Micah Thaxter has a problem -- one scary, inconvenient problem. His shadow wants him dead and isn’t shy about it.<br><br>On the plus side, it’s not his time to die and Scary Gary is always there to carry him back to the land of the living. Gary is far too pale, his black cloak a bit out of fashion, and his scythe quite terrifying, but he’s still one of the most beautiful men Micah has ever seen.<br><br>Micah may be stuck with a homicidal shadow, but perhaps there’s a way to keep Gary around too. His job escorting souls keeps him busy, but since Micah has already died once today, Gary’s there. So what’s the harm in offering him a cup of tea?

Scary Gary

“Are you sure?” He hadn’t meant to whisper, but could he be sure?


“No demon has ever come close to you while you’ve been living in my territory and there isn’t one in you now.” Gary’s grin was chilling, and it should have bothered him, but Micah was stuck on the part where demons existed. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. Gary was a grim reaper, and he was a...something.


“Micah...” Gary’s thumb gently caressed his bruised skin. “I need you to be more careful.”


Tingles rushed up Micah’s arm. “I am careful.” Most days. “What if there is someone out there who’s like me who has a polite, charming shadow that doesn’t destroy their life? Do you think it’s possible to get rid of my shadow?”


“No?” The answer had come awfully fast. “Are you guessing or do you know?” Micah narrowed his eyes.


Micah didn’t move, and neither did Gary. “You know what I am.”


Chapter 3