Page 29 of Mytho Investigations: Side Stories

With his name, Mason could unravel any binding or vow he made.

Perhaps it was that simple, and it was his own fear of being hurt, of watching his heart shatter on the floor, that kept him quiet.

It had taken him so long to put it back together. And there were still pieces that were missing, lost in the collapse, never to be returned because his wife and daughter held them.

Those gaps could never be filled…but there was room to add new pieces.

CHAPTER 15

Mason tried to convince himself that he wasn’t nervous. But when Vlash rang the doorbell, his heart was in his throat, choking him. It was different this time because they couldn’t say they were meeting for sex. They needed to either admit they were dating or end it.

Neither seemed like a good option as he went to open the door, but staying where they were wasn’t possible either. Because every time they met and they lay in bed talking, Mason found it too easy to pretend that Vlash was part of his life with his grim smile and sharp tongue.

He opened the door. “Hey.”

He wanted to lean in and kiss him the way he usually did but wasn’t sure if that was appropriate or if it would lead to them pulling off their clothes. His body was already craving him. The week had been endless, with no mid-week get-together. He’d come to expect seeing Vlash, yet didn’t want to admit that he needed him.

“Hey,” Vlash replied, standing in the doorway instead of grabbing Mason’s shirt and pulling him close. “This is awkward.”

“It is.” Mason nodded. “I want to kiss you.”

Vlash took a step forward, wrapped his hand around the back of Mason’s neck, and claimed his lips. Mason nearly gasped with relief as he put his arms around him, not wanting to let him go.

The kiss made his toes curl and was over too fast, as if Vlash was also aware they might end up fucking instead of talking.

Mason shut the door. “We have to sit at the kitchen table because he came and took the sofa.”

“No trouble?”

“No, but he was back to not listening.” Which had been disappointing.

“The spell wasn’t meant to last.”

That there was magic now was something all humans need to grow used to. It was real, and it existed, and it had consequences, as everybody had seen during the unicorn incident. Which was why he was wary of Vlash. “I don’t want to be scared of you or your magic.”

“Most people are. Most elves,” he corrected.

“Because you’re the head archer?”

Vlash nodded. “I’m used to keeping my distance. I had forgotten that being with someone means letting them close. I should not have used magic on your ex without your permission.”

“Probably not, but I’m grateful you did because I saw what he wasn’t.” They were standing in the hallway as if even committing to going and sitting down was a step too far. “I missed you this week.”

“Same. I don’t want to walk away from this. I enjoy being with you.” Mason opened his mouth, but Vlash lifted his hand and continued. “You weren’t raised around magic and elves, so I have come to understand why my use of magic could be upsetting, especially given the way your ex didn’t listen.”

“That did freak me out a little.” A lot, but he wasn’t going to admit that. “But I don’t want to walk away either. So I guess we’re on the same path?”

“I would like that.” Vlash took a step closer. “While I can promise not to use magic on you, I can give you one word that will ensure your trust in my magic.”

Mason was about to say he didn’t need it and that he could trust him, even though he wasn’t sure that was true, but Vlash put his hand over Mason’s mouth and leaned in to whisper in his ear.

He pulled his hand away. “Repeat it so I can hear if you say it correctly.”

Mason did, and even he, a human, felt the power in the word. “What is it?”

“My true name.”

Mason’s eyes widened. “Why did you tell me that? Elves don’t tell people their names.”