Tearc Dragan

Chapter Seventeen

XXXXX

“Faelan,” Aengus started as he took a step towards the life giver, only to stop.

Réalta moved towards the two, his eyes on Faelan. He could see the life giver’s eyes were unfocused. He didn’t like how pale the man was or the fact that Faelan just stood, while fine tremors ran through his body. His eyes shifted to Solas; he noted the marks on the boy’s legs, before reaching out towards the boy, looking up when he heard a low growl come from Faelan.

“Come with me,” Réalta moved away; he saw Bairre staring wide-eyed at them. He nodded to the life bearer, seeing Bairre bolt. Shaking his head, Réalta headed out of the area, knowing Faelan followed the life giver’s security on each side, while Aengus brought up the rear. Réalta was glad it was still early, and not many people were moving about yet. “Put Solas on the bed.”

Réalta glanced back as he closed the door to the small private room. He heard Faelan growl low again, but knew he had to stand his ground. He waited, breathing again as Faelan placed the boy onto the bed. He moved to pull out liquid from the small fridge in the corner. He held it out to the life giver, watching as the man took it. “Drink it.”

Réalta paused long enough to make sure Faelan was drinking before he went to Solas to check the wounds. Glad that he had studied the readouts as he let his hands run over the boy’s pale skin. Réalta shifted him to look at his back, pulling a low groan from Solas. He heard Faelan growl again, but standing still, he waited. When Faelan went back to drinking, Réalta attached an IV since the boy wasn’t able to drink.

Taking a step back, Réalta watched as the hunter set the glass down. He kept quiet as Faelan shrugged the pants from his body. Faelan climbed into the bed, gently pulling the shirt from the boy’s body, he was careful as he arranged them, curling his body protectively around Solas.

“How are they?” Aengus asked as soon as Réalta slipped out of the room.

“Asleep, but they will be fine,” he saw the man sag with relief.

“You guys can go,” Aengus addressed the guards before he turned back to his king. “Thank you.”

Réalta nodded. He knew he had a few things to attend to before he’d be able to rest. He saw Silín nod to him as he walked by, Bairre was standing by his door waiting. Entering his office, he nodded for the young life bearer to sit. He sat at his desk, updating Solas and Faelan’s file before he finally looked up at Bairre. “You will be doing vitals on both Solas and Faelan and changing the IV when it needs it. Vitals hourly.”

“But…” Bairre started, the boy’s yellow eyes wide with fear.

Réalta shook his head. “You will do this.”

Bairre lowered his head as he felt tears fill his eyes. He knew that with Faelan in the room, the newly mated life giver could perceive him as a threat and hurt him. He also knew that Réalta was waiting, and he tried to make his voice as strong as possible. “Yes, Mo Rí.”

“I understand you didn’t mean for Solas to get hurt like this,” Réalta’s voice softened some, “but the fact is that you’ve been less than welcoming since he arrived.

“I know.” Bairre didn’t look up.

“I don’t know why you’ve perceived Solas as a threat,” Réalta sighed. “Faelan has turned your tabhair’s requests down for the last three seasons.”

Réalta saw the boy flinch at his words. He felt bad, but Bairre needed to understand so he could move on. He watched as Bairre continued to stare at his hands; he could see the tears. “Tabhair said he was bad.”

“Your tabhair is an idiot,” Réalta’s voice dropped low.

Bairre nodded again; he had known the minute that Solas got hurt, his life was going to change. He also knew he was lucky he still had his freedom. While the council rarely allowed a young life bearer to be killed, he knew Faelan could still call for a harsher punishment that would leave him wishing for death. He looked up when Réalta stayed quiet, the king quietly watching him.

“This is not done,” Réalta finally said; he saw the boy nod. “You can go.”

“Thank you, Mo Rí,” Bairre stood and, with a bow, left the office. Réalta watched him go, the king’s face sad. He wasn’t sure what the outcome would be, but he hoped it would work out for all those involved. With a sigh, he stood to head home to get some rest before the council meeting later that day.

XXXXX

Bairre stared at the door; he knew he had to go in there. Réalta had said he wanted the vitals hourly; he was already five minutes past. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and slipped into the semi-dark room. He could see the protective way Faelan was wrapped around Solas, and he felt his heart ache. Hoping they were both asleep, he quietly made his way to the bed.

Taking a hold of the boy’s wrist, Bairre had just found Solas’ pulse when his wrist was painfully seized. His eyes shot to Faelan to see the life giver was glaring at him with unfocused eyes. A whimper escaped him as he tried to pull his wrist free from the punishing grip.

“Faelan,” Solas whispered; he reached up slowly sliding his hand along the underside of Faelan’s arm until he got the life giver to let go. He brought the man’s hand to his mouth letting his lips and tongue move over Faelan’s knuckles. Bairre stared at them as his wrist throbbed; he knew it was going to bruise. He also knew that Solas was keeping Faelan’s attention away from him.

With quick efficient moves, Bairre checked both their vitals, making sure to chart everything. He paused, his eyes going to the arm that was wounded. Reaching out, he looked, seeing the scar was still healing. When it had happened, Bairre hadn’t been sure how bad it was; only knowing it was serious. Making sure the water pitcher was filled; he slipped out of the room.

Bairre leaned back against the wall beside the door and took a deep breath. He wanted to run and hide, but knew he couldn’t; he had to face this. With a sigh, he pushed away from the wall. He made sure to record his check before he moved towards his door room to grab a shower.

XXXXX

Solas watched as Bairre moved around the room, the other life bearer wouldn’t meet his eyes, nor had he said anything. Bairre just checked his vitals before the life bearer gave him something to eat. Now the life bearer was making notes and still acting like Solas wasn’t in the room.

He wondered why Bairre was even in the room with him. “Why are you even here?”

“I’m sorry,” Bairre stammered out, wide-eyes watching him, and Solas could see the other’s shoulders tremble.

“That you almost killed me or that you didn’t?” Solas watched as the life bearer stiffened, eyes dropping to the ground.

“I never had any intentions of physically harming you,” Bairre finally looked up to meet Solas’ pale eyes.

“I want you out,” Solas looked away crossing his arms over his small chest.

“But…” Bairre started hoping to explain that he had to stay.

“I said out!” Solas hissed low. He still couldn’t believe that Réalta would allow that person anywhere near him. Solas looked back as the door closed. With a tired sigh, he finally relaxed for the first time since waking up. He was still fuzzy about what had happened. He had images of Faelan pressed against him, the giver’s hot breath on his neck.

Solas could also feel the implant, new wires working their way throughout his system. It took a lot of energy, which was why he was still tired and things were a bit hazy. He wished he could feel the Tearc, but until the wires were done, he couldn’t.

He wanted to talk to Dragan, but the AI would be concentrating on the implant and systems sync. Solas smiled at the deeply content feeling, although he wasn’t sure who was feeling more content, him or Faelan. He looked up when the door opened.

“How are you feeling?” Réalta asked, his voice soft.

Solas couldn’t help the soft smile that came to his face. “I feel good, a little groggy, but nothing worse than the last time the implant was done.”

“All right,” Réalta frowned slightly as he read through the boy’s chart. “You’ve been here two days.”

“That’s not surprising, the implant takes a lot of energy, plus the injury and the medication, surgery to remove the cut wires,” Solas shrugged slightly as his cheeks pinked slightly. “There was also the mating and bond.”

“Then this is all normal?” Réalta had gotten information, but was worried when it seemed Solas was taking so long to improve. He saw the small life bearer nod.

“When can I go?” Solas picked at the blanket.

“Soon,” Réalta pulled a chair up beside Solas’ bed; he watched the boy. “Faelan said he had a few things he had to take care of, then he’d be back.”

Solas nodded as he shifted to find a more comfortable position. He wanted to be back in his own bed, snuggled with his madras. He wanted to make sure the animals were being taken care of, and then there was his garden that he really needed to work on.

“Bairre will continue to check you every hour…” Réalta trailed off as Solas turned to glare at him.

“I don’t want him anywhere near me,” Solas shook his head; his mouth turned down as he felt anger fill his chest.

“I understand,” Réalta started.

“Do you?” Solas demanded. “I didn’t want him near me before this happened; I certainly don’t now.”

“He had to learn his actions have consequences,” Réalta frowned as he watched Solas. He knew the boy had fought hard for the acceptance that he had.

“So send him somewhere,” Solas crossed his arms over his chest.

Réalta sighed softly. “We could send him to Éag City; they are always looking for help with the cleanup.”

“Éag City?” Solas looked startled.

“It’s where they are concentrating the cleanup; it’s highly radioactive still,” Réalta looked at Solas to see the boy was pale. “He can work until the radiation kills him.”

“I never said I wanted him dead,” Solas muttered; he felt a yawn take him by surprise.

“You should sleep,” Réalta patted his arm before he stood.

“But…” Solas sat back, an unhappy frown on his face. He knew it wasn’t over, knew that Réalta had played him. He watched as the King slipped out the door; he felt his eyes grow heavy as he glared at the door.

XXXXX

“Peata?” Hoginus watched as his mate stopped pacing. “Are you ready?”

“As I’m ever going to be,” Réalta nodded. They entered the council room; Réalta let his eyes scan the room. He saw Anile sitting with Bairre, and the young life bearer had his head down. “Please come to order.”

Réalta waited as the room moved to sit. The noise was slowly fading, he saw Faelan enter, the captain followed by another man. Réalta raised an eyebrow, he didn’t know all of Faelan’s crew, but he could have sworn he’d seen them all, and this man wasn’t one of them.

“Can we get on with this?” Anile hissed. Réalta pulled his eyes away from the two men.

“Yes,” Hoginus nodded; he looked over at his mate as Réalta picked up a piece of parchment.

“We are here concerning the pending charges against Bairre of Hodorth City,” Réalta look up, his eyes going to Bairre’s bent head.

“It was an accident; why can’t we leave it at that?” Anile demanded; his voice was angry.

“That wouldn’t even be in question, if not for the fact that Bairre took every chance he got to torment Solas,” Réalta stated.

“Because the little unwanted took his mate…” Anile trailed off as Faelan growled. “My son should have been Faelan’s mate!”

“It was Faelan’s choice,” Réalta interjected.

“One that you threw at him!” Anile yelled red-faced.

“It was my choice alone; no one forced anything on me,” Faelan’s voice was firm as his bored into Anile.

“How could you want, what had already been rejected? Something that had been used, and is no longer pure?” Anile huffed out; he glared at the captain.

“Do not speak of my mate that way!” Faelan’s voice dropped low as his eyes narrowed at Anile.

“Enough,” Réalta sighed as he glanced at Hoginus. “The fact remains that Solas nearly died, and while it was an accident, we can’t ignore the incidents that led up to it. Bairre do you have anything to say?”

“I’ve already,” Bairre looked up, tears slipping down pale cheeks. Réalta could see bruising on one side that had not been there earlier, “told Solas I was sorry for causing the injury.”

Réalta nodded, seeing the way Anile’s mouth tightened in anger. “All right, we will discuss it among the council.”

They watched as Anile dragged the life bearer from the room. He wanted to interfere but knew they had to work it out. He wished he knew why Anile was so set against Solas, why the man was angry at everything. He looked up as Faelan approached him.

“Mo Rí,” Faelan bowed slightly. “This is Captain Erik of Lasair City; he is going to be taking over the Liath Kenyon.”

“Oh?” Réalta knew it was too much to hope that Faelan was going to give up the stars completely.

“I will be needed on the Tearc,” Faelan watched as the king nodded.

“I see,” Réalta grinned; it would seem something’s were looking up. “I’m sure Solas will be glad to be among the stars again.”

Faelan nodded; he couldn’t help the smile from his face. “I am going to take Solas home now.”

“All right,” Réalta said. Faelan led the other from the council room; he wanted his mate home so he could relax.

“I never thought I’d see you mated,” Erik stated as he walked beside the other life giver.

“I’ve always said that if I found someone, I would,” Faelan glanced over at the man he had grown up with. “The second I saw Solas, I knew he was meant to be mine.”

“I look forward to meeting him,” Erik grinned as they paused outside the room Solas was in. Faelan slipped into the room, seeing Solas turn to look at him. The boy smiled, and moving towards him, Faelan moved to pull the blanket back.

“Faelan?” Solas inquired as the man pulled out a pair of warm socks.

“I am taking you home; the madras miss you,” Faelan moved to put the socks on the life bearers feet. Solas was quiet as his mate helped him dress in warm pajamas. He wanted to protest as Faelan wrapped a warm blanket around him. “You can’t walk, and I want you warm.”

“Okay,” Solas snuggled into his mate’s chest as Faelan carried him from the room. He saw a man follow them and wanted to ask, but a yawn caught him unaware. He laid his head against Faelan’s shoulder. Solas shifted as Faelan set him down, the boy’s eyes going once again drawn to the quiet man that had accompanied them back to the apartment.

He was about to ask who the man was, but the two madras jumped onto the sofa with him. He was licked and nuzzled before the two animals made themselves comfortable by snuggling in with him. Solas smiled; his eyes closing as another yawn escaped him. He was only going to rest for a minutes, but soon sleep claimed him.

XXXXX

Réalta paused at Faelan’s door; he bit his lip as he looked over at his mate. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to say or how he was going to explain it. He raised a hand to knock but paused again as his eyes went back to Hoginus. A small yelp escaped him as the apartment door suddenly opened.

“What’s wrong?” Faelan looked between them. Réalta sighed; he knew better then to think that Faelan wouldn’t know something was wrong.

“Can we talk inside?” Réalta inquired softly.

They watched as Faelan tilted his head slightly as if he was listening to something; after a second, he nodded and moved aside to let them in. “Come in.”

“Thanks,” Réalta frowned at him as he moved into the apartment. He nodded to Erik where the man was standing in the doorway to the library. He saw Solas glance up sleepily at him, the boy had both madras curled up with him. Réalta waited for everyone to be settled before he looked between Solas and Faelan. “The council meeting for the decisions on Bairre will be put off; Anile attacked Bairre and hurt him badly.”

“How badly?” Faelan asked.

“If he survives, we are not sure he will ever be able to have children.” Réalta sighed and looked down at his hands. “It was most likely what Anile was aiming for.”

“Solas?” Faelan watched as his mate struggled to get up.

“I want tae,” Solas muttered as the madras jumped down.

“I can…” Faelan started only to be cut off by Solas.

“I need to get up,” Solas’ voice was low. Faelan stood, helping his mate stand; he could see the concern in Réalta’s eyes.

“Let me help,” Réalta followed after the boy; he stood and watched as Solas moved around the kitchen. “Are you all right?”

“Tired, sore,” Solas shrugged. He started to put things on a tray; Réalta moved forward to help his eyes on the boy’s slow movements.

Réalta wanted to say something. He could see Solas was upset, but he didn’t have the words. He moved forward to pick up the tray, seeing Solas glance up at him. He smiled tightly as he moved out of the kitchen, watching as the three life givers stood. Réalta set the tray down, watching as Solas moved to serve, first Réalta and Hoginus.

“Solas,” Faelan started as Solas moved to serve Erik. “This is Captain Erik, he’s is going to be taking over the Liath Kenyon.”

Solas eyes widened slightly, but the boy only nodded as he handed Erik his tae. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Erik took the offered tae, careful not to touch the boy.

“Will Anile be punished?” Solas asked as he handed tae to Faelan before he moved to sit back on the sofa; he scanned the apartment for the madras to see they were outside.

“Anile was killed trying to escape the city,” Hoginus said. “Others heard the argument, they tried to detain him and he went after a guard and was killed.”

“So who does Bairre have?” Sola couldn’t help but ask.

“No one,” Réalta said softly. “If he does survive, he still may face charges.”

Solas glanced over at Faelan; he could tell the man was upset. He could feel the anger just under the man’s skin. He wasn’t sure if it was what happened, or if Faelan was upset because of the possible charges. “It was an accident; I think we should leave it at that.”

“He nearly ended your life,” Réalta looked between the two; he could see the scowl on Faelan’s face and how Solas was staring at the floor. He could also see the two, while they had mated, still had a way to go.

“Solas,” Faelan started, trying to come up with the right words.

“It’s all right,” Solas’ voice was soft. “He’s young and your friend.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Faelan clinched his teeth as he watched his mate, he felt his anger spark again. “You’d be dead if not for the Tearc.”

“I know that,” Solas glared at Faelan. “So you think we should hope he dies?”

“I didn’t say that…” Faelan stuttered.

“It sure sounded like it,” Solas shifted, a hiss escaping him as his arm throbbed.

“I’d like a chance…” Erik trailed off as Solas’ angry gaze snapped to him. Erik swallowed; he glanced over at Faelan before looking back at the boy.

“You’d like a chance to what?” Solas demanded; he saw the man swallow again as he glanced at Faelan a second time.

“I’d be a good mate for the boy,” Erik said, meeting the boy’s pale eyes. He wanted to look away from the boy’s intense eyes, but he didn’t dare. He could see what drew Faelan to the young life bearer.

“You’ll be gone much of the time,” Solas shook his head.

“He could go with me,” Erik wondered for a second why he was even explaining it to this person, why Solas would even care.

“He’ll be in charge of his inter-planet shipping company,” Solas raised an eyebrow when he saw Erik frown. “You do know of whom we speak?”

“Yes, of course,” Erik muttered. “I knew his tabhair; Anile wouldn’t let me near his son, but my brother and I dealt with his shipping company.”

“Well,” Réalta shifted to set his cup down as he stood. “First off, we have to see if he makes it. We will keep in touch.”

“All right,” Faelan also stood; he showed the royal couple out. “Thanks again for stopping by to speak with us.”

Faelan saw them nod, turning back into the apartment he saw Erik standing by the patio doors looking out. Walking over, he looked out over the garden to find Solas with the madras. He could see Erik was watching the boy also. He couldn’t help the smile that came to his face.

“You’re very lucky,” Erik glanced over at Faelan before he turned back to the small life bearer in the garden.

“I am,” Faelan grinned as Solas turned to look at him. His mate smiled back at him, and Faelan felt his heart tighten.

XXXXX

Solas glanced over when he heard a moan from the bed. He watched as Bairre shifted, the boy letting out a low pained groan. Solas waited as the other life bearer struggled to open his eyes. After a few minutes, pale eyes opened slowly to fall on Solas, a frown coming to Bairre’s face.

“Water?” Solas set his book aside to pick up the glass. He moved to hold the straw up to Bairre. He could still see the others frown deep as he drank; pulling back, Bairre looked around.

“What are you doing here?” Bairre’s voice was hoarse.

“I came to sit with you, the others were busy,” Solas set the water back down; he watched the other life bearer.

“Where is my tabhair?” Bairre asked; he cringed as he shifted. His abdomen throbbed from where the man had stabbed him. He felt tears fill his eyes as he glanced over at Solas.

“He was killed trying to flee the city,” Solas replied softly; he reached out to hand the boy a tissue. Solas continued to watch the other life bearer.

Bairre stared at the other before he dropped his eyes; he wasn’t sure what he felt. “Oh.”

“Réalta had the guard search your tabhair’s apartment,” Solas saw Bairre look up at him; he could see the darkening bruises on the boy’s face. “Your tabhair had big plans and he was hoping to use you to get them.”

“He…” Bairre trailed off; he dropped his eyes down as he felt the tears threaten to fall.

“He wanted Faelan’s company from some reason,” Solas shook his head. He was sad for the other boy; he knew what it was like to lose parents.

“So he could control most of Garnet,” Bairre muttered, a sob escaping him.

“Where is your bearer?” Solas asked, realizing that no one had ever mentioned the boy’s bearer. He saw Bairre look at him, pale yellow eyes becoming hard as anger filled them.

“Dead, she had an accident,” the boy look away as he sagged, tears poured down his pale bruised cheeks. “It was said she fell, but… but my tabhair… beat her to death.”

Solas shifted his eyes wide. “Your bearer was a woman?”

“Yes,” Bairre nodded as his voice became soft. “He said I was special; I was one of the only two surviving babies born to a woman that year.”

“Oh,” Solas was at a loss as to what to say.

“He hated I was a life bearer,” Bairre whispered; he glanced over to see Solas was watching him. “I was the hated abomination; I was the thing he was trying to do away with.”

“He wanted life bearers destroyed; his plans outlined it all,” Solas shook his head again. “He intended to mate you to Faelan, wait until you had a life giver, and then kill anyone who stood between him and that boy sitting on the throne.”

“But… what…” Bairre stared wide-eyed, “How that would have been accomplished?”

“Faelan’s would be next in line for throne if Réalta’s line were completely wiped out,” Solas’ voice dropped very quiet. He saw the other boy turning what he said over in his mind.

“What of Prince Moria and his family?” Bairre voice was high with panic.

“They are safe; your tabhair hadn’t been able to start his plan rolling yet. He needed you safely carrying Faelan’s child before anything could be put in motion,” Solas shrugged slightly.

“Oh,” Bairre didn’t sound relieved. Solas shrugged; none of it mattered anymore. Anile was dead, and Bairre had no knowledge of the plot, nor was he willingly involved.

“Erik of Lasair City inquired about you,” Solas shifted slightly.

“Why?” Barrie frowned, genuine confusion on his face.

“He wants to be your mate,” Solas moved to pick up his book.

“Oh,” Bairre muttered as he played with the edge of his blanket; he could feel Solas’ eyes on him. “It’s not the first time.”

“Really?” Solas laid the book back down to turn all his attention back to Bairre.

“Why do you care?” Bairre asked still not meeting the other’s eyes. “Why are you even here?”

“Everyone was busy; they needed someone here, so I volunteered,” Solas shrugged again as he sat back in his chair; he continued to watch Bairre.

“Why?” crossing his arms over his chest, Bairre turned away.

“Why not?” Solas sighed and picked up his book. He watched as Bairre looked at him the life bearer glaring. It wasn’t too long before the other boy was asleep. With another soft sigh and a small shake of his head, Solas turned his attention back to the book he was reading.

XXXXX

Faelan watched as Erik went over the controls of the Liath Kenyon; he glanced over at Aengus, to see the man was also watching Erik. He turned back to the other man, he frowned. “Something wrong?”

“No,” Erik shook his head. “Just wondering why you didn’t offer this to Aengus first.”

“I did,” Faelan stated seriously. “But he turned it down.”

“Why?” Erik asked turning his attention to Aengus.

“My place is beside Faelan. He has decided to move to the Tearc, so I will also,” Aengus stated

“My gain then,” Erik grinned. “I’ve wanted to get away from my bother’s business.”

Faelan nodded; he knew the Liath Kenyon’s crew would be arriving soon, he also knew that most of the crew members will be happy to be heading out again. He turned when he heard people, seeing several watching him. This was the crew he’d had for the past ten years. He waited until the group had quieted before he spoke.

“You all know I’ve taken a mate,” Faelan saw several heads nod. “Now, most times that wouldn’t matter, but Solas Na Gealaí came with a ship.”

“The Tearc Dragan,” someone said.

“Yes, the Tearc,” Faelan nodded. “You also know that the ship has been refitted; it will be used as a luxury vessel. I will be taking over as captain.”

“Why not your mate as captain?”

“Because, he does not want to be captain; he wants to continue to work in the Tearc’s hydroponics labs.” Faelan explained. “Erik of Lasair City will be taking over as captain; I give you the choice of staying with the Liath Kenyon or moving to the Tearc.”

Faelan looked around the assembled people; he knew only a few would join him and Aengus on the Tearc. He glanced over to Aengus, seeing the man was staring at the ground. With a frown, he moved towards his first officer. He was about to speak when another of his crew stopped him.

“Captain Faelan,” Séarlas moved towards Faelan, “I’d like to go on the Tearc, and maybe Aeryn could come also.”

“I can take you,” Faelan stated. “But I’m not sure on Aeryn.”

“Okay,” Séarlas nodded as he moved away. Faelan watched him go, seeing the young life giver seemed distracted. He looked over when he became aware that someone was standing beside him.

“He and Aeryn have not consummated their mating yet,” Aengus said softly.

“That’s because they promised Aeryn’s parents,” Faelan shrugged as he glanced over at Aengus again. “Do you not want to leave the Liath Kenyon?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Aengus glanced away.

“It does matter,” Faelan’s voice was soft. “You can still be the Liath Kenyon’s captain or first mate.”

“I want to be by your side,” Aengus glanced down again. “I need to speak with Mellan.”

Faelan watched his friend walk away; with a shake of his head, he turned back to the crew. He watched as several of them talked it over quietly, and he let his gaze swing around, seeing that several were also talking with Erik and could see that the man was making a good impression. He knew that most of them would stay on the Liath Kenyon.

XXXXX

Solas fidgeted slightly, he sipped his tae as he looked out the patio doors. The garden was bathed in moonlight; he could see the madras wrestling among the plants. The evening meal was on the warmer in the kitchen; now all he had to do was waiting for Faelan to return. He became aware of another reflection in the doors and a smile tugged at his lips.

“How are you?” Dragan asked softly.

“You would know better than I would,” Solas smiled deepened. He watched the AI’s reflection for a few minutes before looking back out over the garden.

“Physically you are fine,” Dragan moved closer. “I wonder about mentally.”

“I am fine in that aspect also,” Solas continued to watch the animals.

“Good,” Dragan continued to watch his ward, but the boy just continued to stare out the patio doors. Dragan frowned as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I miss you.”

“I’ve been right here,” Solas frowned as he looked at the AI.

“I miss the… mischievous side of you,” Dragan shrugged. “I haven’t seen that side of you since you were damaged.”

“It’s been…” Solas wasn’t sure how to explain how he was feeling. Before he could explain anything, the door opened and Faelan entered. A smile lit Solas’ face as he met his mate’s eyes. “Welcome home.”

“Solas,” Faelan nodded to his mate, he then glanced at Dragan. “Dragan, I need to grab Erik a few documents and things.”

“All right,” Solas watched as Faelan headed into the library; he turned his attention back to Erik where the man was hovering by the door. “Please come in.”

“I’m fine, thanks,” Erik looked between Solas and Dragan. He wasn’t getting any closer to the boy; hunters had been known to rip the throats out of unsuspecting life givers, who got too close to the newly mated life bearer.

Solas raised an eyebrow; he watched as Erik fidgeted. He glanced over at Dragan to see the AI was staring hard at Erik. “Erik, this is Dragan; Dragan, this is Erik of Lasair City. He’s the new captain of the Liath Kenyon.”

“I see,” Dragan looked at his ward; a frown came to his face as he watched the young life bearer. His eyes narrowed as he watched Solas continue to smile, and the life bearer shifted to let the madras in.

“So how are things going on the Liath Kenyon?” Solas asked as he slid the door closed, and he turned to head towards the sofa.

“Things are fine,” Erik tried to keep his eyes from Dragan. He knew that Faelan didn’t have any living relatives, but Dragan looked so much like Faelan. It was surprising Faelan allowed the man near his mate.

“Are you sure you won’t come in?” Solas asked as he moved to set his tae down. He knew what Erik was doing; hunters were well-known for jealousy in the early stages of the bond. He could also see the man’s eyes go to Dragan.

“No, no, I’m fine,” Erik tried to smile, but it came out as forced. “So, Solas, how are you feeling?”

“Oh fine, just a little tired,” Solas shrugged as he sat down. Dragan moved to sit beside the boy, leaning back slightly.

“I suppose with all the company,” Erik’s mouth turned down in disapproval.

“That reminds me,” Solas grinned. “Can I get you something to drink? Will you be staying for the evening meal?”

“No thanks; I’m going to go sit with Bairre,” Erik turned his attention to Dragan again. “So how do you know Solas?”

Dragan raised an eyebrow at the question.

“He helps out on the Tearc,” Solas grinned again as he sighed and relaxed back into the sofa, his eyes still on Erik.

“Ah,” Erik’s eyes narrowed at the relaxed way the two looked. He knew something was off. Something wasn’t right about the whole thing, and he wished that Faelan would hurry up. “So Dragan, where are you from?”

Dragan stared at the man for a second before he shook his head, he could hear Solas’ quiet giggles. With one last look at his ward the AI gave up and simply disappeared, leaving Erik standing with his mouth hanging open. Solas stopped giggling in surprise before the young life bearer started to laugh at the look on Erik’s face.

“I’ve found the…” Faelan trailed off as he looked between his mate and captain.

“What the hell!” Erik shouted as he glanced at Faelan before back to where Solas was sitting. The life bearer was trying hard not to laugh again. He knew there been a man sitting next to Solas; Faelan had even acknowledged him. “He… he… um, he just disappeared!”

“So?” Faelan raised an eyebrow as he looked at Erik and then turned his attention to his mate. He could see the mischief in the boy’s sandy-golden eyes.

“People just don’t disappear!” Erik yelled, his eyes widening slightly as Cocidius growled.

“Dragan is…” Faelan laughed slightly. “He’s the Tearc Dragan, the ships AI, he’s for the lack of a better word, Solas guardian. He raised Solas since he was five seasons.”

“He’s an AI?” Erik couldn’t stop the question. The thing had seemed so alive, so human. He glanced at the stuff Faelan held with a shake of his head. “He seemed so real.”

“He is real,” Solas frowned at them.

“I’ve seen AI programs, some on Faelan’s own ships, none have even come close to that,” Erik looked between them again.

“Dragan is special,” Solas stood; he watched the two life givers.

“Dragan is lost technology,” Faelan watched his mate. “There is no other like him in all of Garnet.”

“I should go,” Erik turned to leave, nodding once to Solas.

“We’ll talk later in the week,” Faelan saw Erik nod, before he closed the door and turned to his mate. “Was it really necessary to amuse yourself with my new captain?”

“I wouldn’t have, but he was glaring at Dragan and me,” Solas shrugged slightly. “I made the evening meal.”

“Yes, and it smell wonderful,” Faelan grinned. It was nice to see the boy was starting to come out of his shell. He watched as Solas picked up his tae and then followed the boy into the kitchen. Sitting down, he watched as Solas went about serving; he poured wine as Solas came to sit across from him. “How was your day?”

“Fine, I slept most of it,” Solas glanced at his mate. “So who was it that attacked your ships?”

“Huh?” Faelan frowned.

“Before things happened, after our sparring,” Solas picked at his meal.

“Oh, Sigmund Four, but they won’t be doing it again. The Terrains are stepping in this time and pulling the treaty,” Faelan nodded, a grin on his face.

“Good,” Solas sipped his wine. He realized that it was their first time alone since coming off the Tearc.

“What was it like?” Faelan asked suddenly.

“What was what like?” Solas glanced up from his meal.

“All those years alone?’ Faelan wanted to reach out at the pain that came to Solas’ eyes.

“Lonely,” Solas shrugged his attention going back to his meal.

Faelan continued to watch his mate, trying hard to read what the boy hadn’t said. “Do you remember the others?”

“Of course I do,” Solas set his fork down to meet his mate’s eyes. “I woke up and everyone was dead.”

“You were injured,” Faelan saw the boy nod, even though it wasn’t a question. He knew the spot, had spent time sucking and licking the spot as if trying to sooth old hurts.

“Dragan was protective then, wouldn’t let me near populated planets,” Solas dropped his eyes. “I was fascinated when Devin and his people arrived; I hadn’t heard or felt a living person in thirteen seasons.”

“Is that what drew you to Devin?” Faelan couldn’t hide the hurt and anger he felt, knowing that Solas had readily sought Devin out.

“I thought he was nice,” Solas spoke quietly. “I wanted to connect with someone; I was afraid they’d leave also and that I’d be alone again.”

Faelan wasn’t sure what to say; he had never been without people, never yearned to touch something as basic as warm flesh.

“I just wanted to lay and listen to his heartbeat,” Solas pulled apart his roll, his eyes on his hands. “I just wanted to be held; I hadn’t expected it to hurt so bad or for him to throw me out right afterwards.”

Faelan took a drink of his wine; this was what he had asked for. He wanted Solas to open up to him; he just hadn’t realized how painful it would end up being. How alone the boy really had been. He wanted to offer words of comfort, but he didn’t know any that would work.

“I was drawn to you,” Solas whispered, he kept his head down. “I was just afraid.”

“But I never…” Faelan trailed off as Solas glanced up at him. Faelan watched his mate, not sure what to say. He didn’t want to be associated with Devin, wanted to banish the man from Solas’ mind, but he knew he couldn’t.

“He only wanted the Tearc,” Solas pushed his plate away. “That… woman wanted me disposed of.”

“I wanted only you,” Faelan reached out to touch the boy’s hand.

“I know,” Solas grinned softly.

“How were you drawn to me?” Faelan couldn’t help but ask.

“Your persistence?” Solas smiled at the man, but he could see the seriousness in Faelan’s eyes. “You were everything I ever dreamed about, everything I thought I’d never have, everything I desired but didn’t deserve after what I did.”

Solas pulled away to start cleaning up the kitchen. Faelan wanted to go to his mate; he wanted to pull the boy close and hold him tight. But he could see that Solas needed time to pull himself together. He watched his mate for several minutes before he sighed.

“I’m going to shower.” Faelan escaped the kitchen.