Blood Match
Chapter 60: What We Choose: The Shape of Home
When Tristan returned from collecting his toiletries from the bathroom, he found Mercy quietly rearranging his duffel bag. She moved with practiced efficiency, shifting heavier items to the bottom of the bag and refolding shirts and pants so they would need less ironing when unpacked. He stopped and watched her for a moment. She was quiet, steady. She never left chaos in her wake—only the quiet ripples of her passing.
He moved behind her and slipped his arms around her. He didn’t speak, just held her, allowing the gift of her presence to fill him. She stopped what she was doing and leaned back, planting a kiss on his cheek.
“You always take care of me. Did you finish your packing? I can do this,” Tristan said softly.
“I’ve been packed since the night you stayed with Leo and Liam. I knew then that something had shifted—they needed you, and you needed them. So wherever you go, I go. You are home to me.”
“That’s why I love you,” Tristan whispered softly.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Tristan kissed the top of Mercy’s head and went to answer it. Mercy continued to sort and arrange Tristan’s belongings.
Tristan already knew who was at the door. He had sensed his approach—a ripple of power moving quietly through the manor.
“Hi, Liam. Come in.” Tristan smiled and moved to the side to allow Liam entry.
“Hey, Mercy. I see you’re keeping him organized,” Liam teased.
Mercy smiled and said, “Always.”
“Do you mind if I steal him for a moment?” Liam asked.
“Not at all,” Mercy said, continuing to refold the shirt she had picked up.
Tristan followed Liam into the hallway and shut the door. He waited for Liam to speak.
Tristan, you take care of everyone so well—but who takes care of you?” Liam said quietly. “You’re the steady one. The one we all lean on.” He paused. “Everyone needs someone. Mercy is that someone for you.”
He met Tristan’s eyes.
“That’s the kind of love that lasts. Love that feels like home.”
Liam reached into his pocket and took out a small wooden ring box. It looked very old. Liam opened it and Tristan saw the white gold band with an emerald cut diamond. The gem caught the light and flashed with fire.
“This was my mother’s ring. My sister gave it to me after she died—she was already married. She said it was meant for someone else, and that when the time came, I would know.” He paused. “I think now is the time.”
Tristan looked down at the ring and then up at Liam. For a moment, it seemed as though time had stopped. Then Tristan stepped forward and wrapped Liam in a hug. No words—just love, expressed through the circle of his arms.
Tristan broke the hug and stepped back. Liam lifted a hand and touched his cheek. He nodded once, then broke into a smile that Tristan couldn’t help but return.
Liam turned and started down the hall. Tristan watched him go for a moment before turning and stepping back into the room.
Tristan shut the door and went back to where Mercy was still packing his duffel. She smiled up at him, and he leaned down to kiss her softly on the cheek. Then they both turned their attention back to the packing, working quietly, comfortably together.
“Where did you go, sunshine? I came back and you were gone.”
“I had to speak to Tristan for a moment.”
“Tristan?” Leo asked. “Everything all right?”
Liam smiled and stepped into his arms, hugging him close.
“Yes,” he said softly. “Everything is perfect.”
The air was brisk. The sun had dipped behind the mountains, and the sky was quickly turning from rose to twilight blue. The first stars of the night twinkled peacefully overhead. Everyone was bundled in their warmest gear against the cold as they waited for the helicopter to land on the manor roof.
As they waited, Liam glanced back once more at the elevator doors. Leo could almost hear his thoughts.
“It has waited six hundred years for us. It can wait a little longer,” he whispered, pulling him close.
Liam exhaled, the tension melting from his body as he felt Leo’s arm around him. He knew Leo was right. He took a moment and looked at the people standing with him on the roof—Kara and Joseph, Tristan and Mercy, and finally Leo, his lion and the love of his life. One word sang in his heart.
Family.
The helicopter landed, and everyone waited for the rotors to stop spinning before they approached. Joseph and Tristan opened the doors and helped Mercy and Kara inside, then climbed in after them. Leo and Liam boarded last. Once everyone was settled, Leo nodded to the pilot, and the helicopter lifted off.
Everyone took their seats in the jet’s forward cabin as Leo spoke briefly with the captain. As they began to remove their heavy winter gear and settle in, Kara glanced over and noticed the ring on Mercy’s hand.
“Oh my God, Mercy! Congratulations!” Kara exclaimed, jumping up to hug her.
Joseph caught Tristan’s eye and smiled widely. Leo stepped over with a bottle of champagne, and Liam rose to help with the glasses.
Once the champagne was poured and the happy couple toasted, everyone settled back into their seats for takeoff. Leo glanced at Liam, a question in his eyes. Liam simply winked, and Leo let it go at that.
As the plane taxied down the runway, Liam snuggled into the crook of Leo’s arm. Leo, without thinking, slipped an arm around him. It was natural, instinctive, protective. Liam looked up at him while Leo checked his phone.
“Here we go, Mr. De La Cruz—a Von Anderson Christmas. Are you ready for the eggnog, Christmas cookies, and carols sung off-key by my well-intentioned, if tone-deaf, family?” Liam asked, smiling up at him.
“Bring it on, Mr. Von Anderson. Bring it on.”
The plane lifted off toward home—but now home was so much more, because they had found each other.