Page 81 of Fixation of the Mind

“So, the rule for us to fight to the death for the head of the family is a moot point. It is no longer valid as none of us will be the head of anything.” He shrugged at the council like this was all just a simple misunderstanding even though they looked like they had been hit in the head with a two-by-four.

Seiko Feng said, “You know that if we accept this, the Ambros family line will become a dead line. Your children will not be able to inherit it even if you change your minds in the future.”

Rion answered, “As expected. All territory and funds will be transferred to the Rose family, just like when the Ambroses took over when the Rose family fell. This will all be a simple transaction.”

“You would ruin your family line just to save your own skin?!” Mateo barked in disbelief.

“That name means nothing to us, while Layrin Rose means everything. It's not about saving our skin but aligning ourselves with the family we want to be a part of. This is our way of choosing the master we want to serve.”

Mateo scoffed, but some of the other council members looked intrigued.

“If you do this, it won't ever be reversed. The Ambros family will officially be a dead family line for all of eternity.” Maria’s words sunk in, but the only feeling I had was joy. Let it all burn to the ground. I didn't care. Squeezing Rin’s hand, I knew where I belonged.

Rion looked to Roux and me, but we were already nodding our approval. “We understand.”

“Wait!” Rin called out, holding out her hand to the council. “Just… wait one second.” She grabbed the collars of our shirts and pulled us into a huddle. “Are you sure about this, guys? I mean, I don't want you to give up the last connection you have to your parents. I don't want you to resent me down the road because you made a rash decision while your lives are on the line.” Her eyes went side to side as she thought hard. “A fight to the death doesn’t have to happen. I know we could find a way out of that. We could… leverage your software.” She motioned to Rion, “Surely the value of that would make them keep the three of you alive—”

Rion wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her closer to kiss the everloving shit out of her. Breaking away just as fast, leaving her reeling, he shook his head. “Layrin Rose, will you be our wife?”

Roux yanked her over to him, sealed his lips to hers before breaking away and lifting her chin. “Will you have us forever?”

Not one to be out-romanced, I grabbed her waist, dipped her down, and kissed her like my life depended on it. Pulling away breathlessly, I asked, “Will you make us the happiest psychos in the world and let us stay by your side? And when we all die, can our ashes be mixed with yours so we can finally be one for eternity?”

“Yes.” Her breathless voice had my heart beating out of my chest. I pulled her upright, and her eyes traveled between us as she said, even louder, “Forever and ever, yes!”

Rion turned to the council. “You heard her. It's official.”

Maria smirked down at us, a twinkle of mirth in her eye. “Then from this day forward, the Ambros family will be extinguished. The Rose family will take over their responsibilities and funding. All council members who agree, raise their hands.”

One by one, each of them did so. Even the hesitant Mateo Maxima ended up throwing his hand up as he glared at us.

“It's official. All transfers will be handled this week, which means you have a week to get married. Congratulations.”

Chapter 27

One Year Later

“Ijust can’t stand them right now. They keep trying to boss me around, telling me what to do and what not to do. It's like they think I don’t know what the deal is! I’m a fucking Ricci too!”

Juggling my bookbag, a coffee, and my phone, I tried to get out of the car without dropping anything. Keeping the phone balanced between my shoulder and ear, I answered, “Cin, they know you're strong and tough. You’re Cinzia fucking Ricci.”

She grumbled back, “Damn right, I am.”

Smiling, I continued. “But you need to understand that your brothers and cousin are just worried. They’ve all gotten tested, and it's not a walk in the park.”

For the past few weeks, Cin had been training with her brothers and Elio for her “test” in the chamber. She had called me every day, complaining about one thing or another, frustrated that they were treating her like she was a breakable doll or that she wasn't ready enough.

What she didn't know was that I’d talked to Elio a few days ago. We had become good friends after my rushed wedding, finished our project while one of the triplets stood over us, watching like a hawk. He admitted that they had won the battle, but that in our next life, he would get his shot. That was when Roux threw a knife at him, threatening to carve out his soul and extinguish it before he had a ‘shot’. Needless to say, we kept our conversations over the phone and at the occasional dinner Cin and I made all the boys have.

He told me they were just worried because they knew how hard it was, so their protective instincts were coming out, wanting to shield her from that pain. I had to remind him that not only was she going to take the test and beat the fastest record, but they needed to respect her choice and just be there to support her.

“I know. I know, but my body still wants to kick their asses.” She paused, which was never a good sign with Cin. “Speaking of asses, how are your triplets? Has the honeymoon phase passed, or are you still getting that three-prong dicking?”

She giggled, and I rolled my eyes. Cin would always be Cin, obsessed with dicks. “I’m not going to give you the details you’ve been pestering me for, but I will say that the honeymoon phase is still in high swing.”

“It better be! You got fucking three of them!” She sighed like I was living out her dream, and I might be. “Just tell me one thing… Is everything the same?”

I barked out a laugh as I opened the door, looking down at the five-carat ring on my finger. “You don’t need to know anything about my husbands’ dicks, but… I will remind you that they are identical triplets.” My cheeks burned when I noticed Rion on the couch sifting through papers.

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