I t was rare for Victor to be filled with dread, but those days were usually associated with visits to the Antonovs, and today was no exception. This was no regular visit. He was in the car with Keegan and Phillip as he turned onto the residential street where his parents lived. Since it was Sunday, the entire Antonov family would be in attendance.

Victor wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse. Either the chaos would keep the attacks from getting too personal or the entire family would voice their opposition to his future matebond with two men. It was pessimistic for Victor to assume that he lacked their support, but they hadn’t given him any reason to believe they were suddenly accepting of homosexuality.

Which really begged the question of why Victor was putting himself—and, more importantly, the two men he loved—in their direct line of fire. His kitty wasn’t happy about it. From the moment he’d put on his shoes, the beast had been growling in his head. That was highly unusual for his cat, but Victor understood.

His instinct was to protect and defend. Victor was afraid his family would insult Keegan and Phillip, and that fear had bled over to his cat. Unlike Victor, who preferred to avoid confrontation, his beast was ready to jump into anyone’s face if they dared hurt Phillip or Keegan’s feelings.

But for as long as Victor could remember, it’d been drummed into his head to honor and obey his parents. He supposed that was the lone reason he was entertaining the possibility that things could work out between his mates and his family. If Victor was any less loyal to the Antonovs, he probably would’ve cut ties with them decades ago.

Victor tapped the brake, and the car rolled to a stop in front of the modest home of the elder Antonovs. After turning the vehicle off, Victor sat motionless for a few precious seconds to gather his courage and to assure his cat that neither of their mates would be harmed.

“You have sufficiently prepared us to expect the worse,” Phillip stated softly, grabbing one of Victor’s hands and kissing his cheek.

“Yeah, Sparkles, we aren’t expecting them to break out the champagne and immediately toast our relationship,” Keegan added from the backseat.

“I can’t believe I’ve brought you both here,” Victor responded.

“Perhaps it is because, on some level, you still seek their approval,” Phillip suggested.

“I suppose I do. I guess I always have. But I’m old enough now to know it’s not likely that I’ll ever get it.”

“You said they honor Fate, and you’re their son. Maybe they’ll surprise you,” Keegan remarked.

Victor glanced in the rear-view mirror to see the shining optimism in Keegan’s big brown eyes. “I love you, Sunshine.”

“I love you too,” Keegan replied immediately.

“Today, I think we should all borrow Keegan’s sunniness and walk into the house with confidence. Things may not go well, but nothing will change the fact that we love each other. And next week we will stand in the memorial garden at D’Vaire to bind our blood,” Phillip said.

“Which means Victor will finally be immortal,” Keegan enthused.

Victor gasped, then laughed. “Oh, you guys, I forgot to tell you. I have a little secret. I’m already immortal.”

“How is that possible?” Phillip asked. “I have done extensive research on shifters, and few of them have immortality. Russian Blue cats are not among those that do.”

Amused, Victor smiled and turned to face both his mates. “You have to keep this confidential, but many years ago, Sorcery D’Vaire was unintentionally created when they banded together to help Idris complete his final project to gain his High Arcanist title. They found an old scroll written by ancient warlocks about a potion called Immortalis. While they told the Spectra Wizardry and the world it was impossible to craft it because there weren’t enough living warlocks, they figured out how to get around that problem. Each sorcerer involved—including Chand—sacrificed a tiny sliver of their souls to make it. I was approved to drink it. Not even the Antonovs know; I was asked not to tell them.”

High Arcanist Idris D’Vaire was one of the vastly accomplished wizards who made up a panel to advise and aid the rulers of the Spectra Wizardry. He was also one of the kindest people Victor knew. Ironically, Victor hadn’t known it at the time, but he’d been present at the start of the Immortalis project. He’d been asked by Chander to help Idris and others organize a private room in the Spectra Library. It was in that cluttered space that the scroll about the life-extending potion was discovered.

“Wow. I shouldn’t be surprised considering how talented everyone in Sorcery D’Vaire is, but…wait, does that mean others were approved too? They had to be, right?” Keegan asked.

“Everyone but the youngest of the D’Vaire clan has already drunk it,” Victor replied. “I’m sure as soon as they’re old enough to understand immortality and can be trusted to keep it a secret they’ll have some too.”

“It is a relief to know we need not lose anyone in our extended family,” Phillip remarked.

Victor leaned over to kiss him. “I love hearing you include yourself as part of the incredible family who adopted this little kitty.” He stretched to brush his lips with Keegan’s too. “Thanks for the immortality you two would’ve shared with me next week if Sorcery D’Vaire hadn’t already given it to me.”

“We should be thanking you for suggesting we have Alaric and Chander assign roles for our matebond ceremony,” Keegan said with a grin. “Did you ask them to reserve any spots for your parents if today goes well?”

Victor shook his head. “No, I only want the Darays and our dearest friends to be involved. They’re the ones who’ve supported me—and now you two—unconditionally from the start. The only thing my parents approve of is my job. Having Alaric and Chander handle the arrangements will ensure there are no hard feelings, and I didn’t ask them to save spots for any Antonovs.”

“Sentinels are competitive for sure, so I’m glad Alaric and Chand are helping us. I understand why you want family and friends involved; you’re a vital part of the Darays, and they love you,” Keegan responded.

“The Antonovs don’t know that part. My parents expect me to keep a professional distance from the Council leaders in my home. I should know my place and sneak off to my room the minute I clock out. Feather dusters and crowns don’t mix.”

“You are a housekeeper with a tiara. They clearly know nothing,” Phillip stated with a small smile.

“Damn right you are, Sparkles,” Keegan added.

“Okay, let’s go inside and get this over with so we can enjoy the rest of our Sunday,” Victor said, forcing himself to let go of Phillip’s hand and exit the car.

Once he’d scrambled out, Victor waited patiently for Keegan and Phillip, then led them down the short walk to the house. He opened the front door, and ignoring his siblings and their offspring, Victor went to the kitchen with Keegan and Phillip on his heels.

As he expected, his mother and father were preparing food, and Loria was with them. It was rarer to find her apart from his parents than at their side. Allowing no emotion to cloud his voice despite the anxiety growing inside him, Victor introduced his Cinder Lords to his mom, dad, and sister.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Antonov,” Phillip said as Keegan reached out to shake their hands.

Loria flung her arm in front of Phillip, and Victor moved forward to partially block her from getting any closer to his mate.

“Sentinels don’t touch strangers,” Victor reminded his sister. It was public knowledge, and given that Victor had worked for sentinels for decades, he didn’t have to ask if Loria knew better. She was being deliberately provocative. It was ironic. Victor was thought to be the one drawing attention to himself with loud clothes and make-up, but Loria could act rude or speak her mind without thought to anyone’s feelings, and she’d never experienced an ounce of disapproval from their parents.

“Have a seat,” Victor’s father invited, pointing to the barstools at the island. “We have much to discuss.”

“We do?” Victor asked. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to or not, but he sat and encouraged Keegan and Victor into the seats on either side of him. At least the three of them were in this together.

“Of course, your life is about to change a great deal,” his mother said.

Loria smiled, but it raised Victor’s hackles. Something about it was sly. Or maybe it was his tension growing in anticipation of disapproval.

“Yes, according to you, Fate has paired you with the Cinder Lords,” Loria remarked.

“You don’t have to use their titles,” Victor commented.

“Fate paired the three of us together,” Phillip stated. “I know I speak for Keegan when I say we are grateful for Fate’s choice. We have been incredibly lucky too. Many people wait a long time, yet Keegan and I were brought together with Victor shortly after our resurrection.”

“Did you ask the Arch Lich to resurrect men you found attractive?” Loria asked.

“That’s not how it works, Loria,” Victor retorted. “The Arch Lich resurrects men and women at the specific request of the Reverent Knights, Lich Sentinel, and Lich Reaper. Those decisions are based on the needs of the Council. Even if I were audacious enough to approach Chander about resurrecting someone specifically for me, he would refuse. But let’s say he did; it still wouldn’t work. Sentinels lack sexuality with everyone but their mates.”

“We did read that,” Victor’s father said. “Your mother and I tried to learn what we could of sentinels and fallen knights.”

“I would’ve been happy to answer your questions,” Victor replied. “I’ve lived with them for decades now.”

“And added Daray to your name,” Loria muttered. “You’re a cat shifter, not a necromancer. That name belongs to the Arch Lich and his family.”

“I’m not going to argue you with about my last name or my relationship with the Darays,” Victor said.

“There is no need for hysterics,” Victor’s mother stated, her stern green gaze landing on Victor’s face. “We are asking questions. Nothing else. Your future must be decided.”

Victor’s fists clenched, and he couldn’t sit any longer—he was too agitated. So, he stood and laid a hand on the shoulder of both his mates to calm himself. “My future is decided. Next week, I’m binding my soul to Phillip’s and Keegan’s. Then Phillip and I will bite each other and Keegan, sealing our bond for eternity.”

“We have no objection to that,” Victor’s father said.

“You don’t?” Victor asked, shocked by the revelation.

“No, that is your business,” his father replied. “What we need to discuss is what comes next. You are an Antonov. A Russian Blue shifter granted a gift from Fate. Not everyone can shift into a cat. You are among the chosen. From your birth, we’ve told you part of that gift is showing your gratitude to Fate.”

Victor’s mouth flattened into a thin, annoyed line as he finally connected the dots. “You’re wasting your time. Fate decided I should be with men. I know you feel it’s your duty and purpose to bring as many Russian Blue shifters into the world as possible, but Keegan, Phillip, and I can’t have children.”

“Not together, no,” Victor’s mother said, crossing her arms. “But you’re a shifter. Fate ensured that no matter what lifestyle you chose, you could still thank her. There are plenty of women waiting for their mates who wish to bear children. One of Loria’s friends has already agreed to enter such an arrangement with you.”

“Yes, do you remember Anya?” Loria asked. “She went to high school with you and thought you were attractive. We’ve invited her to join us for dessert today. It could be a good fit for you both.”

“Are you serious?” Victor said, losing the battle not to raise his voice as he considered their obscene request in front of the two men he loved. “Your reaction to meeting the men Fate granted to me is to invite a woman over to meet me?”

“You’ve met her already,” Loria countered. “There’s no need to yell. I’m sure the Cinder Lords understand your duty.”

“I am afraid I do not understand,” Phillip stated, rising to his feet and wrapping an arm around Victor’s waist. “Are you asking our mate to have a relationship with a woman to help her have children?”

Keegan left his barstool, and Victor clung to both men once the fallen knight half-embraced him. “Until today, I didn’t even think about the fact that Victor has sexuality outside his matebond because he’s far too honorable to ever consider being with anyone besides myself and Phillip.”

“If Victor had any honor, he wouldn’t have romantic relationships with men, wear make-up like a woman, or buy such unsuitable clothes,” his mother snapped.

“You’ll bring shame to the Antonov name if you carry on like this,” Victor’s father added. “Your duty is first to your family. These Cinder Lords have each other; must you humiliate us with your selfish decisions?”

Victor swallowed to keep his tears at bay. His cat hissed with anger, and Victor fought the urge to shift. Neither man nor beast would tolerate any insult to their mates. There was nothing selfish about honoring Fate, and Victor was a lucky man to have Phillip and Keegan.

“My duty is first to Fate,” Victor stated carefully. “You taught me that. But you conveniently forget that not everyone is like you. I’m not. I’m gay. Fate made me that way. She proved it by giving me the two incredible gentlemen standing in your kitchen. Fate made it my responsibility to honor them. That is something I do proudly. Nothing will ever get in the way of that. Not you. Not anyone else. If you can’t respect that, I’m sorry, but I don’t want anything else to do with you.”

“You have embarrassed us enough,” his mother shouted. “No parent takes pride in a son who has chosen your lifestyle.”

“You’re wrong. But I can’t make you believe that. I’m sorry you don’t understand me, but I’m tired of expecting you to change. I suppose in a way that’s fair since you’re expecting me to make changes I have no intention of considering. Families don’t have to be like this. I have one that loves me unconditionally. But despite that, I kept you in my life because you instilled duty in me. However, duty shouldn’t be the only thing binding us together.”

“Do not return to this house until you’re ready to act like an adult, honor your parents, and obey Fate’s wishes by following our advice for a happy life,” his mother stated. Her green gaze was so like his own, but it was cold and unwelcoming.

Victor had expected sadness at having the last tie to the Antonovs broken; it never arrived. Instead, relief filled him. He’d long ago accepted that the Antonovs tolerated him at best. Now that they had kicked him out, Victor was granted the freedom to live how he wished without their criticism. It was a grace he hadn’t allowed himself.

With a nod of head, Victor forced himself to step away from the men he loved to leave the small house he’d long associated with painful memories of criticism and disappointment. Victor led Phillip and Keegan out the door. He didn’t stop until he’d unlocked the car and was safely in the driver’s seat again.

Two car doors slammed closed, then there was silence for a few heartbeats. Victor’s cat relaxed in his head and, thanks to his companions, was prompted to purr.

“I am sorry, Sparkles,” Phillip said.

“Me too,” Keegan tacked on a second later.

“I’m not,” Victor responded, his smile blooming. “I never realized until now how much I wanted them to kick me out. For whatever reason, I couldn’t walk away. I kept returning to the house and stifling part of myself, despite knowing I’d never get their approval or love. I don’t have to come back. I don’t have to pretend anymore. And I’ve learned a lesson from my real family in recent years. I’m keeping the fucking name Antonov so no one forgets I put up with their shit.”

“We’re proud of you, and we love you,” Keegan said.

“And my dragon is thrilled to be out of that house. The last thing he wishes to think about is either of his mates meeting some old acquaintance to make babies with them.”

Victor laughed. “That was never happening.”

“Of course not; you love dick,” Keegan joked.

“Yours and Phillip’s,” Victor agreed. “What do you say we go home and enjoy the rest of our Sunday with our family?”

“We’re still playing with dicks later, right?” Keegan asked.

“Do not be ridiculous, Sunshine,” Phillip said. “Of course we are.”

Grinning at his fabulous mates, Victor turned the car on to drive away from not just a house, but a past he should’ve left behind years ago. There were sure to be emotions to work through, but Victor had an incredible support system, and he thanked Fate for every person in his life who loved him unconditionally.