Lyle Atwood's company is hired to costume a party given by multi-millionaire Warner Radclyffe. As he and his employees begin preparations for the job, Lyle begins to feel as if someone is watching him. Then he meets Damien Sauvage, the newest tenant in the apartment building where he lives. Damien tells Lyle that he's a waiter, and when Lyle confides in him that he thinks he's being stalked, Damien offers to help find out who it is. What he neglects to tell Lyle is he actually works for Radclyffe, who wants him to protect Lyle from a very powerful enemy. As Damien gains Lyle's confidence, he becomes attracted to the younger man -- an attraction that Lyle reciprocates. He fights his feelings, knowing Lyle will hate him when he finds out his secret -- and even more so when he learns what Damien really is. Radclyffe orders Damien to continue the job, as he has a secret of his own involving Lyle. A secret that cannot be revealed until the night of the party. Can Lyle survive what is to come, or will the lies of omission be the death of him -- or worse?

Lies of Omission

“Very good, for a first try. A whirlwind would work better, however.”


Lyle nodded, and created a hurricane with him in the eye.


“Impressive. Now hold them as best you can while I attempt to breach each layer.”


He felt the ones of fire and lightning fall without harming his father. The hurricane held for much longer, but eventually even it fell, leaving only the one powered entirely by his magical energy. He tried to hold it while his father pummeled it with spell after spell, until, suddenly and without any warning, he collapsed, feeling as if every fiber of his being had drained out of him. “I failed,” he whispered.


“Yes, and no.” His father knelt beside him, cradling him in his arms. “I couldn’t get through it, which is amazing for one so new at this, but holding it and the others took more out of you than you have at the moment. In time, your strength will improve. For now, you’re safe from any but the strongest sorcerous attacks.”


Chapter 64