Page 33 of Spooks & Specters

Something called his name.

Chapter Two

TURNING SLOWLY, Austin confronted his destiny in the ancient forest, where the mist wove through the trees like a lingering whisper. In the moonlight stood a creature with skin as dark as the night.

As was his hair. His mighty wings reached for the heavens, dwarfing his figure. Horns adorned a lofty forehead. He was as majestic as he was terrifying, standing proudly before Austin as shadows waltzed around his feet.

Dressed in snug pants, knee-high boots, and a simple vest, he was the epitome of grace and allure. Was this the demonic entity who guarded these woods? If so, what had pursued Austin?

Because something certainly had. Although the claws had not touched his skin, he had felt them slice through his tuxedo jacket in a violent slash.

“Are you hurt?”

Chills raced up Austin’s back. That voice. It was dark and decadent, promising sinful pleasures in the deepest part of the night. It struck a chord within Austin. With his eyes closed, he let it wash over him. Eternity wasn’t long enough to listen to such a voice.

Soft thuds of footfalls echoed, and Austin’s eyes fluttered open. The creature had drawn nearer yet halted, a look of concern etching his sharp features due to the absence of a reply.

But his eyes—the being’s eyes were bottomless pools of blackness. The earthy aroma of the woods gave way as a new fragrance tantalized Austin’s senses.

“Are youhurt?”

Austin shook his head, trying to marshal his thoughts. “No.”

“Are you certain?”

At that moment, Austin could only be certain of one thing: A beautiful yet monstrous being stood before him, exuding concern for his well-being. “I was clawed, but I don’t think—ah, okay, then…?”

He tensed as the creature swiftly moved behind him. Heat pressed against his back, causing his heart to race. Close. He was so close.

“Where? Ah, I see.”

Before Austin could react, his jacket was stripped off. “W-what are youdoing?”

“I need to check the area to ensure you weren’t scratched by the Ogdru-Jasid. It’s a hybrid of a squid and a canine, with a head of tentacles and a beak, an elongated torso, sturdy forelegs, and muscular hind legs. Its claws exude poison.”

Austin’s jacket fluttered to the ground. As he tried to comprehend what kind of creature had attacked him, his shirt was untucked and lifted.

He gasped as warm fingers brushed against his unblemished skin.

“The shirt is slashed, but I do not see any damage, thank the dead gods.”

Austin’s thoughts ricocheted in his mind. One creature had attacked him, and another had saved him—

The creature stepped in front of him and started unbuttoning Austin’s shirt. “But I need to ensure you weren’t scratchedanywhere.”

—and now his monster was practically undressing him, and he was letting it happen without a single complaint. His shirt joined his jacket on the ground, and Austin stupidly stared at it.

The warm night air brushed against his skin, and Austin shivered, but it wasn’t from the air current. No, the creature was slowly exploring every inch of his exposed chest—which wasnotwhere he was attacked—and paying particular attention to his nipples.

The little buds hardened immediately, little tingles of pleasure shooting through his body. His cock took an interest, getting hard in the restricting tuxedo pants. Warmth spread through his body.

Dragging his gaze from the discarded clothes, he stared up at the creature before him. How had he not noticed how tall he was? He towered over Austin.

“Oh, God.”

“God is fine, but I’d prefer you use my name. It’s Kage,” he said, tipping Austin’s chin up with his fingers.

Compelled to meet that intense black gaze, he held it unwaveringly. What he once perceived as a dark void was now burning with desire, all directed towards him.

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