Page 34 of Thorn Evermore

“Oh, let’s see. Well, there’s Syn, Midnight, Eros, Raphael, me, and of course Yves. Then we have our sisters, Vivienne and Viper. My brothers’ mates, Bowie, Tru, Justice, and Haven. And then of course Hale.”

Kyson blinks rapidly, nodding as I name each person. “That’s a lot.”

“It is, and it’s delightful. The more the merrier, I say.”

“Sure. What did you mean when you said mates?”

“Oh.” Dammit, that always messes me up. “Fancy word for boyfriend.”

“So everyone is gay?”

“Everyone is queer, not necessarily gay.”

“Neat. It must feel so…” He shakes his head, then shrugs. “I don’t know. Freeing? You can just be yourself and never worry about being judged for how you act or dress, or who you love.”

“It’s exactly like that.”

“You’re a very fortunate man, Thorn.”

“You have no idea.” I lift his hand to my lips and kiss it. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, but do we have to go to my place? It’s small and pretty basic. I’m not sure you’d be comfortable there.”

“We can go to mine as long as you’re comfortable potentially meeting several members of my family.”

“You live with them?”

I laugh softly. “I live in the same building on the same floor, but we all have our own units.” I scoot my chair forward so I’m between his legs. “I have a big bed with a soft mattress and the best linens money can buy. You would look beautiful against them. Are you ready to go?”

Swallowing hard, he nods, gazing into my eyes. “I’m ready.”

“So am I, sweetheart.”

After saying our goodbyes to Mr. Chow, I guide Kyson outside and into the car. His excited nervousness seeps from his pores, but the scent is intoxicating. He wants me as much as I want him.

I pull my phone from the inside of my jacket pocket and shoot off a text to Yves.

Me: Heads up. Bringing a mortal to my place.

Yves: I’m sorry. Who is this and what did you do with my brother Thorn?

I huff a laugh.

Me: I know, right? Wait until you see him. Divine.

Yves: What is your plan with this divine mortal?

Me: Uh, I think you can piece that one together yourself, can’t you?

Yves: You’re entertaining him?

I can hear the shock in Yves’s voice through his message. Kyson is watching me curiously.

“My brother isn’t used to me bringing people around. We always let him know as a courtesy because we live… let’s call it differently from many people.”

“Ah, I see. Is it a problem?”

“Of course not.”