In another world, there is so much magic, the people see no reason to advance their technology. Their history has been altered as well, resulting in a barely recognizable twentieth century. Wes, however, doesn’t know anything else. All he wants is to live a peaceful life with his small family -- his ward Mica and his friend Ollie. For his part, retired assassin Ollie never wants to leave Wes and Mica, but when Ilixo shows up, Ollie may not have a choice. Ilixo, his Chieftain, has a necromancer to find and Ollie is the perfect person to go hunting. Wes has to make a choice. He can accompany Ollie and help him capture the rogue necromancer, but then they will have to leave Mica unprotected at home. Mica is vulnerable, as she is on the verge of discovering her magic gift, and needs gentle guidance to help her through the process. Or Wes can stay home, and let Ollie face the danger alone. Torn between Mica and Ollie’s best interests, Wes makes his decision. Will Wes and Ollie survive and return home? Will Wes realize his love for his best friend reaches far deeper than loyalty and respect? Will Wes and Ollie maybe even find love?

How Much?

“What did youdo? I guess I can understand that it’s different for everyone, but you can tell me about you, can’t you?” Mica says and there’s a rustle of clothing. “I can’t believe I didn’t catch on that you were bonded to Wes. Ginnie was always on about you two. That’s a big part of why I dismissed it. But…I don’t know. I should have been able to realize, I’m not a child.”


“There’s nothing to realize,” Ollie says with an easy laugh. “We’re friends.”


Mica lets out a confused sound. “But you don’t want that. I wouldn’t.”


Mica interrupts, “Bonds. I know. But…Alright. I’ll ask—do you want more?”


The silence that comes after is too long for the answer to be no, and Wes starts to get what Ollie said about Wes being comfortable with this discussion. Wes isn’t moving though. He doesn’t know why Ollie chose this moment to tell his side of the story, Wes just hopes that he didn’t somehow give him the impression that Ollie could talk to Wes.


Chapter 35