she never had taste anyway.” Arthur was halfway to Darthan before he saw the smile on his face and realized he’d reacted just the way Darthan had wanted him to. Slowly, he stepped back and turned away, staring off into the gray swirls around him. What the hell am I going to do? He was starting to grow more and more anxious. He alternated between the worry that no one would come for him and the fear that Gaelen would put himself in danger in order to save him. Both prospects were chilling, and he wasn’t sure which one he feared most. He swallowed hard, but said nothing, trying to push away the fear so he could think clearly. It wasn’t working. His thoughts, combined with a total lack of anything else to focus on, were running wild. Slowly and carefully, Arthur brought them under control, letting anger replace his concern. If he had to feel anything, he thought, it may as well be anger at the person responsible. “You can be angry at me all you want. I don’t really care.” Arthur didn’t turn around. “What about Bacchus? What will happen when he finds you missing?” “He’ll look for me, of course, but this is a big place and a lot can hide in the gloom. But by the time he realizes I’m gone, I’ll

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either have Gaelen or I’ll have left you here and returned. I thought of everything.” He’s so fucking pleased with himself. Arthur felt his rage returning and spun around, only to force it away. It wouldn’t do him any good. “Ah, I don’t think we’ll have to wait much longer.” Arthur followed Darthan’s gaze but saw nothing. “That didn’t take very long at all.” Arthur continued looking where Darthan was and saw a small pinpoint of light parting the gloom. Slowly it grew in intensity and size until he had to turn his eyes away from the brightness. “I knew he’d come for you.” Arthur peered into the light but saw nothing, though he knew it had to be Gaelen. Deep down he’d known that his lover would come for him, and he loved him for doing it. But now his fear tripled, his stomach clenched, and he knew he had to somehow get a message to him, tell him not to do this, tell him to leave him. He could have learned to live with the disappointment if Gaelen hadn’t come for him, but how was he going to live with the guilt if he couldn’t think of something and anything happened to Gaelen?

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THE light grew brighter and Arthur saw what appeared to be some sort of window. He could see parts of the farm, and then Gaelen appeared, with the lake in the background. “No, Gaelen, don’t! It’s a trap! No!” “He can’t hear you. Hell, he can’t even see you yet.” Arthur looked at his captor and noticed the look of eager anticipation on the satyr’s face. Arthur half-expected him to start rubbing his hands together with delight. Arthur knew the moment that Gaelen could see him because his expression changed and his eyes sparkled. Arthur stepped back and began shaking his head vigorously, his hands in front of his face. Anything he could think of to get Gaelen to stop. “No! Don’t!” Arthur couldn’t stop the words as Gaelen’s gaze locked on his. Arthur pleaded with his eyes for Gaelen not to come through. Then he saw Gaelen step back from the window and Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. Gaelen had gotten the message. He felt the knot in his stomach unwind and looked over at his captor, whose face was rigid with tension. Then he saw Gaelen again in all his Fey glory and watched his captor smile as his lover stepped through the window and it immediately closed behind him. Arthur tried to step toward Gaelen, but suddenly found that he couldn’t move. He tried to speak, but couldn’t do that either. He could only watch as Gaelen walked right up to him. He felt a hand on his cheek and then

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Gaelen’s lips touched his. Arthur tried desperately to respond, but couldn’t. “Release him!” Gaelen’s eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Darthan. “Of course.” Darthan’s voice was like honey. “As soon as you agree that you belong to me.” Arthur tried to shake his head, but couldn’t. All he could do was plead with his eyes for Gaelen to walk away. But he knew Gaelen wouldn’t walk away. He felt himself begin to slump when he saw the fury in his lover’s eyes. Darthan threatened, “Otherwise he’ll be stuck here forever.” Arthur saw some of the fire behind Gaelen’s eyes diminish. “Let him speak.” Darthan’s evil smile broadened and he nodded softly. “Gaelen, you should have stayed away.” Arthur still couldn’t move his body, but at least he could talk. Gaelen stood in front of him, a hand stroking his cheek. “I couldn’t any more than you could have. You know that.” “He’s going to use you.” Arthur could hear the pleading in his own voice, but he didn’t care. “I know, but you’ll be alive.” “No, Gaelen, I won’t.” He felt Gaelen’s lips brush against his and he tried to blink back the tear that welled in his eyes. “That’s Cembran’s father—Darthan.” Arthur was still finding it hard to believe that this could be the father of his kind, gentle Uncle Cembran. The revelation seemed to startle Gaelen, but he shook it off pretty quickly. “Let him go, now!” Gaelen’s voice boomed through the emptiness. “You know the price.” Darthan remained remarkably calm.

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“I know.” Gaelen turned back to Arthur one last time. “Let him go.” Arthur moved to Gaelen, putting his arms around his lover, holding him tight. “Don’t do this.” Gaelen sighed softly, resigning himself to his fate. “It’s already done.” Arthur felt that soft hand on his cheek again. “I’ll always love you. You know that. No matter where I am, I’ll always love you.” “How touching.” Darthan sneered as he stepped toward Gaelen. Gaelen whirled around and Arthur thought he was going to attack Darthan. But Gaelen said nothing. Arthur knew that a bargain was a bargain to his lover and he’d keep his word. Gaelen then turned back to Arthur, hugging him tightly. “Be sure to tell everyone what happened. They’ll need all their strength now.” Arthur nodded and Gaelen kissed him again. Saying nothing more, Arthur watched as Gaelen’s wings unfurled and he turned to face Darthan with as much dignity and grace as he could muster. “Hold out your hands.” Gaelen complied and Arthur watched as iron shackles were fastened onto Gaelen’s wrists. “He kept his part of the bargain. There’s no need for those.” But Darthan paid no attention to Arthur, snapping each of the shackles into place. Gaelen’s wings folded against his back and their shimmer died away, the gossamer becoming dull. Then to Arthur’s horror, Darthan pulled an iron collar off his belt, lifting it to Gaelen’s neck. Darthan kept his gaze on Arthur. “Just so you know that he agreed to this of his own free will.” Darthan put the collar in Gaelen’s hand. “Put that on.” Arthur watched in horror as Gaelen lifted the collar to his throat and Darthan reached around and snapped it into place. Gaelen turned to Arthur, his eyes dull, the fire and spark snuffed out, his skin going

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dark. The inner light that had always fascinated Arthur was now gone. Arthur didn’t want to watch anymore, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away. This was his love, his Gaelen, being taken away from him, and he couldn’t do anything about it. There had to be something. There had to be a way. “Arthur, this is the only way. Remember that I love you.” With those words, Gaelen’s head slumped forward in resignation. Darthan pulled a long cord from around his waist and fastened it onto the collar. “Come, my pet. It’s time to go.” “Let him go, you bastard!” Darthan whirled around. “The bargain states that I’ll let you go, but it doesn’t say what state you’re in when I do. So back away, child.” Arthur felt a sting and tasted blood as Darthan slapped him hard. “That was just a taste, boy.” Arthur could only watch, rubbing his cheek, as Gaelen was led away on a leash. “Darthan, this isn’t over. Uncle Travis beat you once before. We’ll beat you again.” Uncle Travis…. Arthur had heard those stories many times; he knew them by heart. Darthan turned back for one last look. “Not this time.” He tugged on the leash to get Gaelen walking again. God, I hope the stories are right. An idea began to percolate in the back of Arthur’s mind, but he had to act fast. Before he could think, the window opened behind him and he felt himself being pulled toward it. “I invoke the Traumsinn!” He stopped moving and Darthan’s steps slowed. “You challenge me to the Traumsinn now?” The smile was pure evil. “I’ll use your lover’s powers to annihilate you.” “No, I invoke the Traumsinn that you lost to Travis!” The idea was crystallizing in his head. Arthur had spent years listening to stories around the fire at the bacchanal and he’d spent many afternoons with Uncle Gathod, listening to his stories.

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“Stalling won’t work, boy!” Arthur stood tall, turned, and faced Darthan, glaring at him. “The Traumsinn agreement is binding not only on you, but on your soul as well.” Darthan turned away, but Arthur continued, hoping he remembered the stories correctly. “You lost the Traumsinn, and as such, you were barred from all satyr contact. You broke that prohibition and your soul must pay the price.” Darthan stopped walking and for the first time looked worried, and Arthur knew he was on to something. “A lot of good it’ll do you.” Arthur let his anger swell. “I damn you to hell! You broke the Traumsinn, and the price is your soul.” The window behind Arthur closed and another opened behind Darthan, this one red and black with shadowy figures moving and writhing. It looked as though they were trying to get out. Darthan wheeled around and looked in horror at the scene playing out in front of him. Then one of the figures emerged through the window, latched on to Darthan and pulled him toward it. “If I go, so does he.” Darthan grabbed onto the lead with both hands, pulling Gaelen along with him. Arthur raced forward and grabbed the lead, pulling as hard as he could, but Darthan’s grip was too strong and Gaelen continued closer to hell. Arthur could feel the heat now and there wasn’t much time. In a desperate move, he stood back and smashed Darthan in the face with his fist. The huge satyr howled and reflexively brought a hand to his face. Arthur yanked on the lead and felt it slip from Darthan’s grip. Arthur watched as Darthan was engulfed by the shadows, clawing and screaming as the window to hell slowly closed behind him. Arthur bounded to Gaelen and unfastened the collar, tossing it as far away as he could. Angry welts had already formed beneath it. Arthur then opened the wrist shackles, gently rubbing the skin beneath them. “Gaelen.” Arthur stroked his lover’s face. “Gaelen,

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it’s me.” Arthur looked into his lover’s eyes, but they were still dull and blank. “Arthur?” Gaelen’s voice sounded so soft and weak. “Yes, it’s me.” He threw his arms around him, hugging him close, petting the smooth skin and running his fingers through his lover’s soft hair. “What happened? How did you get here? I thought you’d left and I’d never see you again.” Arthur had thought the same thing. “I’ll tell you all about it later. What’s the last thing you remember?” “The collar being fastened around my neck.” “Well, it’s gone, and so is he.” Arthur looked to where Darthan had disappeared. “And I don’t think he’s coming back.” Gaelen nodded feebly and Arthur helped him to his feet. “Can you get us home?” “I think so. Yes.” A few seconds later, a window opened and he led Gaelen through, stepping onto the sand near the lake. As soon as their feet hit the ground, their knees buckled and they collapsed on the beach in a heap. “Arthur!” He felt himself immediately enfolded in a familiar pair of arms. “You had me so scared. Don’t you ever do that again!” He recognized the scolding voice as that of his mother. Then he was gathered into her arms again and hugged within an inch of his life. “You’ve been gone for….” Her voice broke as she burst into tears. “We thought you weren’t ever coming back.” He looked over her shoulder and looked at Travis, hoping for some answers. “You’ve been gone almost three weeks.” “Three weeks!” No wonder everyone looked harried and worried.

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His mother still held onto him, like if she let go he’d disappear again. “You’ve been gone for three weeks and Gaelen’s been gone for two.” Travis offered some additional information. “He said he was going to try to get you back and then he disappeared before we could stop him.” Sue showed no signs of letting go, so Arthur patted her shoulder and she finally released him. “Gaelen needs help.” Arthur helped Gaelen to his feet and together the four of them walked toward the house, with Travis looking concerned and his mother hovering. “We’ve been looking for the two of you for weeks. Where were you?” She was near tears again, and Arthur did his best to comfort her, but he knew the truth would be anything but comforting. “When we get to the house, I’ll explain what I can.” Slowly, they made their way across the field and into the house. Cembran hurried over and helped get Gaelen settled on the sofa before scurrying to the kitchen and pulling food out of the refrigerator. Lucius raced between Arthur and Gaelen, jumping and bouncing to get their attention. Within seconds a veritable buffet had sprouted on the coffee table, tea was being made, and Travis had gotten a blanket, covering Gaelen as he shivered on the sofa. Lucius scratched at the sofa until Arthur lifted him up. The puppy curled next to Gaelen’s feet, looking from Arthur to Gaelen and back to Arthur. He’d expected that Gaelen’s color and vitality would return once the collar and shackles were off, but that wasn’t happening. Sue sat on the edge of the sofa, stroking Gaelen’s forehead. “He’s burning up.” She turned to Arthur. “What’s wrong with him?” “His hands were shackled with iron and he had an iron collar on his neck. He must be reacting to it.” Cembran brought a cool cloth and Arthur put it on Gaelen’s forehead. “I don’t know what to do for him.” Arthur helped him sit up and held a cup of tea so

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Gaelen could drink. But after two sips, he was exhausted, and fell back against the cushions. Travis picked up the phone. “I’m calling Gathod. If anyone will know what to do, it’s him.” Arthur nodded and returned his attention to Gaelen, holding his lover’s hand as he watched his eyes close. Gathod arrived a few minutes later. He must have run the entire way. He took one look at Gaelen and shook his head. “Must be iron poisoning, but I don’t know what to do for him. All the stories tell that iron is the only thing that can hurt the Fey, but there’s nothing about what to do to cure them.” Slowly, Gathod bent down and lifted Gaelen into his arms and carried him into the bedroom. The Fey shifted and mumbled, but didn’t waken. Arthur followed, pulling back the covers and making sure Gaelen was as comfortable as possible. “He’s sleeping and that’s all we can do for him. He has to do the rest.” Lucius raced into the bedroom and jumped on the bed, immediately curling up next to Gaelen. Arthur felt so helpless, even more than he had when he’d watched Darthan shackle Gaelen. He leaned over the bed and kissed Gaelen gently before following Gathod out of the room. Gathod pulled the door closed, but Arthur stopped him, wanting to be able to hear if Gaelen needed him. In the living room, voices were low whispers and Arthur flopped into a chair. “What happened, Arthur?” Cembran handed Arthur a cup of tea and a plate, encouraging him to eat. He turned to Cembran and got out of the chair, pulling his uncle into a hug. “It was your father, Uncle Cembran.” The cup his uncle had been holding fell to the floor and smashed. “My father?” “Yes.” Cembran had gone pale and began to shake. “Am I ever going to be rid of him?”

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“You are now. He’s not coming back. Ever.” “H–how do you know?” Travis guided Cembran into a chair and Arthur recalled the story of what had happened. When he was done, Arthur got up and checked on Gaelen, who appeared to be asleep but still had a high fever. Lucius lifted his head and moved to the end of the bed as Arthur came into the room. Arthur slipped off his shoes and carefully lay down next to Gaelen and Lucius slinked around Gaelen and into Arthur’s arms. After listening to him breathe for a while, Arthur slowly slipped into an exhausted, worried sleep, only to wake a few hours later as Gaelen began thrashing on the bed. “Gaelen, it’s me.” He did his best to soothe, and eventually Gaelen calmed down, but not before he’d scared Arthur half to death. “Is he okay?” Cembran stuck his head into the room, looking concerned. “I think so now, but I really don’t know. He still has a fever and he’s very restless.” Arthur slowly got up off the bed and followed Cembran into the living room. Lucius followed right behind. Travis and Arthur’s parents were still there, talking softly. His mother got up from the sofa and took him into her arms. “I know you’re scared, but he’s going to be fine.” “I hope so, Mom.” Sue led him over to the table and began fussing over him, doing her best to get him to eat. At first Arthur picked at the food, but after taking a few bites, his appetite returned and he finished everything she’d put in front of him. She offered him some more, but he declined, and after thanking her, he walked back toward the bedroom, closing the door as Lucius slipped inside just before the door closed. “Arthur?” Never in his life had he ever been so happy to hear his name. “I’m here.” He sat on the edge of the bed and held Gaelen’s hand.

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“It is you?” Gaelen’s eyes fluttered open for a few seconds and then gravity seemed to take over. “Shhh. I’m not going anywhere. Just rest. Do you need some water?” Gaelen nodded his head slowly and Arthur got up and left the room. In the living room, he smiled at his family and nearly collapsed against the door with relief. Walking to the kitchen, he got a glass of water and returned to the bedroom, his step definitely much lighter. Arthur helped Gaelen sit up and brought the glass to his lips. After a few sips, Gaelen relaxed back onto the pillow. “Rest now.” “Okay.” This time, Gaelen seemed to slip into a restful sleep, and when Arthur felt his forehead, he was noticeably cooler. After saying a quick thank-you to the powers that be, he slipped off his clothes, lifted Lucius onto the bed, and climbed beneath the covers.

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THE room was still dark and quiet when Arthur woke. Lucius was curled near his feet and Gaelen slept quietly and soundly next to him. Arthur smiled when the puppy realized he was awake and pounced on top of him, ready to play. “Arthur?” Gaelen mumbled, groggily. He stroked the puppy with one hand and smoothed the other down Gaelen’s back. “Go back to sleep. I’m just going to take Lucius outside.” Gaelen rolled over, tugging Arthur to him. “I guess someone’s feeling better.” Gaelen ground himself against Arthur’s butt. “As much as I’d like to take this further, you need to rest and we don’t need a puddle in the bed.” Arthur pushed back the covers and got out of bed, putting on a T-shirt and pair of jeans that suddenly seemed harder to zip up. Picking up the puppy, he carried him through the living room and out into the yard. The sun was just peeking over the trees as Arthur set Lucius on the damp grass. The puppy immediately bounded around the yard, chasing bugs and eventually doing his business. Arthur let him run through the yard, watching him play. It wasn’t long before he raced back to Arthur, jumping around his legs. Picking him up again, Arthur went back inside. Cembran and Travis were already up having their morning coffee before starting the chores. Arthur put the puppy down and he raced around the room, greeting everyone, collecting scratches and doling out puppy kisses.

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The door opened and Dovino, Jeremy, and Phillip filed in, each pouring themselves a cup of coffee. “What’s on for this morning, guys?” Travis asked. As usual, Dovino did the talking. “We’ve got those fences to mend.” Travis sipped his coffee. “I’ll be in the garden and orchard.” Cembran leaned close to Travis, whispering something in his ear. Travis colored slightly and nodded his head. “I guess I’ll be helping with the milking.” Arthur yawned and covered his mouth. “I’ll get dressed and help.” Cembran smiled and patted Arthur’s shoulder as he got up to put his cup in the sink. “You should rest this morning, but I could use your help this afternoon.” Arthur nodded in agreement and everyone else got up to get to work as Arthur slipped into the bedroom with Lucius on his heels. Gaelen was sitting on the edge of the bed. “Are you sure you should be up?” Gaelen stood and began flexing his shoulders before spreading his wings out behind him. Arthur could see that some of their luster and shimmer had returned. “I’m doing better.” Lucius bounded around Gaelen’s legs, demanding attention. “You look better.” Arthur couldn’t help letting his eyes wander over Gaelen’s body, but he stopped himself from taking it any further. They both needed their rest. Arthur climbed back into bed. Gaelen yawned and joined him, but not before helping Lucius onto the bed. Arthur pulled Gaelen close, needing to feel his lover’s skin against his. A few hours later, Arthur woke to the sounds of little feet scratching at the door. This time, he knew he had to get up and get moving. Quietly slipping out of the bed, he cleaned up and dressed before picking up Lucius and leaving the room. The house was

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quiet, so he grabbed a quick breakfast and went to see what was going on. On his way to the barn, he stopped to check on Mika, who bounded over when she saw him. Arthur put Lucius down and let the two of them get acquainted. Lucius behaved himself, but Mika wasn’t convinced and backed away from the energetic puppy. “It’s okay, Mika.” Picking up the puppy again, he made sure the deer had food and water, gave her a long scratch, and then left the pen, wandering toward the barns. “Arthur.” He saw Travis heading toward him. “Did you forget what today is?” “I don’t even know what day of the week it is.” He was still disoriented after losing nearly three weeks. “I’ll give you a hint. Happy birthday.” Arthur could hardly believe it. He’d almost forgotten his own birthday, not that they were a big deal anymore. “See if Gaelen’s up and then meet us by the lake.” Travis reached out and took Lucius. “I’ll take care of this little guy for you.” Travis wandered toward the lake, babbling to the puppy as he walked. Arthur went back to the house and found Gaelen awake, dressed, and sitting in the living room. He looked much better. “Travis asked us to meet him by the lake. It seems that today is my birthday, and I think he has some sort of surprise cooked up.” “Oh.” Gaelen stepped close enough for Arthur to feel his body heat. “I’ll just have to give you your present later.” “What kind of present?” Arthur arched his eyebrows. Gaelen rolled his eyes. “Yes, that too.” Arthur smiled lecherously, but Gaelen ignored it. “Come on; let’s not keep Travis waiting.” Arthur took Gaelen’s hand and together they walked across the field and down the path to the lake. Stepping onto the sand, Arthur saw that a small crowd had gathered. Waiting for them were Brock and Steven, Arthur’s mom

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and dad, Gathod and Doug, along with Cembran and Travis, still holding Lucius. Sue pulled Arthur into a hug and then hugged Gaelen. “We’re glad you’re feeling better.” Gaelen looked startled and stammered a thank-you. The group followed Travis around the lake, stopping next to a small stone fire ring. “Ten years ago, when we created these lots, I put this particular plot in trust for you, Arthur. Today, on your twenty-fifth birthday, that trust matures.” Arthur could hardly believe his ears. “This land is special and I know you understand why.” Arthur could see that Travis was becoming choked up. Hell, he was choking up as well. This was a complete surprise. “Happy birthday, little brother.” Brock hugged him tight and then stepped back so Steven could hug him as well. Sue stepped to him and threw her arms around him. “You’re still my sweet boy.” His mother was crying as she used the same words she’d used when she first hugged him the day she and his dad had taken him home for the first time. His dad hugged him as well, telling him how proud he was of him. Gathod was next, and then Doug, both wishing him a happy birthday. Cembran, who’d hung back from the group, stepped to him, and Arthur felt him press something into his hand. Arthur looked at the object, recognizing one of Cembran’s wood carvings. It was a small figure of Gaelen, his wings outspread. “Put it next to yours when you get back to the house.” Over the years, Cembran had done dozens of wood carvings of the people he considered family. The broad mantel in the farmhouse was full of them. Arthur hugged both Cembran and Travis, getting a puppy kiss from Lucius as he did. “Thank you all.” Arthur could feel tears threatening, but blinked them back as best he could. “For everything. For being my brother, my parents, my friends, uncles…. For being my family.” The tears started, and Arthur let them fall while doing his best to keep himself under control. He failed miserably.

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Travis squeezed Arthur’s shoulder gently and then turned, walking back around the lake. The others followed, leaving Arthur and Gaelen alone. “This is beautiful.” Gaelen handed the carved figure back to Arthur. “Cembran made it. It means that he considers you a part of his family. When we get back to the farmhouse, I’ll put it on the mantel with the others. Right next to the one of me.” “Is that what you want? You and me together?” “I think you already know the answer to that. When I was being held by Darthan, you gave yourself up to save me and I tried to get you to let me go so you’d be safe. If that isn’t true love, I don’t know what is.” “But, what are we going to do?” Arthur looked all around him. “We can build a house here.” He pointed to a clearing. “And I could build a small clinic out near the road or I could see if Rex Payne would like a partner.” “You want me to live with you? Like permanently?” “Yes. I want you with me always. But, is that what you want?” They’d never really discussed permanent living arrangements, and Arthur realized he’d been assuming that Gaelen would want the same things he did. Gaelen’s face burst into a huge smile. “That’s what I want too.” Arthur pulled him close and kissed his lover hard. It felt so right, so perfect, so destined. This was right, and it felt as though things were exactly as they should be. When their lips parted, Gaelen stepped back and a box appeared in his hand—the same box Arthur had retrieved after Gaelen’s house was smashed. “This is for you.” Gaelen handed Arthur the box and he opened it slowly. “My mother said to give this to my one true love. When I asked her how I’d know, she told me my heart would tell me.” “What’s in it?”

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“I don’t know. She said that only my one true love, my soul mate, would be able to see what was in the box.” Arthur rubbed his hand across the polished wood and then slowly lifted the lid. Inside was what looked like a small sparkling light. Arthur let Gaelen look inside and he seemed surprised. “I’ve opened that box a number of times, but it was always empty. What is it?” “Don’t you know?” Gaelen shook his head. “Well, I do. Satyrs call it a Triuwe, or special heart.” Arthur closed the box and handed it back to Gaelen without letting go. “Have you noticed how some satyr couples like Cembran and Travis seem to have a special bond?” “Yes. I guess I thought it was because of their love.” “Yes, but there’s more to it. They’re mated. They’ve exchanged Triuwes. In essence, they joined their hearts together.” Arthur patted the box. “This contains your Triuwe.” Gaelen looked at the box and then to Arthur. “Are you saying you don’t want it?” “Not at all. I’m saying we should wait. Having you as my mate would make me the happiest satyr on Earth. But it should be special and private. And, there’s one other important thing you should know. Uncle Travis told me once that sharing your Triuwe binds your heart to the other person. What that means is that if you give me your Triuwe, you’ll be joining your life to mine.” “Will I die when you die?” “No, but you’ll live a satyr lifetime instead of a Fey lifetime. I guess that’s the price. I don’t want to pressure you and I’ll understand your choice, but I don’t want you to make it now. It just wouldn’t be fair.” Gaelen took the box a little tentatively and Arthur let his hands slip away. It was hard for Arthur to explain why he wanted to wait. “You’re mine, Gaelen, now and forever, and I have no intention of ever letting you go. But, I want our love to grow and blossom on its own. That way we’ll both know it’s real and we’ll be able to count on it no matter what. We’ll know when the time is

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right.” Gaelen held the box and Arthur slipped an arm around his waist as they slowly walked around the lake and back to the farmhouse. Arthur spent part of the afternoon helping Cembran and part of the afternoon working on a surprise for Gaelen. As the sun dipped behind the trees, Arthur found Gaelen in Mika’s pen, the two of them playing Mika’s favorite game: chase. Except, this time, they were playing Gaelen style. Mika would race toward Gaelen, and whenever she’d get close, Gaelen would disappear and reappear somewhere else in the pen, and she’d try to catch him before he disappeared again. Arthur waved and Gaelen turned his attention away from Mika. Gaelen quickly found himself on the ground with a doe standing over him with an “I won” expression on her face. Gaelen stroked her side and she backed away so he could get up. “Sorry to interrupt, but I thought we could go for a walk.” Gaelen gave Mika another pat and she wandered to her bed while Gaelen transported next to where Arthur was standing. Like Tate, Arthur sometimes wondered if he’d ever get used to that. “Shall we go?” Arthur nodded and took Gaelen’s hand, leading him toward the lake. In quiet solitude, they walked along the water, listening as it lapped against the shore. “As a surprise, I thought we should spend tonight together at our new home. Tomorrow will be busy with the bacchanal, but tonight I wanted you all to myself.” Arthur led them toward the small stone ring and lit the fire he’d prepared earlier. The wood caught and the flames illuminated the lean-to shelter Arthur had made earlier. The wooden frame was enclosed with fresh branches and a thick cushion and pillows covered the ground. Arthur heard Gaelen whisper, “Our home,” and knew it wasn’t a question, but a statement.

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“Yes, our home.” The fire built and Arthur added a few logs before leading Gaelen to their bed. “I know it isn’t very grand, but it’ll do for tonight.” “If I’m with you, it’ll do any night.” Arthur pressed Gaelen onto the cushions, kissing him passionately. “Would you?” Arthur kept kissing and felt as their clothes disappeared. He let his cloak go, wanting Gaelen to see him as he truly was, and Gaelen did the same, his skin shining in the firelight. Arthur needed Gaelen, needed to reestablish their connection after their ordeal with Darthan, and he sensed that Gaelen needed that too. Their kisses started off slow and tender, progressing to needy, and then to passionate abandon. Arthur felt Gaelen, smooth and warm beneath him, their bodies sliding effortlessly against each other. Arthur lifted his head to stare into Gaelen’s eyes. “Love you.” Gaelen stroked Arthur’s cheek. “Love you too.” The fire cast shadows and light over their intertwined bodies, reflecting off Gaelen’s eyes whenever Arthur looked into them. “Thought I’d lost you forever.” Arthur ran his hands down Gaelen’s back, fingers sliding over his lover’s silky wings before cupping his butt in his palms. “Thought I’d never get to do this again.” Arthur returned to kissing, his emotions very close to the surface. “Me too. Thought I’d never get to feel you against me again. I knew I’d die without you.” Gaelen rested his head back on the pillow, his lips close to Arthur’s. “All I could think when he put those shackles on my wrists was that I’d never get to touch you again, never get to hold you.” “When he led you away, I thought my heart would break.” Their kisses began again, more earnest and urgent. Arthur dipped his head, licking one of Gaelen’s nipples with his tongue, savoring the unique flavor of his lover’s luminous skin. “Then when we got you

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to the house and you seemed so sick, I thought I was going to lose you anyway.” Gaelen lifted his legs, locking them around Arthur’s waist. “There was no way I was leaving you. As long as I knew you were there, I could fight.” Arthur slid his hands down Gaelen’s sides, sliding them along his hot, smooth skin, fingers skimming over his lover’s opening. Gaelen moaned softly and moved into the touch, so Arthur did it again, stroking the sensitive skin. “Wasn’t leaving you. Never gonna leave you.” Arthur reached to the back of the shelter and found the small bottle he’d hidden. Flipping it open, he slicked his fingers before swirling them around Gaelen’s opening. “Ar-thur.” He loved it when Gaelen moaned his name like that. It was the sexiest thing in the world. He continued his teasing and stroking, fingers making tiny little overtures, but not sliding inside. “Don’t tease.” Arthur responded with a deep kiss and slowly pressed a finger inside. “Want you.” “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.” “I’m sure.” Arthur slicked himself and pressed into Gaelen’s hot, welcoming body. “I thought I’d never get to do this again.” Gaelen arched his back, pressing himself toward Arthur, joining their bodies together. “Arthur.” Gaelen pulled Arthur’s lips to his, their eyes locking together as their bodies moved in symbiotic rhythm, each movement met by the other. “Love you, Gaelen. Love you forever.” He could feel the pressure building deep inside him. Arthur leaned forward, bringing their bodies together, and felt Gaelen clench around him as he came between their bodies, Arthur watching the pleasure light his lover’s face. The sight of such blissful passion pushed Arthur over the edge and his own climax followed right behind.

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Arthur stopped moving, looking lovingly into Gaelen’s eyes, and watched as they filled. “Are you okay?” Gaelen nodded and Arthur saw a tear fall from his eyes and trail down his cheek. Just before the tear hit the pillow, it burst into a point of pulsing light that floated toward the ceiling. Arthur watched the light move around the shelter before settling on the pillow next to Gaelen. “Is that—?” Gaelen was beaming as he wiped his eyes, watching in wonder. “Yes. The first Fey born in a millennium.” “But how?” Arthur slipped from Gaelen’s body, settling on the cushion next to him, and watched. “Born of joy.” His voice held a sense of wonder. “What?” “My mother said we were born of joy.”

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Six months later

THE winter wind whistled around the house, snow blowing past the windows. Arthur sat in their small living room, curled next to Gaelen on the sofa, as he checked his watch. “It’s about that time.” Gaelen’s smile grew wide. “This is one of my favorite parts of the day.” “Oh?” Arthur leaned close, nipping Gaelen’s ear with his lips. “I said one of my favorites.” Gaelen laughed softly until he heard them being called from the other room. Slowly he got to his feet and pulled Arthur to him, the two of them walking into the bedroom with Lucius following behind, tail wagging to beat the band. Gaelen and Arthur had worked together to create a house on the lot near the lake. It wasn’t very large, but it was more than comfortable, with huge windows and a first for Gaelen: a front door. Arthur opened the door to the bedroom. The room wasn’t large, but it was bright and cheerful with six small beds. However, none of their owners seemed to occupy them at the moment. Six small- to medium-sized figures floated around the room, wings humming softly as they fluttered. “It’s time for bed.”

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“Yes. You’ll be able to play tomorrow, and if you’re good you can visit Grandma and Grandpa.” Wings fluttered as they raced to their beds, landing on the gossamer bedding, and then folded against the little backs as they climbed under the covers. Arthur smiled to himself and thanked his lucky stars that Fey children were much easier to raise than human or satyr children. They grew much faster and didn’t require bottles or diapers, just love, which he and Gaelen and their extended satyr family had in abundance. Together they made their way to each bed, kissing and saying good night to each Fey child. The youngest was Arabella, just a month old. Gaelen kissed her and received a hug and kiss in return. She’d just learned to use her wings. Arthur said good night and kissed her as well. She blew a raspberry on his cheek and laughed, settling under the covers. Griffin, two months old, peered out from beneath his covers, wide blue eyes shining with excitement. Arthur lifted the covers and found a chipmunk curled up next to him. “You’re going to be like your Uncle Vauk, aren’t you?” Griffin laughed and promised he’d return the chipmunk to the forest in the morning. Forrest, three months old, had shocking red hair and a smile that reminded Arthur of Gaelen’s. He leapt off his bed, landing in Arthur’s arms and hugging him tightly. That ended the orderly good-night ritual, as four-month-old Giselle and five-month-old Jaeden both leapt from their beds, flying into their parents’ arms, with Lucius jumping and bounding around the floor, wanting to play too. All three were kissed and hugged and then the children settled back into their beds. Once they were settled again, Arthur and Gaelen said good night to their oldest, Hanna, named for Gaelen’s mother. She hugged and kissed them both before settling into her bed. Lucius jumped in with her, his head next to hers on the pillow.

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“Good night.” Gaelen dimmed the light with a wave of his hand and he and Arthur quietly stepped toward the door. “Tell us a story, Daddy.” “Yes, please. Tell us a story.” Arthur smiled; he should have known this was coming. “What story would you like to hear?” Little Arabella piped up in her high, diminutive voice. “Tell us about Daddy’s legs.” Arthur sat in the chair and pulled Gaelen onto his lap, holding his lover and the father of their children close. “I was exploring the back area of Uncle Travis’s land with Uncle Vauk when I heard a noise. Following the sound, I saw the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. He’d slid down into the creek and couldn’t get out….” When Arthur was finished with the story, six sets of Fey eyes were closed. They slowly opened the door and left the room. “I love that story,” Gaelen whispered as Arthur closed the door. “Me too.” The story got embellished every time he told it, but the ending was always the same. Their daddies defeated the mean Darthan and lived happily ever after. Arthur sat in his favorite chair and Gaelen leaned close, his hands on the arms of the chair. “Maybe it’s time to adjust that ending just a little.” “What did you have in mind?” Arthur leaned forward, capturing Gaelen’s lips with his. His lover pulled away and a familiar box appeared in his hands. He placed it on Arthur’s lap. “You’re sure?” His gaze shifted from the box to Gaelen. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Arthur, will you be my truist?” Arthur swallowed the immense lump in his throat and tried to speak, but couldn’t. He had to settle for nodding his head before finally stammering a yes. Arthur took the box, his gaze locking onto Gaelen’s. “It isn’t a full moon, is it?” Lifting it off his

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lap, he stood, following Gaelen into their bedroom and closing the door. “No. I already checked.” They’d learned so much in the past few months. Their children were indeed born of joy, and all it took was a satyr, a Fey, the full moon, a lot of love, and a tear of joy. Outside their window, a mist formed in the night, and a tall, solitary figure emerged. He didn’t watch or peek through the glass, but waited in the dark until he saw a bright, warm light fill the room and burst through the glass, lighting the figure, the falling snow, and the trees beyond. He could feel the passion, joy, and love bursting through the walls, and he basked in it as the wind carried these gifts everywhere. “Be happy, children. Be happy.” The mist formed again and the figure disappeared, letting the wind do its work.

ANDREW GREY grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Visit Andrew’s web site at http://www.andrewgreybooks.com and blog at http://andrewgreybooks.livejournal.com/. E-mail him at [email protected].

The Children of Bacchus books by ANDREW GREY

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