The Morgan Lore - 18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Let the die be cast

Rory’s gaze stayed rooted to the ground, lest he betray his emotions. Anger brewed beneath the surface. Lechter moved much faster than he could. He still had three leaves on his bond with Milan, and he had no full understanding of Kiyo’s work. Still, three truths remained.

Milan was his mate, he was human and the Goddess was never wrong.

He directed his question to June.

‘May I ask the nature of the summons?’

‘You are to provide evidence on the human family, Takeda,’ June said, her brown wolf emerging from behind the closest tree.

‘Why me?’

‘This is not the first time you have entered this cottage. Secrets lie beneath that we have not uncovered. You have managed to enter behind the steel door. Your Beta Topher, and Third Matt, shall see to it that you do not forget your summons.’

Rory saw Matt and Topher appear fully dressed from the trees. Topher walked up to him, and took his car keys.

‘Sorry,’ Topher said to him on their private link. ‘We found out too late. We couldn’t stop it, or warn you in time.’

Rory nodded, following Matt who opened the passenger side of Rory’s car, pushing the seat forward. Rory slid into the cramped seat in the back as both Matt and Topher entered the car.

“We’ll drive you home,” Topher said, keenly aware the wolves in the forest still watched and weren’t likely to disperse until the car moved.

Rory knew then that his and Milan’s fate was sealed. Whatever happened from now, it would be a fight to get the closed-minded to accept what seemed the impossible.

“Do me a favor, Matt,” Rory said, when Topher started the car, put it into gear and headed to the main road. “Ilaria’s car needs a tire change, and my car needs service. Can you call Simon for me?”

“Sure,” Matt said, shifting to look at him. “What are you going to do about the Council? My father is hell bent on getting Milan’s family kicked out of here. Not just them, but Biosense too.”

Rory leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and took in deep breaths. When he was calm enough to talk, he met Matt’s gaze.

“I intend to keep Milan and Portento, Matt. If your father keeps this up, we will end in a fight to the death,” Rory stated. “I need you to know that.”

Matt held his gaze for a moment, before he nodded.

“I understand.”

Rory let out a sigh, and settled back in his seat.

“If this was about Kiyo Takeda, they would have breached the laboratory. So, I’ll play my role at the Council tonight,” Rory said. “Give the Council something to chew on. No one has discovered the black wolf that disappeared at the school weeks ago. I’m sure it ties into this mess. Meanwhile, I need you guys to do something for me.”

“Name it,” Topher said, turning on to the road leading to the Pack House.

“I’ve been checking the bloodline records in the attic. Came across the family name McRieve. I need you to find them,” Rory said.

“Never heard of a McRieve. Do they live here in Portento?” Matt asked.

“Their ancestors lived in Portento, records stop after the late eighteen hundreds. Could mean the core family stopped submitting births and deaths to the welfare branch,” Rory said. “Their last known residence is in the swamp lands.”

“Shit,” Topher sighed. “There is a reason no one goes to the swamp lands, Rory.”

“Yeah, I know.”

The swamp lands were exactly that. Anyone living there would have to be insane, have a full closet of gumboots and raincoats. It was always muddy and mosquitos were the norm in the warmer months. Winter months were worse. The place turned into a frozen wonderland, temperatures so low, even he needed warm clothing to get by.

“Dress warm,” Rory said as Topher brought the car to a stop at the front of the house.

****

An hour later, Rory stood in the middle of a circle formed by the town’s Council. They were on the first floor of the pack house in a large room used for council meetings. Rory’s gaze moved over the nine familiar faces, apprehension gnawing at him.

There was Linda dressed down for the night in jeans and a heavy black jacket. Beside her sat Lisbeth, the Mayor, and then Principal Rick who was studying Rory with a sharp gaze. Principal Rick flashed Rory a small confusing smile when he caught his gaze. Rory did not return it. His gaze moving to the packs’ main leadership.

His father and Alpha, Connor, the pack’s Beta and Topher’s dad, Kutler Vadisi, and the man responsible for the turmoil in Rory’s life: the pack’s Third and Matt’s father, Hillam Lechter.

The last three were representatives of the other souls in Portento. Rowen’s mother, the warlock, Sage Santos. There was Hunter Lincoln, who represented the shapeshifters in an unofficial capacity and Iris.

Rory liked to think of Iris as a wood spirit, though she could be a faerie. He wasn’t sure, and she refused to clarify.

Behind the circle, leaning on the wall was June Vadisi, the head of security and Maryanne, Topher’s mate, who now worked in the Welfare office helping Linda.

Lisbeth stood, and Rory understood she was the spokesperson for the night.

“Rory Morgan, you are hereby called to face this closed council. Do you promise to answer all questions with truth?” Lisbeth asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you understand that lying to this council will mean a visit to the river dungeon for a week?”

The river dungeon was a dark, damp place used as a prison for any law breakers in Portento. It was not a pleasant experience. Rory did not want a weeklong stay in the river dungeon.

“Yes, I understand,” Rory agreed.

“Then, this inquiry shall start,” Lisbeth said, sitting down. “As we last left it, there are humans who have moved into Portento without our knowledge. We all promised to seek answers through our various networks and report back to the Council. Is this true, Rory?”

“Yes, it is,” Rory said, meeting his father’s gaze.

Connor looked at him but gave no sign of distress, Rory relaxed a bit.

“Since then, we have managed to discover that the Takeda family moved in under a Biosense Contract,” Linda said. “Dr. Kiyo Takeda has a three-year contract with Biosense, his research is meant to find a cure for immunodeficiency diseases. A tall order if you ask me.”

“His wife, Dr. Ilaria Takeda is in general medicine and has come in handy at the town’s emergency room. Though, as you have all worked together to ensure, she is now working on training hospital staff on the equipment provided by Biosense.”

“So, what you are saying is that none of them have connection to anyone in the town?” Lisbeth asked.

“It doesn’t seem so,” Linda offered.

“What about the incident with Rory’s brother, Chris?” Lisbeth asked. “Who was the catalyst?”

“Dolon Hansen,” Rory said. “My brother doesn’t take kindly to homophobic comments. Dolon knows this. He made a few remarks about me and incited a fight with Chris. They both ended up in hospital after a terrible crash.”

“With that in mind,” Lisbeth said, her gaze narrowing, she met Rory’s gaze. “Do you know that Dolon Hansen is now missing?”

Rory’s gaze widened. He remembered seeing Dolon’s parents talking to June Vadisi in her office. Dolon’s mother crying, and June closing her office door on him. He frowned, that was the afternoon before New Year’s Day. June had kept that piece of news well hidden.

“No. I did not know that Dolon is missing,” Rory said.

“Fair enough,” Lisbeth said, shifting in her seat. “Alpha Connor says that he gave you the job of getting close to the human family. Have you managed this task?”

Rory held Lisbeth’s gaze.

“Yes.”

“Will you tell this Council of your progress?”

“I have managed to make friends with Milan Takeda, the youngest son. He invites me to his house after school.”

“What have you seen in their private space?” Lisbeth asked.

Rory shrugged keeping his tone easy.

“They are a normal family, doing normal family things. Dr. Ilaria works her schedule in the hospital, comes home to her children. She has a housekeeper, Marie, who takes care of the house. Milan goes to school like usual, and Ayu Takeda is at Ashland University.”

“What of Kiyo Takeda?” Lisbeth asked. “What does he do?”

“I have met Kiyo Takeda twice,” Rory answered. “Once, I found him at his house giving Milan medicine. The encounter was brief. He seemed protective of his son.”

“When was the second time?” Lisbeth asked.

“Today,” Rory said, looking at June. “Dr. Ilaria needed help because her car got a puncture. I gave her a ride to Takeda’s lab, and helped her carry food supplies into the laboratory for Kiyo.”

“This is not the first time you went to that cottage in the woods,” Lisbeth stated.

Rory saw June lift a brow at him and he realized that she might have been the one to push for this Council and not Lechter. The number of times she had asked him to talk to her…could this be about Dolon?

Rory shifted his gaze to his father. Connor sat in his seat, still unmoved. Rory felt his nerves settle.

“No, it was not the first time,” Rory answered Lisbeth. “Alpha asked me to get close to the humans to discover their purpose in our town. I needed to know what Dr. Takeda was doing in his lab.”

“Why didn’t you report the cottage when you first discovered it?” Lisbeth asked.

“I had no way into the cottage,” Rory answered. “It seemed like a house built by Biosense on their side of the forest.”

“Isn’t that suspicious to you?” Lechter asked. “Biosense is taking liberties with the forest allocated to them. Why are they building outside their walls?”

“I cannot answer that because I don’t know,” Rory shrugged. “I have never met any Biosense officials to ask.”

“Lechter,” Lisbeth said. “That is my mandate, I will make a note to ask next time I have a meeting with Biosense management.”

“Why aren’t you asking him what he saw in the lab?” Lechter demanded, impatience coloring his tone.

“I was getting to that,” Lisbeth answered, frowning at Lechter. She shook her head and turned her attention to Rory. “Today, when June found you, you were coming out of the cottage. Having gone into the underground facility built under that cottage. Will you describe what you saw?”

Rory bit his bottom lip, his gaze on June.

Her purpose had to be to find Dolon Hansen. She probably thought Dolon was held captive in Dr. Takeda’s laboratory. He had to play this right, otherwise the Council would order the immediate evacuation of the Takeda Family.

Taking in a deep breath, Rory faced the council.

“The lab under the cottage is divided into two spaces. Dr. Ilaria has access to the front part of this space. I saw tables holding supplies from Biosense at the entrance, then the room turned into a living space with a computer desk and couches.”

“We’re not asking about the furniture,” Lechter snarled. “You’re a wolf, Rory. Is this how you patrol in the security team?”

“Details matter,” Kutler said, giving Lechter a short gaze. “Rory continue.”

“Dr. Ilaria had me place food supplies on the coffee table in this living space. It seems to me as though Dr. Takeda might use the couches to sleep most days. There is a stone wall with a locked door, only accessed by Dr. Takeda. I believe that is where his main work is done.”

“Did you sense wolf’s blood?” Lisbeth asked.

“No.” Rory shook his head. “There was, however, a young boy of no more than sixteen or seventeen in the inner lab. I heard Dr. Takeda call him Nisin.”

“One of us?” Lisbeth asked in shock.

“No, he is human.”

“How strange,” Linda said in surprise. “Not what we expected, June. If Dr. Takeda does not have Dolon, then who does?”

“That does not exonerate him,” Lechter insisted. “Takeda could have sent Dolon into the main facility.”

“June and I entered the main Biosense facility yesterday,” Lisbeth said, surprising Rory. The council was clearly deep in Dolon’s investigation. How had he not seen it? “June is the best tracker in Portento. She can sense our blood in minutes and we found no evidence of Dolon in the Biosense facility.”

“You must be wrong,” Lechter said.

“What are you suggesting?” Lisbeth demanded, getting up from her seat.

“Who knows what your intentions are?” Lechter accused. “You have defended Biosense since the day they moved here. You’re the one that brought them here. Had them help build the hospital—”

“I will not have you questioning my motives, Lechter,” Lisbeth roared. “Biosense might have footed the bill to build the hospital, but our people got that money. This council employed our people to build the hospital. Our people are working there, earning for their families. I did nothing wrong but boost their means of living.”

“Enough!” Kutler roared. “Lechter, this is not a meeting to discuss Biosense’s existence.

“It should be,” Lechter said, his words bitter.

“Rory, thank you for your account this evening,” Kutler said, glancing at Connor. “I commend your dedication to your task. For now, keep an eye on the Takedas, but remember to stay objective. We might need to push them out to the next town for the sake of peace.”

Rory swallowed hard.

“I understand, Beta Kutler,” Rory murmured.

“Before we conclude,” Iris spoke for the first time since the council meeting began. “May I ask Rory Morgan one question?”

“Go ahead,” Kutler said.

Iris got up from her chair and walked to the middle of the circle, her steps light on the wood floor. She loved wearing long flowy skirts and fitting bodices. Her long flaxen hair always flowing around her shoulders down to her waist. She walked around Rory, before she took his left hand, her thumb sliding over the bracelet on his wrist.

“Alpha Rory, where did you get this?” Iris asked, her tone low, though the wolves in the room caught the question as clear as day.

Rory met Iris’s gaze.

“Grandma Asta gives me gifts when I visit her,” he answered with a smile. “She is peculiar. Who am I to refuse them?”

Iris smiled as she studied him. Her thumb slid over bracelet one more time, then she dropped his hand and reached up to touch his temple.

“You are a special one, Alpha Rory. As you have Grandma Asta’s trust, I shall try to help you,” she said, this time whispering into Rory’s ear so that no one could hear.

Turning to the council, Iris walked around the circle and stopped before Lechter.

“What would you do if one of you mated a human?” Iris asked.

“That has never happened here,” Lechter said, with a sneer. “The Goddess would not dare cause such a misfortune.”

“Your bias is dangerous,” Iris said. “Who are you to talk for the Goddess? Alpha Connor, I remember there was such a paring a few decades ago.”

“No one can stop a mating pair, so they left Portento as they should,” Lechter answered.

Iris frowned, her gaze remaining on Lechter.

“Your heart is very dark, Hillam Lechter. The bitterness inside you will poison Portento’s peaceful waters.”

Lechter growled at Iris, but she did not flinch away, instead she smiled and walked back to her seat. She stopped and turned to face Connor as though just remembering a thought.

“Actually, there was one such extraordinary mating,” Iris said. “In the eighteen hundreds it was. The connection of a werewolf and a pure human. The goddess’s promise they called it.”

“That’s a myth,” Linda scoffed, shaking her head, her gaze on Iris skeptical.

“I’ve heard that myth too,” Hunter said. “It’s whispered among the ancient ones by my people.”

“That myth brought me here,” Sage chimed in, leaning forward in her seat. “In our records it is written as evidence of the goddess’s promise to protect Portento. I doubt I would have found Portento without it.”

“We call it The Morgan Lore,” Connor said, with a smile.

Lechter turned on Connor, eyes wide.

“You don’t believe that old story, do you?”

“I’m a Morgan,” Connor chuckled. “Which one of us hasn’t heard that story from our grandparents, Lechter? Lighten up.”

“You can’t use that as an excuse to let humans into the town,” Lechter said. “They are dangerous creatures, Connor. You know that better than I do.”

“No one is letting humans in, yet,” Connor said. “Why don’t we conclude this council meeting first?”

Lechter gave Connor an unreadable gaze before he turned his attention on Rory.

“June Vadisi, Maryanne, please join Rory in the circle,” Lechter said.

June and Maryanne came to stand on each side of Rory.

“June, your search for Dolon must continue. We’re counting on you to find the culprit before more of us start missing.”

“There is one connection we haven’t explored,” June said then, her gaze going to Principal Rick. “The high school and the strange wolf that wanted to attack Jet, Rory and Chris.”

Rick frowned.

“Your teams have checked every inch of the building,” Rick said. “You have found no clues.”

“It’s unsettling, isn’t it?” June pointed out. “How could we have a lone wolf within our borders disappear at the school? It doesn’t make sense.”

“You’re welcome to bring down the walls and repaint them if you want,” Rick said, with a small smile. “As long as you don’t interfere with the school’s schedule.”

“Thank you for your permission,” June answered, her voice laced with annoyance.

“Rory,” Kutler said. “Can you discover who Nisin is? He might be human, but being kept prisoner in a lab is not a good thing.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“You’re soon to be Alpha of this pack,” Connor said. “Finding out who Nisin is should be an easy task.”

Rory nodded, accepting the order without further comment.

“Maryanne,” Kutler said, turning to Topher’s mate. “Your job is to make sure the Hansen Family keeps calm. It would be unfortunate if Dolon’s status became public without answers. The Takeda family might suffer the worst under the town’s speculation.”

“I will take care of it,” Maryanne said.

“Alright, this meeting now comes to an end,” Connor said. “Matters discussed here shall remain closed to the rest. Anyone breaking these rules shall visit the river dungeon.”

Rory let out a relieved sigh as the council meeting ended, and the members hurried out of the hall. He had been afraid the Takeda Family would come into focus. He couldn’t handle an order to evacuate them right now. His bond with Milan was at a delicate point.

With this investigation into Nisin, he still had a little time left, he thought.

“Rory.”

June touched his left arm pulling him out of his thoughts.

“I’m sorry for picking you up the way we did. You have to understand how serious it is to have Dolon missing.”

“I know,” Rory squeezed her fingers on his arm. “Don’t think on it.”

“The security team will step up surveillance at the Takeda lab. If you need help, let me know,” June said. “I hope you can share information now.”

Rory smiled at her, as he realized that she thought the reason he had not confided in her was because of Connor’s orders. It was better this way, he decided.

“Well, it’s late, go get some rest,” June urged him, then hurried to Kutler’s side as they left the hall together.

“You’re hiding something,” Maryanne said on his right. “Topher too.”

Rory turned to her, touching her ponytail.

“What could I hide from you, Maryanne? I’ve just revealed everything before the council.”

“I know you, Morgan,” Maryanne said, her gaze taking him in, after a moment she shrugged. “Fine, just know, whatever it is that’s bothering you, I’m on your side.”

Rory chuckled, and watched her head out of the hall, stretching her arms above her head. When the room was empty, Rory moved to take a seat, hoping to ease the tension that had built up through the evening. He jumped in surprise when he saw Iris sitting in her chair.

“What are you still doing here?” Rory demanded, dropping into a chair with a sigh.

“Getting to know Grandma Asta’s friend,” Iris said. “She has gifted you something precious. You must be very worthy, Rory Morgan. Have you visited her of late? You owe her a basket of fruits.”

“I do,” Rory nodded, not asking how she would know that.

“Why don’t you take her a basket tomorrow?” Iris suggested.

Rory frowned.

“I promised someone else tomorrow—”

“Take that someone along,” Iris said, standing up. “Might even lose a leaf faster because of it.”

Rory touched the bracelet on his wrist in surprise.

“Are you sure?”

Iris smiled and waved goodbye before she left the hall in fast silent steps, leaving Rory to study the leaves on his bracelet.

***

You make me brave

Milan adjusted the white mask over his mouth, making sure the ties behind his ear didn't chafe. His white wool hat folded over his ears to protect them from cold. He zipped up the heavy white jacket he wore, and stared at his reflection in the mirror. Only his eyes and forehead were visible.

What a way to go on a date, he frowned. Oh well, this was better than nothing.

If he didn’t wear warm clothing, Ayu and Marie would not be letting him step outside, and his date with Rory would be cancelled. He left the closet and went to his desk where a pair of white gloves rested on the edge. He took them and wore them fast. He checked the time on his phone, his nerves growing when he saw it was nine-thirty already.

Taking his phone, he pushed it into his pocket and hurried out of his bedroom. He went downstairs, heading to the kitchen to find Marie and Ayu.

“How do I look?” Milan asked, pulling his mask down around his neck. “Should I change? I can’t find anything else that looks this good.”

“Milan, stop freaking out,” Ayu teased, from his position at the island table. He was typing fast on his laptop, a pen stuck behind his left ear.

“Who is freaking out?” Milan asked, going around the table to stand before Marie.

“Marie, you tell me. Polpetto is being unhelpful.”

Marie chuckled, and stopped wiping dishes to look at him.

“You look great, Milan. Very handsome,” Marie said. “Don’t mind your big brother. He is too busy with his work.”

Milan unzipped his jacket to reveal the grey cashmere sweater he wore underneath.

“I wish I could go without the jacket.”

“Then you wouldn’t be going anywhere.” Ayu was quick to point out. “Promise you won’t take it off, and keep it zipped up.”

Milan mumbled under his breath about the non-merits of having overprotective big brothers.

“What did you say?” Ayu demanded, his typing pausing.

“Nothing,” Milan said.

“Why don’t you sit down, Milan,” Marie suggested. “You’re so nervous, I’m afraid we’re going to be picking you up from the floor. What time is Rory supposed to come here?”

“At ten,” Milan said, sliding into the closest chair at the table.

“You have twenty-five minutes left,” Marie noted, pointing at the time on the microwave clock. “Have tea while you wait.”

“No way.” Milan braced his elbows on the table and took in a deep breath. “I don’t know what we’re doing and it would be weird to ask to go to the toilet two minutes in to the ride.”

“That’s good thinking,” Marie agreed.

“It’s weird thinking,” Ayu said. “You need your liquids, Milan.”

Milan gave Ayu a sideways glance, ignoring that comment.

“I’m not having tea before my date with Rory.”

“Date,” Ayu pushed his laptop to the side, his gaze narrowed on Milan. “Why are you using that word? Mamma said it was a simple ride. Why are you calling it a date?”

“Why can’t I?” Milan asked.

“Because a date implies more than your current friendship status,” Ayu said.

Milan glanced at his brother, then shrugged, choosing not to respond to that. He felt protective of his feelings for Rory. He could not stop thinking about kissing Rory Morgan. How-how warm it made him feel all over, closing his eyes, he filled his head with the memory of Rory holding him.

“Milan?”

He opened his eyes fast, clearing his throat as he looked to his brother.

“Are you alright?” Ayu asked.

“I’m great.”

“You—”

The doorbell rang, and Milan jumped off his stool.

“Rory is here. I’ll go let him in.”

“I need to check his car,” Ayu called out. "Mamma's orders."

Milan walked fast to the front door, opening it, a stunning thrill went through him when he saw Rory. He took in a deep breath at the sight of him.

“Hi,” Rory said.

Milan gripped the door tight to stop himself from jumping at Rory.

“Hi.”

“You look amazing.” Rory took a step forward and kissed him on his forehead. “I missed you.”

Milan let go of the door, ready to step into Rory’s arms, only to have Ayu come up behind him holding a book bag.

“What’s up, Rory. Need to check your ride,” Ayu said, moving Milan to the side.

Rory winked at Milan when Ayu led the way to the huge white pickup Rory was using. Milan followed behind, wondering where Rory’s usual car had gone.

“This yours?” Ayu asked, opening the passenger door and climbing up inside.

“Sort of,” Rory said, holding on to the passenger door, watching Ayu check the vents. “I'm using it for the day. I just came from the garage. The vents took longer to clean on this one.”

Milan smiled when Rory took his right hand and pulled him closer to his side.

“So?” Rory asked, as Ayu finished checking the vents.

“Pretty clean, I think you got every speck,” Ayu teased as he jumped out of the car, leaving the book bag on the passenger side floor . “Where are you headed?”

“Around town, just ridin’,” Rory said.

“Cool, the parentals will be home soon. If you know you’ll be late, call or text Mamma. Otherwise, she’ll call the sheriff on you,” Ayu said, moving to help Milan climb up the cab to the passenger seat.

“Don’t let him remove his mask outside,” Ayu added, helping Milan snap his seat belt on.

“Got it,” Rory said, closing the door when Milan shook his head at Ayu’s multiple instructions. “I’ll take care of him, Ayu.”

“You better,” Ayu said, waving at Milan before he headed back to the house.

Rory hurried around the front of the pickup, and opened the driver’s door. He was more graceful with his climb into the truck. Milan rubbed his hands together, excited for their ride. He reached up to pull his mask down to his neck and shifted to face Rory.

“I’m sorry—”

Rory cupped his cheeks and kissed him.

Milan forgot what he was apologizing for, eyes closing as he leaned into the kiss, savoring Rory’s taste. He moaned in protest when Rory ended it, brushing his lips on Milan’s cheek, his nose, and then his forehead.

“I don’t how I’m making it without seeing you,” Rory said on a sigh.

Milan smiled, and reached up to rub the dark stubble on Rory’s jaw.

“I missed you too,” Milan said. “I’m sorry about my brother.”

“I can take it.”

“Really?”

“He’s worried for you. I understand him,” Rory said, kissing him one last time, before he started the car. “You ready?”

Milan placed his bag in the backseat, and nodded.

“Ready, where are we going?”

“There is this farm in the uplands of Portento,” Rory said, driving out of the Takeda compound. “It will take us about thirty minutes to get there. It’s called the Steel Farm, they do pretty amazing things there. They have animals we can check out.”

Milan smiled.

“I’ve never really been on a farm. Can they grow stuff in this cold weather?”

“They use greenhouses in the cold months,” Rory said. “During the summer they grow seasonal vegetables, and have a farmer’s market in town. I think your mom would be interested in that.”

“Can she haggle for price?” Milan asked.

“I’m sure,” Rory chuckled. “Why?”

“She loves haggling. It’s killing her having to shop in the grocery store with set prices,” Milan said. “There is this flea market in Turin behind a place called Porta Palazzo. Mamma liked to go there when she was free. Once Ayu and I took her and she wanted to buy blueberries. What we didn’t know was that the price the farmer quoted was for five basket. So, they started bargaining, the more he reduced, the more he expected her to buy. At the end, Mamma had bought thirty baskets of blueberries.”

“Wow,” Rory shook his head. “How big were these baskets?”

“A good size, mm, maybe medium-sized basket. You can imagine the amount of blueberries that was. We ate blueberry pies, tarts, made jam, almost making Marie put them in soup.”

“Is there blueberry soup?” Rory asked with a chuckle.

“We almost found out,” Milan said. “Luckily, Ayu was popular in school. He invited everyone to our house for a party and we gave the blueberries away as party favors. That year, we became the blueberry house. Everyone in the neighborhood expected to see blueberries when they came to visit Mamma.”

Rory laughed.

“I’m sure Ilaria didn’t want to see blueberries after that,” Rory said.

“No.” Milan shook his head. They fell silent for a moment, then Milan asked, “What was your mom like?”

Rory’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, but he didn’t shy away from the question.

“She was…”

Rory trailed off and Milan bit his lip, wondering if he should not have asked.

“She loved to laugh and dance,” Rory said, before Milan could say anything. “She knew everything there was to know about this town. I loved listening to her tell stories of the past. She loved children. Our house had kids running around, cause she never turned down requests to babysit. When I was small I thought they were all my brothers and sisters.”

“That’s cute. What kind of stories did she tell?” Milan asked, charmed by the smile on Rory’s lips.

“Scary ones, mystical ones, sometimes there was an occasional romantic story,” Rory chuckled. “I could never tell which ones to believe.”

“Do you remember any?”

“Not really,” Rory said, shaking his head.

“I bet you do.”

Rory glanced at him for a second, before he returned his attention to the road.

“Okay, but why don’t I tell you one much later, when we’re not in a car driving.”

“Why?”

“You might get scared and want to pee yourself,” Rory teased.

“I don’t get scared easy,” Milan said, meaning that.

“Really?”

“Yep. Really.”

“Okay,” Rory slowed down and looked at him. “I’ll test that out. What if I told you there are wolves living in Portento? What would you do?”

“Wild wolves?” Milan asked, remembering the white wolf he had seen in his backyard weeks ago. “Do they eat people?”

“No, they don’t eat people.”

“Then, why should I freak out about that?” Milan asked. “There are places in Africa with wild monkeys and elephants living in the forest. Haven’t you watched NatGeo?”

Rory chuckled, and increased his speed, his shoulders relaxing.

“So, you don’t hate wolves?”

“I think they’re kind of cute. I told you I saw a white one in my backyard once. As frightening as it was to look at face to face, it made me want to have a dog.”

“A dog?” Rory frowned. “Seeing a wolf made you want a dog?”

“Yeah,” Milan nodded. “You know to cuddle with when it’s cold. Dogs are loyal, and he’ll play with me when I’m bored. Unlike a wolf, which might chew on me in my sleep.”

Rory laughed then.

“What?” Milan asked, loving the sound of Rory’s laugh.

“Wolves can be loyal too.”

“Yeah, and how would you know?” Milan asked.

Rory shrugged. “I have inside knowledge.”

“Inside knowledge,” Milan scoffed. “You have clearly been watching more NatGeo than you’re letting on. You should get a dog.”

“Do you like dogs that much?”

“I like the idea of them,” Milan said. “I can’t keep one though. Too many variables to handle. I would be afraid my lungs would give out on me.”

Rory’s grip on the steering wheel tightened again. They drove in silence for a while, before Rory spoke again.

“Milan, you said your condition is manageable. How come your dad is doing research to find a cure?”

Milan straightened in his chair, shifting his gaze to the road. He hated discussing his condition because it was a weakness he could not hide. Still, Rory sounded interested, in a supportive way, unlike any of his other past friends. He took in a deep breath and decided to trust.

“It wasn’t easy for him to see me get sick,” Milan said, memories from his past flooding him. “He didn’t always work nonstop. When my brother and I were kids, we spent a lot of time together. Going out, exploring the cities we lived in: swimming, football, going to games. Papa, Ayu and me loved going to watch Chelsea and Real Madrid games.”

“Chelsea?”

“Ah, I forgot you call it soccer here,” Milan grinned. “Chelsea and Real Madrid are soccer teams. We followed them religiously.”

“I’m an NFL guy,” Rory said.

“I bet,” Milan said. “Well, when I started getting sick a lot, it turned out that these places we went to weren’t really that great for my health. I couldn’t eat hot dogs at games, or swim in public pools, or lakes and rivers. Couldn’t play football, cause if I fall in the field and get all dirty…who knew what type of germs will find me. When I was fully diagnosed, our dates ended.”

Rory frowned. “He could have changed the venue of your outings.”

“He’s a scientist,” Milan defended. “He doesn’t like puzzles he can’t solve. I’ve turned into a big, complex puzzle to him, and he is hoping to solve me.”

“Milan.”

“Can we change the subject?” Milan asked, suddenly tired of thinking about his dad. This was supposed to be a nice day out with Rory. He didn’t want to spoil it with his complicated issues. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

“Then, we won’t,” Rory said, slowing the truck down, and turning on the left indicator. He turned left on to a road with a sign reading Steel Farm.

“Are we here already?” Milan asked, leaning forward to look at the open land down the road. It was white with melting snow, the trees in the farm standing naked. “Looks empty.”

“It won’t in the summer,” Rory promised.

“Oh, wow,” Milan pointed at white domes in the distance. “Are those the green houses?”

“Yeah,” Rory said, coming up on a second gate. “Pull up your mask for me, Milan.”

Milan did as he asked, pulling his mask up over his nose. Once Rory was sure it was in place, he lowered his window and leaned out. Milan saw him wave at a security camera mounted on a post outside the black metal gate.

The gate opened on silent hinges and Rory closed his window, smiling at Milan.

“I guess everyone knows you in this town,” Milan said.

“It’s hard not to have them know me,” Rory said, driving up the neat driveway.

After a right turn, Milan gripped the dashboard in excitement.

“Gosh, look at that farmhouse,” Milan gaped.

He could only describe the two-story house as authentic American-made: the wood stained to perfection, the gabled roof, the wraparound porch. He imagined the house would have an open-floor plan inside, and a back door that would be kept open in the summer months as work in the farm increased. It looked born into place, the trees surrounding the house blended with it. Architects dreamed of this for their creations

The tree branches were naked now, but in the spring, gosh, in the spring the leaves would make music for anyone sitting on the porch.

“Do you like it?” Rory asked.

“I love it. Can we go in?”

“In a minute,” Rory said

Milan turned to look at him, pulling his mask down to ask.

“What are we waiting for?”

“This,” Rory leaned in and kissed him.

Milan forgot the farmhouse and wrapped his arms around Rory’s shoulders with a happy moan.

***

“Aren’t the horses cold out there?” Milan asked Jet, an hour later.

The Steel Farm was owned by Jet’s parents. They provided food to the town, and what they couldn’t offer came from the other large farms in the same area. Jet was home alone today as his parents were at the pack house meeting Rory’s dad.

Jet had offered to give them a tour of the farm while the basket of fruit Rory wanted for Grandma Asta was fixed up .

Well, Jet was giving Milan a tour as Rory was familiar with the Steel Farm.

“Horses can with stand very low temps,” Jet said, his expression animated. He was enjoying talking to Milan. “We do have a barn for them, but it’s nice for them to walk outside during the day. If the temperatures drop, we’ll take them back inside.”

“Stuff I didn’t know,” Milan grinned at Jet.

The greenhouse they were exploring was used to grow different types of herbs. Rory followed Jet and Milan through the long aisles of leafy herbs growing in plastic troughs.

“You know, you can take some herbs home with you,” Jet offered when they got to the exit. “We have a few ready, enough to share. You said your family is always cooking.”

“Yeah, Marie would love fresh herbs,” Milan agreed.

“Cool, we’ll add what’s ready to the basket Rory is getting.”

“What basket?” Milan asked, turning to look at Rory with a frown.

“You’ll see,” Rory promised, nerves racing through him at the thought of Milan meeting Grandma Asta.

Milan was having fun getting to know Jet. It was nice seeing him laugh, it was always great to hear Milan laugh.

“Do you want to meet the horses?” Jet asked, when they got out of the greenhouse.

“Not today,” Rory intervened, not missing Milan’s longing gaze. “Milan, we should get going.”

“Already?” Milan complained, looking at the horses. “You didn’t let me see the chicken. You didn’t let me pet the rabbits, which is downright mean. Those things are too cute not to pet. Now with the horses…I might as well have stayed home.”

“Milan.”

“Rory,” Milan complained, “I won’t die from meeting one horse. Come on, Jet.”

Milan grabbed Jet’s hand and started walking to the horses, not giving Rory time to protest.

“Milan!”

“You better come along. I might decide to ride it,” Milan threatened, laughing with Jet who was now leading Milan to the horses with a wide smile.

Rory could not bring himself to stop them, so he followed Milan at a slower pace. When he reached them, Jet had called a beautiful brown to the fence, and was feeding it a carrot from his pocket.

“I want to try,” Milan said, holding out his hand for a carrot.

“Are you sure?” Jet asked, glancing at Rory with a raised brow.

‘Let him try,’ Rory sent to Jet on their link.

Jet shrugged and handed Milan a half piece of carrot. Milan grinned, taking a short breath as he held out his hand to the brown. He waited with tense shoulders, gripping the wood on the fence with his left hand.

When the brown took the carrot, Milan smiled.

“It’s ticklish, I can feel it through the gloves. And warm, his breath is so warm.”

Rory fell a little more in love, placing his arm around Milan, he pulled his mate away from Jet's horse. Afraid Milan would take off his gloves and start petting the horse.

“We should go now,” Rory whispered into Milan’s ear. “We have a second stop.”

“Aww…this was fun though,” Milan sighed, looking at Jet. “I love your place, Jet. Would it be okay if I came again?”

Jet smiled.

“You’re welcome to visit anytime.”

“Maybe, next time I come, I’ll be able to ride your horses.” Milan was vibrating with excitement at the prospect.

Rory turned Milan toward the farmhouse, making him chuckle.

“You’re afraid I’ll climb that horse, aren’t you?” Milan asked, as they all started for the farmhouse.

“How did you know?” Rory asked.

Milan laughed.

“You don’t have to be so serious about everything.”

“I think I now understand your mom’s paranoia with your health,” Rory sighed.

Milan sighed and tried to shrug off Rory’s arm from his shoulder. It didn’t work. Rory kept holding on, because he liked feeling Milan’s warmth close as they walked side by side.

Jet opened the back door to the main house, pausing to stomp off dirt on the mat at the entrance. Milan did the same, and stopped to wait for Rory to go in.

The scent of chocolate chip cookies with macadamia nuts filled their senses, making Rory’s mouth water and Milan groan.

“Do you want some cookies?” Jet asked, as they entered the warm kitchen.

Jet’s aunt was busy making lunch, and clearly doing her best to whet everyone’s appetite.

“Can we take them to go?” Rory asked, glancing at a forlorn Milan. His poor mate couldn’t eat food outside of his home. “I want to get that basket to Grandma Asta.”

“Oh sure,” Jet said, going to get a brown bag from a drawer. He packed ten cookies, thanking his aunt for baking. “The basket of fruit is already in your car. I’m so glad you visited us today, A—Rory. You made my day.”

Rory took the bag of cookies, nodded to Jet’s aunt and pushed Milan out the kitchen, heading down the corridor to the front door. Once they were outside, Jet followed them to Rory’s truck.

“Milan, it was nice to meet you,” Jet said, when Rory opened the passenger door for Milan.

“It was nice to meet you too,” Milan said, turning to Jet. “We’re in the same grade, aren’t we? I’ve never seen you at our school.”

“I’m enrolled at the Greenridge Academy,” Jet said.

“Oh,” Milan’s voice filled with disappointment. “It would have been nice to see you at lunch. I guess we can exchange numbers.”

“Yeah,” Jet looked to Rory. ‘I don’t have a phone.’

‘Get one,’ Rory countered.

Jet blinked and smiled at Milan. “I’ll get your number from Rory then.”

“Cool,” Milan nodded at Jet and turned to enter the truck.

‘He is really nice for a human,’ Jet said to Rory, when Milan was settled in the passenger seat. ‘You don’t mind if he’s my friend, right?’

‘I don’t mind at all.’ Rory assured Jet, patting his shoulder.

‘Awesome. I'll go get a cellphone today.’ Jet grinned and waved at Milan.

“See you later, Rory.”

“Thanks, Jet.”

Rory went around the front of the car and got in the driver’s side. Turning on the car, he made sure Milan wore his seat belt before he honked at Jet and drove out of the driveway.

“Who is Grandma Asta?” Milan asked.

“The sweetest woman you’ll ever meet,” Rory said. “You had fun, right?”

“Yeah, it was nice wandering through the farm,” Milan said. “I mean, first-date-was-at-a-farm is a great story to tell.”

“You think it’s weird.”

Rory sneaked a glance at Milan.

“It’s unique,” Milan said. “I love unique, that last part was no fun though. I also love the scent of fresh cookies, but I couldn’t have one, sigh.”

“Sorry about the cookies,” Rory said. “They smell so good, I thought you would like to bring them home for Ayu and Marie.”

“Hm, I still wish I could eat them,” Milan confessed. “The hardest part of my life. Try walking past a pizzeria. I always feel like I’m going to go crazy.”

“Why can’t you eat food from outside again?” Rory asked, driving faster than he had earlier. He was eager to get to Grandma Asta’s house, get the anxiety over with.

“No offense to all the great chefs out there, but every time I eat out, I get a stomach flu, which lasts days. It’s not pleasant,” Milan sighed.

“Okay, no cookies for you then.”

Milan fell silent, watching the scenery, and Rory let him be for a while. Milan perked up when they turned into the forest on a non-existent road. Rory tried to be gentle with his driving, but in the end, Milan needed to hold on tight as they drove through the forest.

“Why does your Grandma Asta live in the forest?” Milan asked, when Rory stopped the truck, knowing they couldn’t make it farther than this.

“She likes the wild.”

Milan looked at him, skeptical.

Rory shrugged sure there was no logical way to explain Grandma Asta without shocking Milan. He opened his door and got out. Going round to the passenger side, he opened Milan’s door and helped him out of the truck.

Rory took the basket full of assorted fruits from the Steel Farm, locking the truck, he pocketed the keys and turned to a curious Milan.

“Ready?”

“Ready,” Milan said, giving the forest a critical glance. “We’re not going to meet the wolves you said lived here, are we?”

Rory took Milan’s left hand, and led him around a tree heading to Grandma Asta’s cottage.

“You have me,” Rory said. “Even if we meet them, they won’t touch you.”

“Why, because you’re like the beast master?” Milan teased.

“Who is the beast master?” Rory asked.

“It’s a TV show actually. Mamma used to watch it when we were kids. He was this guy who lived in the forest and would sort of talk to wild animals. He wore this loin cloth and boots. I think Mamma liked watching him more than the show. ”

Rory laughed.

“You are something else,” Rory mused.

“What?” Milan bit his lip. “He was kinda…hot. All those muscles on display and you know the assets hidden behind a little loin cloth and all.”

“Are you talking about another man in front of me?” Rory asked, stopping to look at Milan.

Milan shrugged.

“I thought we were discussing how you and the beast master are the same?”

“Milan.”

“Rory,” Milan grinned, taking a step ahead, in the wrong direction.

Rory tightened his hold on Milan’s hand.

“This way,” he said, correcting Milan’s direction with a tug on his hand. “Milan, I want to be your man. Will you be mine?”

Milan squeezed his hand tight, coming to a stop, forcing Rory to do the same.

“Are you sure?” Milan asked, when Rory turned to him.

Milan stared at him with wide, vulnerable eyes, his insecurities on the surface.

Rory closed the distance between them and kissed him, a careful gentle kiss that sent warmth through both of them. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to Milan’s.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

Milan reached up and cupped his jaw with his free hand. His gloves soft and cool against Rory’s cheek.

“Then, I’m yours,” Milan murmured, sending a wave of happiness sailing through Rory.

In that moment, Rory wished they were somewhere warmer, some place he could pull Milan into his arms and show him just how happy he was. He pressed a kiss on Milan’s forehead, and squeezed Milan’s hand, promising himself, later.

The rest of their walk was done fast with Milan teasing him about being the beast master.

When they got to Grandma Asta’s house, Milan couldn’t believe anyone would choose to live so far from the road.

“Are you sure she’s safe living alone like this?” Milan asked, when Rory knocked on the door. “What if she gets attacked by those wild wolves?”

“Then, I’ll sing them to sleep,” Asta said, opening the door with drama, making Milan jump in surprise.

Rory smiled when Milan held on to his arm, squeezing tight. He tried to imagine what it must be like to meet Asta for the first time. Her eccentric nature did make her look out of this world. Her silver grey hair in long curls around her shoulders. Her green eyes bright, despite her age. She was always in long dresses, today's was white with a rainbow border at the bottom, an old red sweater over her shoulders.

“Are you coming in?” Asta asked, her gaze on Milan, the same way Milan was looking at her. “You’ve brought me a gift.”

Rory nodded, and started into the house, forcing Asta out of the way. He held Milan’s hand tight, leading him into the small living room. There was no use taking the fruits to the kitchen. Asta would only scold him, so he placed them on a free stool.

“Sit,” Rory urged Milan into an armchair that had a small part of the perpetual red scarf on its arm. Milan sat, though he didn’t let go of Rory’s hand, so Rory perched on the chair's arm.

Meanwhile, Asta came into the living room, after closing the front door.

She did not wait for Rory’s introduction, instead reaching for Milan’s right hand. Rory watched in shock as she pulled off Milan’s glove faster than possible. She fitted her hand to Milan’s before he could react.

Asta closed her eyes, her fingers digging into Milan's pale skin. Rory saw black lines race up Milan’s hand. His mate screamed, making Rory reach for Asta’s hand intent on pushing her away. Asta opened her eyes and let go of Milan’s hand, watching Milan fall back in the chair, passed out cold.

“What did you do?” Rory demanded, reaching for Milan. “Milan? Baby, answer me.”

“He’s fine.”

“He’s clearly not fine,” Rory snapped, shaking Milan, hoping to wake him up. Milan’s eyes remained closed, sending panic racing through Rory. “Grandma Asta—

“He’ll wake up in a few minutes,” Asta said, sitting on the coffee table. “Before you carry him out of here in panic, tell me, why does he have poisonous wolf’s blood inside him?”

***