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?

“Yes,” Wes answers right away. Maybe that was a little too fast? He should take thinks slow. “What were you thinking we should do?”


Ollie eyes rack over Wes’s form and stop on his face. “You look scared.”


Wes shakes his head and Ollie’s eyebrows knit as a result.


“Shocked?” Ollie looks like he very much doubts that. “Shaken?”


“Incredulous,” Wes says. “You’re here.” He can’t believe that he gets to keep the friendship, and maybe he gets sex now, but that’s…not negligible, but unimportant. The best thing about all of this is that he’s allowed to love Ollie. Completely and with everything he has. Yes, sex is a part of it, but it’s not all-consuming, not for him. What is downright dizzying is Ollie himself and the permission Wes now gives himself to adore him. “I can love you. That’s everything, and I can’t believe I got so lucky.”


Ollie smiles shyly and leans up slightly for a kiss.


Chapter 37