Page 48 of Twist of Fate

Cosmo rose and returned to Silenus’s side. “Luke called Gomez his brother.”

“I heard him,” Silenus said.

“Then understand what he meant.” Cosmo’s voice remained gentle, but the authority beneath it silenced the room. “I lived among humans long enough to know that the family they choose can bind them as tightly as blood or any sworn oath. Luke was not naming a companion he preferred to keep nearby. He was telling us what he could not sacrifice.”

Silenus held his mate’s gaze.

Connal had witnessed Cosmo tease, argue with, and openly challenge the King when no one else would dare. Silenus always listened, even when he did not agree.

This time, understanding moved through his expression.

He looked at Connal. “If Gomez is returned to the human realm, what will Luke do?”

Connal had already learned the answer.

“He will go with him.”

Luke turned toward him. Surprise flickered across his face before he nodded. “Yes.”

Connal wanted Luke protected inside the Unseelie. He wanted his mate close enough to touch and safe from the people who had attacked them. None of that granted Connal the right to sever Luke from the family he had already chosen.

Silenus considered both humans. “Then neither of you will be removed from the Unseelie today. Gomez will remain under this court’s protection while the healer assesses his condition. Luke will remain while we investigate the attack and determine what his bond with Connal requires.”

Some of the tightness in Connal’s shoulders eased.

“This is temporary,” Silenus continued. “No permanent decision will be made while Gomez is injured, Connal is recovering, and Luke has had no time to consider his future.”

“I can agree to that,” Luke said.

“So can I,” Gomez added. “Although I reserve the right to update my position after someone explains where I am.”

“I’ll handle that,” Cosmo said.

“And the tiny flying people?”

“Those too.”

“Will there be snacks?”

“Naturally.”

Gomez settled back onto the bed, apparently satisfied.

Silenus returned his attention to Zer. “You will not retrieve anyone else from the human realm without direct authorization.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Good.” The King looked once more at Connal. “Rest. I expect your full report when you are capable of giving it.”

Connal bowed his head. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Cosmo, remain with our guests. Make certain they understand enough of their circumstances to avoid any further surprises.”

Cosmo smiled. “Gladly.”

Silenus departed, taking the weight of his authority with him.

Gomez released a long breath. “Okay. I’m going to need someone to explain literally all of that, because I feel like I just failed a test I didn’t know I was taking.”