Being home was both comforting and bittersweet for Banyan. He loved his uncle, and being in their old home reminded him of all the years they had shared together. All the things Gautum had taught him. It also reminded Banyan of how he met Urijah and the times they shared together as well. Banyan had planned on staying with his uncle for at least a month, but the pain was too much. After sitting at the table all night talking with Gautum, Banyan made up his mind to head on to Åsmundnes. He would visit with a few of those he’d missed most over the years, and then he was going to travel forward to his parents’ home where he would begin his life as King.

A heavy hand clamped down on his shoulder as his uncle walked up behind him. Neither one had slept or even attempted to. After Banyan admitted to releasing Urijah, he explained the letter he gave Uri and the battle over the Greeks. They spent all night talking about anything and everything, doing their best to catch up on the last two hundred years.

“I wish there was something I could do or say ta ease your pain. I’ve lived over a thousand years, and life doesn’t always make sense to me. I don’t understand why I was given a mate only to have her taken away so suddenly. Why give me a female for such a short time?”

They had stopped talking about mates several hours before, but it seemed Gautum was ready to revisit the subject. “Would you rather have never known Aunt Jaleh? Never known her love rather than have had it only for a short while?” Banyan asked, spinning one of the many empty vodka bottles on the table. He had gone through every ounce of liquor his uncle had stored in the cabinet, and it had done nothing to ease the ache in his heart.

Gautum’s face softened as he answered. “No. I am thankful to have known her love, but I have been thinking.”

“About a pretty female who bakes the best bread in all of Norway?”

Gautum’s grin grew larger, the smile meeting his eyes. “Ja. It isn’t like she doesn’t strike my fancy, but after our talk last night, you’ve made me see how short life can be, even for beings such as us.”

“I think that’s wonderful. I would be honored to call Freyda family. Speaking of family, I’m going to head on out. I’ve put Far off long enough.”

“I guess the next time I see ya I’ll be bowing to the King,” Gautum said.

“You will never bow to me, Uncle. I have you to thank for everything. For being the Gargoyle I am. For having such a wonderful home growing up. For the training and the guidance. I am forever indebted to you.”

“Oh, Banyan, it was my honor. Your parents gave me what the fates denied – a son. I couldn’t be prouder.” Gautum covered Banyan’s hand with his and squeezed. The wooden front porch creaked as someone walked to the door and knocked. Gautum blushed, and Banyan laughed at his uncle. There was only one reason Gautum’s cheeks would turn rosy, and that was because of a pretty female.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a shower and get out of these clothes. There are some old friends I would like to visit before I take off.” Banyan stood and headed to his bedroom, leaving his uncle to greet his caller. After he had bathed and dressed, Banyan stepped into the kitchen where his uncle and Freyda were arguing about the human neighbor.

“I’m telling ya, the tart is a spy!”

“Tart? Are ya jealous, Freyda?”

“Good morning, Freyda.” Banyan gave the female a kiss on the cheek and said, “I’m going to leave you both to this conversation.”

“Banyan, you could settle this. What do you—”

He waved over his shoulder, not wanting to wait around and voice his opinion, because at the moment, he didn’t have one. He hadn’t actually met the woman, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to. As he was walking toward Tabor’s home, his phone pinged with a text message. It was from Tamian. Banyan wasn’t aware Tamian had his number, but there were a lot of things he didn’t know about the half-blood. There was a video attached to the message, so Banyan stopped at the little park and sat on one of the benches.

Tamian - I thought you might want to see this.

Banyan clicked the play arrow, and Rafael’s voiced filled the air. Tamian had videoed the funeral. He sat silently as Rafael spoke about his mother and mates. About friendship and loyalty. When it came time to honor the dead, Banyan fisted his heart and repeated the words with the others. When the video ended, Urijah’s face filled the frame, and Banyan’s heart stuttered. Banyan felt Uri’s pain through the phone. If things were different, he would have comforted his mate after the battle and all during the night. Gods, he had to stop thinking of Uri as his, but after seven hundred years, it would take longer than a few days to get over.

As he stood, he noticed the human female sitting across the park watching him. When he caught her staring, she ducked her head and pretended to look at her phone. Maybe Freyda was right and the woman was a spy, but what was she trying to find, and who was she spying on exactly? The whole village was comprised of Gargoyles. If she had somehow seen one of them phasing, it was possible she was trying to get evidence. He would definitely have Gautum keep an eye on her. While she wasn’t looking, Banyan took several photos with his phone.

As he walked down the sidewalk leading to Tabor’s home, Banyan had a flashback to an incident that happened soon after he and Urijah had both phased for the first time. Urijah was flexing his fingers as his claws went in and out. He turned quickly, and Banyan couldn’t stop fast enough. Urijah’s claws shredded Banyan’s shirt and punctured his skin. He hissed, and Urijah jumped back, stumbling and landing on his backside.

“You cut me,” Banyan accused.

“Gods, B, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” Urijah scrambled to his feet, and his claws were nowhere to be seen. He pulled Banyan’s ruined shirt up and ghosted his fingers over Banyan’s stomach. Banyan sucked in a breath; the touch of his best friend drove him crazy. Urijah had no idea what he did to Banyan. The front door flew open, and Halina stepped outside.

“What are you two up to now?” she asked, hands on her hips.

“Nothing. I was flexing my claws, and I cut B. I didn’t mean to, Mor, I promise.”

“Well, of course ya didn’t mean to, Urijah. You’d no sooner hurt Banyan than I would. But that’s the good thing about being Gargoyle. Ya heal quickly. Now come on. Supper’s waiting.”

Banyan followed Uri inside, glad he had on loose breeches. He would hate for Halina to see how Urijah affected him. She would tell Tabor, and Tabor would tell his uncle, and Banyan would be sent packing.

“Banyan? Son, are you all right?” Halina asked from the open door. She looked exactly as she had all those years ago except her clothes were modern.

“Ja, I’m fine,” he responded and closed the distance between them. He pulled her into his arms and relished the feel of a mother’s embrace, even if she wasn’t his mother. She hugged him back just as tightly before ushering him inside. When she closed the door, Halina grabbed hold of his much larger hand and practically dragged him to the kitchen.

“Sit,” she instructed, and Banyan did as he was told. Halina was silent as she poured them both a mug of cider. He didn’t remember her drinking anything except the spicy liquid. Banyan took a sip, and Halina stared at him, studying him the way she’d done when he and Urijah were young. “Uri hasn’t found himself, has he?”

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Banyan responded truthfully. What was she getting at, exactly?

“The two of you were thicker than thieves when you were young. It was like you were brothers, but the older ya got, the closer you became, and not in a brotherly fashion.” Banyan opened his mouth to protest, but Halina waved him off. “Don’t try denying it, my boy. En mor knows these things. I never said anything to hans far, because it wasn’t my place, but I doubt he missed the truth, either. I saw how you both struggled. You had no doubts, while Urijah doubted everything. I had hoped he would have come to his senses by now.”

“You and me both.” Banyan sighed before taking a sip of cider. “It was so much more than two young boys finding their way together. Urijah is my mate. Or at least he was. He refused the bond, so I released him.”

“You did what?” she cried. “No, Banyan! Ya can’t. The two of you belong together. Ya can’t break that bond.”

Banyan set the mug down and reached for Halina’s hands. “I have to explain. When I’m finished, you’ll probably kick me out of your home, and I won’t blame you, but you have to know the truth.” Halina allowed him to hold onto her hands while he recounted the tale of New Orleans once more. He would be glad when he was finally with his parents and he could put the incident behind him. He had no choice but to explain the situation to his King. When he did, his father might not want him to rule, but he wouldn’t lie.

When the truth was out there between them, Halina patted Banyan on the hand before picking up her mug. “You are Gargoyle. You have a mighty beast within ya that demands what is rightfully yours. I hate that the human lost his life, but Banyan, I don’t blame ya, and that son of mine shouldn’t blame ya either. If he could remove his head from his arse long enough, he would see what’s in front of him. What’s been in front of him all along.”

Banyan couldn’t help but grin at the feisty female. She had always given Tabor a run for his money. “So what are your plans now?” she asked. While he was being honest, he decided to tell Halina the truth of who he really was.

“I am going home to Åsmundnes.”

“Home? This is your home.”

“It is, and it isn’t. Gautum isn’t min far; he’s min unkel. My real father… No that’s not right. Gautum was a real father to me, more so than the male who sired me. That male is Asmund Holgersen.”

“The King?”

Banyan nodded. “My father sent me to live with Gautum because of uprisings within the human world. He’s been asking for me to take my place on the throne for quite some time now. I always thought I would return with Urijah by my side. Since I know that won’t happen now, I’m ready to fulfill my obligation alone.”

“You’re the prince?” Halina clutched the top of her blouse and looked around the room. When her eyes came back to his face, she whispered, “You’re the prince?” She bowed her head.

Banyan laughed and chucked her under the chin. “Yes, I am the prince, and no, you shouldn’t bow or anything else. I’m still the same Banyan you’ve always known. That won’t change.”

“I… Huh.”

Banyan laughed again and smiled warmly. He felt more love for Urijah’s mother than he did his own. She had been one of the few besides Gautum who cared for him after he left home, and her love had seen him through his formative years. “I want to thank you, Halina. You were as much a mother to me as you were to your own sons. I will forever be grateful to you.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she stood, holding out her arms. “Is this allowed?” she asked.

“Of course, it is. I will always welcome hugs from you.” Banyan rose from the chair and allowed Halina to embrace him once again. He kissed the top of her head before setting his cheek to her hair. It had been too long since someone hugged him. Over the past thirty years, he hadn’t remained celibate while waiting on Urijah. That was like asking the pope not to pray. He was a Gargoyle, and he had needs, yet he never allowed himself to have a relationship with anyone. Never kissed the man or male who filled his bed for nothing more than to chase a release. Certainly never held them in his arms. He had long forgotten what it felt like for his own mother to hold him. Halina’s hug was nice. Comforting.

“What have you done to make my Halina cry?” Tabor asked as he entered the room. Banyan released Halina so she could go to her mate.

“He was being sweet,” Halina responded before Banyan had a chance to explain the situation.

“I need to be on my way, but now that I’ve returned to Norway, I won’t stay away as long.”

“Please don’t give up,” Halina whispered. Tabor frowned, but he didn’t ask what his mate was talking about. He held her close as Banyan held out a hand.

“Take care, Banyan. We look forward to seeing more of ya around here.” The two males shook hands, and Banyan left Urijah’s parents in their kitchen. He expected Halina to tell Tabor what they spoke about. He prayed if she confessed about Urijah being gay, Tabor would take it well. Banyan returned home to pack and get on the road.

When Banyan walked out of his bedroom, Gautum met him with his own bag. “I’m coming with ya,” Gautum said. “It’s been too long since I’ve seen din mor.”

“Is my mother the only reason?”

“What else could it be? Freyda is coming with us. She’s excited about meeting the old King before the new one takes the throne,” he added, grinning.

The front door opened, and Freyda walked in carrying a couple of suitcases. “I’m ready.”

Banyan grinned at both of them, shaking his head. It looked like he had a couple of escorts to see him home. He couldn’t say he wasn’t grateful to have them going with him. He had a feeling his homecoming with his parents wasn’t going to be nearly as happy as the one with Gautum had been.

 

 

When it came time to head back to New Atlanta, Urijah had the sudden urge to go visit his mother. Seeing Rafael and his brothers bury their mother hit him hard. It had been too long since he had seen home. Uri had been afraid to go back to the place he and Banyan had grown up together, but he could tamp down the memories long enough for a visit home. His parents weren’t getting any younger, and he would hate to receive a call one day telling him he was too late.

Uri had no idea where Banyan went when he left Greece. His letter merely stated he was moving on. He was probably sitting in his bar in California or looking out over the ocean. Banyan loved water. Loved the fjords of Norway. Loved the lakes they swam in every chance they got. Uri had loved them, too, and now he longed to see them again.

While the others were getting ready to board the jet, Urijah found Frey. “Can I talk to you a second?” he asked.

“Sure, Brother. What’s on your mind?”

“Do you think you can do without me a few more days at the gym? I wanted to swing by and see my parents since I’m this close.”

“Of course. Kai and Slade have it covered for now, and I’ll be back to help them tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Urijah turned to remove his bag from among the others, but Dante stopped him.

“Urijah, please wait.” Dante walked up to him and gripped his shoulders. “Take all the time you need. And I’m not only talking about mourning Finley. Take some time to figure things out,” he said, cryptically. Uri looked around for Connor. Dante was empathic when it came to understanding the feelings of others, but Connor was the one who had visions. Uri wondered if Connor had seen something, or if Dante was being cautious.

“I’m not sure what there is to figure out, but I won’t rush back to New Atlanta.”

Dante clapped his shoulder and inclined his head, not saying anything else. Urijah had a weird feeling there was more to Dante’s words than he elaborated on, but for now, he wouldn’t worry about them. He wanted to get back to Norway and his parents. Since he was flying commercial, he didn’t want to worry about checking his sword, especially with the unique coating it had on it. Uri entrusted the weapon to Jasper before telling the others he would see them back in New Atlanta eventually. He made his way to the commercial airline and booked the first available flight to Norway. His timing couldn’t have been better. He was able to purchase a first-class seat on a flight leaving within the hour. Uri had just enough time to grab a drink and take a piss before he needed to board.

As he sat in the first bar he came to, he sipped a glass of whiskey and thought of home. He wished it was winter. Norway with the snow on the mountaintops was the most magical place on Earth, especially the northern part of the country where the Aurora Borealis could be seen. When thinking of home, Uri tried to remember why he had stayed away so long. Oh, right – he was running from Banyan. Now he didn’t have to run away. There was nothing left between them. Banyan was moving on, and Uri was…

What am I doing?

Still fucking running.

 Uri’s flight number was called over the loud speaker. He downed the rest of his drink and headed toward the gate. Luck was on his side again, and no one took the empty seat beside him. He gazed out the window as the workers stowed luggage, directed planes, and pushed heavy carts back and forth.

“Can I get you a drink?” A young woman gasped when he turned away from the window to answer her. Her cheeks pinkened, and she smiled seductively. Urijah had learned a long time ago how to get better service whether it be in a bar or on a plane. Male or female, it didn’t matter. Everyone wanted to feel good about themselves. Wanted to be flirted with.

Uri put on his best smile and said, “You sure can. I’ll take a Jameson, neat.”

She smiled and batted her lashes just enough to not look cheesy before turning away. When she returned, she said, “Here you go. My name is Callee, and I’ll be taking care of you this afternoon. If you need anything, anything at all, you let me know.”

Urijah raised his glass to her before taking a sip, keeping his eyes on hers as he drank. Callee bit her bottom lip before turning and checking on the couple across the aisle. During the two-and-a-half-hour flight, the pretty brunette kept Uri’s glass full. When they landed, he wasn’t surprised to find a card with her phone number placed in his hand when he stood. “I have a layover in Oslo,” she whispered as she took his empty glass.

Urijah didn’t want the woman waiting for a call that would never come, so he let her down as gently as possible. “Any other time I would take you up on your offer, but I’m afraid my time here will be short and all business. Thank you for the excellent service. I hope you enjoy your stay in Norway.” Uri gave her a wink, and Callee blushed again.