10. A New Addition To The Family

10

A New Addition To The Family

Roman

T he first thing he noticed was the warmth, the solid, comforting weight of the body pressed against his side. The second was the soft, even breathing, the gentle rise and fall of the chest pillowed on his own.

He turned his head, a smile already tugging at the corners of his mouth as he took in the sight of Merin, fast asleep and looking more peaceful, more content, than Roman had ever seen him. The seer's red hair was tousled, his long lashes casting shadows on his cheeks and his lips parted slightly in a soft, almost imperceptible snore.

This man, this beautiful, incredible man, he was here, sharing a bed with him, in Roman's arms. After all the longing, all the pining, all the endless nights of aching and wanting and wishing for something he never thought he could have…

It was real. It was happening. And Roman was the luckiest fucking bastard in the world.

He glanced over at the clock on the wall, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw the time. Holy shit, was it really after lunch already? How the hell had they managed to sleep for so long?

But then again, he thought with a wicked, satisfied grin, they had been up pretty late last night. Doing things that would make a lesser man blush, things that left them both sweaty and sated and so thoroughly, deliciously worn out.

Yeah, no wonder they had slept like the dead. They had certainly earned it, after the marathon lovemaking session that had left them both gasping and trembling and clinging to each other like they were the only things keeping them tethered to the earth.

Roman was just about to close his eyes again, to let himself drift back off to sleep with Merin warm and solid in his arms… when he felt the seer begin to stir, his long limbs stretching out and his eyelids fluttering open to reveal those stunning green eyes that never failed to take Roman's breath away.

"Hey there, sleepyhead," Roman murmured, his voice low and rough with the remnants of sleep. "Welcome back to the land of the living."

Merin blinked up at him, a slow, lazy smile spreading across his face as he nuzzled deeper into Roman's embrace. "Mmm, morning. Or afternoon, I guess. What time is it, anyway?"

Roman chuckled, running his fingers through Merin's sleep-mussed hair. "Just after lunch, believe it or not. We must have really worn each other out last night, huh?"

Merin's grin turned wicked, his eyes sparkling with mischief and memories. "Oh, I definitely believe it. You were insatiable, Roman. I've never been so thoroughly ravished in my entire life."

Roman felt a rush of heat, of pride and pleasure and possessiveness, surging through his veins at Merin's words. He rolled over, pinning the seer beneath him and leaning down to capture his lips in a slow, deep kiss that left them both breathless and aching for more.

"You ain't seen nothing yet, sweetheart," he growled against Merin's mouth, nipping at the seer's bottom lip with his teeth. "I plan on ravishing you every single day, for the rest of our lives. Until you forget your own name, until the only word you remember how to say is mine."

Merin whimpered, arching up into Roman's touch like a man possessed. "Fuck, Roman. You can't just say things like that. Not if you expect me to be able to function like a normal human being today."

Roman grinned, pressing a soft, teasing kiss to the tip of Merin's nose. "And who says I expect you to function like a normal human being? Maybe I want to keep you in this bed all day, naked and needy and begging for my touch…"

Merin groaned, his head falling back against the pillows in mock despair. "You're going to be the death of me, Roman. I hope you know that."

Roman chuckled, rolling off of Merin and propping himself up on one elbow to stare down at the seer with a soft, tender smile. "I just realized, don't you have work today?" Roman asked, suddenly remembering the busy schedule Merin usually kept at the diner.

But Merin just grinned, a wicked, mischievous glint in his eyes. "Nope. It's my day off, remember? I'm all yours, Roman. For as long as you want me."

Roman groaned, feeling a rush of heat and desire surging through his veins at the promise, the possibility, in Merin's words. "Fuck, sweetheart."

Merin laughed, a bright, joyful sound that made Roman's heart sing and his soul soar. "Who says I want you to let me out of this bed? Maybe I want to stay here forever, naked and needy and begging for your touch…"

Roman's eyes flashed with a primal, possessive hunger, a low, feral growl rumbling up from deep in his chest. "Keep talking like that, sweetheart, and I might just have to take you up on that offer."

But Merin just grinned, a wicked, teasing glint in his eyes as he slid out from under Roman's body and stood up, stretching his long, lean limbs in a way that made Roman's mouth go dry and his cock twitch with interest.

"Or," the seer said, his voice low and filled with promise, "you could join me in the shower, and we could see just how much trouble we can get into before the hot water runs out."

And with that, he turned and sauntered off towards the bathroom, his hips swaying in a way that made Roman's brain short-circuit and his body thrum with a desperate, aching need.

Goddamn it, that man knows how to push my buttons, Roman thought, his eyes fixed on Merin's retreating figure. The seer always had this way of making him lose control, and right now, losing control seemed like the best idea he'd had all day. He could feel the heat pooling in his groin, his cock hardening with every step Merin took.

"Fuck it," Roman muttered to himself, pushing off the bed and following Merin into the bathroom. The steam was already billowing out of the shower, fogging up the mirrors and adding a hazy, dreamlike quality to the room.

Merin was under the spray, water cascading over his lithe body, eyes closed as he lathered up his chest. He looked like a damn vision, and Roman couldn't help but let out a low whistle.

"Damn, you're a sight," Roman said, stepping into the shower behind him. The water was scalding hot, but Roman didn't care. All he could focus on was Merin, who turned to face him with a smirk.

"Took you long enough," Merin teased, running a soapy hand down Roman's chest, over his abs, and lower. "I was starting to think you weren't interested."

"Not interested?" Roman snorted, grabbing Merin by the hips and pulling him close. "You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Merin's laugh was low and breathy, and it sent a shiver down Roman's spine. "Show me, then."

Roman didn't need to be told twice. He crashed his mouth against Merin's, their teeth clashing in a desperate, hungry kiss. It was all tongue and heat and raw need, and Roman couldn't get enough. His hands roamed over Merin's body, feeling the slickness of the soap and the hardness of muscle underneath.

"Turn around," Roman growled, his voice rough with desire. Merin's eyes flashed with excitement as he complied, bracing himself against the tiled wall. Roman ran his hands down Merin's back, over the curve of his ass, feeling the tension in his muscles.

"God, you feel so good," Roman murmured, his fingers finding Merin's entrance. He teased him for a moment, just to hear the way Merin's breath hitched, then pushed a finger inside.

"Fuck, Roman," Merin gasped, pushing back against him. "More."

"Greedy," Roman muttered, but he was more than happy to oblige. He added another finger, stretching Merin open, loving the way the seer writhed against him.

"Come on, stop teasing," Merin panted, looking over his shoulder with a challenging glint in his eyes. "Fuck me already."

Roman didn't need to be told twice. He positioned himself at Merin's entrance, grabbing his hips for leverage. With one hard thrust, he was inside, buried to the hilt. They both groaned, the sound echoing off the tiles.

"Jesus, you're tight," Roman grunted, his grip on Merin's hips tightening. "Feels so fucking good."

Merin's only response was a low moan as he pushed back against Roman, taking him deeper. Roman set a brutal pace, each thrust drawing gasps and moans from both of them. The shower was a blur of steam and slick bodies, the sound of skin slapping against skin mingling with the roar of the water.

"Harder," Merin demanded, his voice breathy and desperate. Roman obliged, pounding into him with a ferocity that left them both breathless. He could feel the edge approaching, the tight coil of pleasure winding tighter and tighter in his belly.

"Fuck, Merin," Roman groaned, his rhythm faltering. "I'm gonna—"

"Do it," Merin urged, his own voice strained with need. "Come inside me."

With a final, deep thrust, Roman came, his vision going white as pleasure ripped through him. He could feel Merin shuddering around him, the seer's own orgasm hitting him hard. They rode out the waves of pleasure together, clinging to each other as they came down from the high.

Roman pulled out slowly, watching as Merin turned to face him, a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Goddamn, you know how to make a guy feel good," Merin said, his voice husky.

"Same to you," Roman replied, leaning in for a softer, gentler kiss. "Now, let's get cleaned up before the water runs out."

Merin chuckled, reaching for the soap again. "Deal. But next time, I get to be on top."

Roman's laugh was deep and genuine as he helped Merin lather up. "We'll see about that, sweetheart. We'll see."

And oh, did they ever. By the time the water ran cold and their skin was pruned and wrinkled, Roman was pretty damn sure he had discovered at least a dozen new erogenous zones on Merin's body, each one more delicious and responsive than the last.

But eventually, hunger of a different sort began to make itself known, their stomachs growling and their bodies crying out for sustenance after the marathon lovemaking session of the night before.

"Alright, alright," Merin laughed, shutting off the water and reaching for a towel. "I guess we should probably feed ourselves before we pass out from sheer exhaustion."

Roman grinned, leaning in to press a soft, teasing kiss to the seer's neck. "I don't know, sweetheart. I can think of worse ways to go."

Merin rolled his eyes, swatting at Roman's chest with a playful grin. "Down, boy. Food first, then we can talk about round… what are we on now, anyway? Five? Six?"

Roman's grin turned wicked, his eyes flashing with heat and promise. "Oh, we're just getting started, sweetheart. I plan on spending the rest of my life exploring every inch of this gorgeous body of yours."

Merin shivered, his eyes darkening with desire even as he pulled away with a rueful smile. "Later, Roman. I promise. But for now let me feed you, okay? Let me take care of you, the way you've been taking care of me."

And honestly, how could Roman say no to that? The thought of Merin in the kitchen, cooking for him, feeding him… it was so domestic, so utterly perfect and right, that it made his heart ache with a fierce, unshakable longing.

"Lead the way, sweetheart," he murmured, pressing a soft, tender kiss to Merin's lips. "I'm all yours."

And oh, the smile Merin gave him then… it was brighter than the sun, more beautiful than any sunrise Roman had ever seen. The seer took his hand, twining their fingers together as he led Roman out of the bathroom and down the hall to the kitchen, where he promptly set about whipping up the most mouthwatering brunch Roman had ever smelled.

As he watched Merin move around the kitchen, humming softly to himself as he cracked eggs and flipped pancakes and fried up bacon, Roman felt a sudden, overwhelming rush of emotion wash over him. This man, this beautiful, incredible man… he was everything Roman had ever wanted, ever dreamed of and more.

And the fact that he was here, in Merin's home, in Merin's life… it was a gift, a blessing, a miracle that Roman knew he would never, ever take for granted.

"Where did you learn to cook like this?" he asked, leaning against the counter and inhaling deeply as Merin slid a plate piled high with food in front of him. "Seriously, sweetheart, this smells amazing."

Merin ducked his head, a slight blush staining his cheeks at the praise. "The couple who took me in… they taught me the basics. Said every young man should know his way around a kitchen. And then, living out in the woods on my own… I guess I just had a lot of time to practice, to experiment and figure out what I liked."

Roman took a bite of the fluffy, golden pancakes, his eyes rolling back in his head as the flavors exploded on his tongue. "Fuck, Merin. This is… this is incredible. You could give Larry and Steve a run for their money, you know that?"

Merin's blush deepened, his eyes widening in surprise. "What? No, I… I couldn't. I mean, they're professionals, Roman. I'm just… I'm just a guy who likes to cook for the people he lo-… cares about."

Roman's heart stuttered in his chest, his breath catching at the way Merin had stumbled over that last word. The people he… loved? Was that what he had been about to say?

But before he could press the issue, before he could ask Merin to clarify, to say the words that Roman so desperately longed to hear… the seer was moving on, his expression turning pensive and a little bit shy.

"Besides," he said, his voice soft and hesitant. "I don't… I don't know if I'm qualified, you know? To work in a real kitchen, with real chefs. I'm just… I'm just me."

Roman set down his fork, his heart clenching at the vulnerability, the self-doubt, in Merin's voice. He reached out, taking the seer's hand in his own and giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and filled with a fierce, unshakable conviction. "You are more than qualified, Merin. More than worthy, more than enough."

Merin's lips twitched, a small, hesitant smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You really think so? You think they'd… they'd give me a chance, if I asked?"

Roman grinned, bringing Merin's hand to his lips and pressing a soft, tender kiss to his knuckles. "I know so, sweetheart. And if they don't well, then I'll just have to have a little chat with them myself. Remind them just how lucky they are, to have a talent like you in their midst."

Merin laughed, shaking his head in fond exasperation. "My hero," he teased, his eyes sparkling with mirth and affection. "Always ready to ride to my rescue, even when I don't need rescuing."

Roman shrugged, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "What can I say? It's a tough job, being your knight in shining armor. But somebody's got to do it."

They finished their meal in comfortable silence, trading soft glances and even softer touches as they savored the food and the company and the sheer, unbridled joy of being together. But as Roman set down his fork and leaned back in his chair, a sudden, nagging doubt began to creep into the back of his mind.

"Merin," he said, his voice low and hesitant. "Can I ask you something?"

Merin looked up, his brow furrowing at the seriousness in Roman's tone. "Of course, love. You can ask me anything, you know that."

Roman swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to meet Merin's gaze. "Last night… this morning… all of this. Do you… do you have any regrets? Any doubts or… or second thoughts about… about us?"

Merin's eyes widened, a look of surprise and confusion flashing across his face. But then, slowly, a soft, tender smile began to spread across his lips, his eyes shining with a fierce, unshakable devotion that took Roman's breath away.

"Roman," he said, his voice low and filled with a quiet, unwavering certainty. "I could never, ever regret a single moment spent with you." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful and a little bit shy. "I won't lie to you. I'm not… I'm not good at this. At relationships, at letting people in. I've been hurt before, been left behind and forgotten by people I thought I could trust."

Roman's heart clenched in his chest, a hot, fierce surge of protectiveness washing over him at the pain, the vulnerability, in Merin's voice. He reached out, cupping the seer's face in his hands and stroking his thumbs over the delicate skin of his cheekbones.

"I will never, ever hurt you, Merin," he said, his voice low and intense. "Never leave you, never forget you. You're my whole fucking world, sweetheart. And I will spend the rest of my life proving that to you, if that's what it takes."

Merin's eyes shone with unshed tears, his lips trembling as he leaned into Roman's touch. "I know," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I know, Roman. And I promise, I'll try. I'll try to be better, to be what you deserve."

Roman shook his head, a fierce, unshakable conviction burning in his gut. "You already are, sweetheart. You already are everything I could ever want, ever need."

Merin surged forward, capturing Roman's lips in a fierce, desperate kiss that stole the breath from his lungs and the thoughts from his mind. They clung to each other, pouring every ounce of love and longing and sheer, unbridled devotion into the slide of their tongues and the press of their bodies.

The shrill, insistent ringing of Merin's phone shattered the moment, pulling them back to reality with a jolt.

Merin pulled away with a groan, his eyes flashing with annoyance and regret as he reached for the offending device. But as he glanced at the screen, as he saw the name flashing up at him… his expression changed, his eyes widening and his face splitting into a grin of pure, unadulterated joy.

"It's Adrian," Merin said and answered it. Roman saw his eyes widen before hanging up.

There was only one reason Adrian would be calling, only one thing that could put that look of pure, unbridled joy on Merin's face.

"The seed," he breathed, his voice low and filled with a quiet, unwavering certainty. "It's… it's blooming, isn't it? The Baby is coming?"

Merin nodded, his eyes shining with tears of happiness and wonder. "Yes," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "Yes, Roman. It's… it's time."

Roman grinned, a fierce, unshakable sense of purpose settling over him like a mantle. He took Merin's hand in his own, twining their fingers together and giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

"Then what are we waiting for, sweetheart? Let's go welcome the newest member of our little family into the world."

And with that, they were off, scrambling to throw on clothes and shoes and race out the door, their hearts pounding and their minds spinning with the sheer, unbridled excitement of the moment.

* * *

They made it to Adrian's manor in record time, the tires squealing as Roman slammed on the brakes and threw the car into park. He was out the door in a flash, Merin hot on his heels as they raced up the steps and burst through the front door.

Mr. Prattle was there to greet them, his usually stoic face split wide with a grin of pure, unadulterated joy. "They're in the solarium," he said, his voice breathless with excitement. "Everyone's already gathered, waiting for the big moment."

Roman nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as he took Merin's hand and followed Mr. Prattle down the winding halls of the manor. He could feel the seer's palm, slick with sweat and trembling with nerves, and he gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

And then they were there, bursting through the doors of the solarium and into a scene straight out of a dream. The room was filled to the brim with their friends and family, their faces alight with joy and wonder as they gathered around the glowing, pulsing seed that sat on a pedestal in the center of the room.

Roman's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Queen Elara herself, resplendent in robes of shimmering gold and green, her auburn hair cascading down her back in an intricate braid. Beside her stood Prince Rowan and his mate, Luca, their hands clasped tightly together and their eyes fixed on the seed with a fierce, unwavering intensity.

And there, in the center of it all, stood Adrian and Benjamin. They were wrapped in each other's arms, their faces wet with tears of joy and their eyes shining with a love so fierce, so pure, that it took Roman's breath away. He had never seen them look so happy, so complete, as they did in that moment.

"Your Majesty," he murmured, bowing low before the Queen and the Prince. "It's an honor to be here, to witness this miracle alongside you."

Queen Elara smiled, her eyes warm and filled with a quiet, knowing joy. "The honor is ours, Roman. To see the love of these two men, to witness the birth of their child it is a gift beyond measure."

The seed began to pulse, to throb with a fierce, blinding light that filled the room and stole the breath from their lungs.

"It's happening," Benjamin whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "Our baby, Adrian."

Adrian tightened his grip on his mate's waist, his eyes shining with unshed tears as he pressed a fierce, desperate kiss to Benjamin's temple. "I love you," he whispered, his voice low and intense. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

And then, with a final, shuddering pulse of light… the seed cracked open, and a tiny, perfect form spilled out into Benjamin's waiting arms.

The room erupted into cheers and applause, tears streaming down every face as they crowded around the new parents, eager to catch a glimpse of the miracle they had just witnessed. Roman felt Merin's hand slip into his own, felt the seer tremble against his side as they watched Benjamin cradle his son to his chest, his face alight with a joy and a love so fierce, so pure, that it took their breath away.

"A boy," Benjamin whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "Adrian, we have a son. A perfect, beautiful son."

Adrian let out a choked sob, his hand reaching out to stroke the soft, downy hair on his son's head. "He's amazing, Benny. More than I ever could have dreamed."

Queen Elara stepped forward then, her face soft and filled with a quiet, knowing joy. She placed a gentle hand on the baby's forehead, her eyes fluttering closed as she breathed in the scent of new life, of hope and possibility and the sheer, unbridled magic of the moment.

"He is strong," she murmured, her voice low and filled with a quiet, unwavering certainty. "The blood of dragons flows through his veins, the magic of the Benjamin in his heart. He will do great things, this child. Great and wonderful things."

Benjamin's eyes widened, his arms tightening instinctively around his son. "Will he… will he be able to shift, like Adrian? To take on the form of a dragon?"

Queen Elara smiled, a soft, enigmatic thing that made Roman's heart skip a beat in his chest. "Only time will tell, young Benjamin. But I have no doubt that he will be a force to be reckoned with, in whatever form he takes. A true Prince of Dragons and Magic, born from the love of two realms."

Adrian let out a shaky laugh, his eyes shining with unshed tears as he pressed a fierce, grateful kiss to the Queen's hand. "Thank you, Your Majesty. For everything. For believing in us, in our love, when no one else would."

Queen Elara's smile widened, her eyes warm and filled with a quiet, unwavering affection. "It is I who should be thanking you, Adrian. You and your mate have given the realms a gift beyond measure, a symbol of hope and unity in these dark and uncertain times."

She turned to the assembled crowd then, her voice ringing out clear and strong in the stillness of the room. "Let it be known, from this day forward, that the child born of Adrian and Benjamin is under the protection of the Seelie Court. That any who would seek to harm him, to use him for their own ends… will face the full wrath of the fae, and the fury of the dragons who call him kin."