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Instead of angering him, the metallic click of the flimsy lock sent relief shuddering through Kahn’s body. She knew --She had to know-- that a cheap lock on a hollow-core door was useless to keep him out. He could’ve ripped the damn thing off the hinges with one hand. She was telling him she didn’t want him in her space and seeing if he’d respect the barrier she’d created.

He could do that.

He could do anything she wanted, just so she stayed in the house with him.

Kahn took a loud and deliberate step back from the door, ensuring that she heard his feet retreating. “See? I’m not coming in.” He repeated, just to be sure she understood. “The door stays shut, until you’re ready to open it. You’re safe, right where you are.”

Randa didn’t answer. But she also didn’t jump off to parts unknown. She was trusting him.

Okay.

Good.

Now what?

It was still hard to think beyond the gigantic explosions of shock and excitement and fear detonating in his brain, but he needed to figure out a strategy. Kahn ran a hand through his hair… and the impact of the situation finally hit home.

Holy shit!

It was already figured out. Everything. All of it. His whole life. It was back on track in a way he’d never really believed possible. Joy filled him. A feeling of rightness and gratitude.

For days, he’d harbored some tiny, persistent hope that Randa was his Match. The feeling had been building inside of him, even when he was afraid to acknowledge it. It had seemed too impossible to even wish for. A fantasy.

But somehow it was true! He’d just been handed a miracle. An actual fucking miracle. He knew that his sisters must have had a hand in it. That they’d seen him struggling and guided him to where he belonged. To Randa. To his Match.

For the first time in two years, Kahn grinned.

Holy shit, he’d finally found his Match.

Chapter Seventeen

And, therefore, it is observable in those sprightly gentlemen about the town… that,

in the company of ladies of virtue and honour,

they are silent and disconcerted, and out of their element.

Jonathan Swift

Kahn called in the only person he could think of who might be able to help him. Mara, Queen of the Magnet House quickly arrived at Randa’s small home, grace and femininity personified in her lavender dress. “Kahny, what in the world am I doing here at this hour? Your message was very odd. I’m not…”

“I found my Match.” Kahn had been sitting on the floor outside Randa’s door. He bounded to his feet, quickly moving to intercept his cousin. “Randa, of the Stone House is my Match.”

“Oh!” Mara’s mouth parted in surprised happiness. “Well, that’s incredible!” Her hands clapped together. “I don’t know her, but I’ve heard she’s very beautiful. Wait…” Mara frowned. “Didn’t she already have a Match, though?”

Kahn ignored that and pointed towards the bedroom. “She’s locked in there. Get her out. Please.” He didn’t care if calling his little cousin made him look helpless. He felt helpless. On his own, he would fuck this all up. It was inevitable.

Mara blinked. “Why is she locked in the bedroom?”

“She’s scared.”

“Of you?” Mara gave a soft chuckle. “Why, that’s just silly. I know Light Phases can be intimidating, but…”

Kahn cut her off again. “Hang on.” He headed back over to the bedroom door. “Randa?” He gently knocked. “My cousin Mara is here. I need her advice. Can I talk to her about everything?”

Silence.

“If you don’t want her involved, I can tell her to leave.” It belatedly occurred to him that Randa might not want a total stranger hearing about this situation, even if Mara was renowned for her calm and compassion. Kahn wasn’t about to break trust with his new Match. “She’ll understand if I kick her out…”