Chapter Sixteen
Mao
If anyone asked Mao to describe his relationship with his family in one word, he’d be hard pressed to think of just one—hell, there were times when he didn't understand it himself.
He loved his parents, the way a good son should—more so probably than many adult men might admit to.
Mom and Dad had been the one constant in his often chaotic life.
He never doubted their love and having a home to return to.
However, he also knew, there would be a time, where he would have enough of his brothers’ rough housing, or of Mom’s overprotective nature.
When he found himself getting grumpier than usual in the past, Mao would simply take off for parts unknown, sometimes on a job, sometimes just because he felt like it.
But every time he came back, he always felt the same way.
Ushering Ekon into the cool hallway with its fan keeping the jungle heat at bay and seeing the familiar, comfortable chaos that never seemed to change was a warm reminder to him and his panther of how lucky they were they had a place to come home to.
Mao wasn’t sure how much that would change with Ekon in his life. It might be a good idea for them to have a home of their own, much like Kylo and Conrad did?
Then Ekon might not be suited to the heat, he might not like the jungle…
Mao had picked up quite a few random thoughts about snakes when they’d gotten off the plane, but that was something he and Ekon could discuss in their own time—away from those willing to poke their noses in their business.
For now, Mao made a mental note to get Mom a gift basket of her favorite chocolates.
The way she greeted Ekon was something that would stick in his memory for an exceedingly long time.
Mom was a canny woman, and Mao knew that she would have already picked up that there was more to Ekon than how he appeared.
Did she say anything about it? Not at all.
She simply gathered a rather baffled looking Ekon into her arms, giving him the warmest, bone-crushing hug, just like the one she'd given him.
In other words, she was treating him like part of the family from the outset.
“Ah, you are a pretty one,” she said with a smile when she finally let Ekon go, stroking the side of his face. “Strong, too. You’ll keep this one of mine on his toes, I can tell.”
Ekon wasn't sure what to say, that was evident.
Mao draped his arm over Ekon's shoulder and murmured grumpily, “Can we at least get into the house first before you start the interrogations?” He was teasing, although Ekon mentally flinched at the word, and Mao realized that wasn't the best term to use.
I'm alright. Ekon's voice came through his mind. It just shocked me for a moment, but I do understand you were teasing.
That's a relief. “Let me show you our home,” he said out loud. “Conrad has our bags, and he'll take them straight to my room. I hope you don't mind, but we're on the top side of the house, away from most of the others.”
That could come in handy later. Ekon's voice wafted through his brain again, and Mao felt a shiver run straight down his spine and tickled his balls. Resisting the urge to adjust his dick, Mao realized his mate was probably right.
The kitchen was the heart of the Putney homestead, and wandering in there, Mao was surprised to see Nori sitting at the table, entertaining a very chubby toddler with pieces of brightly colored wool.
“What on earth are you doing?” he asked, looking between Nori and Kylo’s son, Brandon.
“Mom thinks this sort of thing is good practice for me, although I can’t think why,” Nori replied, glancing at Ekon with interest. “Good, I'm glad you're here.” He stood up and came over, plonking the child into Mao's arms. “Hi there, new mate.
I'm Nori, the youngest brother.” He offered his hand which Ekon duly shook. “You must be Ekon, Ben mentioned you.”
Mao groaned at what that meant, but Nori continued barely drawing breath.
“We've heard lots about you. It's probably not true but never mind.
You guys are gonna have to excuse me, I'm got prearranged plans.” He winked at Ekon and waggled his brows.
“A hot date.” With that he disappeared out the back door.
“Is that normal?” Ekon asked quietly, holding out his finger to Brandon cautiously. The little one seemed very curious about Ekon’s hair.
“Very,” Mao said as hefted Brandon into a more secure hold.
“Nori isn't one for looking after children, but he does have a noticeably quiet nature, mostly.
I think Mom's just getting enthusiastic about being a grandma again.
She should probably stick to the fact that Kylo's pregnant again and not be pushing for others to follow in his footsteps,” he added over his shoulder loud enough to be heard.
Mom laughed as she walked past, slapping Mao's shoulder without even stopping.
“Put my darling in the highchair and sit down. You must be ready to eat.” She headed over to the stovetop where pots were bubbling and sending steam into the vent.
She sorted a small dish for Brandon first, checking it before giving it to the excited boy waving his spoon.
“I don't push my kids to do anything they don't want to do, but isn't it really weird how they still manage to do it, anyway?” She added with a laugh, seemingly happy Brandon was sorted first. “Now sit down, Ekon.
You must be hungry. Is there anything you can't eat, won't eat, or shouldn't eat?
Otherwise, we'll just be serving you up the same as the rest of us.”
“Anything sounds wonderful. Thank you.” Ekon was still loitering as if unsure where he should sit.
Mao took Ekon’s elbow and moved them around to the other side of the large kitchen table. He noticed a few extra chairs had been added, and again he silently thanked Mom, who would have done all she could to make sure Ekon was accepted into the family as if he'd always been there.
“How many brothers do you have again?” Ekon asked as Conrad and Kylo came and sat at the table. “I know you probably told me on the plane but—”
“Believe me,” Mao said, quickly interrupting him.
“I probably have too many, and I know I do my best to forget at least one or two of them now and then.
You've met Ben, Nori, and Kylo.” Kylo bowed his head, chuckling.
“There's also Felix and Tendua. Tendua lives in London, so we'll have to go and visit him if you want to meet him.
He's not said anything about coming home for a while, has he?” Mao asked Mom.
Mom shook her head. “No, that boy is busy. You know how it is. That's all right because he'll start missing my home cooking soon enough and he'll be back, looking for a plate as if he's never left.”
Mao chuckled, letting Ekon know that this was perfectly normal in their house. “And where's Felix? I thought he might be around.”
“Oh, that boy's gone wandering again—he’ll turn up shortly, I’m sure. That boy can smell food from a mile away.”
Mom efficiently plated up bowls of Soyo and handed them out.
When Ekon eyed it with interest Mao explained, it’s a traditional Paraguayan soup that has ground beef, rice, and vegetables. Seasoned with salt, garlic, parsley, and oregano.
Smells delicious.
It tastes better.
Mom placed a large plate of tortillas on the table and grinned encouragement to Ekon.
Mao inhaled deeply. There were some scents of home that never disappointed, and Mom's Soyo was always one of them.
“Help yourself,” he said to Ekon. “We don’t stand on ceremony in this house, and if you wait until everyone finally turns up and sits down, the food’s gone.” He glanced at Mom. “Where did you say Felix has gone again?”
“I never know with you boys, you know that.” Mom came and sat down, wiping her hands on her apron as she smiled at Ekon.
“You’ll meet them all in good time. My husband is off doing lord knows what, but he’ll be around later too.
” She reached for a tortilla. “I understand you already know Conrad, so hopefully it is good to see him again. But I want to hear about you. Where did you meet, what do you do, and—”
“Mom, Mom.” Mao put his hand up. “Ekon and I are both between jobs at the moment.
We've just finished one job, that's where I met my mate, and no, you can't have any details because you know how work is. We thought we’ll come here so he could meet you…” He trailed off when Ekon put his hand on his arm. Which was good, as Mao was about three words away from lying to his mom. What was worse was she would know it… and yeah, that wouldn’t be good.
“Mao tells me that someone you know in this area might give me some information about magic or at least be able to tell me more about the magic I hold inside me.” Ekon smiled at Mao who had put a tortilla on his plate.
Mom gave Ekon an encouraging smile to show she was listening.
Whereas Mao focused on how Ekon had missed those tiny things that made a home cooked meal amazing, like homemade tortillas warm from the fire oven. Something they didn’t have access to when they were camping.
Ekon gave him an adorable, shy smile before turning back to Mom.
“Among the boys, I was always a bit of an oddity. Just the magic… is new. I came by it recently. I have no more details than that. The magic is different from having an additional animal spirit, and I’m not sure what I can do or what I’m meant to do with it.
Mao suggested there might be someone here in the jungle who can help. ”
“Are you talking about the feather-coat man again? I haven’t heard anyone mention him for a while.
” Felix came strolling through the door like it was any other day, clearly having heard the last part of the conversation.
“Hey, you must be the new mate. I’m Felix, another one of Mao’s brothers.
Great to see you. By the way, I adore your hair.
” He grinned cheekily at Mao clearly flirting.
“Hopefully with you around, Mao won’t be so grumpy.
” His gaze landed on the table. “Ooh, Soyo. I’m so hungry.
Mom, have you got enough for your starving child?
” Felix sat down at the table with a thump while Mom got up shaking her head and fixed another bowl.
“Who's the feather-coat man?” Ekon asked glancing at Mao checking to see if he’d heard Felix correctly.
“There's a man who calls this jungle home,” Mom answered, coming back with a bowl of food for Felix. “We don't know a lot about him—no one knows where he lives or where he came from, but stories have it he’s been around these parts for decades. He always appears when he's needed—”
“Usually says something cryptic, you mean,” Felix added, “and then doing his magic act, like he did on the house after crazy Selina before disappearing again.” Nodding his thanks at Mom, he quickly started eating.
Mao could feel Ekon's disappointment they didn’t know where to find him and intrigue at Felix’s story.
“Is this the person you thought might help me?”
“Yep. I’ve met him,” Kylo murmured around a mouthful of food. “Real elusive as Felix mentioned, though I suspect he’ll find you.”
Conrad nodded, munching on a tortilla. “Yeah, he just appeared out of nowhere the night at Devil’s place, remember I told you about it. Like he knew we needed him. Bet it’ll be the same for you. Magic in this place is unreal.”
“I think being here will help you,” Mao stated firmly, giving Conrad a warning look.
“We need a few days to wind down. Then spend some time reading over the books you have.” Mao did his best to keep things as vague as he could.
“And yes, I'm hoping that we'll be able to go for a walk in the jungle at some point. There're a couple of clearings where the man in the feathered coat is known to frequent occasionally. I’m hoping if we go—”
“What you're all saying is, if he's meant to help, he'll find me,” Ekon said, not sounding upset, but not coming across as convinced either.
Putting his hand under the table, Mao rested it on Ekon's knee. “I'm sure if he's the one who's meant to help us, he will. If he's not, then we’ll someone who is.”
Needing a distraction, Mao glanced at Mom who had removed the bowl from Brandon and was giving him a slice of what looked and smelled like lemon cake. “Mom, what's all this I've been hearing about you fattening up Kylo and Conrad's son?”
“It's hardly fattening if I give him a couple of slices of cake.” Mom put another slice of cake on the highchair tray. “He’s a growing boy.”
“Mom,” Kylo groaned, eyeing his son with envy.
Conrad rolled his eyes, his lips twitching at the corners.
“My goodness, the way you talk. Clearly Conrad doesn’t know that Kylo was raised on the stuff and look how he turned out. Fair warning though, don’t try to get between Kylo and a chocolate chip muffin now he’s pregnant again—he’ll take your arm off.”
Mao laughed hard enough to have tears running down his cheeks at Kylo’s indignant snort, and he was pleased when he heard Ekon joining in.