Page 271 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
“But…she was so nervous on Selection day?” Tessa said tentatively.
“We both were. We’d known about the bond and what it did. Neither of us wanted each other like that,” Dagian answered.
“And it didn’t…try?” Theon asked, trying not to sound like a complete ass with his question.
Dagian shook his head. “There were a few times. Right after the Marks were given. But we had arrangements made. Others willing to satisfy those demands.”
“You let someone else touch her?” Theon asked, still trying to comprehend this.
“Someoneshechose,” Dagian said. “It was always her choice, but enough of this. Figure it out, and take this power from me,St. Orcas. I’ve held up my end of the deal and paid the price. Hold up yours.”
Then he turned his back on them, pressing the lift button. The doors opened immediately, and he left, leaving them to stew in their loss once more.
“There are three showers available,” Axel said after a beat. “Feel free to use them. I’ll get some food fixed up.”
Everyone dispersed, and Theon sent Tessa up with Luka, wanting to talk to Axel for a moment. He followed his brother into the kitchen, but as he went to sit down, Axel snapped, “Don’t touch anything. You’re covered in blood.”
“We were just sitting on furniture,” Theon replied.
“Which we now have to clean, but I wasn’t going to say anything then,” he replied.
“Axel?” Kat’s voice rang out from the other room.
“And don’t touch my kid either,” Axel called from the pantry where he was digging for something or other. “Not until you’ve showered.”
Kat appeared a moment later, Maddox in her arms. He was awake and taking in the world, and Theon smiled weakly at them.
“I’m sorry things did not go well today,” Kat said, coming farther into the room.
Theon nodded, leaning in closer to see Maddox. “We need to get that power transferred,” he said. “Which is why I need to talk to Axel.”
His brother reappeared, narrowing his eyes at how close Theon was to the babe. Theon held up his hands. “I’m not touching him. Relax.”
“I’m going to tell you that when you have a child,” Axel grumbled, dumping bags of rice and cans of beans onto the counter. “I’m going to have to go get some pork.”
“Husband, father, and chef,” Theon smirked. “What next?”
“Fuck off, or you’re not eating,” Axel retorted, pointing a finger at him.
Theon huffed a laugh, but it was quickly gone. “I’m going to the secret holdings as soon as my powers are restored enough.”
Axel stilled, blinking at him. “Then I’m coming with you.”
“You don’t have to, Axel. You have a son. A wife,” Theon tried.
“Whom he has threatened on multiple occasions,” Axel retorted. “Not to mention our whole fucking childhood. If you’re going to confront our father, I’m coming with to end him. I’m a godsdamn Night Child because of him.”
Theon glanced at Katya, who was swaying with Maddox. She did that a lot, and it had to be some innate mother thing.
“We need to take as few people as possible,” Theon tried again. “Tessa, obviously for her power. Luka because he’s my Guardian.”
“Corbin and Lange,” Kat added. “They’ll insist on going. They’ve been restless while waiting.”
Theon shook his head. “It’s too many people.”
“Tell them that,” Kat tossed back. “They’ve become close with Eviana, and we all know if someone has to be left behind, it will be her. Mark my words, Theon, if you don’t take them with you, they’ll go themselves. Explain that one to Tessa.”
That would go over well.
