"That doesn't tell me much. Where do I rank? Top ten percent? Top five? What's the record?"
Kaia laughed and pushed her way into the room. "You're too competitive for your own good, Tony. It took me much longer than that to heal, but I didn't lose consciousness during my transition, so there is that."
"So, it's not an exact science?"
"Nothing about any of this is exact." Kaia patted his arm. "You're immortal now. That's what matters. Whether you heal in sixty seconds or six minutes, you'll still be here in a thousand years."
A thousand years. The concept was too vast to comprehend, so Tony filed it away for later contemplation. Right now, he just wanted to bask in the warmth of the moment, the joy of the occasion, the simple pleasure of being surrounded by people who cared about him.
When Tula approached, the crowd parted to let her through, and he was surprised to see tears shining in her blue eyes.
She bent to kiss his cheek. "I'm so glad," she said with a voice that was just a little breathy, a little shaky. "I'm so glad that you'll be there for our son. For the duration."
For the duration. For eternity. For all the years their child would live, Tony would be there too. Not as Tula's partner, but as their son’s father nonetheless.
It wasn't the future Tony had imagined. But looking at Tula now, at the tears in her eyes and the hope in her smile, he realized that it was enough, that they would make it work because they were all invested in providing the best possible future for their son.
Tula squeezed his hand, and for a moment, it felt like old times. Like they were still partners. Like they were still in love.
Then Esag appeared beside her, lifting his hand to rest on the small of her back, and the moment shattered.
"Congratulations," Esag said. His voice was warm, his smile genuine. There was no jealousy in his expression, no possessiveness. Just honest happiness for Tony's transformation. "Welcome to the clan."
"Thank you," he said, reaching for Shira's hand and drawing her close.
She came willingly, fitting herself against him with the easy familiarity of someone who belonged there.
Maybe he wasn't in love with her yet. Maybe the shadow of Tula still loomed too large, blocking out the light. But Shira was there, warm and real and present, and she had chosen him.
21
ANNANI
Friday night dinners at Syssi and Kian's were usually the highlight of Annani's week, but she was finding it difficult to enjoy the warmth of a family gathering when her mind was thousands of miles away, worrying about her mate and wondering whether he still lived.
Her grandchildren, though, were the best antidote to the immense stress she had been feeling for weeks now, and tonight the dining room was bursting with young life.
Little Evander Tellesious, who sat in a highchair between Alena and Orion, was fully devoting his attention to the food his parents were placing on his plate. Annani had never seen a child his age so excited about mashed vegetables.
Evie was in a bit of a mood because her favorite cousin was not paying attention to her.
Andrew and Nathalie were in attendance tonight, and with them was Phoenix, who, at nearly five years of age, was much more fascinating to Allegra than her younger cousin Evie.
Phoenix was chattering constantly, and Annani was impressed with the child's vocabulary and the absolute certainty with which her opinions were delivered.
"And then the teacher said we couldn't bring frogs to show-and-tell," Phoenix said, waving her fork for emphasis. "But I told her that Harold was the cutest frog ever, but she said that didn't matter, and I said?—"
"Phoenix, sweetheart," Nathalie interrupted gently. "Maybe eat a little more and talk a little less?"
"But, Mommy, I have to tell Allegra about Harold!"
"After dinner, sweetie."
"I want Harolot!" Allegra announced.
"It's Harold," Syssi corrected, stifling a smile. "Can you say Ha-rold?"
"Harold," Allegra repeated perfectly. "I wan’ to see Harold!!" She annunciated carefully but just as forcefully as the first time.
