Exhausted with life, Dakota tries to end his -- only to be saved at the last moment by his friend Terrell, who then drags him into a world of magic and intrigue that's always been right there, hidden beneath the surface.<br><br>Powerful magic users are steadily pulling the planet into a violent war, and evil forces will stop at nothing to take the talismans possessed by Dakota and his newfound family. Dakota soon finds himself deeply in over his head ... with love, with family, with fighting for all their lives.

The Pyre Starter

“Shit,” was all Terrell provided in response.


He continued, “I took a lot of risks. It’s kinda like walking into the street without looking both ways. Maybe a car will come along and take the choice out of your hands.” Dakota tried to steer his monologue away from such a depressing topic. “Anyhow, if you caught something from me because I was stupid, I’d never forgive myself. So, I think we should use a condom. Just in case. I don’t feel sick or anything. I feel awesome. But I wanna be careful.”


Terrell quickly accepted the situation. He sat up enough to open a nightstand drawer, reach inside, and take out a couple packets of protective latex. Nothing special. He handed them both to Dakota before producing a small plastic bottle filled with clear lubricant. He lay back on the bed. Dakota made quick work of one of the packets, but it occurred to him that perhaps he completely killed the mood. “You still want this, right?”


He let out a breath. “Please don’t stop.”


Chapter 32