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His cell rang. Before he could say anything, the voice on the other end blurted out, “Rex, I found him.”

“Found who?” He was going to stay calm.

“Him. The guy from the masque.”

Damn. He didn’t want to believe it. “How do you know it’s him, Ace? His face was covered by a mask. All we saw was his body.”

“I know. But remember he did have two distinguishing marks. The tattoos—one on the inside of his left wrist and one on his hip. Now, if I could see him without his pants, I could be positive. How many guys have an intricate knotwork triquetra on their wrist and a Celtic cross on their hip?”

Rex knew Ace was right. They had seen other guys who matched him in build and hair colour. What had told them that those guys weren’t him were the missing tattoos. “Where did you see him?”

“He works at the book store.”

“He works for Renaissance?” Rex groaned.

“Apparently. He was wearing a purple apron with Ren’s harlequin design on it and one of those nifty name tags that read Xeno.”

“Wait a minute. His name is Xeno?” No way. Could it really be possible?

“Yeah. Is that a problem?”

Rex sighed. “He’s Ren’s baby brother.”

“Well, shit. That complicates things.”

Rex stared out of the large window in his office that overlooked the vast expanse of grape vines. The mid-afternoon sun was beaming down, gracing the vines with warmth. Strands of long dark hair were caught and danced in the slight breeze, pulling Rex’s attention away from the vines and to the sexy body of his lover, Niko. He watched as Niko walked down the row, inspecting each plant and talking with Manuel and Gianna, his assistants. Even watching Niko bend, sniff and inspect the vines couldn’t distract Rex from his conversation with Ace.

He sighed. How was it possible the guy, the one who fitted with all of them, was the brother of one of his business associates? Rex remembered the day he’d first met Renaissance Anders. She had just bought the buildings she was going to turn into a coffee shop and used bookstore. He and the guys had still been remodelling a storefront across the cobblestoned street. The revitalisation of the Main Street area was in high gear and more local businesses were moving in.

Renaissance had been standing out in front of her building, hands on hips and grinning when he walked up. Introductions had been swift, but they had become fast friends and a formidable pair. Over the three years since, they had slowly taken control of the business association and had made significant strides in improving the area. More businesses had moved in. A broken-down Episcopal Church had been given new life by its congregation as well as the people who were making their homes above the shops.

Above the bookstore, Maggie Anders had set up her office as a social worker and psychologist. With the help of the Church and other businesses, Maggie had created an LGBTQ shelter and community centre. Life was changing fast in the small community located near Charlottesville. And Rex couldn’t be happier except for one little thing. Or one huge thing, depending on how you looked at it.

He sighed. They needed Xeno. Needed what he represented to them. Xeno was the glue that would keep them all together. Being Fae and protectors of the Tuatha de Danann treasure was difficult. They never knew who would show up next trying to steal it. Xeno would be the one to calm them after a battle and keep them strong and balanced.

Rex knew this was going to be complicated, mostly because no one knew what they were. He just hoped Ren and Xeno being from an unconventional family would at least keep them both from freaking out about Xeno being involved with the five owners of Delectable Vines and Delectable Brews.

A sharp rap on his office door dragged him out of his thoughts. He looked up and smiled when Niko opened it. The lock snicked when Niko closed it after sauntering through the doorway. His sun-bronzed skin was barely covered by the white tank top and denim cut-offs.

“Now, I put on quite the show for you, and was disappointed not to get my usual text.” Niko pouted as he ambled closer to Rex’s desk, a slight, suggestive sway in his hips.