Chosen One Universe Volume One (The Chosen One, #0-2)

by Macy Blake

The kids had all slept through the night, giving Vaughn ample time to taste each bit of Sam, scenting him so completely even the kids had noticed when they’d come down for breakfast. Vaughn’s wolf preened as they all added their scents to his, making Sam well and truly marked as theirs, their pack, his mate.

Sam grinned and reached out to squeeze Ben’s arm. Man, these kids got him right in the feels already. He’d handed over his heart to them the moment he met them. “I don’t know what I did without you guys.” Jack huffed. “Didn’t have a pack, that’s what. Who wants to not have a pack?” Who indeed.

“Okay, buddy, I’m setting this for one hour. Alpha and I will be there by the time it goes off, okay?” Ollie looked doubtful so Sam stuck out his pinky finger. Ollie eyed it suspiciously. “Pinky promise, Ollie. Sams can’t break pinky promises.” Vaughn helped Ollie hook his little finger around Sam’s, giggling when Sam shook their fingers and wiggled his eyebrows. “Okay, Sam. Pinky promise.”

but his focus was outside, where his mate was dealing with something for the first time as a representative of their pack. He didn’t even know how significant his gesture was, but to Vaughn it was everything.

When the door closed behind Vaughn, Sam marched down the front steps and glared at both Zaire and Teague. “What just happened?” Before he could answer, one of the fiery portals opened, and Meshaq stepped through. He looked at all three of them with an intense glare before crossing his giant arms over his chest. “What’s wrong?” “I scared the young mage,” Zaire said quietly. “I need you to help me quiet the spirits before I get close to him again.”

“Excellent. Your young mage is an air elemental. I’ll have to talk to him to get a better idea of what his strengths are, but for right now, you need to understand that he’s traumatized, and he’s got his magical shields up. Okay, now for the tricky part. Fire and air tend to work really well together, right? When you’re talking literal fire, it needs air to survive. With me?” Sam nodded. “Okay, so when I’m around an air elemental, I tend to burn bright. Problem is, when I’m angry and around an air elemental, I can pull a little too hard. Think… wildfire. The wind turns and boom, the fire spreads out of control in seconds. When you told me what happened, I got mad. I bet he felt it, and it scared him. I didn’t hurt him, but my magic brushed against his and basically said, hey, you wanna start a wildfire?”

“They aren’t really my brothers and sisters.” Zaire made a scoffing snort that made Sam smirk. “They most certainly are,” Zaire said. “Family is the people in your heart, not just the people in your blood.”

Henry looked up at him again and smiled softly. “You’re big and kinda scary. And you’re really strong. And you have magic. And the goddess protects you.” Meshaq nodded. “And you’ll protect my…” Henry paused and glanced over at Zaire before turning back to Meshaq. “My brothers and sisters too?” “I will.” “And… my alpha and my Sam?” “And everyone in your pack. I will come if you call,” Meshaq repeated.

Stuart showed up with William right when dinner was ready to be served. Sam’s dad was still obviously in pain, but nowhere near as bad as he’d been earlier. He was using one of the canes they kept in the office for emergencies like this, and he bustled around like he owned the place. At least he did until Natasha cornered him and ordered him to sit down, their little red-headed spitfire already bossy and demanding. Vaughn had no doubt she’d end up an alpha one day.

“I’m not quite sure what to do with a smiley happy Vaughn,” Sam said as he bumped their hips together at the kitchen sink. Sam was rinsing plates and handing them to Vaughn, who loaded them into the dishwasher. “Better get used to it. You’ll be seeing a lot of smiles out of me in the future.”

“Every day, I think… is this real? A thousand times a day, at least.” “What? Finding your life partner and getting six kids, a set of doting in-laws, and a Nana who loves to cook all in the course of a couple days isn’t normal?” Sam snorted and turned back to the sink. “Well, when you put it that way…”

William huffed and headed toward the stairs. “Sammy, bring my bag upstairs for me. Nana Jean said if she saw me carrying anything that wasn’t this cane, she was going to speak to me in her outside voice. Since I really don’t care to have that woman annoyed with me, I’m going to follow her rules. She’s a damn fine cook, and I’d hate to see what she’d do to me as punishment. Why are you still standing there, son? You keep your mouth open like that, you’re going to catch a fly.”

“We’re with you always, son. Remember…” “Alphas don’t break their promises.” “That’s right. And I promise you that whatever the future holds, I’ll be here and so will your Papa.”

He may not understand it yet, but he knew his life had been building toward this. “I dreamed of you,” Henry said quietly. “And we of you,” Eduard explained. “We knew to find you here.”

Ollie snorted. “Daddy hears everything. He always knows when I want to come into his room in the mornings to snuggle. He wakes Papa up and tells him to put his pajamas on. Why doesn’t Papa sleep in his pajamas like we do?” “He gets hot,” Emily said. “I asked him. He said Daddy is super hot.”

Love comes into the body like lightning - without fear. The spirit opens laughing. Love comes without hesitation. It comes with roses and knives. Love does not knock on the door, it burns it and throws all your walls into the fire. -Rune Lazuli

It also didn’t hurt that Draco was one of the most beautiful men who had ever graced the planet. With his black hair and amber eyes, strong jawline and perfect body, it was no wonder half the comments included some sort of offer to provide sexual services for Draco.

I think even the universe likes it when you’re cranky. I can’t explain it any other way. Your scowls make the world go round or something.”

“Your imagination is running away with you again.” Sawyer scoffed. “You tell me how that house went up so fast then. Go on. I’m waiting. Moneybags McDuck is throwing wads of cash around and making everyone jump to his whims. There’s probably a solid gold toilet in there.”

Draco smirked and looked away from the bus to meet Sawyer’s look. “Where do you come up with this stuff?” “My brain is a smorgasbord of knowledge and valuable insight.”

“You mean, you were thinking about making an apple cake for me. That’s what you meant to say, right?” “Sure. That’s what I meant.” “You know that’s my favorite,” Sawyer said with a pout. Not that Draco hadn’t learned years ago to guard himself against Sawyer’s puppy-eyes. They were deadly if you weren’t immune. Which sadly, both Draco and his brothers were. “I know,” Draco said. “And you’d just give it away? Like a heartless creature who had no heart?”

Draco had promised to explain more later and had delivered Sawyer and Pearl home with a quick hug—for Sawyer— and ear scratch—for Pearl— that had only served to annoy Sawyer further. He’d been treated like a child, like a bothersome kid brother who was trying to play with the big boys.

“I bet you’re confused, huh?” Henry asked. “Something like that.” He wasn’t quite able to keep the hurt, anger, and confusion from his tone. “Well, I don’t blame you for being cranky. You aren’t the only one in a mood. Thing One and Thing Two didn’t want to let me out of their sight. It’s like they forget that I can take care of myself.”

“Holy crap. You’re a null. What even is that? How even is that? I don’t know. I don’t even know.” Henry stood and began pacing the small distance between the kitchen and living room. He kept glancing Sawyer’s way. “This is gonna be interesting.”

“Okay, where was I? Right. So, about like…. Four hundred years ago or something, a seer had a vision. A prophecy. Blah blah Chosen One. Blah blah, savior of the supernatural. The details aren’t all that important except that a warrior was chosen from each clan to form the Chosen One’s circle of protection. And each generation since then, when one guardian passes on, another is chosen.” Henry lifted his arm and held out his wrist. He had a mark there, almost like a tattoo, of two concentric circles. “I’m one of them. These marks appear when we’re chosen. Your friend is a guardian, too. And Beavis and Butthead up the hill, who are probably going to realize I snuck out any second now and come barreling in here, are also guardians. Fair warning.”

“That means that I have a duty to protect the Chosen One should he or she be revealed in my lifetime. And the portents have all shown that the time is near.” Henry made a noise and slurped on his Coke. “That’s a fancy way of saying that yours truly, whose job in the circle is officially listed as seer by the way, received a vision of his own. I saw that land,” Henry pointed up the hill toward the McMansion, “and that house. I knew the plans, knew what we were supposed to build. And the next day, Shaggy and Scooby up there showed up on my family’s doorstep because they’d like, smelled me or something ridiculous, and were called to my side. Honestly, it’s all a bunch of mystical hoo hoo if you ask me. My little brother laughed for two hours straight. My dad about had a coronary and called Uncle Meshaq and it was this big thing. Like I’m not twenty-one years old and perfectly capable of having a life outside of my pack.”

“Henry Jerrick, at your service. And can I just say that I hope the Chosen One appreciates man candy because I swear to the goddess each one of you guys is hotter than the next.” Sawyer couldn’t deny that Henry had a point. He caught Henry’s gaze and nodded his agreement.

“That was a bad one,” Henry said. His voice was low and slurred. He blinked up at Sawyer, who had knelt by the couch and was holding the cool cloth against Henry’s forehead. “Now I know why you’re here, why the magic chose this place. I didn’t know a null could help me.” His voice slowly drifted away and his eyes closed.

“Yes. For many centuries, my clan has provided protection over the treasures of the wealthy, their gold and jewels, important documents. We were their bank vaults, to put it in modern terms.” Sawyer nodded. “That’s cool. Sounds a bit like dragon lore, though. Don’t they protect their hoard up in their dark and gloomy cave while breathing fire at the poor villagers who dare to disturb them?”

“Dragons do have their treasure but it is a bit more mercurial. Don’t tell Draco I told you this, as he would likely remove my head from my neck, but they are a bit of a magpie group. You never know what will catch their eye, but once they have seen what they want, they claim it as theirs and guard it fiercely.” There was weight behind Eduard’s words and half of Sawyer hoped it meant that Draco had claimed him, that Draco treasured him.

The most he could hope for was for the guards to wait here for this mysterious Chosen One to arrive. And since Henry had seen the house here, had gone to all the trouble of actually having it built… maybe he wouldn’t lose Draco at all. He’d still be right next door.

I find myself intrigued by you and by your role in our future. A null, one who can assist Henry through his visions. I had worried. They are very draining for him, and extremely painful. But you helped him tonight, and that gives me hope. You were where you were meant to be, young Sawyer.”

“We have so much to talk about.” Draco nodded, unable to meet Sawyer’s gaze. He’d kept so much from him over the years, so many secrets and half-truths.

“But until we do, I could really use a hug.” Draco lifted his face and searched Sawyer’s eyes. He didn’t see the anger or hurt he’d been expecting. He leaned in and pressed his forehead to Sawyer’s, breathing in his clean, crisp scent. It comforted him more than it should, but then, Sawyer had always been more to him than he should be.

I talked to Eduard earlier and I respect your ancient role and duty. I won’t get in the way of it, but I’m not willing to just go away either. You’re part of my life and I’m not giving you up without a fight. So no lies and you tell me if you have some important dragon business that you can’t talk about and I’ll be okay with that.” “I swear it.” “And second, and this is critically important—” Draco sighed. “Yes, I will shift into my dragon and light marshmallows on fire so you can make s’mores.”

Henry followed the sound of voices to the kitchen and found Eduard standing at the stove while Draco and Sawyer cuddled against each other. He missed cuddles, and he was man enough to admit it. Growing up in a pack with five shifter siblings meant that Henry had rarely woke up alone. Even before he’d been rescued by his dads, his brothers and sisters had always been with him.

Sawyer chuckled and leaned his head against Henry’s for a moment. “Morning,” he said softly. Henry grunted a reply. No one moved for a long minute, then Draco pressed up against his back and Henry let himself lean more heavily. This was the life. He’d much rather have these two hot guys curled around him than his brothers. It wasn’t the same at all and he liked that a whole lot.

As much as he chafed under their constant protection, he knew they were doing it for his own good. Until they found the Chosen One, Henry was extremely vulnerable. It grated on his nerves but it was the truth. Once all the guardians were gathered, he’d be safer, but without their advanced strength and other powers, he was a sitting duck. And without his visions, he didn’t know how they would all come together to keep the Chosen One protected. Until the Chosen One came, Henry was the one they had to keep safe, no matter how much it annoyed him.

“So your dreams are talking to you?” Sawyer asked. “It seems that way,” Henry said. “The pieces are beginning to move on the chess board at any rate. I wonder if we would ever see you in a dream, Sawyer, or if your ability makes that impossible.” “Oh, you can dream about me as much as you want,” Sawyer said with a wink.

“Man, this is crazy,” Sawyer said. “It’s so hurry up and wait. And you have no idea who this chosen person is or when they’re coming. You just have to wait on them?” “Yes,” Eduard said. “But in the meantime,” Henry said, “why don’t we do some research on nulls? I’ve not come across someone like you before so I’m curious. I had a bunch of books delivered here so you can help me unpack and research.”

“I think…” Eduard began. He paused for a long moment, looking at all of them before he turned to Sawyer. “I think this proves that Sawyer is important to us, to what we are doing here.” Draco reached out and grabbed Sawyer’s hand before reeling him into a tight hug. Henry couldn’t help the quiet sigh of envy that escaped. He’d prepared for a long time for whatever was coming, but even though he was surrounded by people, he’d never felt quite so alone.

When Eduard mentioned staff earlier, Sawyer hadn’t actually thought he was entirely serious. But within a couple hours, Cecil and crew had arrived to “take the house in hand.” And he’d called Eduard “Master Eduard” like they were in some historic novel with lords and ladies.

Awesome!!!

Henry hadn’t been wrong when he’d said that each of the guardians were better looking than the last. Of course, Henry hadn’t been including himself, but Sawyer could. Eduard had a classic elegance to him, almost a James Bond suaveness that lent itself to high class surroundings and, well, to having a staff. His suits were pressed and his hair never out of place. Even his hands were elegant, with long lean fingers that… no, he needed to stop that line of thinking in its tracks.

Draco was a bit more rough and tumble, a guy suited to the black clothes he tended to wear, but his black-framed glasses made him seem more hot nerd than fierce fighter. It worked, especially for Sawyer. He’d had the hots for Draco from the moment he’d laid eyes on him, and his interest hadn’t waned at all as the years passed. In fact, it had grown stronger the closer he and Draco had grown as friends.

And he certainly couldn’t forget Andvari. The vampire had a quiet strength to him that Sawyer wanted to explore more. He’d also taken a minute to admire the actual strength of him earlier when Andvari had arrived downstairs shirtless and searching for Henry. He had shoulders for miles and a light dusting of hair over his muscled chest and his biceps… well, he and Draco were welcome to have a shirtless muscle contes...

Henry was just as hot as the others, although in a totally different way. He was hot in that boy next door way, with a smile that lit up a room and Sawyer already loved to hear him laugh. It was hard to be worried or scared with Henry looking at you with that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. They were quite the comb...

Sawyer had quickly begun to understand that although he was part of the equation for the time being, if the Chosen One wanted him gone, he’d be gone. The guardians didn’t seem to have much to say about the matter. In the end, Sawyer had decided to take what he could get. He wouldn’t leave Dra...

Sawyer sighed. “You know you mean the world to me, right? That I’d never do anything to hurt you?” “Of course.” Sawyer sighed again. “Man, this sucks.” “Just spit it out, already. You’re gonna give me hives, and you know how cranky I get when I get hives.” Sawyer huffed out a laugh then reached for Draco’s other hand. “So, I hope you don’t get mad at me, but I had a little moment this morning with Eduard.”

Sawyer pulled him closer and wrapped his arms around Draco’s waist. “You’ll do what’s right, because this Chosen One must need you for a reason. And who are we to mess with fate? I’m here for a reason, too. I have to believe that. We’ll figure this out. And hey, we may be worrying for nothing, you know? Let’s not be gloom and doom. Your all-powerful Chosen savior person might think I’m delightful and charming and want to keep me around for a long time.”

Sawyer thrust once, then again against Draco before he began to tremble. Draco held him through it, waited for him to stop coming, then pressed another kiss to his gasping lips. “Delicious,” he whispered. “Better than I imagined, and I imagined it a lot.” “You’re telling me,” Sawyer said. “And you just made me come in my pants in the neighbor’s yard. That’s like… I can’t even believe we just did that.”