Essence of Quinn Parts 3 & 4: Papa IV Era & The Main Event - Fate Breaker (MxM)

Constant

They arrived back home to the Abbey after dark. Air had taken it easy on Aurora, and they’d both relaxed and enjoyed the drive.  

The lair was a welcome sight, and the familiar scents and surroundings made them feel instantly at home. The pack was there to greet them. Well, Fire, Water Zoe and Itzal. Earth was on duty with Secondo, and Zoe must have stayed over, as she had done every night since Earth discovered she was pregnant.  

Itzal was staying with them in the lair for a week as Sunshine, Papa and a couple of his ghouls and ghulehs had gone away to do some promotional work for the Ghost Project. Itzal had finally taken them up on the offer of staying in one of the spare rooms, so while Quinn and Air had been away, the pack had busied themselves setting it up for him.  

Even though Itzal lived in Papa’s ghoul lair, from now on, they would all call it his room. Air was ecstatic to find him there, but he reined himself in from throwing his arms around the younger ghoul in welcome. 

“Welcome back,” Water said, hugging Air and drawing in his scent. “It’s been so quiet here without you two. Did you have fun?” 

He pulled back and eyed the marks on Air’s throat. Air basked in the attention. 

“Oh yes. We most certainly did,” he said proudly. 

“Looks like,” Fire said dryly. 

Quinn grinned at Itzal. 

“Welcome to the lair, shadow,” he said. “How’s your room?”  

Air had kept tabs on what was happening back home while they were away via Water. He’d let them know how Itzal was doing. He'd chosen a room in-between Quinn’s apothecary and Fire and Water’s bedroom. 

“It’s nice,” Itzal said, eyes flicking to Quinn’s. He frowned. “Are your eyes feeling any better?” 

Quinn shrugged. 

“A little. I guess.” 

Quinn’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he took it out. It was Earth. He answered. 

“You back?” Earth said gruffly. 

“Yes. Just now,” Quinn said. 

Earth made a huffing noise. 

“Secondo wants to speak to you.” 

“Oh. Well, we’ll dump our stuff and be right there.” 

“No, seer. Just you,” Earth said, sounding serious. 

Quinn met Air’s eyes and he shrugged. 

“Oh. Okay.” 

Quinn ended the call and shoved the phone into his pocket again. 

“Is everything okay?” Air asked. 

Quinn sighed and handed him the bag he was holding. 

“I suppose I’d better go find out.” 

He made his way to Secondo’s apartment and Earth let him in. He pulled him into a brief hug and clapped him on the back. 

“Good to have you back.” 

Quinn smiled at him. 

“Good to be back. Kind of.” 

Earth laughed and Quinn turned to greet Secondo and Doc Michaels, who sat on one of the leather sofas in front of the crackling fire. 

“Welcome home,” he said. “I trust Air looked after you well, si?” he said. 

Earth snorted, and Secondo glared at him. Quinn ignored him.