Page 79 of The Heart of Moonlight Falls

James appeared in a scruffy old hoodie and worn jeans, holding a brightly wrapped box in his arms.

Sebastian’s attention snagged on the red bow. “What’s that?”

“A housewarming gift.” James offered up the box.

Sebastian grinned, taking it. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” James gave one of his thoughtful frowns. “I wanted to. You moving into your dream home is an important occasion.”

Sebastian set the box on the counter and wrapped his arms around James. “I love you.”

James ran a hand through Sebastian’s hair. “I love you too, sweetheart. I love seeing you this happy.”

“These last couple of months have just been so nice. So quiet.”

James let out a deep sigh, pulling Sebastian closer. “I know. It’s been even better than I imagined.”

Moonlight Falls hadn’t had any trouble since the night Sebastian restored the veins. Sebastian didn’t know how many shades he’d sucked back into the gateway that night. He hadn’t thought he’d recapture the hundreds he’d seen streaming into the clearing, but if any of those beasts were still in this world, they seemed to have moved on from Moonlight Falls.

The gateway was closed, and while the humanoid shade Sebastian had fought could try to re-enter this world somewhere else, no one expected it to return to Moonlight Falls.

Eli theorized that the gateway at the intersection made it easier for the more intelligent beasts, like the ones that caused all the trouble, to pass between worlds than the usual shifting vein gateways. Therefore, it wasn’t likely the humanoid shade could get back into the human world. It made sense since beasts like that were so rarely seen.

Sebastian also didn’t think shades would enter through a shifting vein far away and bother traveling to Moonlight Falls just to try and take over again. He suspected the combination of the gateway and the unique magic of the vein intersection had made the town a target. If Beyond tried to stake its claim on this world again, they’d have to find some other hole to send their hordes through.

“Are you going to open your gift?” James asked, reminding Sebastian he had better things to think about.

Sebastian wiggled out of their embrace. “I suppose I should. Is it something sexy?”

A brief flash of uncertainty crossed James’s face. “It’s a housewarming gift. It’s not supposed to be sexy.”

Sebastian loved teasing James but didn’t want him to think the gift was a disappointment. “You’re totally right.” He sent a reassuring smile James’s way. “We can get each other sexy presents another time.”

James seemed happily relieved. “I’ll look forward to that.”

Sebastian ripped the bow off and unwrapped the present. He opened the box to find a layer of tissue paper. He quirked a brow. “Is it clothes?”

James gave him a look of mock confusion. “If only there was a way for you to find out.”

Sebastian swatted his arm and tore through the tissue paper. Beneath lay a purple robe. “Oh my gosh!” Sebastian lifted the garment out of the box. “How did you get this?” It wasn’t the same robe he’d had stolen by the shade. It was an identical brand-new one.

James radiated smugness. “Now that’s a secret I can’t reveal.”

Sebastian rubbed the silk fabric against his cheek. “You called my lawyer, didn’t you?”

“Okay, maybe. But he wouldn’t tell me where you got the original robe from. Apparently, all your shopping is confidential.”

Sebastian laughed. “Poor guy is probably disappointed I’m not paying him to do every little thing for me now.” He set the robe aside. “This is the best present. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it. Happy housewarming.” James leaned in and brushed his lips against Sebastian’s. “We should probably get going.”

“You’re right. I’ll get the travel mugs.”

They fixed their coffees and left the house. Sebastian waved to Miss Moo before climbing into James’s truck. He was happy to note James waved to the cow too.

“I’ll have my license back soon, so you won’t have to keep coming out here,” Sebastian said as they pulled out of his driveway.

“I don’t mind.”

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