Page 133 of Legacy of Chaos

They’d discussed it last night, and he’d been surprised when Cyan had summoned Masumi to be part of the conversation.

“Masumi, how would you feel about having your bond transferred to one of Stryke’s brothers or cousins?”

Masumi, who had emerged from her container dressed like a sexy Santa’s elf, seemed confused. “Why would you ask about my feelings in the matter?”

“Because you aren’t an object to be passed around,” Cyan said. “You are a person, and you should have a say in your future.”

“That is very kind.” Masumi shifted, making the little bells on her outfit jingle. “But I would think you would want me gone.”

“Oh, I do.” Cyan sat next to Stryke on the couch and placed a possessive hand on his thigh. “I’m grateful for all you’ve done for Stryke over the years, but he’s mine now, and it turns out that I’m more territorial than I thought. But like I said, you’re a person, not an object, and you deserve a voice.”

Masumi smiled over at Stryke. “I like her so much. Don’t fuck this up.”

“I won’t,” he swore. No way. He would always cherish this incredible female.

“Good. Then I approve of my bond going to one of your brothers or cousins. Now, if there’s nothing else, I must return to Mace’s party.”

“Wait.” Stryke stopped her before she could dematerialize. “Any preference?”

“I love them all. Let them decide.”

So, in accordance with Masumi’s wishes, Stryke held her vase out to Rade. “This is for you and the guys. You’ll need to decide who I can transfer her bond to.”

Rade gave a slow nod and carefully took the vase. They didn’t need two in the compound, but an extra gave Masumi security. If one was destroyed or stolen, she still had another, and given that her species would die within an hour of losing their home, an extra was basically an insurance policy.

He would be curious to know who they chose. Crux was too young. Mace was too…Mace. Blade would take excellent care of her, but so would Sabre. Rade took responsibility seriously, but he was intensely private and didn’t like being poked or prodded, something on which Masumi thrived.

Stryke would put his money on Sabre. The guy was a rock, like his dad.

Rade headed upstairs to put the vase away, and everyone took that as a sign to head back out to the party. His cousins, Talon, Sabre, and Mace fist-bumped him on the way out, and hisaunts, Tayla, Idess, and Serena gave him hugs. His uncle Wraith clapped him on the shoulder and told him he was proud of him, and for some reason, that made Stryke smile.

His uncle Lore invited him to see UG’s new Medical Examiner office. As a kid, Stryke had loved assisting Lore during autopsies, so it would be cool to check out the new setup and equipment.

The room was nearly empty now, save Cyan, Eidolon, and Stryke’s parents. Eidolon came up and offered his hand. “That took a lot of class.”

Stryke accepted the handshake. “I’m sorry, Eidolon. I took advantage of our relationship, and it was shitty of me. I don’t expect you to forgive me—”

“You’re forgiven,” he said. “But if you really want to make it up, we could use a sizable donation for the new facility in Johannesburg.”

“Exploiting my guilt?” Stryke said approvingly. “I like it. I’ll make it happen. But only if you name it after me.”

Eidolon laughed. “You got it.” He eyed Stryke critically, his demeanor sobering. “How are you doing?”

Stryke knew what he was asking, and he was grateful for his uncle’s concern. “I’m good,” he said, glancing over at Cyan. “I’m finally…good.”

“I’m glad.” Eidolon gave him a fond pat on the back and went outside to join his mate.

“That couldn’t have been easy,” his mom said, looking after Eidolon. “None of this could have been easy.”

“No,” he admitted, “but it was necessary.”

His dad nodded. “This was a big step in the right direction.”

“Tomorrow will be an even bigger one.” And he was as anxious about it as he’d been about today. “It’ll be our first Christmas together in more than ten years.”

“I just hope Blade will be there,” Runa said. “You’ll be there too, right, Cyan?”

Cyan nodded, and he could see how hard she was trying not to look absolutely radiant and excited. His parents still thought her pregnancy was a huge tragedy, and neither he nor Cyan could wait to share the recent developments.

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