Ghost's Dilemma Read online

  "Ghost," Gerry whispered, rough and ragged. "Oh, beloved, Moon shine on me, you feel so good. I can't wait." The heat of Gerry's release filled Ghost and sent a whole new burst of pleasure spiraling upward along his spine to explode behind his eyes.

  Ghost let himself fall forward, trusting Gerry to catch him. His heart was beating like a drum, and he buried his face in the warm space between Gerry's shoulder and neck, breathing in the familiar scent of Gerry's skin. Gerry's rough fingers rubbed along Ghost's back. Ghost trembled as he wrapped his arms around Gerry as best he could. The journey was over.

  "Next time, you're coming with me," Ghost mumbled into Gerry's neck, listening to the comfortable thrum of Gerry's pulse.

  "Next time?" Gerry sounded amused, and Ghost lifted his head to peer at Gerry. "Only if I get to pick where we go. The Northlands? Way too cold for me, even with a hot-blooded mate like mine." Gerry's lips muffled Ghost's laughing protest. Ghost settled in his arms. They exchanged soft kisses for a while until Ghost's head fell back against the pillows. Gerry's humming filled his ears and heart as he drifted off to sleep.

  Epilogue

  As the sun rose the next morning, Ghost dressed to visit the infirmary and check on the effectiveness of the cure. If Gerry was any indication, the antidote worked exactly as Sri's notes promised. Egill was already dressed and waiting to go too. Ghost agreed he could come along, but first Ghost returned to the bedroom to say goodbye to Gerry.

  "I'm going with you," Gerry insisted.

  "You're still recovering yourself," Ghost argued. But Gerry was already out of the bed and pulling on his breeches. Ghost didn't fight it further because, in truth, he was reluctant to leave Gerry, even for a morning.

  All the surviving afflicted were recovering well, and Ghost gave anyone who had not had the illness a prophylactic dose of the vaccine. The Witch and Natali assisted in the vaccinations, and Natali thanked Ghost again for the gifts he had given her. She left to return to her own village, promising to contact Ghost for updates on the epidemic and the cure. For her part, the Witch went back to her house outside town to start the proceedings against Sri and Tarah.

  Gerry, Ghost, and Egill returned home at the end of the day, and Ghost prepared a hearty meal for Gerry to help Gerry regain his strength. After dinner, Egill settled in to read in the back bedroom as Ghost cleaned up the dinner dishes. Ghost felt Gerry's presence at his back, and he turned from the sink to see Gerry standing in the doorway with his guitar. Gerry's cheeks were a hectic pink.

  "Is everything all-- "

  “I... wrote you a song.” Gerry interrupted Ghost's question. “When you were gone. Sometimes it's difficult... to tell you how I feel. Can I play it for you?”

  Ghost nodded, clutching a cup in his hands. Gerry sat down by the hearth and lowered his eyes to his guitar. As he began to play, the soft sounds of the familiar ethereal tune filled the air. Gerry hummed to the melody Ghost had heard so many times. In that moment, Gerry looked so alluring to Ghost, strong and loyal and brave. Then, for the first time ever, Gerry's humming slid into words. Gerry's voice was rich and vibrant, and warmed Ghost's heart as he sang.

  "Would you ease my shame,

  If I could offer the words?

  Forgive my mistake,

  And return to me now.

  I can't go on.

  I've forgotten how.

  But I know you'll always be,

  My home and haven.

  Return, my Ghost, to me.

  You're all I'll ever need.

  Stay by my side,

  'Til the end of time."

  Gerry glanced up from his guitar as the last notes rang out through the room. Ghost felt his lashes grow damp. He dropped the cup and launched himself into Gerry's arms.

  "Oh, Gerry, I'm back. I won't leave again. You're my home, love." Ghost blinked away hot tears. "You're all I need too. I promise I'll never leave you. I'll stay right here in your arms where I belong. I love you. Moon shine on me, Gerry, I love you."

  Ghost swallowed the rest of what he wanted to say in a sob. He gripped Gerry's tunic tightly, fisting his hands in the fabric and breathing in the scent of his mate. Ghost felt a fool for crying, but Gerry stood strong and rubbed Ghost's back in a soothing rhythm until Ghost's sobs eased.

  "I was wondering," Gerry murmured into Ghost's ear. "The Witch is making noises about going to the South for the hearing, isn't she?"

  Ghost drew a shaky breath and leaned back into Gerry's embrace, puzzled by the change in topic. "So I've gathered. I'm pretty sure Zereda is presiding, so it'll be in the South. All the elder witches will hear the case."

  "What's she going to do with Egill? Is she taking him too?" Gerry pressed a kiss to Ghost's hair.

  "I don't know. I suppose it's his choice. Isn't it? He's got no family we know of, and the clan I met isn't his." Ghost gazed into Gerry's eyes, trying to See what he was thinking.

  "How would you feel about taking Egill as our dependent?" Gerry's smile was mischievous.

  Ghost gasped. He was planning on asking Gerry the same thing this evening when they were alone. Ghost wanted Egill more than anything. Ghost knew how lost and alone Egill must feel right now. Ghost had felt the same way living with the Witch. An outcast because he looked different, because he could See. No matter how hard the Witch tried, he never felt as though he belonged until Gerry came along and loved him. Egill would have what Ghost never had. Egill would have Ghost, who looked like Egill, and Saw like Egill. And Egill would have Gerry, who would cherish Egill with a father's devotion and not question what Egill was.

  "Why are you asking me?" Ghost demanded. "I mean, you're the alpha, you know." Ghost placed his palms flat against Gerry's chest.

  "Well, yes, but I'd rather have the advice of my wise and fierce witch before I make such a momentous decision."

  Gerry laughed as Ghost twined his hands in Gerry's hair and pulled him down into a heated kiss.

  When Ghost finally let him up for air, Gerry gazed into Ghost's eyes and smiled. "I'll take the kiss for a yes." Ghost opened his mouth to speak, but Gerry touched his finger to Ghost's lips to stop him. "And I'm also going to tell you I'm the happiest man in the village right now. I love you, Ghost. I can't imagine a life without you by my side. But more important, I can't imagine not being at your side. You're all I need to make my life complete, and wherever life takes us, we'll go together. Even if it means going to your frozen Northlands."

  "Just as long as we're together," Ghost said, looking into Gerry's gorgeous eyes and seeing only love there. "We can take the carriage up to the Northlands in the summer. You, and me, and our Egill. Our family."

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