that should happen, you need to get away from her as quickly as possible because you’ll transition soon after, and you don’t want her around for that. It’s rather painful the first time.”
“Him.”
“Excuse me?”
“My mate will be a man. At least that would be my preference.” Cyrus wouldn’t meet Zeke’s eyes.
“Then that is who the fates will send to you. But you will need to stay away from him until you have your phasing under control. That is what we call shifting. If or when it happens, you’ll need to have the same conversation you and I are having. If he agrees to be your mate, you’ll bite him, and that will seal the bond. You both will stop aging and hopefully live a long life together.” At least that’s what Zeke hoped happened. The females’ outer appearance didn’t change, and he figured it was because of the bite. “There’s something else I should warn you about. Once you transition, your animals are going to become agitated. That’s what was wrong with your dogs when I arrived. They recognized the animal within me.”
“Will I have to give them up? I love Hera and Leto.”
“I honestly don’t know. Maybe since they’re already loyal, they’ll be okay with you being different.”
Cyrus stood and stared into the fireplace. “I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“Believe me, I understand. But you’re not alone. I live down in Southern California, and it’s only a three-hour plane ride. If you need me, all you have to do is call. Our other siblings are scattered across the globe. Isabelle and Dane are in New Atlanta where Rafael lives. Lilly lives in New Orleans. Sophia is mated to Rafael’s cousin Nikolas. They also live in New Atlanta. Our brother Sam, Sophia’s dad, lives in New York with his mate, Monica. Cordelia, who recently transitioned, is in New Mexico. Everyone else is somewhere across the pond.”
Cyrus continued asking questions, and Zeke answered every one of them honestly. When it came time for Cyrus to get ready to head to work, Zeke made himself at home and whipped up a quick breakfast while Cyrus was in the shower.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Cyrus said as he poured a cup of coffee. “But I do appreciate it.”
“It’s the least I could do for your hospitality.” Zeke plated their food, and the two brothers ate in companionable silence.
“I want you to go with me. I’ve always known I was adopted, but my parents said they didn’t know anything about my birth parents, and I want them to meet you.”
“Just don’t tell them I’m four years older. That’ll be hard to explain without letting them know I’m a Gargoyle.”
“Damn, you look good for fifty-seven. And you’ll look that way forever?”
“Yep. Jonas is nine hundred seventy-three, and he and I can pass for brothers.”
“Nine hundred… He’s lived almost a thousand years?”
“Yes. Gargoyles, males especially, have long lifespans. There are only two ways to kill males: beheading and some rare poisons.”
“Huh.” Cyrus clasped his hands in front of him. “If I am going to find my mate, I hope it happens sooner rather than later. I’d prefer to live hundreds of years looking like this instead of a wrinkled old man. Before we go, can I see your wings? Or is that inappropriate to ask?”
“Not at all. Seeing mine, you’ll know what to expect.” After putting their dishes away, Zeke removed his shirt and called forth his wings. Cyrus reached his hand out, but Zeke took a step back. “Touching a Goyle’s wings is reserved for one’s mate.”
Cyrus ducked his eyes. “Sorry.”
“No need to apologize. We hadn’t covered that.” Zeke wrapped his wings around his body, then flared them behind him again. “They’re good for protection and flying. That’s another thing that takes some getting used to. Just make sure if you ever decide to take to the skies you are in a secluded area. We can’t have humans aware of our existence.”
“Except for our mates?”
“Yes, but the fates wouldn’t give us a human mate who wasn’t loyal. Whomever you end up with will be trustworthy and will love you like no other.” Zeke retracted his wings and put on his shirt. “Are you sure you want me to come with you? I’ll need to stay away from the animals.”
“I’m sure. Mom doesn’t have any pets, and all the horses and cattle are well away from the house.”
“Then let’s go.” Zeke had never met any of his siblings’ adopted families, and he was looking forward to