Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,41

my Goyle gave her the idea.”

“I’m glad she did.” Cyrus stretched his neck, popping it from side to side. “Do you have any pain killers? My body feels like I got run over by a bull.”

“I do, but right now, they won’t help. Your body is adjusting to the changes and will be for a few more days. The aches will abate.”

“If you say so. Say, will you go talk to Thomas for me? Explain things from our perspective and ask him to give me a few days?”

“I’d be happy to. For now, you have a little chat with your beast and let it know who’s boss.” Zeke clapped his brother on the shoulder, squeezing gently.

Now that Cyrus had gone through the burning up portion of the transition, Zeke flipped the heat back on, then headed downstairs. Stella and Thomas were facing each other from opposite ends of the sofa with Stella talking about the mate bond.

“Everything okay down here?” Zeke asked after telling his virtual assistant to start the fireplace. His house in Tennessee was wood burning. It fit the log-and-stone structure, but he appreciated being able to have insta-fire thanks to his electric unit. When he turned around, Zeke gave Thomas his attention.

“I honestly don’t know. This morning, I met the man of my dreams, then tonight I find out he’s not a man at all.”

Zeke crossed the room and picked Stella up. He sat in her spot, settling her on his lap. “Cyrus is the same man you met this morning, but now he is more. His core values haven’t changed. Gargoyles were put on Earth to watch over humans. Before I explained about our family, Cyrus’s life revolved around his parents and their ranch. Now that he’s transitioned, I don’t see that changing, except for where you come in.”

“But we just met,” Thomas said, unwrapping the blanket from around his shoulders.

“Stella and I met less than a week ago. Now, we’re mated. She’s wearing my ring, and we’re planning our future. As she explained to you earlier, mates are different than human couples. The fates choose that perfect being for you. The one who will love you above all others. Unconditionally. They will be your lover, your spouse, and your best friend for the rest of your lives. Our parents – our birth parents – have been together over two hundred years, and they’re as much in love now as when they met, if not more. The bond only gets stronger as each day passes. I understand it’s a lot to take in, but I promise Cyrus is the other half of your soul, the same way Stella is mine.”

“Is that why I was drawn to him immediately? Usually, I’m too shy to even talk to another man.” Thomas’s skin blossomed red as he turned his head.

“Thomas, are you not out?” Stella asked.

“No, I am, at least to my family. Well, my sister. She and I are close. Our parents have both passed away, and she’s the only one I have left. But she knows. She’s tried to fix me up several times with friends of hers, but it was always a train wreck. I…” Thomas blew out a breath. “I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m fifty-one, and I don’t know what it’s like to have a boyfriend or partner. The few dates I went on once my parents passed were lackluster at best.”

“Same here,” Stella admitted. “I was in two short-lived relationships that went nowhere. I think it was because I was waiting on Zeke. I think the stars weren’t aligned for you either because you were waiting on Cyrus.”

“But look at him, then look at me. He’s… well, he’s an older version of you.” Thomas pointed at Zeke.

“Actually, I’m four years older than my brother. I happened to go through my transition in my late twenties, and the aging process slowed, keeping me looking the way I do now. The same thing will happen to Cyrus. He will forevermore appear to be in his fifties. The same as you will if you agree to the bond. You’ll be the handsome man with the flawless skin and a head full of dark hair.”

“How will I explain that to my sister? Won’t she wonder why I stopped aging?”

“After a few years, yes. But our biological father has developed prosthetics that can either show you with a few wrinkles, or he can give you a completely new look. My niece who is in her twenties used