23. Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Cyrus

I hate leaving Finley, but it'll give me a minute to gather my thoughts and do what needs to be done. She doesn't want a relationship in the shadows, so it's time to bring us into the light. I need to prove to her that I want to be with her in front of the world. It won't be difficult. But telling Midas… yeah, I'm not looking forward to that.

Leaving the cafe behind, I pull out my phone and dial my brother. No answer. I try Jeslyn. No answer. I try Lennox and Yeva. Nothing. Shit. I expected them to have moved back to the upper levels of the temple by now and have better phone service, but I guess not. Unless they're screening my calls.

For a moment I worry that someone's already spoken to Midas, but then reassure myself. Only three people know. Jethro, Violeta, and Damian. Jethro, because I told him. Violeta and Damian, because they saw us in the gym. I haven't talked to them yet, but they wouldn't betray me. At least, I don't think so.

I let out a sigh and stop walking, leaning against a building and watching as people pass by. It's a crowded street, businessmen mix with tourists, shoppers, and other brunch-goers. None of them hold a candle to Finley.

I could fly to the High Temple again, but if I do that, I'll miss half of Finley's birthday. No matter how badly I need to talk to Midas, I won't leave her when she's already feeling insecure about where we stand. She needs this to be public. And I'm going to give that to her. Today. Consequences be damned.

If I can pull off the plan I started forming back in the restaurant, the entire horde will know by the end of the night. So I can't risk being vague with Midas. I lay it all out.

I should have told you this a long time ago, but Finley's my mate. I've known since she was seventeen. It's why I left the horde six years ago. I couldn't risk being near her.

I'm sure you can understand how hard it would be to be around your mate and not act on those instincts. Living with her the past few weeks has been torture, but I wanted to prove to you I've learned control, so I've kept my distance.

Until two days ago.

Finley hasn't made it easy, and in a moment of weakness, I caved and kissed her.

I leave out the fact that her mouth isn't the only part of her I kissed. He doesn't need to know intimate details, just that I slipped and he might end up hearing about it.

I recognize I was walking the line, but nothing was consummated, and I hope that means I was still within the letter of the law (in case you hear rumors otherwise).

Finley is doubting how I feel about her and refuses to be with me now because she thinks I'm not all in. She thinks I don't want to be seen in public with her. I can't let her go on believing that. She has enough false beliefs about people not wanting her.

Tonight, I plan to announce her to the horde. I recognize that the timing is inconvenient, and I wish you and Jeslyn could be here, but I've waited long enough.

I send the message to all four of them, hoping one of them will see it before they hear about us from someone else. Maybe this will be better than telling them in person. I won't have to see Midas and Jeslyn's disappointment with my own eyes. Or hear how Finley deserves someone better.

Hopefully, by the time they return, they'll have made peace with the idea of us together. Because there's nothing in the sky above or the fires below that will keep me from my mate for a minute longer.