Page 88 of Deceiver

Keagan

One Year Later

“Dinner was great. Thank you.” I fold my napkin and lay it on the table. “I didn’t peg you for being such a good cook.”

Wilder chuckles. “I’ve had quite a bit of time to practice my skills.”

“True.”

“You finished your project, right?”

I nod. “Sure did. Emailed the beast to the client this afternoon. I hope they like what I’ve done with it.”

“I’m sure they will.”

Wilder stands and takes our plates to the kitchen. It’s been nearly nine months since I moved in, after only knowing each other for a few months, but I wasn’t comfortable sleeping in the house where my dad’s body was, however briefly. There’s also something to be said for soulmates. I knew it was the right decision, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Calliope made me a special necklace that repels any spirits attracted to me, even though no one is quiet sure why it happens. Calliope said some people are just sensitive. So all in all, my life is pretty normal. Turns out, my stoic man is actually pretty damn sweet when there aren’t any Horrors around.

When he returns, he offers me his hand, and I take it, rising and stepping into his waiting embrace. We dance in circles to no music, Wilder nuzzling my neck.

“I’m ready, Keagan,” he says softly. “I want to know if you are.”

My stomach flutters. I don’t have to ask what he’s talking about. We’ve discussed this several times in the year since we met. I told Wilder that I wanted him to be a thousand percent sure before we took things to the permanent next step.

“It was a year ago this week that we met,” he says, smiling as he gazes at me. “Little did I know then how important you would become, but you’ve literally changed my life. I can’t imagine not spending every second of it with you.” He cups my face with his strong hands. “I love you, Keagan Bishop, now and until the end of time.”

My bottom lip quivers. I’ve wanted to blurt it out so many times, but I held it in, giving him time to heal the wounds of his past and to find space in his heart for me. “I love you too, Wilder. I have for so long now.”

“I know you do. I felt it. I’ll do my absolute best for you. I promise.”

“I promise too.”

“We need a supernatural witness. I’ve called my friend Aster to come by.”

“What happens next?”

“I’ll summon Farnsworth to do the love bond.” His expression turns serious. “You’re absolutely sure that?—”

I put my fingers over his lips. “I’m absolutely sure.”

Seconds later, there’s a knock at the door, and Wilder walks over to open it. Two men and a cute little white dog are standing there. The dark-haired man smiles brightly.

“Never thought I’d get a call like this.” He claps Wilder on the shoulder. “Congrats, man.”

“I never thought I’d make a call like this.” Wilder smiles. “And thank you for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. Where’s the lucky guy?”

“Come this way.”

The little dog prances towards me, wagging its cute tail and gazing up at me.

“Hi, little one. What’s your name?”

“That’s Otto,” the dark-haired man says. “I’m Aster, and this is my soul partner, Hudson.”

“Soul partner. So you did this too?”