“Do you know why that happens to me?”
“Why what happens?”
“Wilder and Talon, one of the women, said I attract spirits. Do you know why that would happen?”
“No, I don’t know. I could try to see if I can find out. Maybe someone on my side knows the answer.”
Nodding, I glance around. “I’m glad I can talk to you, but I don’t want to deal with a bunch of spirits attacking me. I’d like to make it stop.”
“Of course. Stick with me and I’ll keep you safe.”
“How? You’re on the other side.”
“You’re gonna have to learn to trust me. Keagan, I’m your father. I would never do anything to hurt you.”
“Okay.” I nod, even though what he’s saying doesn’t really make sense to me. “What now?”
“You need to resist.” He steps closer to me, and the air cools even more. “Resist anyone trying to send me away, not until my work is done. I was so close, I just needed a little more time.”
“Time for what?”
“My mission.” His voice starts to sound far away. “The mission is important, and you can help me finish it. It’s long overdue, but this is something we can do together.” He smiles, and I wonder if it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a genuine smile. “Father and son. You and me, kiddo.”
There’s a warning bell ringing in the back of my head that I do my best to ignore. He’s saying things I’ve always wanted to hear him say, calling me son, and including me in his life. Well, as best he can at this point.
“Okay, Dad. I guess I’ll wait to hear from you again.”
“And resist,” he repeats. “Don’t let them send me back.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Just distract him.”
“Who?”
“The man you’re with.” He looks put out, exasperated. “Stay focused. Resist those women and resist the man you’re with. Distract him.”
“I’ll… I’ll distract him somehow.”
“Good. I trust you. I know you can do it. You’re my son, after all.”
As he stands before me, his body becomes translucent, like a shadow of himself. His brow creases and he looks around, frustrated.
“I’m running out of energy. I’ll have to try again after I regroup. I’ll see you soon, son.”
“Bye, Dad.”
He’s gone before I get the words out, and when I blink, I’m back in Wilder’s bed, tucked under the blankets. I wasn’t anywhere else at all. That must’ve been a really bizarre dream, I guess. Wilder is sound asleep beside me, with the blankets crumpled around him and pulled down just enough for me to admire his chest. He’s an incredibly good-looking man, and ordinarily I’d be trying to get his attention in a romantic way, but I’ve got bigger issues to tackle right now.
My dream comes back to me in flashes. Is that what my dad meant by distracting him? Does he know Wilder is into men too? He didn’t exactly take it well when my grandma told him about my sexuality, but maybe he’s had time to get over it. I guess if I could get Wilder interested in me, maybe I could drag this whole thing out a little bit longer and help my dad do whatever it is he’s trying to do before he gets sent back.
Is that the right thing to do? I could help my dad and hook up with a hot guy. It doesn’t sound like such a bad plan, assuming Wilder has any interest in me at all. So far, he seems super serious and stoic, focused on his job, but he’s also kind. I can tell there’s a softer side in there somewhere. Under different circumstances, we might even be something.
I blow out a breath and roll over on my side again, trying to force away the thoughts that dream put in my head. I’m probably making all this up. Or maybe I’m slowly going crazy, who knows? One thing I do know is I need to get some sleep. I’ll figure out the rest tomorrow.
The next time my eyes open, I feel warm and the room is brighter. I blink my eyes open and find myself smashed up against Wilder, my body pressed into his and my arm draped over his waist. My dick is hard, which must be what woke me up, and even though I should be shocked and ashamed of myself, I take just another moment to relish the feeling of having another man close. It’s been too dang long, but I’m being a creep.
I try to scoot back just a little bit, but Wilder shifts, holding my arm against his chest. I peer over his shoulder to see if he’s awake, but his eyes are closed, so it’s highly likely he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Maybe he’s having a really cool dream too.
