Lost Souls Found
Page 16
"Are you stalling?"
Michael chuckled softly and then pulled Sam's hand closer so he could kiss Sam's fingers. "Maybe."
"Why?" Sam's breath hitched. "Is it bad?"
"No," Michael answered quickly. "At least I don't think it is."
"You're making me nervous. Will you please just say it?"
Michael blew out a breath. Here goes. "What do you think about my house?"
There was a beat of silence, and Michael tilted his head to peek up at Sam's face. His brows were creased in confusion and his mouth slightly open. Sam smiled.
"It's a nice house. I like it. Why are you asking?"
"Well," Michael hedged but mentally scolded himself. He didn't know why he was worried. The worst Sam could say was no, and then he'd just have to work on convincing him. "Will you move in with me?"
Sam widened his eyes. "You want me to move in?"
Michael scowled. "That's what I just said."
Sam laughed and disentangled his hands so he could cup Michael's face. "No need to get huffy. I'm just a little surprised. It's fast, isn't it?"
He wasn't being huffy, but he didn't see the merit in arguing. He moved on to the rest of what Sam had said.
"I don't think it's fast. I think it's right. We're finally at a good place, despite me being an ass for so long, and I want the whole thing with you. I want you with me all the time."
Sam's smile slipped. "Stop berating yourself. We've been over that, and I've forgiven you. Didn't we agree to let it go and move forward?"
Not in so many words, but that didn't matter. Michael would never stop feeling guilty for wasting too much time by being stubborn. He shook his head and sat up, though he didn't go far.
"If you aren't ready, you can tell me."
Sam frowned. "It's not that I'm not. I just think it's fast."
"Okay. We can wait." Michael wasn't happy about it, but he understood Sam's hesitation.
Sam played with the hem of Michael's shirt, his eyes downcast, and then he took a deep breath. "So you, what? Just thought of this today? Out of nowhere?"
"It wasn't...." Michael took a breath. "I was thinking about it. Wanting it. And the new director needs a place to live, so it just... solidified. But I mean it. We can wait. I don't want to rush things if you aren't ready."
Sam went quiet again and focused his gaze on his fingers. Michael tried not to let his disappointment show. Ever since he first thought of the idea, he'd wanted it. It was getting harder to wake up alone and to say goodbye at the end of the night. He thought Sam felt the same way, but there was no harm in waiting longer.
"Are you terribly attached to your house?"
Michael jerked his gaze to Sam, who still wasn't looking at him.
"No. Not terribly. I mean, I like it, of course. But it's just a house."
Sam nodded and slowly lifted his eyes. "So would you be open to moving in here?"
Michael blinked. The thought had never occurred to him. He just assumed Sam would move in with him when the time came, which, now that he thought about it, was pretty selfish.
He glanced around and saw Sam all over the place--the warm colors and the vibrant accents, the pictures on the wall and the cat who kept his distance on the other side of the room. The townhouse wasn't quite as big as his place, square-footage-wise, but it had two levels as opposed to his one.
"You'd rather me move in with you?"
Sam bit his lip and nodded. "I mean. My cat, right? Cameron already takes a long time to get comfortable with new situations, and I'd hate to relocate him and have him stressed out for no reason."
Michael bit back a grin. "Yes," he said solemnly. "We don't want to make it stressful for your cat."
Sam nodded seriously and gave an impish grin. "And Blake is across the street. You know how close I am with my brother. Sure, your house isn't far. But I don't know what Blake would do if I weren't right here when he needed me."
Yes, Michael was sure it was Blake who would have the problem. Well, neither brother wanted to be far from the other, and Michael wouldn't do anything to come between them.
"I'd love to move in."
Sam sucked in a breath, eyes wide. "You would?"
"Absolutely." Michael pulled Sam in and held him tightly. "Sam, I just want to live with you. I don't care where."
"Oh." Sam sighed, and his entire body eased. "Well, good, then. We should do that."
Michael bent and kissed the top of Sam's head. "I'll call the moving company tomorrow."
Sam pushed up and kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Sam pulled out of Michel's arms and stood up. Then he leaned forward and took Michael's face in his hands.
"We should probably, you know, celebrate our decision to cohabitate."
Michael's heart pounded at Sam's sultry tone, even as his dick perked up. "Yeah?"
"Definitely. And we should do it in bed."
Epilogue
SAM'S nerves were jangling so hard he worried they'd bounce right out of his body. He stood in the corner and watched the trainees file in. Most of them were already paired off. Dom stood at his side, the picture of calm, and Avery Wagner was at the front of the room. He would kick things off.
Turn around.
Surprised, Sam did, and he grinned when he saw Michael a few feet behind him. He made his way over and reached out to quickly squeeze his hand. He was so happy to see Michael that his heart nearly burst, which was kind of gross imagery. He chuckled and leaned in.
"Hey," he murmured.
"Your anxiety was so loud, it was calling to me downstairs."
Sam's eyebrows shot up. "Really?"
"No, not really." Michael grinned, and Sam smacked him hard on the shoulder. Of course Michael was so big that he didn't even move. "I'm not that good. But I knew how nervous you were this morning, so I thought I'd check on you before everything got started."
"God, I love you."
"I know." Michael smirked, and then his expression softened. "And I love you."
"Look at all these people."
Michael snorted out a laugh. "There's, like, forty of them. And you're going to have a group of, at max, five pairs."
"Yeah, well." Sam shrugged.
"Hey. You're ready for this. You've been working hard. And there's no one better than you to do this."
Sam squinted. "Avery has lectured thousands before. Sarah and Carlos have been training in the Albuquerque branch for years."
"I'm biased. So what?"
Sam laughed, and a lot of the tension eased. Just, he was sure, as Michael intended. Sam glanced around. It might have been ten years in the making, but he'd finally gotten everything he wanted, and he hadn't even known what he wanted.
"Worth it?"
"You reading me?"
"Maybe a little."
Sam grinned and forgave it instantly. Ever since Michael figured out how to use his gift to give Sam his thoughts too, it had made their connection private and intimate. He didn't mind Michael reading him, because Michael gave him the same back.
"So?" Michael prodded.
"Absolutely worth it."
He'd thought his purpose had been to guide lost souls. But Sam was the one who'd been lost. And since he finally had Michael at his side, he'd found a new purpose.
This room full of people was that purpose, and he'd show them how to help lost souls find peace.
Exclusive Excerpt
Somebody to Die For
A Requiem Inc. Story
By Kris T. Bethke
Dying is easy. New love is terrifying.
Avery Wagner quit ghostwalking when he lost his beloved anchor to cancer. Now teaching others with the ability, he's beginning to live again--but he's not looking for another lover, not now, maybe not ever.
But then he meets Jameson... younger, talented, dedicated, almost perfect in spite of a mouth that opens ahead of his brain sometimes. And Jameson wants Avery desperately, though he'll settle for friendship if
he can't have more.
When an emergency demands they work together in the field, Avery discovers just how perfect Jameson is. But he had a perfect love once before, and he's scared to even consider he might have a chance at another. Can he trust Jameson with his newly healing heart?
Coming Soon to
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Chapter One
AVERY mentally reviewed his checklist as he searched through his suitcase, even though he was certain he had packed everything he needed. With a heavy sigh, he zipped the large case shut and lifted it to the floor. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his forehead. He didn't want to do this.
That wasn't entirely true. Avery didn't mind giving lectures for Requiem Inc. whenever they asked. As long as he didn't have to actively ghostwalk, he was fine talking about it. Dying and coming back to life had become nearly impossible since he lost his anchor--his bonded. Four years had passed since Luke died, and Avery still felt the loss. Perhaps not as keenly as he once did, but it was still an aching, painful hole in his chest.
The doorbell rang, and Avery stood and shook off his thoughts with the action. He pulled up on the handle on his large suitcase and wheeled it down the hall and into the entranceway. It joined a garment bag and his messenger bag, waiting to be packed into the car.
"Hi, Mr. Wagner," Logan said brightly as Avery pulled open the door. The kid lived next door, and he was one of the good ones. He was smart, conscientious, and responsible, and Avery had no worry about leaving his house to the teen's care while he was gone.
"Come on in." Avery stepped back so Logan could enter, and he watched for a moment as Logan took in his surroundings. The place hadn't changed since Luke died, because Avery couldn't bring himself to do it. Avery needed his home to stay the same.
He crossed to the edge of the kitchen and picked up a set of house keys he'd left on the counter. When he turned back, Logan was watching him, so he tossed the keys, and Logan caught them easily and grinned.
"Those are yours. The big one unlocks the deadbolt. The smaller is for the handle." Avery waited until Logan nodded and pocketed the keys. Then he continued. "Toss the mail in the basket there on the sideboard, if you would. I'll go through it when I get back."
"Sure thing, Mr. Wagner."
Avery motioned for Logan to follow. Then he pushed open the french doors that led off the corner of the living room and onto the sunporch. It was his favorite place in the house--his sanctuary. He'd chosen each piece of furniture with care and filled it with all manner of plants. Diffenbacia stood in tall pots on the floor, pothos and spider plants hung in baskets at every window. He had a fichus in the corner, and a paradise palm by the door. Avery took a breath of the warm, humid air, and turned to Logan.
"They'll need to be watered every day." He opened the cupboard, showed Logan the supplies, and made quick mention of how to mix the plant food. "Preferably in the evening, after the sun starts setting. That way the heat and sun won't dry up the water before the plants have a chance to absorb it."
Logan took out his phone and made a note about the plant food. He shoved it back in his pocket and graced Avery with a wide grin.
"I'm on it. You don't have to worry, Mr. Wagner."
"I know I don't." Avery smiled in return. "I'll be gone two weeks this time, as it's the start of the training session. And then on and off for a few days at a time for a couple of months."
"My dad and I will watch the place. And I'll take good care of your plants."
Avery's smile widened, even as nerves coalesced in his stomach. Logan had the rundown, and it was time to hit the road. He glanced at his watch and saw he was already fifteen minutes behind schedule. It was a four-and-a-half-hour drive to Duncan Moor from his home in New Jersey, and Avery needed to get on the road.
Requiem had offered to fly him in and pay for a rental car, but Avery thought that was ridiculous. He'd spend longer waiting at the airport than actually in the air, and he'd arrive quicker if he drove. He also turned down the company's offer to rent him a room at a B and B in town. He was nervous enough about leaving his home and participating in training. He wanted the comfort of friends, and when Blake and Derek offered him a room in their home, he gratefully accepted. At least his downtime would be comfortable.
Avery saw Logan out, turned down the young man's offer to help him load the car, and took care of the task himself. Then he did one more walk-through of his home to make sure the doors and windows were locked and the air-conditioning set low. Finally he could find no more excuses to linger. He grabbed a bottle of water, locked his front door, and got into his car.
KRIS T. BETHKE has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and weekend naps are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with a very fluffy cat and the voices in her head. She'll tell you she thinks that's a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of the people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated. And she loves to hear from readers, so feel free to drop her a line.
Email: kristbethke@gmail.com
Blog: kristbethke.com
Twitter: @KrisTBethke
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Kris-T-Bethke/100014524539852
By Kris T. Bethke
DREAMSPUN BEYOND
#12 - Ghost of a Chance
#18 - Lost Souls Found
Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Coming in May 2018
Dreamspun Beyond #19
Forged in Fire by Ari McKay
The magic touch.
Ever since Harlan Edgewood was bitten by a possessed werewolf, his monthly shifts have been agonizing. When he meets Whimsy Hickes--a mage who specializes in transformation--the attraction is mutual. But Harlan believes his curse is too great a burden to inflict on any romantic partner.
Fortunately, Whimsy thinks he can help.
When Harlan is provoked into an unexpected change, Whimsy uses his magic to help ease Harlan's pain, but with an unexpected consequence. While he's shifted, Harlan's wolf claims Whimsy as his mate.
As they draw closer, suspicious events in the Asheville magical community escalate. Shifters are disappearing, others are murdered, and Harlan's curse makes him an obvious target. It will take all of Whimsy's magic to force back the rising evil--and if he fails, Harlan will lose not only his life, but his very soul.
Dreamspun Beyond #20
Nudging Fate by E.J. Russell
Not exactly a match made in Valhalla.
Half-norn event planner Anders Skuldsson is under strict orders from Asgard not to meddle with Fate. But with Enchanted Occasions' latest booking--a competition for the hand of Faerie's one true prince--crashing around his ears, it's really difficult to toe that particular line. But if Andy pretends to be a contender for the prince.... It's only temporary, so Odin can't blame him. Right?
Conall of Odstone's half-brother, Prince Reyner, was supposed to choose a mate before being crowned and wed. But the idiot left Con to impersonate him. Again.
When Con meets Andy, his anger turns to desire... and despair. Even if Andy forgives him for his imposture, how could someone eligible for a prince's hand settle for the court outcast? And the double-deception isn't their only obstacle. Unless Andy makes the right choice, their fates could be sealed by...well... Fate.
Coming Soon to
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Published by
DREAMSPINNER PRESS
5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, plac
es, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Lost Souls Found
(c) 2018 Kris T. Bethke.
Cover Art
(c) 2018 Aaron Anderson.
aaronbydesign55@gmail.com
Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.
All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or www.dreamspinnerpress.com.
Digital ISBN: 978-1-64080-453-1
Mass Market Paperback ISBN: 978-1-64108-045-3
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017917547
Digital published April 2018
v. 1.0
Printed in the United States of America