17. Planning and Tracking

17

Planning and Tracking

Merin

R oman's heartbeat beneath his ear was a comforting anchor, a reminder that no matter how much his world had been turned upside down, he wasn't alone.

"You ready to talk about it?" Roman asked softly, his fingers carding gently through Merin's ginger hair.

Merin sighed, his breath ruffling the fine hairs on Roman's chest. Where could he even start?

"I don't know," he admitted, his voice rough with exhaustion and emotion. "It's just a lot, you know? Finding out that I'm not who I thought I was, that my whole life has been some kind of cosmic mistake."

Roman's arms tightened around him, a fierce, protective embrace that made Merin's heart ache with gratitude and love.

"Hey," Roman said, his voice low and intense. "You're not a mistake, Merin. You never were, and you never will be. You're exactly who and what you're meant to be, and nothing that happened today changes that."

He tilted his head to press a soft kiss to Roman's chest. "I know, and I'm so grateful for you, for everything you've given me. But Roman, what I saw today, what Mira told me…" He whispered. He took a deep, shuddering breath, steeling himself for the words that needed to be said. "She told me that she was my mother, Roman. My birth mother, from another time and place. And she was a phoenix, a creature of fire and magic and rebirth eternal."

"A phoenix? I thought they were just myths, legends from a time long past."

Merin shook his head, a wry, humorless chuckle escaping his lips. "So did I. But apparently, there's a lot about the world, about myself, that I never knew."

He sat up, running a hand through his hair as he tried to gather his thoughts, to put into words the incredible, impossible tale that Mira had spun for him.

"She said she was carrying me when a great war broke out between the vikings and demons. And that my father was a warrior, Roman. A Viking, born and bred, with a heart as big as the sky itself. And he sacrificed everything, gave up his very life, to banish the demons back to the hells from whence they came."

Roman sat up, his arms coming around Merin in a fierce, desperate embrace. "Oh, baby. I'm so sorry, so fucking sorry that you had to go through that, had to lose him before you ever even got the chance to know him."

Merin nodded, burying his face in the crook of Roman's neck and breathing in the scent of him, the warmth and strength and comfort of the man he loved more than life itself.

"I don't know how to feel," he admitted, his voice muffled against Roman's skin. "I mean, on the one hand, it's incredible, you know? " He pulled back, his eyes meeting Roman's with a look of quiet, aching vulnerability. "But also, I feel like I've lost something, you know? Like there was this whole other life, this whole other family that I never even knew I had. And now, knowing that they're gone, that I'll never have the chance to know them or love them or be a part of their world."

"But that's not true," Roman said fiercely, his hands coming up to cup Merin's face with a tenderness that made the seer's heart ache. "Merin, listen to me. You have a family, here and now. A family that loves you, that would do anything for you, no matter what. And as for your birth parents, your ancestors… they're a part of you, baby. A part of who you are and where you come from, and nothing can ever take that away from you."

He knew Roman was right, knew that he had so much to be grateful for, so much love and support and sheer, unbridled magic in his life.

But still, the ache remained. The longing for something he'd never even known he was missing, until it was too late to ever truly have it.

"Mira said that her version in our time, she's searching for answers," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "And that we need to find her."

He leaned forward, his forehead pressing against Merin's in a gesture of comfort, of connection, of the bond that had brought them together across time and space and the very fabric of the universe itself.

"And you won't be facing it alone, baby. Not now, not ever."

"I love you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you so fucking much, Roman. And I don't know what I did to deserve you, to deserve this kind of love and support and sheer, unshakable devotion…"

"You didn't have to do anything," Roman said softly, his lips brushing against Merin's in a tender, achingly sweet kiss. "You just had to be you, Merin. The brave, stubborn, unfailingly kind and loyal and loving man that you are. And I will spend the rest of my life, and every life that comes after, loving you with everything I have and everything I am."

Merin's heart swelled, his arms coming up to wrap around Roman's neck and pull him closer, deeper, until there was nothing between them but the heat of their bodies and the pounding of their hearts.

* * *

The growling of Merin's stomach broke the spell, reminding them both that they haven't eaten yet.

"Hungry?" Roman asked, a teasing grin tugging at his lips as he pulled back to look at Merin with a fond, knowing light in his eyes.

Merin blushed, ducking his head in embarrassment. "Starving, actually."

Roman laughed, the sound warm and rich and filled with a joy that made Merin's heart ache with love and gratitude. "Well then, let's get you fed, yeah? How does Willow sound? I could murder a stack of Larry's pancakes right about now."

They showered and dressed quickly, the promise of good food and good company lending a spring to their step as they made their way out of the house and down the winding, tree-lined streets of Willowbrook.

As they stepped into the warm, inviting space, Merin's eyes immediately landed on Peter and James, nestled into their usual booth by the window. A smile tugged at his lips as he made his way over, Roman following close behind.

"Well, fancy seeing you two here," Merin grinned as he slid into the booth across from the couple. "Mind if we join you?"

Peter looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Merin, Roman! Of course, please do. We were just about to order."

Gem, the diner's lively and ever-present waitress, seemed to materialize out of thin air, her notepad at the ready. "Well, if it isn't my favorite customers. What can I get for you boys tonight?"

Merin's stomach rumbled, his mouth watering at the thought of Larry's famous pancakes. "I'll have the usual, Gem. Stack of pancakes, side of bacon, and a coffee, please."

Roman chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "I'll have the same, Gem. Thanks."

As Gem sauntered off to place their orders, Peter leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Merin, Roman… there's something we need to talk to you about."

Merin felt a flicker of unease in his gut, his instincts telling him that whatever Peter had to say, it was important. "What is it, Peter? What's going on?"

Peter glanced around the diner, making sure no one was close enough to overhear before he spoke. "We found Wyatt."

Roman's brow furrowed in confusion. "Wyatt? Who's Wyatt?"

"Wanda's twin brother," Peter explained, his voice low and urgent. "He came with her to Tir na nóg."

Merin's eyes widened, his mind racing with the implications of this new information. "Her twin? I didn't even know she had a brother."

James nodded, his expression grim. "Not many people do. He's kept a low profile, stayed out of the spotlight while Wanda made a name for herself as Riordan's right-hand witch."

"But why are you looking for him now?" Roman asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What does he have to do with any of this?"

Merin leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as he lowered his voice. "Because he might know more about how to defeat Wanda. If we can convince him to tell us what he knows, considering she's his twin."

James and Roman exchanged a skeptical look, their doubt clear in their eyes. "I don't know, Merin," James said slowly. "Do you really think we need his help? I mean, we've faced Wanda before and come out on top."

Merin shook his head, his expression turning serious. "That was before, James. Before she was tainted with Riordan's dark magic. She's more powerful now than she's ever been, and we can't afford to underestimate her."

Peter nodded in agreement, his jaw tight with determination. "Merin's right. We need every advantage we can get, and Wyatt might just be the key to taking Wanda down once and for all."

Roman still looked unconvinced, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned back in the booth. "What makes you think Wyatt would even agree to whatever we tell him?"

"He might not have a choice," Peter said grimly. "If we can make him see the danger Wanda poses, not just to us but to the entire world he might be willing to do whatever it takes to stop her."

Merin sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to wrap his mind around the plan. It was risky, there was no denying that. But if it worked, if they could use Wyatt to get to Wanda.

"Alright," he said finally, his voice low and determined. "How do we get him here in Willowbrook?"

Peter sat back, a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips. "Leave that to me."

Merin nodded, a flicker of hope kindling in his chest. It wasn't much, but it was a start. A chance to finally put an end to the darkness and destruction that Wanda and Riordan had wrought.

Their food arrived then, steaming plates of pancakes and bacon that made Merin's mouth water and his stomach rumble with anticipation. For a few minutes, there was nothing but the clink of silverware and the soft, satisfied sounds of four hungry men enjoying a damn good meal.

"You okay, Merin?" Peter asked finally, his voice low and concerned. "You seemed pretty spooked earlier, at the cafe. Like you'd seen a ghost or something."

"I'm okay," he said finally, his voice steady and sure even as his heart raced in his chest. "Just a little tired, I guess. It's been a long day."

The rest of the meal passed in easy conversation and laughter, the four of them falling into the familiar rhythm of banter and teasing that had become the soundtrack of their lives. And by the time they finished their food and said their goodbyes, Merin felt a sense of peace, of rightness, settling over him like a warm, comforting blanket.

* * *

Merin and Roman stepped out into the cool evening air. Merin's mind was still reeling from the revelations of the day, his heart heavy with the weight of the task that lay ahead.

"So, what now?" Roman asked, his voice low and concerned as he took in the pensive look on Merin's face.

Merin sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to gather his thoughts. "We need to find Mira, Roman. And soon. If what she told me is true, if she really is my mother reborn… then she's in danger. Riordan won't hesitate to use her, to manipulate her for his own twisted ends. And I think I might know a way to track her down. But I need your help, Roman. I need you to take me to the clearing in the woods."

Roman's eyebrows shot up, surprise and curiosity warring in his gaze. "The clearing? Why there?"

Merin hesitated, not quite sure how to put into words the feeling, the instinct that was guiding him. "I don't know, exactly. But something tells me that's where I need to be, where I can tap into the magic that will lead me to Mira."

Roman nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "Alright, then. The clearing it is."

They set off towards the woods, their steps quick and purposeful as they made their way down the winding, tree-lined path. Merin could feel the energy of the forest, the hum of life and magic that thrummed through every leaf and branch and blade of grass.

As they reached the edge of the trees, Roman paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I have an idea," he said, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face. "How about we make this trip a little more interesting?"

Before Merin could ask what he meant, Roman's form began to shift and change, his body rippling and expanding until a massive, furry bear stood in his place.

Merin's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat in his chest. No matter how many times he saw Roman shift, it never failed to take his breath away. The sheer power, the raw, untamed beauty of his mate's bear form.

Merin breathed, his voice low and reverent. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

Roman let out a soft, rumbling chuff, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. He lowered himself to the ground, his massive head nodding towards his back in a clear invitation.

Merin hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty washing over him. "You want me to ride you?" he asked, his voice pitching higher with nerves. "Is that safe?"

Roman rolled his eyes, a gesture that was so purely him, so utterly human, that it made Merin's heart ache with love and affection. The bear huffed, pawing at the ground impatiently.

"Alright, alright," Merin laughed, shaking his head as he stepped forward. "I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

He clambered onto Roman's back, his fingers sinking into the thick, soft fur as he tried to find his balance. It was strange, surreal, to be sitting atop a creature that could crush him with a single swipe of its massive paw.

But as he settled into place, as he felt the warmth and the strength of Roman's body beneath him… he knew that he had nothing to fear. That his mate would never, ever let him fall.

"Okay," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'm ready. Let's do this."

Roman let out a soft, rumbling purr, the sound vibrating through Merin's body like a physical caress. He felt a grin tug at his lips, a wicked, teasing glint entering his eye.

"Did you just… purr?" he asked, his voice low and delighted. "The big, bad bear shifter, purring like a kitten?"

Roman's head swung around, his dark eyes narrowing in a glare that promised retribution. Merin held up his hands, a laugh bubbling up from his chest.

"Alright, alright, I won't tell a soul. But just so you know, if you ever do that in front of anyone else, I'm totally throwing you under the bus."

Roman huffed, his massive shoulders shaking with what Merin could only assume was laughter. And then, with a soft, rumbling growl he took off, his paws pounding against the earth as he carried Merin deeper into the heart of the woods.

Merin let out a whoop of joy, his heart racing with exhilaration as the wind whipped through his hair and the trees blurred into a sea of green and brown. This was… incredible. Like nothing he had ever experienced before, like flying and falling and soaring all at once.

He leaned forward, his cheek pressing against the soft, warm fur of Roman's neck. "Faster," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of Roman's paws. "Take me flying, Roman. Take me somewhere only we can go."

And Roman… Roman obeyed. His stride lengthened, his speed increasing until Merin felt like they were practically flying, the world around them nothing more than a blur of color and sound and sensation.

They ran for what felt like hours, days, an eternity suspended in a single, perfect moment. And when they finally reached the clearing, when Roman slowed to a stop and Merin slid from his back on shaky, unsteady legs…

He knew, with a bone-deep certainty, that he would never forget this. Would never forget the feeling of freedom, of joy, of sheer, unbridled love that had filled him from head to toe.

Roman shifted back, his human form taking shape in a ripple of magic and energy. Merin watched, his breath catching in his throat, as the man he loved appeared before him, tall and strong and heart-stoppingly beautiful.

"That was incredible," Merin breathed, his voice low and rough with emotion. "I don't even have the words, Roman. Just… thank you. Thank you for showing me what it means to fly."

Roman smiled, his eyes soft and warm as he pulled Merin into his arms. "Anytime, baby. Anytime at all."

They stood there for a long moment, wrapped up in each other and lost in the magic of the moment. But eventually, the weight of their task, the urgency of their mission, began to press in on them once more.

Merin took a deep breath, his hand reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, silver ring. It glinted in the moonlight, the intricate engravings on its surface seeming to dance and shift before their eyes.

"What's that?" Roman asked, his brow furrowing in curiosity as he stepped closer to get a better look.

Merin smiled, a soft, wistful thing that made his eyes shine with memory and emotion. "It was a gift," he said quietly, his thumb rubbing over the smooth, cool metal. "From the couple who took me in." He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight with grief and gratitude. "They were the closest thing I ever had to parents, to a family. And this ring… it was their way of showing me that I belonged, that I was loved and wanted and cherished."

Roman's expression softened, his hand coming up to rest on Merin's shoulder in a gesture of comfort and understanding. "It's beautiful, Mer. And I know how much it means to you, how much they meant to you."

Merin nodded, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. "They did. They really did. And now… now I have a chance to find my real family, to bring my mother home and give her the love and the life she never even knew she'd lost." He held up the ring, his eyes shining with determination and hope. "And this… this is going to help me do it."

Roman's eyebrows shot up, surprise and confusion warring on his face. "The ring? How?"

Merin grinned, a flicker of excitement and anticipation washing over him. "By using it as a tracking amulet. By infusing it with my magic, with the connection that binds my soul to Mira's… I can use it to find her, to lead us straight to wherever she is."

Roman's eyes widened, a slow, incredulous smile spreading across his face. "Merin, that's… that's brilliant. But how do you know it will work? How do you know you can make that kind of connection, that kind of magic?"

Merin hesitated, his hand tightening around the ring as he tried to find the words to explain the feeling, the instinct that was guiding him. "I don't, not for sure. But when I was with Mira, in that vision or dream or whatever it was… I felt something, Roman. A bond, a tie that went beyond blood or magic or anything I've ever known."

He took a deep breath, his eyes fluttering closed as he remembered the warmth, the love, the sheer, unbridled rightness of being in his mother's presence. "And if I can tap into that bond, if I can use it to link the ring to her soul, I know it will lead us to her. I can feel it, in every fiber of my being."

Roman was quiet for a long moment, his dark eyes searching Merin's face with an intensity that made the seer's heart skip a beat in his chest. And then, slowly, a smile began to tug at the corners of his mouth, a fierce, unwavering light entering his gaze.

"Alright then," he said firmly, his hand squeezing Merin's shoulder in a gesture of support and encouragement. "Let's do it. Let's make some magic and bring your Mira home."

He closed his eyes, his hand tightening around the ring as he reached out with his magic, with his heart, with every fiber of his being. He thought of Mira, of her warmth and her love and the fierce, unwavering strength that had carried her through so much pain and loss.

He thought of the bond between them, the tie that had brought them together across the centuries and the realms. And as he sank deeper into that connection, as he let himself be surrounded by the pulsing, thrumming web of magic that flowed through all things.

He felt it. A flicker of light, a spark of something that called to him, that tugged at his very soul like a siren's song.

Merin's eyes snapped open, a grin spreading across his face as he held up the ring. It was glowing now, pulsing with a soft, silvery light that seemed to dance and shimmer in the air around them.

"It worked," he said, his voice low and filled with wonder. "Roman, it worked. I can feel her, can sense her in a way I never have before. She's close, I think. Closer than we ever could have imagined."