Page 86 of Thorn Evermore
“It was disruptive but I’m thankful that you stepped in, Vivienne. I’m sure it’s just…” He smiles. “These things happen when you’re as old as I am. Can you imagine what it’s like for an eternal brain to house all these experiences?”
He pushes the glasses toward me and Kyson before pouring regular wine for the girls.
“A toast,” Yves says, “to our newest brother, Kyson. Welcome to the House of Orpheus.”
“Thank you so much.”
Yves’s smile is warm. “I am delighted you came. Thorn’s soul was growing restless, but you’re here now. The perfect spoils for his endless pursuit of pleasure.”
Kyson gazes up at me with awe in his eyes. He’s so beautiful, so perfect for me.
“I love him,” Kyson whispers. “He’s everything I’ve always hoped for.”
“I know,” Yves says. “That’s how it works. I can rest easy now knowing each of my brothers are well cared for.”
“But it’s not done, brother. Fate is not so cruel as to forget you.”
“My time will come, Thorn. I believe it.”
Doubt edges his words, but I nod, hoping that we’re all right and fate will save the best for last.
Yves drinks from his glass, so we join him.
“We should have a reception or something,” Vivienne says. “Like, to celebrate everyone.”
“Ooh, I love that idea,” Viper says.
“Not yet,” I say. “Not until we find Yves’s mate.”
Yves sets his glass down, crossing the space and closing the distance between us. He cups my face, holding my gaze.
I love you. All of you. Your concern for me keeps my heart beating even when
I feel hopeless.
I know I’m the only one who can hear his words. I send back my own.
We would be nothing without you. Long dead after meaningless lives. You made us what we are. We love you too.
Yves kisses my cheek before turning to Kyson and pulling him into an embrace. He kisses the top of my mate’s head before releasing him. He brushes his fingers across Kyson’s cheeks, making his eyelids flutter. I can feel the sense of peace and rightness and belonging washing over my beautiful lover.
When Kyson opens his eyes, they glow bright. “Thank you,” he whispers.
Yves nods. “Go now and enjoy what fate has given you. Don’t think about me, Thorn. I am filled with happiness. So much I may overflow. I am a fortunate man.”
“But we came to tell you about?—”
“It can wait until morning,” Yves interrupts. He rubs his chest. “So full of gratitude and love for my beautiful family. Fate has already been so kind, I can only imagine what awaits me.”
I nod, satisfied that he’s truly okay and happy.
“Goodnight, Yves.”
“Goodnight, Thorn. Kyson.”
“I feel like crying again,” Kyson says as we walk away. “Yves is so nice.”
“He’s amazing.”