Page 15 of The Cursed Sebastian Storm

Sebastian stared blankly at the pumps containing Gray Electrical’s fuel cells. “Is it obvious that I’m not?” He couldn’t stop his gaze from darting back to James, checking his reaction.

James gave him a small smile. “You haven’t teased me about anything in almost a day. It’s not like you.”

Sebastian startled himself with a laugh, his chest warming. “Noted. James likes the teasing.” He shot James a sly smile before turning serious and briefly explaining his trip to the store. “I hate this. Everything different catches me off guard, and I don’t know what to do. I know I shouldn’t expect things to be the same as before, but I can’t help it.”

James put an arm around Sebastian’s shoulders. “Your time at Storm House affected you. That’s normal. It had to be a traumatic experience, and of course, you’re going to be upset with how being isolated changed you.”

Sebastian bit his lip. “I know. I just wish I wasn’t affected and that I wasn’t upset about it. I want everything to do with Storm House to be over. I want to forget it ever happened.” But that wasn’t how life worked and wishing wouldn’t help anything. “I think it’ll be better when I get used to how I’ve changed. When it’s not surprising me, maybe it’ll be okay.”

James hugged him close. “I think you’re right. Not wanting your anxiety to exist doesn’t usually help.”

“No.” Sebastian leaned in. He had to stop comparing himself to how he used to be and focus on his new reality. A task he didn’t mind so much when his present included James.

James gave him a gentle kiss. “Anxiety can be managed. You’ll get there. You’ll figure out what works for you and what your new boundaries are. Just be patient. It’s only been one day.”

Sebastian appreciated the confidence and tried to let go of some of his frustration.

“Do you still want to go to Apple Valley to buy a phone?” James asked.

Sebastian gave the question the consideration it deserved, not just agreeing to do what he thought he should. “Yeah, let’s go. I want to have a way of contacting people. I’ve missed technology. But if it’s busy when we get there, I might stay in the truck.”

James gave him another quick squeeze. “Sounds good. I can pop into the store while you wait.”

Sebastian wiggled out of James’s embrace and opened the truck door. “I’ll get my lawyer to reimburse you for the phone, and I should probably arrange for some money to be put in an account so I can get a debit card. You know, rejoin typical modern life.”

James walked around to the other side of the truck. “Don’t worry about the phone. I owe you for all the new clothes.”

Sebastian didn’t need to be paid back for the clothing he’d bought James. He liked getting him things. But maybe it was for the best. Sebastian had to stop leaning on this relationship so heavily. It was too easy to let James be supportive and kind. Sebastian craved it but knew James might act differently if he knew what Sebastian was hiding.

Sebastian feared James blaming him for the Grays’ deaths, even though part of him knew James was too understanding to blame the Storms completely. The deaths were still an accident, and without ill intent, Sebastian imagined James would be forgiving. That was the kind of guy James was. And while Sebastian could see him reacting that way, he struggled to believe it.

James seemed like he would understand, but what if he didn’t? Most of the time Sebastian felt silly for thinking James could move past something like this.

The car accident never would have happened if the curse hadn’t been transferred to Sebastian. He’d never be able to make up for that, and someone as kind as James deserved a partner who was just as good. Someone he didn’t need to forgive. Someone he didn’t have to choose despite the past.

No one ever picked Sebastian. Not even his own mother. How could he expect James to choose him when he had every reason not to?

They stopped by town hall before heading out.

The mayor of Moonlight Falls had always taken on the responsibility of dealing with shade issues and was tasked with keeping them from negatively impacting residents. The problem at Storm House would need to be reported to the official body of practitioners who helped citizens deal with magic state-wide. It wasn’t the mayor’s job to solve all magical problems, but keeping the shades a local matter worked best for everyone.

Outsiders had never understood Moonlight Falls, and bringing them in for things locals could deal with was always more trouble than it was worth.

Sebastian had never been inside town hall. James led the way like he knew exactly where to go. The place was quiet, and the administrator at the front desk waved James through without asking why he needed to see the mayor.

They walked down a narrow hall lined with offices. A door stood open at the back.

James knocked on the doorframe. “Eleanor?”

“Come in,” called the woman within. She didn’t look up from her computer.

Sebastian followed James, keeping a step behind. He hadn’t wanted to wait in the truck and was more curious than anxious about being here. This was a side of Moonlight Falls he’d never seen before. Growing up, he’d avoided getting involved in the community as much as possible.

“Oh, James.” Eleanor sagged in relief when she glanced up. “And—” She eyed Sebastian.

“This is Sebastian Storm.” James put a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder as he stepped forward. “Meet Eleanor Ashley.”

“Storm?” The mayor’s eyebrows rose. “How are things north of town?”

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