Page 72 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"What are you talking about?" Tim asked. "How can I be his cousin? Didn't you compare my blood to your database?"
"I did, but I'm only concerned with the maternal lineage. Your ancestor could be a male god. I'll let Roni explain."
When she collected her tray, it was the sign for everyone to erupt in congratulations.
"Don't let it go to your head," Roni said as he took Tim's hand and shook it. "You're still an ass."
Come to think of it, he and Roni had a lot in common. They were both cranky assholes.
"And you're still a punk. So, how can we be related?"
"It turns out that my great-grandfather is a god, and he was quite active. He might be your grandfather or great-grandfather as well."
"What do you mean he's a god? I thought all the gods except for the Clan Mother were gone."
"Not all," Roni said cryptically. "Frankly, I don't think we are related. Maybe there is another god roaming the world that we don't know about." He rose to his feet. "It's time for a toast, people."
After everyone was holding a paper cup with whiskey in their hands, including Magnus's teenage son, Kian stepped forward.
"To the newest member of our community." Kian raised his cup. "May Timothy find a home, a family, and a purpose in his new life."
Another round of cheers and congratulations ensued, and then people started filing out, leaving Tim and Hildegard alone.
"Happy?" she asked, packing up his belongings into the bag that Thomas had brought.
"Surprisingly, yes. It doesn't happen often that life treats me so well. Kian's welcome to the community was touching. A home and a family. That's wow."
"What about purpose?"
He shrugged. "I already have that, but I didn't have a home and a family."
Her expression softened. "I'm happy for you, Tim. You deserve the best life has to offer."
He snorted. "Do I? Most people would disagree with you."
"That's because all they see are your porcupine quills. They don't see the cute little critter inside."
"Hey, I'm not little anymore."
She smiled. "What, no objections to being called cute?"
"Not when it's coming from you. You can call me cute."
"Just not little?"
He smirked. "There is nothing little about me, darling."
Hildegard laughed. "Fates, I'm going to miss you."
"I'll miss you too," he said with much less amusement.
He was going to miss this. Miss her.
"All set," she announced when his belongings were all packed. "I'll call for the cart. You are not strong enough to walk to Thomas's place yet. Besides, you have no shoes."
"Right. Thomas's house." Tim stood, testing his balance. "I guess this is goodbye then."
"Don't be dramatic. You'll be here tomorrow for physical therapy."
