Prologue
TuathaDéDanannofthegloriouslight
Whorosefromthemistsinthetimebeforekings. TheseDruidscompleteintheirwisdomandgifts Theycameinshipslikesmoke,fullofmagickandvalorinserviceoftheOne. TheDagda.Heisthelightandthetruth.HeisthemistfromwhichtheTuathasprang. TheFatheroftheDruidsandonHimthecrownofallkings. Outofthemist,theDagdaraisedHisstrongandnoblepeople. Hisbloodfromthewombofeverymotherandonthefieldwiththeslain Then,HistimecameandHewaslaidintheearthunderamoundtorest. HistreasureentrustedtothegloryofthekingsofIreland UntilHispeopleariseandmightyUaithnecallsHimforthwiththesun. Anewageofgloriouslight.
Tuatha. Itbegins.
TuathaDéDanannofthegloriouslight
WhowerethekeepersofthesacredsunandprotectorsofHistreasure. TheseDruids,mosttrustedandloyal,guardiansoftheheir TheyholdthememoryofthefallenandcallHimforthwiththespring. TheDagda.Heisthelightandthetruth.HeisthemistfromwhichtheTuathasprang. TheFatheroftheDruidsandonHimthecrownofallkings. Underthemoundherests,awaitingtheriseofHismostbelovedandworthyofsons. HishearthkeptwarmwiththeCoireAnsicandHislinedefendedbyaruthlessLogMór Then,HisfaithfulwillprayandjoinwithHimunderayouthful,growingmoon. UntilHispeopleariseandmightyUaithnecallsHimforthwiththesun Anewageofgloriouslight.
Tuatha. Itbegins
TuathaDéDanannofthegloriouslight. Whoremained,loyalandvigilanttotheOneandHisheir. TheseDruidswithtimeless,agelesswisdomandfaith. TheygatherHisfaithfultoawaitHisreturnwiththecomingofthespring. TheDagda Heisthelightandthetruth HeisthemistfromwhichtheTuathasprang TheFatheroftheDruidsandgiventoHim,thecrownofallkings. WiththenewSunHerises,brighterthanthedawn,HetheLordofallWildThings AtHisside,HisnobleThree:theCoireAnsic,theLogMór,andHismighty,fearlessUaithne. ForHeismasterofalllife,consortofthedeadandLordofsacrednight. HisgloryeternalandHisreignofloveandSuneverlasting Anewageofgloriouslight.
Tuatha
TranslatedbyP.ColumbfromLeabhar Fintan mac Bóchra (c.1106)
Noxwasasleeponthekitchenfloor,wrappedaroundtheteapotandsnuggledunderhisfavoritequilt Aneasy,peaceful smile rested onhis face and Nelsonwas callingita winas he quietlybacked awayand stepped outonto the terrace, closingthedoorsilentlyanddialingMerlin’snumber “Howishe?”Merlinasked,answeringimmediately.
“Helooksokay.Heisn’tsleepingontheworktableanymore.”
Nelsonputa stoptothatafter Noxrolledoffinthe middle ofthe nightandlandedinhis dinner.Because one sleptona tableandateonthefloorwhentheywereinanopiumstupor,apparently.Nelsonhadbeenasleepinthestudyonthesofaand hadageddecadeswhenheawoketoaloudcrashandNox’sterrifiedsquawk
“I’malright,”Noxhadslurredasheflickedanoodleoffhischeek.Soupdrippedfromhischinandtheendofhisnosebut Noxswipeditawaywithadrowsyshrug “Backtosleep”
“Don’teventhinkaboutit!” Nelsonhad said whenNoxattempted to pushhimselfup and returnto the worktable. “Not untilyoufigureouthowtodefygravityorbounce.”
“Fine,” Noxhad grumbled. He slid the trayawayand curled around his knees, soft snores huffing fromhis lips a few momentslater.
Nelson had brought a pillow and covered him with the quilt, but it had been days since Nox had eaten or consumed anythingmorethanafewspoonsofsouporpotofMerlin’stea.“Whatifhebecomesaddicted?”
“Tothattea?”Merlinchuckleddubiously “It’sverygentleandNoxhasdrunkstrongerpotions,Icanassureyou,”headded suggestively.
“Youknow,ClancyhadapointbeforeaboutNoxneedingmoresupervision.”
“Hush. We cannot understand what we’re afraid to see and Nox has never shied away from learning first-hand and expandinghis mind. That’s whyhe is sucha gifted witch, because he has far more thana theoretical understandingof that whichhepractices”
“Youtaught himthat it was okayto use himselfas a guinea pig,” Nelsonaccused, thenwaited for Merlinto denyit or apologize “Hello?”
“DoyouknowhowyoungknightsweretrainedforbattleintheMiddleAges?”
“How?”Nelsonasked,preparingforanotheroneofMerlin’slittlelessons.
“Inthe melee, and later, the joust So manyknights were killed in‘recreational,’practice combat that there were papal edictsandmonarchsmadelawsbanningthoseactivities.Itwasabrutalandwastefulwaytotrainayoungmanofnoblebirth. But,knowinghowtowieldaswordorblockacurse in theory doesn’tdoyoumuchgoodwhenyou’reinthethickofit,inthe heatofbattle,doesit,Nelson? Knowing howaplantordarkmagickworkscanonlygetyousofar.It’spracticeandexperience thatsaveyourlifeduringafight”
“Speakingoffighting…” Nelsonwouldnever approve ofMerlin’s methods andthe ambiguouslyolder manwouldnever repentbecausetheendsjustifiedthemeansinhisbattylittlemind.“HaveyouandClancysettledyourdifferences?”
Therewasaheavy,shakingsigh.“Hesayshenolonger blamesmefor Sorcha’s1 andLucas’sdeathsandIbelievehim,” Merlinbeganslowly
“But?” Nelsonproddedthreateningly.“IhidtheteabecauseIneedNoxtowakeupsoonandIneedyoutwoheresowe canfigureoutwhathappensnext.You’renotgettinganywherenearhimifyou’restillholdingagrudgeagainstClancy.That’s nonnegotiable”
“Iknow,”Merlinsaidwithanothersigh,thisoneevenmorepained.IthadbeentwodayssinceNoxhadbanishedMerlin andClancyandbanishedhimselftothekitcheninhopesoffindinganswersinapotofopium-lacedtea Thankfully,Clancywas more ofa textpersonand checked ineveryfew hours, whereas Merlincalled almosthourly, grovelingand fretting. “Ihave
forgivenClancyforthethingshe’ssaidanddone to me.Icanputthatpartofthepastbehindusbecauseithasalwaysbeenin Clancy’snaturetoberuthlesslypragmaticandatouch…controlling.Hehastheheartofageneralandhewillalwaysbeready forwar”
“But?”Thistime,NelsonwasgentlebecausehehadseenwhatClancyhadbeenwillingtoriskandhadn’tquiteforgiven himyethimself HisfeelingstowardClancyweren’ttheproblem,though,andhadn’tcreatedawebofawfulcomplicationsfor Noxandtheinvestigation.
“I’mnotsure Icanever forgive himfor whathappened to those girls Notcompletely” Merlin’s voice quivered until it crumbledandhis hoarse,exhaustedcries hurtNelson.“Because thatwouldmeanthatI’dforgivenmyselffor mypartinthat andIcan’t,Nelson.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Merlinpulled ina watery, reinforcingbreath. “Ofcourse, Iknew aboutthatwild clanofwitches downinNew Castle. They’renottheonlyoneshidinginthosemountains,butIknewtheywereTuathDéandthattheywereuptosomething AndI knewClancyhadahandinitwhenIheardaboutstudentsfindingthemandwhispersofanewDagda2.JustasIsuspectedthat Clancywouldfomentanycultthatrosearoundthem Thatwasalwaysthepointandwhyheteachesaboutcultsandworksfor theFBI.ButIwasscaredofhowfarClancyhadgonewhenthosegirlswentmissing.Ididn’tsendNoxtoNewCastleandto theravejustbecauseoftheprophecy Isenthimtoputastoptothehorror I helpedunleashbylookingtheotherway”
“Idon’tbelieveClancyknewabouttheleagueortheplantosacrificethosegirls,”Nelsoninterrupted,makingMerlingasp. “No! Neither do I. Now, ” he qualified. “I couldn’t put it past himbecause there isn’t much else that Clancy wouldn’t sacrificeforNox.Ididn’tthinkhe’dhesitatetogivehisownlifeorevenhisgirls’toprotectand save Nox.”
“Becausehecouldn’tsaveLucas,”Nelsonrealized,earningasadhumofagreementfromMerlin.
“He’sneverbeenattachedtoanheirlikehewastoLucasandhisloveforLucasbroughtoutthehumaninClancy Henever married or had a life before. He always behaved like a monk!” Merlinsounded incredulous as he laughed butitfaded, the mood turningsolemn “He was a monkfor a few centuries and Lucas was the firstto crackClancy’s shield and awakenthe humaninhim. I’d never knownClancyto follow or listento his heartbefore and itbroke whenwe lostSorcha and Lucas. Clancydoesn’tjustloveNoxbecauseit’shisduty,helovesNoxbecauseLucasgavehimthecapacitytolovelikeafather.And IhadfearedthathisruthlessnatureandhisfatherlyloveforNoxhadtwistedClancy.”
Ithad,butnotasfarorinthewayMerlinhadimagined.“HegaveNoxacultandtheywerebuildinghimanarmytofulfill the prophecy They just didn’t know who they were building all of it for and someone else saw the potential and took advantage,”Nelsonguessed.
“Thatdoesseemtobethecase ”Merlinrepliedhesitantly “ClancyandIhavediscussedthisBadb3andwehaveanidea astowhoitcouldbe.”
“Really?”Nelsonasked,notreadytogethishopesup “Youtwohadadiscussionandsomethingproductiveoccurred?” “Weseehowmuchtroublewe’vecausedandwebothagreedtosetthepastandourdifferencesaside.Allthatmattersnow ishelpingyoufindtheBadbandfreeingNox He’sallthat’severmattered,wejustletourheartsandourpridegetintheway” AloudbreathwhooshedfromNelsonandhewaslightheadedatthethought.“That’samiracle.Iwasafraidwe’dhaveto figurethisoutwithoutanybackup.”
“No,” Merlinsaidfirmly “Weareincompleteagreementnow We’resorryfor everything we’vedoneandallwewantis tocomebackandhelp.”
“Good”Nelsonturned,feelingthesunwarminghisbackasheheadedinside,andnodded “That’sreallygood I’llwake Noxupandtellhimit’stimetogetbacktowork.”
1 Sorcha(Surka):Nox’smother,diedwhenNoxwas12.
2 The Dagda(Dag-duhorDay-duh):AnimportantgodinIrishmythologylikenedtotheGermanicgodOdin.OneoftheTuathaDéDanann,theDagdaisportrayedasa father-figure,king,andahighdruid Heisassociatedwithfertility,agriculture,manlinessandstrength,aswellasmagic,druidry,andwisdom Hecancontrollifeanddeath, theweatherandcrops,aswellastimeandtheseasons.Hisnamemeans“thegoodgod”or“thegreatgod.”
3 Badb(Bive or Beev):Acrow,andassociatedwiththe battle goddess BadbCatha(Bive Caha) the battle crow andone of the trioof war goddesses knownas the Morrígan/Mór-Ríoghain(MoRee-an)
“It’stimetowakeup”
Nelson’stenderreverencemadethereturntoconsciousnessandrealitylessdreadful.Noxhadmissedhimbut… “Elsa’sstilldeadandClancyandMerlinarestillbackstabbingassholes,aren’tthey?”
“Elsa’sstilldead,”Nelsonconfirmedsadly,makingconsciousnessandrealitydreadfulagain.Shewasdeadandsixgirls hadtheirlivesshatteredbecauseofNox,andthetwopeoplehelovedandtrustedmosthadbetrayedhim.
“IthinkIcouldusemoretea,”Noxsaid,lookingaroundthekitchenfromthefloor.Hecouldn’tseehisteapotorthetinof Nelson’s extra special bedtimeblend.
“Ihidit,”NelsonsaidashescoopedNoxupbyhisarmpits,thenheldhimatarm’slength “Youneedashower” “Probably.”Noxopenedhisrobeandgavehimselfasniff,gaggingatthepungentfumesashewasguidedoutofthekitchen anddownthehall “WhydoIsmelllikebodyodorandchickensoup?”
“You’vehadaneventfultwodays.”
“AnddidImissanythingimportantwhileIwasaway?”heaskedastheyclimbedthestairs.
“MerlinandClancywouldliketocomeback,”Nelsonsaid,thengaveanapologeticwincewhenNoxsnarled.“Theyhave settledtheir differencesandareworkingtogether inanon-dysfunctional way,I’vebeenpromised andtheyknow whothe Badbis,”headded
“Oh! Well, then!” Nox clapped his hands together, feigning delight. “Is that all it took? All that running around and questioningwitnessestofindhimwhenwecouldhavetrieddevastationandopiumandsavedourselvesallthoseweeks”He rolledhiseyesashestrodeintothebedroomandheadedforthebathroomandhistoothbrush.
“I’mnotgoingtomakeexcusesforthem,”Nelsonbeganashewentintotheclosetandappearedamomentlaterwithapile ofclotheswhileNoxbrushedhisteeth.“Youweren’tinalisteningframeofmind,before,andtheyweretryingtosaveyouin theirtwisted,dysfunctionalway.”
NoxflashedNelsonahard,warninglook “Noneofthatwasdoneoutoflove,”hesaidaroundtheheadofthebrush He gavehisheadashake,thenquicklyfinishedatthesink.
“Nox ”
“No!”Heslashedattheairashewenttostarttheshower.“Idon’tcarewhatwasatstake.Noonewholovesmewould haveallowedthatnightmareofaculttoexistandIwouldhavediedbeforeIsacrificedmyfather.”Helaughedasheimagined whatwouldhavehappenedifhehaddiedinsteadofLucas “That wouldhavestoppedtheprophecyinitstracksandDadand everyoneelsemighthavelivedhappilyeverafteraslongashedidn’thaveanotherson.”
Nelsonshruggedasheleanedagainstthecounter “Icouldhaverecordedacountryalbum”
“What?”Noxlaughedashedroppedhisrobe,turningtoNelson.
Heshruggedagain,gesturingforNoxtogetonwithitandgetintheshower “IgotropedintosinginginaChristmasthingin collegebecausesomeoneinmyroommate’sacappellagroupgotsick.Hisdadwasaproducerwithsomerecordlabelandhe wantedmetocomeintothestudioandgiveitashotbutIpassed.”
“Youpassed?”Noxaskedloudlyashesteppedunderthewater “Withyourlooksandthatdeeprange Youcouldhavebeen astar!”
“IguessyoucouldsayIoptedoutbecauseIdidn’twanttobeastar IwantedtobeanFBIagent AndIneverwouldhave metyou.”
ThatstoppedNox Hestaredatthetileforseveralmoments,contemplatingwhetheritwouldhavebeenbetterifNelsonhad acceptedthatofferandifthey’dnevermetandgonetoNewCastletogether.“WouldtheworldbebetterorsafernowifIhad diedandyoubecameacountrystar?”
Nelsonsnorted,shakingNoxfromhisthoughts “Theworldwould not bebetter AndIdon’tcare,I’dnevergiveyouupor
change the pastjustbecause itwould be easier. The cultand those girls weren’tyour fault, butthey’re our mess you, me, Clancy,andMerlin.We’retheonlyoneswhocanmakethisrightnowandendit.”
“Ican almost forgive Merlin,” Noxsaid while latheringhis hair “He was always more transparentand itwas me who refusedtolistenwhenhe urgedme toact.He facedme here,directly,andhe didn’tplaywithother people’s lives like they weremeaninglessorbeneathhim”
“Idon’tthinkClancy ”NelsonstartedbutNoxpointedabubble-coveredfingerathim.
“Clancyknew he knows howcombustiblezealotryandfanaticismcanbe,especiallywhencombinedwithreligionand thepossibilityofimmortality.Thereis nothing moreirresistibletohumans,itdrawsthemlikebeestonectar.”
“Them?”Nelsonasked,waitingwithatowel.
Noxpushedoutawearybreathashescrubbedhischestandneckwithsalty,eucalyptusandjunipershowergel “Youknow whatImean.”
“Ihonestlydon’t Areyoustilloneofus?”
“Imustbe.Mystomachfeels like anempty,acid-burnedhull andmybackis killingme,” he saidwitha rueful smirk.“I don’tthinkhumanswouldbeasexcitedaboutimmortalityiftheykneweternalbackpainwasapossibility”
“Ithinkyou’restillfeelingtheeffectsofthattea,”Nelsonreplied,makingNoxchuckleasheturnedoffthewater.
HethankedNelsonforthetowelandsurveyedhissensesashedriedhimself.“Iamexperiencingsomemildeuphoriathat’s helpingmestayrelaxedandI’mstillseeingaslighttechnicolorhaze,butmyreflexesandtherestofmybrainseemtobealert andfunctioningrelativelynormally.”
“Thankgoodness,”Nelsonreplied,soundingutterlysincere Noxstoppedandcapturedhislipsforaslow,clingingkiss.“IdidmissyouwhileIwasaway,”hewhisperedashepecked. ThestarchycrispnessofNelson’sshirtagainstNox’sbareskinandthefirmhandslidingdownhisbacktocuphisassfeltlike abalmastheykissed.Softsunlightfilledthebathroomanditwasquiet.Noxsankintothepeaceandwasreassuredbyhow goodandrightitfeltwhenhewasinNelson’sarms.
“I missed you too” He angled his head, taking the kiss deeper for just a moment “No more tea We’ll figure this out together.Juststaywithmeandletmehelpyou.”
NoxhummedinagreementashestrokedNelson’sjawandtracedhislip “I’vegoneasdeepasIcangointomypsycheand foundallthesecretsthatwerehiddeninthere.AndIthinkthatwe arethekeytosolvingtherestofthispuzzle.”
“Good.”Nelsonnodded.“Inthatcase,MerlinandClancyaredownstairsandyouroatmealshouldbeready.It’stimetoget backtowork.”
Theywere waitingfor Noxinthe studywhenhe strolled inwitha bowl, their heads bowed and staringattheir feetin shame Noxtookaseatontopofhisdesk,crossinghislegsasheateandstudiedthemanew Gonewerethelovinguncleswho hadprotectedhimandfilledhisheadwithsweet,Dagda-freedreamsofashort,butsomewhatnormallife.
Now,NoxsawthemandregardedNelsonashewasmeantto,withouttheirdisguises Theyweremeanttobehiscounsel: Clancythe general, Merlinthe oracle and healer, and Nelsonthe bodyguard and the bridge to the Dagda and Nox’s ultimate destiny.Healsoconsideredhimselfandtheroleoftheleaderoftheirlittleclan.Ofthefourofthem,onlyNelsonwasfreeof guiltandhadnoreasontofeelanyshame
“BeforeIwillevenbegin toforgiveortrusteitherofyou,Ihavetoknowthatthereisnomorebadbloodorillwill,”Nox beganandClancy’sheadsnappedupasMerlinnoddedquickly “It’sallbehindus,”Merlinpromised,claspinghishandstogether.“Allwewantistohelpnow.”
NoxcastClancyacynicallook “You’veforgiven‘theboggart’?”
“Ihave,”Clancysaidfirmly.“IblamedhimbecauseIcouldn’tforgivemyself.”
“Andhaveyouforgivenyourself?”Noxchallenged,earninganimmediateheadshake. “I’llneverforgivemyself,butweonlymadethingsworsewhenweletourshamegrowintogrudges” “Good.”Noxnodded,thenshoveledaspoonful ofoatmeal intohismouth.Hiseyesnarrowedashechewedanddecided thebestpathforward “Hug,”hesaidashewavedthespoonatthem “Excuseme?”Clancyasked,gruntingwhenMerlin’sarmslashedaroundhismiddle.Hechuckledsoftlyandrolledhiseyes asheputanarmaroundMerlinandpattedhisshoulder “There We’refinenow,”hesaidbutNoxshookhishead “Iwantto see a real hugand I’ll tell youwhenyou’re done.” He smiled expectantlyatClancywhile Merlinobediently restedacheekonhischest.
“Idon’tseewhy ”ClancystartedbutNoxhushedhim “Rememberhowyoumadeyourgirlshugitoutwhentheywerelittle?IwantyouandMerlintohugitoutnow,”hesaid, earninganotherchuckleandeyerollfromClancyashewrappedhisarmsaroundMerlinandacceptedhispunishment “Verywell,”hesaidwearily.
“I forgot how nice you smell, Darach1 , ” Merlin murmured, making Nelson’s brow hitch and he mouthed a surprised “Darach?”atNox.
Noxwaveditoff,morecuriousandexcitedatthepossibilityofMerlinandClancycoexistingpeacefullyagain
childthelasttimethetwoofthemhadgottenthisclosetoeachotherwithoutatleastoneofthemswingingorspitting.“Keep hugging,”Noxwhisperedasheate,allowingthesighttosootheandhealyearsofdrama-inducedtrauma.
Merlinwasthefirsttocrack HebegantosniffleasherubbedhischeekagainstClancy’ssweatervest Then,therewasa shudderinggaspasClancy’sarmstightenedaroundMerlin.“I’msorryforallthetimesIcalledyouaboggart,”hesaid,crying inearnestandMerlinnoddedjerkilyashewept
“IunderstandandI’msorryformostofthetimesIcalledyouacunt.”
TherewasastrangledchokingsoundfromNelson Helookedlikehewasgoingtobitethroughhisknuckleorexplode,his facewassoredashewatchedthemsobandcomforteachother.Noxwaiteduntiltheircryinghadsettledintoregretful,wistful sighstofinallyreleasethem.
“Now,Ibelieveit,”hesaidashehoppedoffthedesk,hisbowlemptyandhisbellyfullofoats,honey,andfreshberries “AndwhoistheBadb?”
Clancy’sheadhungandtherewasamutteredcurse “It’sWalterForsythe,myassistant”
“Walt?”Noxwasonlysurprisedbecausehewasexpectingsomeonemore…surprising.“Areyoucertain?”
“Yes,” Clancy said, grimacing at Nox “As soon as you mentioned that you were looking for the Badb, I knew Walt’s mother was or still is, Isuppose Wiccan. Ican’trecall himtellingme muchabouther practice or beliefs exceptthatshe wasdevotedtotheBadbbeforeshebegantodecline.She’sinahomenow,Ithink.HewrotehisthesisontheMorríganand theirsisterdeitiesthroughoutvariousculturesandliterature Hedoesn’tshowitveryoften,buthehasacrowtattooedonhis forearm.”
“Soit’sstarpupilversusthegoldenchild,”NoxmurmuredthoughtfullyandnoddedasheglancedatNelson “Hemightsee moreinhisfavoriteprofessorthanjustamentor ifhewasraisedbyasinglemother,”hespeculated,earningaknowinghum fromNelson.
“Hewearstheexactsameframes,”hesaid,pointingatClancy’sglasses.“Iusedtogotomyfather’stailoruntilGiovanni passed away. It was the easiest boxto checkfor his approval. Dad couldn’t complainabout myhair or the wayI dressed becauseIlookedjustlikehim”
The three of themblinked at Nelson for a moment before Nox cleared his throat. “I don’t think it worked in this case either,”heguessed,raisingabrowatClancy “Thatwouldexplainwhyhehatesme Buthowdidhe know me wellenoughto runstraightuptomybedroomandhowdidheknowtherewasalocketwithmyhairinit?”
Clancyscrubbed his face withshakinghands and muttered a stringofcurses. “Inever saw thathe was fixated onyou, I swear.IthoughthewasjustenoughofabelieverthathewouldencouragestudentstoseekouttheTuathDéwhentheycameto uswithpapersaboutwitchesor druidsor modernpagans.Ihadnoideathat he hadgotteninvolvedwiththatgroupdownin NewCastle”
Noxchuckled wrylyatClancy. “He was more thana casual believer, though, wasn’the? Youknew his interestwas far more thanacademic or youwouldn’t have trusted himto runwiththis unsupervised Youtaught me yourself: your teaching assistantisyourvoiceandyourrepresentative.Theyspeakforusandwetrustthemwithourmessage.Youwouldn’thaveleft somethingthisimportanttoadilettante.”
“No ”Clancyagreedhesitantly “Ineverthoughtofitthatway Iwastooassuredinhisdesiretopleasemeandadvance hiscareerthatitneveroccurredtomethatWaltwouldhaveanyothermotivations.Buthe ”Hisfacetwistedintoadisgusted grimace “Buthepracticallytoldme!Iwasjusttooarrogantandshortsightedtotakehimseriously”
“Hetoldyou?”NoxaskedasheprowledcloserandClancynodded.
“IonlyrememberitbecauseitwastheclosestI’veeverseenWaltcometobeingangry Itwastheonlytimeheeverraised hisvoice.Atthetime,IchalkedituptoembarrassmentbecauseIhadlaughedathim.”
Nox’s headtiltedas he watchedClancyclosely.“This is it,team.This is his originstory,” he whispered.“Whydidyou laughatWalt?”
“He said he’d found…things inold books and he wanted to know ifIthoughtthe prophecycould be fulfilled and ifthe DagdawouldstirifanewTuathaDéDanann2weretorise.Isaidthatanythingwaspossible,butthattherewereotherpartsof thatprophecy key figures necessaryforthewakingoftheDagda.”
“Whatdidhesaytothat?”Noxasked,hisanticipationrisingwithClancy’sregret
“HementionedtheBadb.HesaidtheDagdamightawakeniftheBadbreturnedandrejoinedtheTuathaDéDanann.Walt suggestedthattheBadbcouldbindwiththeDagdatocreateanewgod”
TherewasashockedlaughfromMerlin.“Preposterous!Hemakesasickstewofonlywhathewantstobelieveanddefiles the rest,” he said and let out a loud gasp as he turned to the rollingboards withall their photos and facts. “That’s whyhe wantedthosegirlsforaSamhain3ritual.TheBattleofthePlainofPillars!”hedeclared,earningaloudergaspfromNox.
“TheCathMaigeTuired!”4hesaidexcitedly,noddingashejoinedMerlin.“It’sbonkersbutIgetitnow!”
“Idon’t,”NelsoncalledfrombehindthemandNoxsmiledasheturned.
“FollowersoftheBadbortheMorríganoffersacrificestothewarriorgoddessbecausetheloreholdsthatontheeveofthe BattleofthePlainofPillars SamhainEve shemetwithandmarriedtheDagdaandthetwomated.After,sheadvisedhimto
gatherhisgreatestwarriorsandthatshewouldwieldchaosanddestructionwhenitwastimetofacetheFomorians5 inbattle thenextday OnSamhain,theyfacedtheenemyforthesoulofIrelandanditwasherruthlessnessthatdrovetheFomoriansinto defeat.”
AhardhumphwaftedfromNelsonashenodded “Thatisbonkers,butIgetit” “That’swhyyoulaughedathim,”NoxsaidtoClancy.“Isthatwhenyoutoldhimaboutme?”
Clancyhadneverlookedmorepatheticashenodded.“ItoldhimthateveryoneknewtheoldstoriesabouttheBadbandthe Fomorians ButI’dfoundoldbooksandrecords,too,thathintedatasurvivinglinethathadbeenunbrokensincethetimeofthe last druids. I said that inthat familythere was anheir that could be the new kingif the legends were true and if the stars aligned ThateveniftheBadbweretoreturn,theDagdawouldnotsettleforacrowwhenHe couldhavethesun”
“Hmm…” Nox steepled his hands and tapped his fingertips together, attempting to calculate how much of a spiritual, emotional,andprofessionalslapinthefacethatwouldhavebeenforWalt.“Wow!Hegetsshotdownbyhisfatherfigurewho notonlycrapsonhistheorybutall overhisfavoritedeityaswell…Theburnwouldhavebeensevereonceherealizedyou weretalkingaboutme.”
TherewasasoftcoughfromNelsonashewavedhisnotepadatClancy “Whendidhefigureoutthatyouwereoneofthe threeandthatyouhadusedhimtobuildacultforyourgoldenboy?”
“Idon’tknow,” Clancyreplied, shakinghis head “Myhope was thatWaltwould do the mathand maybe bragthat he’d foundtheheir.IthoughtthecultwouldcometoNoxoncetherumorsspread.ThosesixmissinggirlsandElsaHansenwerethe firstsignsIsawthatsomethinghadgoneterriblywrong.ButIneverwouldhaveimagineditwasWalt,thathewascapableof this.”
“Now we know the why,” Noxsummarized,lookingaround.There were sad,serious murmurs andgrunts.He laughedat Clancy,shakinghishead “Onewouldthinkthatan anthropology professorwouldknowbetter Whenhasitendedinanything butdisasterwhengodsanddemigodsplaywiththeheartsandaspirationsofmortals?”heaskedandMerlinclickedhisteethat Nox
“Thatjobhasalwaysbeenameanstoanend.Clancy’sprimaryobjectiveandhis first dutyhasalwaysbeentobuildyoua cultandtobereadytodefendyouinbattle,”hescoldedNoxgently,thenofferedClancyagraciousnod.“Hewassmartenough toinfiltratetheFBIandrecruitfromwithin.HowdoyouthinkthatcasefounditswaytoNelson theoneagentinthebureau who would followyoutotheendsoftheearth?OrNewCastle.”
Nelsonshookhishead “FeltonsaidthatClancyreassuredhimtherewasnocase”
“Ofcourse,Idid,”Clancyreplied.“Ididn’twantFeltontohanditofftooneofhisfavorites.Andforwhatit’sworth,Idid thinkitwasanuisancecasewhenIfirstheardabouttwomissingwitches Ithoughttheyhad joined thecult Itneveroccurred tomethattheyhadbeentakenandthattheremightbemore.ThegirlsweresupposedtoleadNoxtotheTuathDésoit had to gotosomeonehecouldwalkallover.Anagentwithanounceofself-preservationwouldn’thavetakenhimseriously.Sorry, Nelson,”headdedwithawince
“It’sfine,”NelsonrepliedwoodenlyandtherewasasympatheticgroanfromMerlin.
“Butnowweseethatthetwoofyouwerealwaysmeanttofindeachother Clancycouldn’thandthecasedirectlytoNox so he made sure the case wentto Feltonwithorders for youto shutitdownimmediately. Justas Clancyrelegated the dirty worktoWalt,lettinghimrubelbowswiththestudentsandthehillbillies ItwasrathercleverandclassicallyClancyuntilWalt wentrogueandturnedagainsthimandNox.”
“I’msosorry,”Clancysaidheavily,butNoxwaveditoff.
“Youcantell thatto Heidi Hansenafter we’ve dealtwithWalt” He wentto the boards and reached for Elsa’s picture, pluckingitoff. “Youwere never a nuisance to me.” He turned backto his counsel. “We’re focusingonWaltnow. Iwantto knowhimaswellasheknowsus Wheredidhelearndarkmagick? Who taughthim?Thatwilltellusasmuchasthetrapshe’s set.Ialreadyknow mostofhis tricks.Ijustneedtoknow who Waltis.OnceIdo onceI’velearnedhis secrets hewon’t standachance”
Merlinwent straight to work, turningone of the boards to its blankside. “That’s anexcellent place to start. I’ve been examiningthecurseshe’sleftsofarandIhavesomethoughts,”hebegan,mumblingmostlytohimselfsoNoxswungbackto Clancy
“Get me everything you have from him when he was a student and your assistant papers, tests, emails, texts… Everything”
“Holdon,”Nelsoninterruptedagainwithanotherwaveofhisnotepad.“WeneedbetterproofconnectingWalttothisthan Julian’s statements about the Badb. None of that was onthe record and he can’t testifyto Walt’s involvement. We have to connectWalttothe poisonings inNew Castle andthe prisons.Itwouldbe evenbetter ifwe couldprove he was behindthe abductions,notJulian. Without tippinghimoffifwecanhelpit,”headdedwithapointedlookatClancyandNox.
Clancy’s eyes widened “Walthad access to several federal facilities over the lastfew months Irecommended himfor lead on a research project for the school and I sent him to do a few interviews some light surveys for the bureau’s behavioralsciencedepartment”
“He would have needed access to workas your assistant,” Noxconcurred witha shrug. “Thatjustmakes Nelson’s life easier.We’llhavetobecarefulwhenwequestionAubrey,butIhaveafeelingshe’llbeabletoconnectWalttotheyew,”he saidandNelsonsnortedinapproval
“Thatwouldbeagreatstart.Especiallyifhe’sonthevisitors’logsandthesecurityvideos.It’lltakemeawhiletogetthem butwe’dhaveenoughtoconnectWalttothemethodofpoisoningandprovehehadaccess”
“Thereyougo,”NoxsaidtoClancy.“WeneedeverythingconnectedtoanytasksyouassignedWaltonbehalfoftheFBIas well Andgodshelpyouifitgetsoutthat your assistantusedyouandtheFBItomurderourwitnesses,”headdedandgestured forClancytogetoutofhissight.
“I’lltellthemmyselfassoonasit’ssafeto,”hesaid,ashetookhimselfoff. Merlinsighedathisback,thencastacautiouslookatNox “Youknow,he’smorehumanthandemigodthesedays Weall areandwe’veallmadeterriblemistakes,”hesaidgently,butNoxshookhishead,stilltoobitterandshellshocked.
“You’reherebecauseyou’veforgiveneachotherandbecauseIneedyoutofinishthistaskthat’sbeenforceduponme But Ihaven’tforgiventhetwoofyouyet,”Noxexplained.“Ican’tuntilthisisoverandI’veseenhowmuchdamagehasbeendone andhowmuchwe’reabletofix”
“Iunderstand,”Merlinsaidwithabow.“I’llfindeverythingIcanabouthismother,herpractice,andtheirpast.I’lltellyou everythingIcanaboutthisBadb,”hevowedashewentbacktoworkontheboards.
NelsonraisedabrowatNox “Whatdoyouwantmetoworkon?”
Abeatific smile spread across Nox’s face. Nelson said it was time to get back to work and work they would. Nox’s destiny,reality,theconsequencesofClancy’sschemes Allofthatsucked hard,butthiswasgoingtobefun “Iwantyouupstairs,Uaithne6.We’regoingtomastersexmagick.” “Oh!”Merlinhootedandclappedexcitedlyashespunbacktothem “Ifyou’dlikeIcanpreparea ” “No!”Nelsonshoutedandshookhisheadashebackedfromtheroom.“I’mnotsureifthisisagoodidea,butwecantalk aboutitupstairs,”hemumbled,thenfled “Ithinkyoumust,”MerlinwhisperedoutofthesideofhismouthandNoxhummedinagreement. “Iwon’tallow Him tomanipulateuslikethat.Andifthat’show He meanstocontrolme,thenI’llmakethemostofit.” “That’smyboy!”Merlinsaidproudlyashewipedaneye.“Godspeed,lad.”
1 Darach(Da-rock):anoldGaelicnamemeaning“oaktree”or“oakgrove”
2 TuathaDé Danann(Too-Wahdaydan-ann)AcknowledgedastheearlygodsofIreland(anearlierformoftheirname,TuathDé (Too-Ahday)means“tribeofgods”)
3 Samhain(Sau-win)aCelticfestivalcelebratedon1Novembermarkingtheendoftheharvestseasonandbeginningofwinteror"darkerhalf"oftheyear.Itisalsothe Gaelic name forNovember Celebrations beginonthe eveningof31October,since the Celtic daybeganandendedatsunset Itis abouthalfwaybetweenthe autumnal equinoxandwintersolstice
4 The CathMaige Tuired(Caw-Mwee-Turra) frombefore the ninthCenturyAD,is twosaga texts of the MythologicalCycle of IrishMythologydetailingthe epic battlebetweenthemythicalTuathaDeDanannandFomoireforIreland.
5 Fomorians (Faw-mah-reean)mythologicalbeastsoftendepictedasgiants
6 Uaithne (Oof-na):TheDagda’smagicharpthatcouldchangeseasons,turnthetidesofbattle,andseeintotheheartsofmen
Nelsonhadhisnotesoutandwaspacing,gatheringreasonsforwhytheyshouldn’t whenNoxarrived,whistlingcheerfully asheshutthebedroomdoorsbehindhim.
“I’veputyouthroughalot,thelastfew days,”Noxbeganas hesaunteredtowardNelson,ateasinggrintiltinghis lipsandhiseyessparkingwithlustandhunger.“Andyou’vebeenpatient incredibly patient withmeformonths.Ipromise, Nelson,IwillfindawaytoshowyouhowgratefulIamwithoutyou-know-whostickingHis infinitenoseinthemiddleofit.” “No.” Nelsonshookhis head and tapped the page whenhe found the right spot. “Youshouldn’t thankme. I put youin dangerlast ”
“Notonpurpose,”Noxargued,butNelsonsnorteddismissively “Ifigureditoutaftertherave,though,andIthoughtIcouldcontrolitmyselfifIjustdidn’t…you know withyou.”Hefeltso stupidinhindsightandwonderediftheDagdahadcountedonNelson’shubrisandignoranceinthebedroom Noxmadeahappy,dreamysoundashehelpedNelsonoutofhiscoat,easingitoverhisshoulders.“Becauseyouseethe man thehuman inmeandyouloved him,notanheirorapawninaprophecyyoucouldmanipulate.”
“Wecan’tkeeppretending,though.Youaren’tjustamanandwe’replayingwithfire.” “Whatwouldyousuggest?”Noxaskedwarily,earningacautiouswincefromNelson. “Maybeweshouldn’t forawhile Untilwe’resureit’ssafe,”hesuggestedandNoxlaughed “Couldyoulivelikethat?”heaskedindisbelief,thenrolledhiseyes.“Ofcourse, you could.Butabsolutelynot,Nelson. I’mnotgoingtowastewhatmightbemylastfewweeksonthis good earthdeprivedoftruejoyandhappinessbecauseof Him Idon’tcarewhoorwhatweareoutsideofthisbedroom.Ibelongtoyouandyoubelongtome,”hesaidsimplyashetossed Nelson’scoatatachair.“Andtheonlywayit’severgoingtobesafeisifwefigureouthowthisworksandbeat Him at His owngame.”
Nelsonshookhishead,stillnervousasherememberedhow closehecametolosingNoxtotheDagda’strances.“Idon’t likeusingyouasbaitorasaguineapig NotifIcan’tfollowyouandkeepyousafe ItooknotesafterlasttimebecauseIhada feelingyouwouldn’tremembereverything,”hesaidwithawaveofhisnotepad.“Iknewyou’dwanttolearnasmuchasyou couldwhileyouwereinthattrap I’mjustnotsureifIgotanythinguseful”
Nox’sbrowsjumped.“Youobservedandtooknotes?”heaskedandNelsonnodded,avertinghiseyesasheblushed. “Ididn’tknowwhatelsetodo.MerlinsaiditwastheonlykindofmagickIwascapableofandhetoldmetostaywithyou. So,Iletyougetcloseenoughtosee Him andtellmewhatwashappening,”heexplained,causingNoxtosplutter “You…letmegetclose?How?”
Nelson’sfacewassohotandhisbrowwasdampashescrubbeditwiththebackofhishand “Ijust triedmybesttokeep youcloseto…”hemumbled.“ButIkeptpullingyoubackbeforeyoucould…you know.”Heclearedhisthroatsuggestively, makingNox’seyeswiden “Before He couldtakeyou”
“Nelson,that’s…brilliant.”
“Whatis?” Nelsonfrowned, shakinghis head inconfusion. “Youseemed prettyfrustrated and itwas nerve-racking, not knowingifIwasdoingwhatyou’dwantmetodoorifIwasmakingthingsworse”
“Youbrilliant, brilliant man.” Noxgroaned as he twisted his hand inNelson’s tie and pulled himclose. “Kiss me,” he whisperedasheofferedhislips
“Okay.” Nelson complied, lowering his head and receiving a slow, sultry kiss that left themboth winded. “Why amI brilliant?”
“Mysticaledging,”NoxpantedashebackedNelsontowardthebed.
“Idon’tknowwhatthatmeans,butmynotes,Nox.”
“Iamvery interestedinthosenotes”
“Areyou?”Nelsonraisedabrowskeptically.
Noxnodded,pausingtopullhisT-shirtoverhishead.“Thatmightbethehottestthinganyone’severdonetomeandIcan’t waittotryitagai ”
“What? No.”NelsonstaredatNoxindismay.“Ididn’tknowwhatIwasdoingandwe’reluckyitdidn’tbackfireonus.I tooknotessowedon’thavetodoitagain,”heargued
“That’sthething!”NoxsquealedashepressedanotherkisstoNelson’slips.“Yourinstinctsarespectacular,Nelson!AndI thinkit’sbecauseyouaren’tweakenedanddistractedbyyourdesiresthewaymostmenare
EvenwhenI’mtestingeverybitof yourwillpowerandyourpatience,younevermissanopportunitytolearn.”
“Wedon’thavetimeformetolearn,”hewarned.“Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoingmostofthetimeandwhatIdoknow, He taughtmeindreamssoI’dbeabletopleaseyou”
“Maybe.”Noxshrugged.“He can’toverrideyourinstincttoloveandprotectme,though.” “Howcanyoubesosure?”Nelsonraisedhisnotepadtochecksomething “YousaidyousawmeandIwasawolfanda warriorpriest.”
Along,loudgasprushedfromNox “Really?!Ihave toseethat,”heinsisted,butNelsonfrownedathimoverthepad
“Idon’twanttobeawolfandawarriorpriest.ButwhatifIhavethoseinstincts,too?Whatifthere’ssomethinginmewe don’twanttotapintoorletloose?”
Nox’seyesglitteredandgrewsobigtheycouldhavefallenout “Mygods,ifIcouldpickonewaytogo ”
“That’snotfunny,”NelsonscoldedandNox’slipssplitintoawide,mischievousgrin.
“That’smakingthebestofit,”hecountered “TheDagdagavemeamightyUaithneandthought He couldensnaremewitha holydick.Somekingsdiedinbattle,butmostoftheheirsbeforemediedintheprimeoftheirlivesdoingsilly,mundanethings like walking to work or some casual rockhounding,” Nox explained, his smile hardening and his eyes gleaming with wild defiance.“Meetingmymakerwhilegettingmybackwellandtrulyblownoutisafarmoregloriousend.”
“Hmm…”Nelsonwrinkledhisnoseandshookhishead.“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikesomethingIwanttobeapartofeither.”
“That’stheworst-casescenario,though!”Noxsaidquickly “Ithinkthatifwe’rebothcomposmentisandwestaytogether we can beat Him at his own game. Did we get off at all? Tell me exactly how you did it,” he urged while unzipping and shimmyingoutofhisjeans
“Um…”Nelsondidn’tneedhisnotesforthat,butheblinkedatthepageuntilhefoundthenerve.“Iuh…gotyouofffirst,to getthefirstroundoutofthechamber.YouwerealreadysowoundupandIwantedtodrawitoutaslongasIcould.”
“That’ssohot,”Noxsaid,lookingdizzyandclearlyarousedashereachedforNelson.Hiscockwashardandstrainingand NoxgroanedasheyankedNelson’stieloose.“ThisiswhyItrustyou,Nelson.Implicitly.Youstaysoclear-headedwhileI’m practicallyoutofmymind”
“Itry,”hesaidwithashrug.
“That’s whatmakes all ofthis sohot Let’s practice edginguntil we’re bothable to feel when He enters the chat, ifyou will,”Noxsuggested,earningafrownfromNelson.
“IthinkIcantell…”Hewentbacktohisnotesforthelist.“Goldenglowing,beautifulharpmusic,beesbuzzing,increased euphoria,”hereadandNoxchuckledashisheadtiltedandhelickedNelson’sknucklesaroundthenotepad,makinghishand shake.
“Increasedeuphoria?Areyoufeelingeuphoricnow,Nelson?”hepurred,hiseyestakingonawarmglow
“You’redoingit,”NelsonwarnedgentlyandgaveNox’snoseasoft,affectionateswatbeforekissinghim.“He’s already here,”hewhispered
“Okay. Give me a minute.” Noxclosed his eyes and drew ina slow, steadybreath. Nelsonhad observed Noxwhile he practicedyogaandmeditated,centeringhimselfinthesamewaysohecouldfocus.“There,”Noxsaid,openinghiseyesand smiling TheywerecoolbluewhentheymetNelson’sandNoxwashisagain,alaughingidiotinlove “Wherewerewe?”
“IhavealistofthingsI’venoticedwhenever we’reaboutto…loseeachother,”NelsonsaidashewatchedNoxclosely. “Goldenglowing,beautifulharpmusic,beesbuzzing ”
“Oh!That’sa big one forme!”Noxinterrupted,asheturnedNelson’shandsohecouldseethelist.“Icertainlynoticethe increasedeuphoriaandcannevertellifthat’sjustmebeingsuperhorny,butthebeesaredefinitelyagiveaway,”hesaidwith unfeignedfascination.
NelsonwasrelievedtohaveNoxbackbutitwasshort-lived.“Howdowekeep Him fromspyingonus?It’sgettingmore obviouswhenyou’renotincontrol,butwhatifHe figuresoutwhatwe’retryingtodoandhijacksyoubeforewe’reready?”
“I’mworkingonthat!”Nox’scheekspuffedoutashewidenedhiseyesatNelson.“Dadshowedmewheretohideinmy mindandIspenta lotoftime inthere whenIwas inmytea dream IcanfindmywaybacktothatpartofmyselfwhenI’m awake,butit’stricky,”headmitted.“That’swhyIwantustogiveyourmysticaledginganothershot.It’slikelearninghowto meditate.It’shardtofocusandclearyourmindinthebeginningbutwithpractice,yourbrainandyoursubconsciousgetusedto tappingintothosequietpartsandtuningouttherest.”
Nelsonsquinted over Nox’s shoulder, unsure if that was brilliant or if he was bullshitting. “If we learn how to trigger
“Thenwecanlearnhowtoavoid Him,”NoxrepliedandmadeagiddysoundashethrewhisarmsaroundNelson’sneck andjumped,sendingthenotepadflying HislegswoundaroundNelson’swaistandhewasradiantastheykissed “Andwecan choosewhenwe’rereadyandface Him onourterms,notHis.”
“Okay ”Nelsonsmiled,happytofinallyhaveapurposeandacourseofactionheunderstood “That partIlikeandIthink I’mgettingthehangoftheintimateparts,”headdedhesitantlybutNoxshushedhim.
“You’vedefinitelygottenthehangofit,Nelson Thedickisliterallyoutofthisworldandtherimming,god-tier” “Thankyou?”
“Thank you ” Noxswunghis chintowardthebed.“We’dbetter getthatfirstbulletoutofthechamber becauseit’s been days Idon’tknowhowlongIcankeep Him atbay Ifeelalmostferal,Iwantyousobadly,Nelson” “Isee.”NelsoncouldfeelitrisinginNoxaswell,theprimalurgetobetouched,licked,andfilleduntiltheywerelostin thefrenzy
That enthralledandarousedNelson,theuntamed,burningneedNoxheldanddefendedonlyforthem forhim. “Letmetakecareofthat”
Becausethatwashisduty,andhisalone.Thiswas his NoxtocherishandprotectandMerlinandClancy andeventhe Dagda wouldneverknowtheprivilegeoflovinghimthewayNelsondid.
HisheartsangandNelsongaveintothejoyasheloweredNoxontothebedandsetaboutsatisfyinghim Nelsonstarted withNox’s ears and neck, nibblingand suckinguntil there were goosebumps and shivers. He burrowed into Nox’s armpit, seekingoutthehintsofnaturalmuskandcatchingawhiffofsweatastheirbodiesgrewwarmer Nelsonlickedlazily,enjoying Nox’skeeningwhimper.
“Please!”Noxrolledover,archinghisbackandpresentinghisasstoNelson.
“Comehere,”Nelsongrowled,pullingNox’shipsbackandpartinghischeekswithbothhands.“Thisismine.”Hedragged histongueoverNox’shole,gloryinginhisdeliriousmoan.
ForthiswasNelson’spurview,histemple,andhedidn’tneedagodtotellhimhowtoserveNoxthere Hesuckedonthe flinching,tenderfleshandstrummedthedelicatewrinkleswiththetipofhistongue,drillingwhenNox’slegsbegantoshake.
“Yes!Gods,that’ssogood,Nelson!”
Nelsonrumbledinapproval,pleasedtohear his nameonhislover’slipsasherolledNoxontohisback.Hewouldhaveto push Nox to the edge, until he was truly delirious and confused, but for the moment Nelson treasured their bond and how pleased his Noxwaswithhim.Soon,theywouldbecaughtupinthegoldenraptureandunbridledlustbutitwasthewayNox yearned for himthataroused Nelsonwhentheyhad sex. And itwas Nox’s pleasure, notthe inevitable orgasm, thatbrought Nelsonthemostsatisfaction
“Come for me, Nox,” he begged before working a long string of spit from his lips and sliding two fingers into tight, grippingheat Hetookhistime,slowlywindingNoxupandlappingatthepre-cumdrippingfromtheendofhiscock “Hah…Hah….”Nox’sjawstretchedandhiseyesrolled.“Bees,Nelson!” “Alright.”NelsonshushedandsqueezedthebaseofNox’sshafttight.“Breatheandkeep Him out.Staywithmeandletme haveyoufirst Letmetasteyoubeforeyougo”
Noxnoddedjerkily,pantingashisfingerstwistedintheduvetandNelson’shair.“Fuck!Thisissohot,though!” “Mmmm ”NelsonwrappedhislipsaroundNox,suckinghardas hereacheddeepwithhis fingers Theycurledaround Nox’sprostate,strokingfirmlyintimewiththeriseandfallofhishead.
“Nelson!”Noxscreamedashisbackcameoffthebed,athickburstofcumfloodingNelson’smouth He took it, claiming every tart drop until Nox was spent and breathless. “Now, we work,” Nelson told Nox, grinning ruthlesslyas he snatcheda wristandyankedhimupright.“Youwanttopractice,let’s practice.” NelsonpulledNoxontohis knees,facinghim,andcuppedthebackofhishead “Openforme,”hecommandedasheguidedNox’slipstohiscock Nox’s eyes glowed and he had takenona goldenhaze. “I canget used to youlike this. You’re reallyhot whenyou’re bossy” His tongue stretched and he hummed indelightas he covered Nelson’s lengthinlong, indulgentlicks, makingloud, greedysoundsashesucked.“I’veneverbeenmuchofasub,butIcouldpretend,”hesaidbeforetakingNelsondeepintohis throat, swallowingthe entire shaft, and gaggingsoftly There was a loud slurp as Noxraised his head “Icould submitand worshipthis.”HepantedthewordsagainstNelson’sthrobbingflesh,hisgazeburningwithdesire.
“Idon’twantyoutosubmittome,”Nelsoncountered,takingNoxbythehairandpullinghimupforabrutalkiss.“ButI’ll hangontoyouandkeep Him outanywayIcan”HeturnedNox,lockinghimagainstNelson’schestandholdinghimclose “I’ll dangleyouinfrontof Him anduseyouforbaitifthat’swhatittakesbutI’dalwaysratherseeyouwildandfree,”hebreathed inNox’sear,reachingforthelube NelsonteasedNox’snipples,pinchingandflickingandmakinghimtrembleandwhimper “Tellmewhatyousee,”heorderedashegrippedNox’scock,hisstrokesfirmbutnotfastenoughtogivehimrelief.
“Light!”Noxgasped,backbowingandbuckingintoNelson’shand.“Icanhearthebeesandaharp.”
“Slowdown.”NelsonwhisperedNox’snameanddottedhisneckandshoulderwithsoothingkisses.HewaiteduntilNox’s breathinghadsettledtoresume,takinghimtothebrinkagainandagain.TheywerebothslickandsweatingwhenNelsonbent
Noxoverandmountedhim,fillinghimwithasmooth,drivingthrust.
“Nope!” Nox shook his head, the glossy wet strands sticking to his forehead. “We’ve got bees. And gods, it’s hot and bright”
AwrysmileyankedatNelson’slipsashispelvisslappedswiftandhardagainstNox’sass,thesoundcarryingthroughthe roomastheywerebathedinwarmthandsoft,shimmeringlight Hecouldhearthetenderstrummingofaharpandbuzzingas the urge to pin Nox down and breed him swelled. Nelson let the compulsion grow with the heavy pounding in his core, stoppingatthefirstbrightpulseandthefirstliftingofhiscontrol
“No!”Nox’sshockedcryshookthechandelierandtheframesonthemantle.
Nelsonfellforward,bracingahandonthebedandnuzzlingthebackofNox’sneck.“Shhhhh!”HestayedwithNox,their bodiesinterlockedastheirheartsthrashed,waitingforthemtocomedown “Don’tgoto Him yet Staywithmeandseewhat elseyoucanlearn.”
“Okay I’mgood”NoxheldontoNelson’swristandnodded “Ihear Him calling It’snotHis timeyetbutHe wantsthis” “He wantsthis?”Nelsonrolledhiships,grindinghardandforcinglittlesqueaksfromNox.
“Yeah He wantstowatchusand He wantsustolove Him,”Noxexplainedinweakhuffs,bringingNelson’sthruststoa haltagain.
“Like,love Him?Or, love Him?”Heshookhishead.“Don’tanswerthatrightnow,”hedecidedandcontinuedpumpinghis hips NelsonclosedhiseyesandsankintotheslickblissandthefeelofNox,wildandrestless alive inhisarms Helicked thesweatoffofNox’sback,betweenhisshoulderblades,thentuckedhisfaceinthecornerofhisneckanddroveharder.
“There! Don’t stop!” Nox cried desperately, his nails digging into Nelson’s wrist Nelson hurled him right up to the heavens,reachingaroundandgrippingNox’sshaft.Hestrokedtightandfast,ridingNox’sprostatewitheverymercilessrollof hiships.Nox’scheekdraggedonthemattressandhiseyesweremoltengoldastheycrossed“Oh,fuuu-! No!”Noxpuncheda pillow,swearingwhenNelsonpulledout.Heusedanotherpillowtomufflehisscreams.
“Sorry.” Nelson rolled Nox onto his back and lowered, stretching his tongue and collecting the sweat from the hairs beneathNox’snavelandnuzzlingthepatchatthebaseofhiscock
“Yes!”Noxlolled,enrapturedashereachedforNelson.“Please!Ineedyou!”Hisvoicewashoarsewithdesireandhis bodyluminousashepoutedandundulatedbeneathNelson “Takemenow,Uaithne Takemeto Him ”
Nelsonclickedhisteeth,dragginghislipsovertheskullandhornstattooedonNox’sabdomen.“Nottoday.”Hetracedthe triskelionontheskull,tauntingthegodbeforesweepinglower.“You’restillmine.”
Nelsontookhimdeepintohisthroat,suckinghardbutfingeringNoxslowlyandfirmlymassaginghisprostate.“Yes!Yours, Nelson!”
This time,Nelsoncouldn’tswallow fastenough,cumspilleddownhis chinandNox’s twitchingcock He tookhis time, listeningtoNoxbabblewhilelickinghimcleanandgivinghimtimetocooldown.
Literally
NelsonsangsomebitsofasongNoxliked,crooningandkissinghischeeksandnoseandeyelashesuntil hewasdrowsy butstillplayfulandturnedon.
“May I please?” Nelson hid his burning face, whispering his love and his undying loyalty to Nox’s sternumand his collarbone.
“Ineedyouto,”Noxbabbleddreamily “IamutterlyspentbutIneedyoutodestroymybodynow,Nelson Andnotfor Him oranymagickalstrategicreasons.YouslammedthatgateclosedandnowIwantyoutoridemehome.”
“Yes” Nelsonached as he reached for the lube He’d tortured Noxwith‘mystical edging’for a sunnyafternoon, butthe Dagda had keptthemapartand tortured Nelsonfor weeks. “Iwantthat,” he said clumsily, coatinghis cockand fallinginto Nox’smouthandhisbody.
He still didn’tcrave sexunless he feltNoxcravinghimfirst AndNelsoncouldlose himselfina kiss andfeel the same headyrushasanorgasmwithoutNoxtouchinganythingbuthisface.Itwasmiraculous,though,whenNelsoncouldletgoand heyearnedtofeelhissoulspillingintoNox’swithouttheDagdainterfering NelsontangledhisfingersinNox’shairpinninghimforasavagekiss.Hewasrough,reclaimingeverythingtheDagdahad seenandtouched AndNoxreveledinit,settingNelsonlooseandorderinghimtoberuthless
“Takeme,Nelson.Claimme.” Nelsonnodded,hookingNox’s legaroundhis waist.Adifferentfire burnedbetweenthemas Nelsonputhis headdown, bitingintoNox’sshoulderanddigginginwithhisknees Nelsonranrightintotheinferno,fillingNoxwithrelentless,pounding thrusts.Pleasurelickedathisnerves,brightandbrutal andcinderingthelastofNelson’scontrol.Heleapedintotheheartof theflames,smotheringhishowlashecame
“Mygods,Nelson.Youtrulyareananimal.”Nox’sarmswerelimpashecradledNelson,theirbodiesslickandtheirlegs tangled.HekissedatrailacrossNelson’sbrow,whisperingreverentlyinGaelic.
“Whatdidyousay?”NelsoncheckedNox’seyesbuttheywereblueandhewasclearandcalm.
“IsaidIsawyou,myfearless,fearsomewolf.Mywarriorpriest.”
Nelsonsnortedandflappedahand,dismissingtheideathathecouldbecompetentatanythinginthatmagickalrealm.
“Howdoesthatmakesense?Icankindofgetbeingaharpnowbecausewhatdoesaharpknow?I’mhardlyawarriorand I’llneverknowenoughmagicktobeadruidpriest”
“You’realwayssellingyourselfshort,”Noxsaidwithadisappointedsigh.“Andrightafteryourockedmyworld.Deities oftentookseveraldifferentforms,remember,andwolveswereasubiquitousascrows” “WastheUaithneassociatedwithawolf?”
“No Nottraditionally ButtheMorríganwasalsosaidtotaketheformofawolfandmanyoftheTuathDéweresaidto keepawolfattheirsideforprotection.”Noxheldupafinger,makingNelson’sheartskipabeat.“Again,ifyoubearinmind thatmanydeitiesshiftedforms,itispossiblethatthosewolfprotectorscouldhavebeenwarriorsaswell.Thewolfrepresents the moon, transformation,intuition,andfierceloyalty” “Huh.”
“Notsosillyanymore,is it?” Noxchallenged “There is another possibilitythatcomes tomind,” he said,growingmore excited.“ThereareRomanaccountsofamysteriousCelticgodnamedCunomaglus1whosenametranslatesto‘WolfLord.’He was said to be the guide of a specific god and his intermediary with the dead They wrote of secret cults dedicated to Cunomaglus.”
“Whichgoddidheguide?”NelsonaskedandwassuddenlysuspiciousbythewildglimmerinNox'seyes Theywerestill thegoodshadeofblueandtoofocusedbutNoxoftengotthatlookwhenhewasuptosomethingorknewasecret.
“Hewasthefamiliarandguideofthehornedgod,Cernunnos,insomeveryobscureaccounts.”
“CernunnoswasthesonoftheDagda,”Nelsonrecalled.
“Insome earlytexts,” Noxcautioned, his finger risingagain. “He’s whatis called a Proto-Celtic god, fromthe periods before theearlyCelticperiod Mostofthosegodsweknowverylittleaboutbutweseevariationsofthemorcommonthemes withlatergodsthroughoutCelticandNorsemythology.”
“Andhe’sthesonoftheDagda?”
Noxsmiled, his lips curlingin. “Thatgets a little murky. Sometimes, he’s the son. Sometimes, he is the Dagda. He’s the LordofWildThings.Buthewasalmostalwaysdepictedwithawolfcompanionandserpents.”
Nelsongavehimahardlook.“Nomoreserpents,”hesaidandNoxhummedseriously.
“I’llletthemknow,nomoreserpents.”
“Dothat,”Nelsonsaid,nodding “I’dbefineifIneverlaideyesonanothersnakebeforeIdied” “Don’ttalklike that.”NoxcoveredNelson’s lips witha hand.“Iwon’tletgoifyoudon’tletgo.Andwedon’tknow if deathwillbetheend,dowe?”
“Canagoddie?”Nelsoncouldacceptthathisbodyandhisconsciousnesscouldendbuthecouldgoeasierknowingthat someformofNoxwouldstillexist.
“Idon’tknow!”Noxsaid,laughingasheroseandstraddledNelson “Ibarelyknow what agodis I’vealwaysheldthat wehavenevergottenthegodsrightasacademicsbytryingtodescribethemwithourmodernlanguageandconcepts.Whatif theyarelikeeverythingelseinnatureandtheheavensandarecapableofmetamorphosisaswell?Whyassumetheyholdtothe samerules andlimitations as humans? Itmakes perfectsense tome thatanUaithne wouldbe a harpanda priestanda wolf because almostall deities were knownbysymbols before there were commontongues and alphabets and mostofthemtook animalforms.”
“True…”Nelsonconceded,hismindspinningwiththepossibilitiesasNoxgrewmoreexcitedandhiseyessparkedagain.
“Whatifthegodsareliketheelementsandtheyhaveseasonsandstormsforfeelings?Whatiftheirsoulsarelikeairand theycanchangelikewater?”HeloweredandlickedthesweatthathadcollectedinthehairsbetweenNelson’specs.“Water canchangeandbeaslightassteamor freezeuntil it’sashardasarock Andyoucandrinkwater andturnitintobloodand sweatandtears.Itbecomeslifeuntil itleavesusaswater,acycleasoldasthegodsandtime.Whyintheworldwouldthe godsbeboringandbasiclikeuswhentheycouldchangeshapeandflylikeabutterflyorbeasinfiniteasthesea?”Noxopened hispalmandtippeditsideways,spillingwaterontoNelson’schest.
“How didyou ?”NelsonsnatchedhiswristtogetalookatNox’shandbuttherewasnothinguphissleevebecausehe wasnaked
“Idon’tknow, Ihad a thoughtthe other dayaboutmetamorphosis and transfigurationand pulled some ofthe water from insidemyhand ButIcouldfeelatidethere,ifIwantedit,”Noxboastedinawhisper “Good.”NelsoncuppedNox’scheekanddrewhimcloserforakiss.“Idon’twanttoloseyoulikewelosttheothers.Be asinfiniteastheseaforme.”
“Onlyif I get to keep you,” Noxwhispered shakily, his lips clingingto Nelson’s. “I won’t have anyuse for eternityif you’renotbymyside.”
Nelsonmadeathoughtfulsound,pretendingtoconsider “CanyoupromiseIwon’thavetoputupwithbadbreathandback pain?” “Nope”
“Hmmm…CanIgetbacktoyouoneternity?”Hesighedheavily,knockinghisforeheadagainstNox’s.“Enoughpractice. WestillhaveaBadbtohunt.Wheredo you wanttostart?”heaskedandwatchedasNox’sfocusshiftedandhiseyestookona different,moredeterminedglow “SendforTony.HethinksI’mstillunwellaftermyvisittoJulian’s.IhavetoseewhatheknowsandifI’vebeenbetrayed bymyfavoriteassistant”
1 Cunomaglus (Koo-noMag-lus)artifactsfoundinthe Cotswolds,insouthwestEngland,suggestthe worshipofanearlyCeltic deitywhose name translatesto“Hound Lord”andisidentifiedwiththegodApollo
Noxfeltlikeafraudandanoldmovievillaininhisdisguise Oranelderlywidowonherdeathbedashehuddledundera quiltinhis pajamas and a robe. “Is this necessary?” He wondered outloud and raised his sunglasses so he could see Nelsonbetter
“We wantWaltto believe you’re recoveringfromyour visitto Julian’s place and this is bestuntil we know whose side Tony’s on. And Waltwill justgetcockier ifhe hears and thinks he’s responsible for all ofthis,” Nelsonsaid, checkinghis watchfromhisspotbythedoor.TonywasdueatanymomentandMerlinwouldshowhimup.
Noxhadtoknow ifhecouldstilltrustTony,buthefeltliketheBigBadWolfwaitingforLittleRedRidingHood.Itwas unbelievabletoNoxthatAnthonyCostacouldplaythepartoftheloyal,laid-back,andcluelesshimboassistantsowell And for so long. Noxsaw Walt a handful of times a monthand usuallyonlyinpassing. But Tonywas Nox’s right hand and his gatekeeper Hewouldhavehadtohavebeenahellofanactororanextremelypowerfulwitch Waltmayhavecreatedaweb ofconfusionaroundNox,buthewasn’tcapableofenchantingorbrainwashingTonythatdeeply.
“NotinWalt’swildestdreamscouldhedothismuchdamage,”Noxsaidtohimselfandsighedathisfeetunderthequilt. Noxhadneverfeltmoreisolatedandwounded,buthavinganotherlessermonstertochasewasawelcomedistractionfromthe fateofallmankindpotentiallyrestingonhisshoulders.“I’dappreciatethechallengeifhehadn’tbroughtthosepoorgirlsinto it Therestofitwasratherremarkable Breathtaking,attimes,”heconcededashepicturedthealtarinNewCastle Itwould havebeenartandthemomenttranscendentforNoxifithadn’tbeendesecratedbydeathandviolence.“Eventhepuzzlewith the MacCrorys and the yew I’mfascinated byhow well Walt played me and I’mkeento settle the score,” he admitted, earningahumphfromNelson.
“Keenisfinebutbe careful,”hestated,hiseyespinningNoxtothepillows.“Weknew He wasplayinggameswithyour memoriesandnowyoutellmeWaltwasusingdarkmagicktotamperwiththemtoo.”
“I’mlearningalotfromthewaytheyhidefromme,though,”Noxsaid.
Theybothdropped the subject and turned towards the doorwaywhentheyheard the doorbell ring, followed byMerlin greetingTonyastheycameupthestairs.
“Becareful,”Nelsonrumbledsoftly,thensteppedintothehallandwaved “He’sawakeandhe’sgladyoucouldstopby” “Ofcourse!”TonysaidasheleanedaroundthedoorandlookedforNox.“Hey,professor.”Hebrightenedwhenhespotted Noxonthebedandhurriedin.“IcameoverassoonasIheardyouwerehurt.Whathappened?”
“I’mfine!” Nox insisted and pushed himself up a little straighter “Alittle under the weather, maybe,” he added when NelsonandMerlingavehimthreateninglooks.
“The professor doesn’t want to worry you,” Nelson said as he drifted around the bed for a better view “But he was attackedafewdaysagosowe’vebeenkeepingacloseeyeonhim.”
“Attacked? How?” Tony came around and lowered onto the foot of the bed, his eyes wide and seeking The strongest emotionsNoxsensedwereconcernandshock.
“That’s…hard to explain,” Nox began, wishing he could take off the glasses but his eyes were bloodshot and had a tendencytoglowmorewhenhewasupset HegesturedforTonytocomecloserandtakehishands
“Youdon’thavetoexplainanythingtome,butI’dbethelastonetojudgeyou.Andyouwereprettyunderstandingaboutmy accidentalacidtriplastweek,”TonysaidashescootedforwardandputhishandsinNox’s
“Iknow.”Nox’ssmilefadedandhewassadashecradledTony’shands.“Butthere’snodoubtthatyouracidtripwasn’tan accident,T”
“Itwasconnectedtoyournemesisandtheinvestigation?”Tonyasked,earninganodfromNox.
“Itisandwe’reafraidthatthepersonwhopoisonedyoualsomurderedourwitnessesandwasbehindtheabductionsand themurderwe’vebeeninvestigating”
“God…That’s…Oh,God.”Tonygrew steadilypaleruntilhewasaswhiteastheduvetunderthequilt.“Wait.Iwasthe target?IthoughtsomeonewastryingtostopyouandIwas…collateraldamageorsomething.”
“I’mcertainhemeanttopoisonyousohecouldgetclosertotheprofessor,”Nelsonsaidslowly,hiseyesnarrowingashe gaugedTony’sreaction.“Someone…brokeinherelastMondayandstolesomethingthathadverylittlemonetaryvaluebutwas pricelesstohim”
“Thatdoesn’tmakeanysense.”TonysweptahandthroughhisthickblackwavesandfrownedatNox.“Howdoesgetting rid ofme get someone closer to y ” His eyes widened until theywere like saucers “Yousaid someone broke inhere on Mondayandtooksomething?”
“Yes,”NelsonconfirmedandTony’sliptrembledashiseyesswungtoNox’sandtheywerefilledwithtears. “Thethingthatwasstolen,wasitanecklace?Withalocket?”heaskedshakilyandNoxnodded “Itwasmymother’slocket.”
“Oh,shit!”Tony’shandclappedoverhismouthandhewasvisiblyshakingashejumpedtohisfeet “IthinkitwasWalt!” “Doyou?”Nelsonasked,watchingTonyclosely.“Why?”
“Iwasgoingtoduckoutofschoolbeforelunchtodropofftheprofessor’smaillastMonday,butWaltsaidhecoulddoit Weusuallygotolunchtogether.Buthewasgoinghomeearlybecausehe ” “Hehadamigraine,”NoxsaidandTonynoddedquickly.
“That’sright!IstoppedbyhisandAubrey’splacetocheckonhimafterworkbecauseshewasoutoftownandWaltwas so weird. ”
“Weird?”NelsonproddedandhadhisnotepadandpencilreadywhenTonynodded,swallowinghard “IletmyselfinbecausetheygavemeakeyandIusuallydo,”hestarted,pausingasherevisitedthemoment.
“Hedidn’tlikethat?”Noxaskedgentlyandsoftenedthelightsandmadetheroomwarmer,lullingTony’snerves.
“No.”Tonyfrownedandshookhishead,staringpastNox.“Hewasinthekitchenandsaidhewasheadedoutsoon.Which was strange because where would he go that late on a Monday evening? And he didn’t want me to see whatever he was workingon There was a pile ofdirtand odds and ends and Imentioned thatthe locketlooked like the one Professor Mac wearssometimes.ButWaltsaidhefounditononeofhiswalksandwascleaningitupforAubreyasasurprise.Ithoughtthat madesensesoIletitgoandItoldmyselfhewas beingweirdbecausehewasn’tfeelingwell Ithoughtitwasthemigraine makinghimextracranky.”
“Doyouhaveanyideawhyhe’ddoit?Whyhe’dhavethisdeepofagrudgeagainsttheprofessor,”Nelsonasked.
“No.”Tonyshookhisheadbutlookeduncertain.“Actually…”HisnosewrinkledandhemouthedanapologyatNox.“It neverseemedthatserious,butIcouldtellthatWaltwasalittlejealousofyou.Afew times,hesaidthatyouwerekindof… overrated Orthatyouweren’tassmartaseveryonethoughtyouwere”
“I’mdefinitelyoverrated,”Noxrepliedwithashrug.“ButIamincrediblysmart.That’snotworthasmuchasWaltthinksit is,fortunately”
“Fortunately?”TonycounteredandNoxsmiled.
“Intention That’swhatmattersmost,mostofthetime,”hesaid,hisheartachingashethoughtaboutMerlinandClancyand their misguided intentions “Spite has its own power and it can be a wonderful motivator when we’re proving naysayers wrong.Butspitecanalsobeincrediblycorrosiveanditcanweighyoudownandtripyouup.Spite,hate,jealousy,fear…They createmonstersinmenthatdevourtheirheartsandmindsandcantainteverythingtheytouch WhateverWalthasplannedwill failbecauseofhisflawedintentions.Hisintentionwillbehisdownfall,”hepredicted.
Nelsoncougheddiscreetly “Hehashadsomesuccess,”hesaidwithaloadedlookatNox
“Right,”hesaidandwincedatTony.“Idon’twanttoputyouinanymoredangersoIaskedClancyaboutfindingsomething forWalttodo.Iwanttokeephimbusysoyoudon’thavetoworryaboutcoveringforus,”headded,glancingatNelson.He was feeling more reassured but keeping themseparated so Tony couldn’t give themaway intentionally or accidentally seemedlikeagoodidea.“CanyoupretendtobesuperbusycoveringformewhileIrecoverandwe‘muddle’ourwaythrough thisinvestigation?”
HisbrowfurrowedandTonylookedstrickenashenodded.“Whateveryouthinkisbest,”heinsisted.“Idon’twanttomess upanythingmorethanIalreadyhave”
“Whatdoyoumean?Youdidn’tmessanythingup,”Noxreplied,butTonyshookhishead. “Idon’tknow whyWaltstole thatlocket. ButIgetthe feelinghe did somethingreallybad withitand thatIcould have preventedalotofbadthingsfromhappeningifIhadstoppedbywithyourmaillikeIhadplanned”
“Ithink…”Noxsaidwithaweary,sympatheticsigh.“Walt’sbeenplayingthebothofusforaverylongtimeandI’mreally sorryheusedyou,T IknowyouwereagoodfriendtoWaltandyoutrustedhim” “Idid and I…” His hand clapped over his mouth. “Itold himso muchaboutyou!Ididn’tthinkanythingofit, butItalk aboutyouallthetime!”
TherewasasoftsnortfromNelson.“That’sprobablywhyhebefriendedyou.You’reanopenbookandyouclearlyidolize theprofessor,”hesaid,causingTonytoblush.
“Well…ProfessorMac’sthecoolestandit’salwaysbeenanhonor,”hemumbledatthequilt.
“You’rethecoolest,”Noxsaid,givinghisshoulderaplayfulpunch.
Tony’slipspulledintoahardlineasheshookhishead “Imissedthatmybestfriendwasapsychopathand ”Hisvoice crackedandhegulpedloudly.“Thosegirlsyourescued!”TearspuddledinhiseyesastheyswungbetweenNoxandNelsonas Tonyfinallygrasped the magnitude ofWalt’s crimes, thatthe consequences extended so muchfurther thanhimand Noxand eventheuniversity.“Youreallythinkhemurderedthosepeopleandtookthosegirls?”
“He’susedalotofpeople,”Noxsaidsoothingly,absorbingasmuchofTony’shorrorandshameashecould “Oh,God.I’vehelpedhim,haven’tI?”HelookedatNelson,panickedandflushed.“I’mgonnabesick.”
“WhatdidIsayaboutintent?”Noxasked,hisvoicerisingashecaughtTony’scheekandgaveitagentlepat.“I helpedhim, Nelsonhelpedhim,Clancyhelpedhim,theFBIhelpedhim ”
“Aubrey,”Tonygroaned,sniffinghardandshakinghisheadindismay.“She’sgoingtobedevastated.AndifWaltusedher topoisonpeople !”Hechokedbackacry,earningagrimacefromNelson “It’sprobablyagoodideaifyouavoidtalkingtoWaltforafewdays.”
“Icangetittogether,”Tonysaidashemoppedathisfacewithhissleeve “Ihavetoifheusedmetohurttheprofessorand allthoseotherpeople.Ihavetohelp.”
“Then, forgive yourself and be the exact same Tonyhe’s countingon,” Noxsuggested tenderly. “Have mybackwhile I recuperateandweinvestigatesohethinksit’sbusinessasusual”
“Okay.Icandothat.”Tonynoddedandstraightened.“Whatelse?”heaskedbravely.
“SpendafewhourswithMerlin,”Nelsonsuggested “TellhimanythingandeverythingyoucanthinkofaboutWaltandhis pastandtellhimeverything you’vetoldWaltaboutNoxthatcouldberelevant.”
“Brilliant idea!” Nox said and beamed at Nelson. “We’re gathering intelligence because he has the advantage at the moment.Helpuscatchup.”
“Alright.” Tony had his phone out and was tapping. “We usually have lunch on Mondays because you don’t have any classes,butI’lltellhimI’mgoingtohangouthereandhelpwiththeweek’slessonplans”
“That’sgood,”Noxsaid.“HintthatI’minbedandhavebeenoutofcommissionallweekend.”
“Onit,”Tonysaidashetyped,earningahumphofapprovalfromNelson
“That’sexactlywhatweneed,”hetoldTonyashehelpedhimupandguidedhimtothedoor.“Waltwantstheprofessorto beindisarrayandiscountingonyoutobehissourceontheinsidesokeepfeedinghimdisinformationforus.ReporttoMerlin inthestudyandtellhimeverythingyoucanaboutWaltandhispast.”
“Okay,”Tonysaid,grimacingatNoxoverhisshoulder.“Iswear,Ihadnoidea,professor.”
“It’s alright,T Iknow,”Noxsaidsincerelyas hewavedhimoff,tradingabemusedgrinwithNelsonas theywaitedfor himtoleave.
“We’llneedtobecarefulaboutwhatwesayaroundTony,butIbelievehim,”Nelsonsaidquietly,closingthedoor “SodoIandIcan’ttellyouhowrelievedIam,”Noxsaidashethrewbackthecoversandgotup.“IcanacceptthatIwas wrongaboutWaltbecauseIbarelyknowhim,butI’veknownTonysincehewasafreshman.IfeellikeIhelpedraisehim,ina way ”
“He’stwoyearsolderthanyou.”
“Isaid‘inaway,’”Noxrepliedwithadismissivewaveofthesunglasses “Mostpeopleareolderthanmeinacademia, butTonyisn’tstuffyandhedoesn’ttakehimselftooseriously.Hehasthepotentialtobeabrilliantlecturerbecauseheloves learningas muchas he loves teaching Students admire that, noterudite, elitistprofessors who are more enamored withthe soundsoftheirownvoices.”
“IguessWaltwouldfallwiththelatter,”NelsonmusedashefollowedNoxintotheclosetsohecouldchange.“Hefavors Clancy,”headded,makingNoxflinchatthestabofdisappointment
“Theywerebothusingteachingasacover itseems,”hesaidsadly.“Iknew thatClancywas…likemeandDad.Thathe wasfromanancientCelticlineandwaskeepingthevow Merlin,too Ididn’tbegintosuspectthattheywerepartofthethree fromtheprophecyuntilyou theUaithne appeared.Ithoughttheywere…”Hefrownedattheshelvesofshirtsandjeansat thebackofthecloset,feeblyattemptingtomakesenseofalifetimeofsecretsandself-gaslighting “MerlincalledClancyan oldmonkonceandIthoughttheyweredescendedfromthefamiliesthatcamefromtheOldWorldwithmyparents’ancestors,” heexplained.“Foralongtime,Ithoughttheyweretheretomakesurewe kept thevow.”
“Merlinsaid Clancywas like a monkbutyour father changed him” Nelson’s hands closed around Nox’s shoulders and kneadedtenderly.“Hisloveforyouandyourfatheropenedhisheart.”
Noxnodded,unabletospeak
NothingmatteredmoretoLucasMacIlwraiththanloveandhelovedhisfamilyandhisfriendsardentlyandunabashedly.
“Love as much as you can, Nox Time will take us, but the love you leave can last for generations and change the world.”
“HehadthateffectonalotofpeopleandItrymybesttomakehimproud.”
“Iknowheis,”Nelsonsaid,kissingNox’shair.
“Heis,”Noxrepliedwithawaterylaugh,turninginNelson’sarms.“Idon’tknowifIactuallysawmydadorifMerlin’s teahelpedmetapintomysubconsciousandfindsomethingsI’dlostinthere,butIknowhe’sproudofmeandthathe’sproud ofus.”
AsoftsmiletuggedatNelson’slips “Good I’mtakingthatasasignthatwe’reontherighttrack” “Me too,” Noxsaid, craninghis neckand stealinga quickkiss for strength. “He also told me that I’d need Merlinand ClancyandI’mdoingmybesttorememberthatwhenIfeellikeIdon’tknowthemanymore” Nelsonrumbled inagreement as his arms tightened around Nox, comfortinghimand givinghima moment ofshelter. “I don’tcareifthatwasyourdadoryoursubconscious,I’mgladyou’relisteningbecausewedoneedthem.”
“TheydidcomethroughwiththeBadb,”Noxsaid,sighingasheswipedanyshirtofftheshelfbehindhim “AndIhavea feelinghe’sgoingtoregretunderestimatingTonyandthatwe’vejustfoundavaluabletroveofinformation.”
“Youmightberight,”Nelsonsaidandsquintedinthedirectionofthestudy “WaltwasprobablycountingonTony’sblind loyaltyandforhimtobetoooblivioustoputthepiecestogether.”
“Thatjustshows youhow little Waltreallygets or cares aboutTony ItonlytookTonya momentto see itand he didn’t hesitatewhenhehadtopickaside.Hetookresponsibilityandwon’trestuntilhe’smadeupforhismistakesbecausethat’s my Tony. That’swhyhe’smyassistant.”
“I’mgladhe’sonourside,”NelsonsaidashereachedaroundNoxforapairofjeans “Let’sseewhatMerlincangetout ofhim.”
Noxlaughed, a lewd joke aboutMerlin’s talents formingonhis lips, thenstopped “Uhoh ” Noxwidened his eyes at Nelson.“Weprobablyshouldn’tleaveTonyalonewithMerlin.”
Nelsonletoutahardgroanandheadedforthedoor.“I’dbettergo.” “Hurry!”
