Shit. That easily? Zane wanted to get up and offer his chair, but his legs refused to move. He ran a weak hand through his hair. Strands of gray fell to the floor. “I’m almost dead, and now I’m balding?” He snorted. “Apparently I am a superficial bastard. The hair loss bothers me almost as much as death.”
Talen leaned his head against the wall and barked out a laugh. His nearly colorless gaze met Zane’s. “Me too. I would’ve liked to have known you over centuries, Kyllwood, not just a few short months.”
Zane nodded. “Ditto.”
Garrett growled and shook his head. “We’re not giving up. Please don’t tell me we’re giving up.” He looked around wildly at the group.
Conn, Kane, Max, and Jase all leaned heavily against the wall, death dancing on their pale faces. Their eyes had lost all color, and their bodies all strength.
Talen reached out a hand for his son. “I’m sorry, G. I need you to be strong.”
Garrett blinked, tears in his metallic-colored eyes. He looked so much bigger and stronger than the indomitable Talen that something in Zane’s gut hurt. Bad.
Dage hobbled toward Zane and handed him a stack of papers. “Treaty.”
Zane took the pages and a pen. His head hurt, and his vision sucked. “Tell me it’s fair.”
“It’s fair.” The king wiped sweat off his sagging chin. “Treaty between the Realm and demon nations, sharing all information, and banding together against any enemies. If the Prophesy of Arias is ever found, we share it.” He pointed to a second page. “This page turns over your rule to Sam.” The king glanced at his nephew. “I’ve transferred mine to Garrett. The Realm is yours, kid.”
That quickly and in front of Zane’s eyes, Garrett Kayrs changed. His head lifted, and his shoulders went back. A wounded desperation filled his gaze, while pure Kayrs power tightened his jaw. “I’ll protect the Realm.” The pain fled his eyes, leaving a hard determination that made him look centuries older.
Zane nodded at his brother. “Sam?” he gasped.
Sam stepped toward him and dropped to one knee so they could see eye to eye. “Thank you for being my brother.”
Tears pricked the back of Zane’s eyes. “I couldn’t have made it without you and Logan.”
Logan knelt by Sam. “You protected me. Thank you.”
Zane blinked, not caring that tears slid down his face. “Take care of each other, and protect Mom, Janie, and my son.”
Sam held a hand over his heart. “With everything I am.”
“Me too,” Logan said, choking up.
Zane tried to hold his shoulders up. “My child.”
Sam’s and Logan’s heads snapped up, while Garrett pushed off from the wall. “My life,” they said in unison, their deep voices a vow to protect and defend.
Tears clouded Zane’s vision. He’d never thought he’d request the oath, but as it was given, something eased inside him. They’d take care of his son.
Jase cleared his throat. “I’m going to spend my last moments with my mate. Somebody text me when the baby is born.” He moved toward the doorway and stumbled. Conn reached for him, while Kane and Max assisted each other, and the four inched their way into the hallway.
Fuck the virus. Zane scrubbed his face with both hands. One little bug had taken the toughest predators in the universe and turned them into old men. The Kurjans should all be shot for creating the virus.
The queen hustled into the room, her gaze landing on her mate. “Dage?” she asked, her voice breaking.
“I’m fine, love.” The king slowly lifted his hand.
She ran to him, snuggling into his chest. “I’m so sorry.”
Dage ran a hand down her dark hair. “You gave me joy for longer than I deserved.” He slowly put her away from him. “Janie?”
Emma swallowed and turned toward Zane. “The baby is coming. Now.”
Panic and hope flamed through Zane. He struggled to stand.
Emma hurried for him and slipped a shoulder under his arm. “Let me help.”
