Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,2
it. It’s out of my hands. Now, about that favor.”
“I need to ask you something first. Is it possible to mate with a small child?”
“Are you crazy? Why would you even ask that?” Jonas hissed.
“Not that way! Gods, you really think I’d do that? What I meant was could being around a child cause the transition?”
“I suppose if the fates are willing to put someone through a test of sorts it could be possible. Why are you asking?”
“I ran into someone I haven’t seen since they were really young. I met her when I dated her mother. Soon after, I went through my transition. Back then we didn’t know the cause, but since we now do, I’m thinking she is the reason. I felt the mate pull strongly in her presence just now.”
“Wait a second. How do you know the cause?” Jonas snapped.
“How we know isn’t important. The fact that you hid it from us is. If you hadn’t kept it a secret, I might be with my mate right now. All of your offspring have transitioned with the exception of Cyrus. I’m on my way to Montana to rectify the situation. Back to my original question, is it possible?”
Jonas was silent for a moment, and if Zeke hadn’t heard breathing on the other end of the line, he would’ve thought his father had hung up. Finally, Jonas responded, “It isn’t something I’ve ever heard of, Son, but I wouldn’t say it is impossible. Now, about that favor…”
Zeke listened to his father drone on and on about some experiment he was currently working on. Since Tessa and Sam were out of the country, he wanted Zeke to help him. Zeke declined, reminding his father he was going to see Cyrus. He wouldn’t put off the trip because Jonas had a wild hair up his ass. Maybe by the time he returned from Montana, Stella would be ready to see him.
He left the New San Diego airport and headed north toward his beach house. He had a feeling that one day very soon he would no longer need the soothing sound of the waves as a balm to his spirit. As much as Zeke loved the beach, he’d had enough sand to last a while being in Egypt. He was looking forward to the open skies and mountain air of Montana. Cyrus lived on four hundred acres flush with trout-filled streams, cross-fenced pastures, and wildflowers blooming in the spring and summer. Since it was December, the land wouldn’t be as beautiful unless it was covered in white. Zeke loved the brisk air and quiet of snow-laden fields. It was exhilarating and so completely different than the almost always sunny days of New Oceanside.
If things were different, Zeke would remain in California and spend time with Stella. His beast was demanding he do so. But he couldn’t in good conscience put off going to his brother. Not when Cyrus had yet to transition. With that being the case, the male had the opportunity to know his mate from the beginning, unlike Zeke who had lived his life with no clue as to who she was or when they’d met.
Better late than never.
That was true. Zeke was positive Stella was his mate, and he would have her, but not until he visited with Cyrus and told him the truth of who and what he was. Once Cyrus knew he was a half-blood, he would need to make preparations to sell the few horses he owned. Animals didn’t do well around shifters, sensing the beast within. The horses and dogs Cyrus owned were going to be riled when Zeke visited, but it couldn’t be helped.
Zeke unpacked his bags and tossed his clothes in the washing machine, then grabbed a beer from the near empty fridge. He took the bottle to one of his spare bedrooms where he kept the clothes he didn’t wear in his everyday life. Since he was headed to Montana, he grabbed the jeans and flannel shirts he’d bought specifically for visiting this particular brother. Now that Cyrus was the last of his siblings to need watching, Zeke could get rid of the various wardrobes he never wore, because who needed heavy canvas coats on the beach? Not that he needed them in Montana, either, considering he was Gargoyle. But he had to look the part wherever he went. If Zeke had his way, he’d be in board shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops every day.