Page 68 of Witch's Promise

He started to sit up, only to be reminded of where he was by the warm body pressed against his side. Sean. Right. Last night had been... well, fucking incredible didn't even begin to cover it.

Gabe turned his head, drinking in the sight of Sean's sleeping form. The early morning light filtering through the blinds cast a soft glow on his skin, highlighting the sharp planes of his face and the curve of his shoulders. He looked younger like this,unburdened by the weight of guilt and regret that usually hung around him like a shroud.

A chuckle escaped Gabe's lips before he could stop it. God, when had he become such a sap?

The sound was enough to rouse Sean, who blinked blearily up at him. "Whassamatter?" he mumbled, voice rough with sleep.

Gabe's heart did a funny little flip in his chest. It wasn't fair for someone to look that adorable while barely conscious. "Nothing," he said softly, leaning down to press a kiss to Sean's forehead. "Go back to sleep. I've got to head out, though. Lucas needs me back at the house."

Sean's brow furrowed, concern chasing away the last traces of sleepiness. "Everything okay?"

Gabe shrugged, already swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Not sure. Probably just Lucas being his usual dramatic self, but I should check it out."

He stood, wincing slightly as his muscles protested the movement. Fuck, he was getting old. Or maybe it was just the enthusiastic workout they'd given each other last night. The memory sent a pleasant shiver down Gabe's spine.

As Gabe hunted for his discarded clothes – how the hell had his shirt ended up on top of the bookshelf? – he felt Sean's eyes on him. He turned to find Sean propped up on one elbow, a hungry look in his eyes that made Gabe's breath catch.

"See something you like?" Gabe teased, unable to keep the grin off his face.

Sean's answering smile was downright predatory. In one fluid motion, he was out of bed and pressed against Gabe's back, strong arms wrapping around his waist. "Mmm, maybe," Sean murmured, lips ghosting over the sensitive skin of Gabe's neck. "But I think we both need a shower before you go anywhere. We smell fucking terrible."

Gabe laughed, leaning back into Sean's embrace. "Whose fault is that, I wonder? I seem to remember someone being very insistent about round three. Or was it four?"

Sean's teeth grazed Gabe's earlobe, sending a jolt of electricity straight to his groin. "You weren't exactly complaining at the time."

Gabe turned in Sean's arms, bringing their lips together in a kiss that quickly turned heated. God, he could get used to this. Waking up together, trading lazy kisses and playful banter. It felt so natural, so right, that for a moment Gabe forgot about Lucas's urgent message, about the looming threat of Riley and all the complications that came with their newly rekindled relationship.

But reality had a way of intruding, even in the most perfect moments. Gabe's phone buzzed again, a sharp reminder of the responsibilities waiting for him back home.

"Fuck," Gabe muttered, reluctantly pulling away from Sean. "We really do need to get moving. You want to come with me? See what all the fuss is about?"

Sean hesitated for a moment, and Gabe could practically see the gears turning in his head. He knew Sean still felt out of place around his family and team, still unsure of his role in this new dynamic they were all navigating.

"You don't have to," Gabe added quickly. "I know it's a lot, and if you need some time to process everything-"

"No," Sean cut him off, a determined set to his jaw. "No, I want to come. Whatever's going on, we face it together, right?"

The simple statement, echoing Gabe's own words from the night before, made his chest tighten with emotion. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak past the lump in his throat.

"Alright then," Sean said, a hint of his old cocky grin tugging at his lips. "Let's get cleaned up and go save the world. Or at least find out what's got Lucas's panties in a twist this time."

As they stumbled into the small bathroom, hands roaming and lips meeting in increasingly heated kisses, Gabe felt a curious mixture of joy and trepidation. He had no idea what awaited them back at his family's house, no clue what new crisis might be unfolding.

Gabe's tiresscreeched as he pulled into the driveway, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The house loomed before them, windows blazing with light despite the early hour. Whatever was going on, it was big enough to have roused the entire household.

"You ready for this?" Gabe asked, turning to Sean.

Sean's answering smile was tight but determined. "As I'll ever be.”

They barely made it through the front door before Lucas was upon them, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by barely contained excitement.

"About damn time," Lucas said, his eyes darting between Gabe and Sean's joined hands. A knowing smirk played at his lips, but he mercifully chose not to comment. "Your dad's awake, Gabe."

The words hit Gabe like a physical blow. His father, awake. After days of lying still as death, poisoned by dark magic that had nearly claimed his life. Gabe felt his knees go weak with relief, only Sean's steady presence at his side keeping him upright.

"Go," Sean murmured, giving Gabe's hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "I'll wait out here with the guys. Your dad needs you right now."

Gabe nodded, grateful beyond words for Sean's understanding. He took off down the hallway at a run, his heart in his throat as he burst into his parents' bedroom.

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