Julian Thomas made the unpopular decision to become Beholden and focus his magic only on scrying. Because of it, he’s the best at his job and the top scryer for the Department of Extranormal and Magical Affairs. Which why Investigations Agent Wes Caldwell goes right to Julian for help locating a missing person.<br><br>When Wes needs to use his magic to boost Julian’s, they find a magical resonance between them that quickly leads to more. Julian doesn’t want to move too fast, but Wes knows Julian is it for him. He’s fine with waiting, as long as Julian stays close as they work through it.<br><br>But then Julian falls ill, and it’s clear there’s a magical reason. Wes will stop at nothing to find out what’s plaguing Julian, and when they realize just how deep the plot goes, they have more questions than answers. Magic is increasing in the world, and no one can figure out why. Julian and Wes have found love, but will it be enough to get them through what’s to come?

Beholden

Wes groaned like he’d heard this before. “It was barely two weeks ago that we met, Mom. Give me a break.”


“That’s still weeks. Plural. Get up, you big goof. I can’t do this if you’re plastered to his side.”


I decided I really liked Lavinia. She crossed the room as soon as Wes had risen and moved away. She stoodin front of me for a long moment before she handed me the rolled-up paper.


I eyed it dubiously. “You want me to smoke it?”


She laughed, a good sound, deep and from her gut. It made me smile, too. “You’re right, Westcott. He is funny.” Then she dropped her attention to me, and her gaze went from amused to affectionate. “I’m going to light it, say a little spell, and that will reveal what’s at the root of your problem. Okay?”


Chapter 37