Page 27 of My Inherited House Might be Haunted

“Yeah. I mean, I need to sleep on this, but…yeah.” Rhett’s eyes searched mine again. “You were surprised earlier. Because my magic exploded?”

“Hmm, well yes. Also to have my wild theory confirmed. Technomages arenotcommon. I’ve only ever heard of them. I suspected with you because of your profession and the fact you have two familiars, but seeing it with my own eyes was something of a shock to the system.”

Speaking of, here came both familiars now. They were certainly quick on the uptake. Lucy hopped onto the bar and made herself comfortable between Rhett’s arms, her paws resting on his forearms as if she had every right to be there. Myst tucked himself against Rhett’s side, head on his thigh. I could see Rhett visibly settle with both of them there.

Good familiars were worth their weight in gold. I sent a quick intent into the universe—if I could have my familiar soon, that’d be lovely.

Rhett groaned, head dropping so it rested on Lucy’s fur. “What am I supposed todowith this information?”

“Well, I’d sleep on it first. After we get all the glass off your bed. Cutie, understand that this is amazing, but at the same time, it doesn’t really change much of your life. It just means you’re aware of it. That you can hone your magic to better suit your purposes. We’ll put up a few safeguards so you don’t break more bulbs, practice with your magic so you’re better attuned to it, and go on with life.”

He lifted his head to look at me, and I could see a spark of something. Excitement. “So there is a way to control this consciously?”

“Of course. Magic is all about intent. We’ll need to do some research, perhaps get in contact with the coven to see if they can help, because I honestly don’t know much about your type of magic. I can only give you some basics that all magic users do.”

“I…yeah. Yeah, talking with some experts would definitely make me feel better about things.”

“Then we’ll do that tomorrow.”

He’d already had so many surprises tonight, so I didn’t have the heart to tell him that his Aunt Ruth had likely been a medium as well. No one had a good relationship withthismany ghosts without being one. That was a revelation for later. I had a strong suspicion magic ran in the family, hence why she’d left the house specifically to Rhett. Why she didn’t tell him he was magical himself was anyone’s guess. Perhaps she’d been waiting for him to grow properly into it before breaking the news.

At any rate, he wasn’t alone. I was here to help him start this journey. Well, myself, Lucy, and Myst.

Rhett looked down at Lucy, stroking her back, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You were already in the house when I inherited it. Did Aunt Ruth send you to me?”

The cat gave a slow, lazy blink of the eyes and started purring at him.

“Why am I not surprised?”

If that was true, then…Ruth had apparently had a plan on how to tell Rhett about himself and introduce him to his own magical heritage. She’d called a familiar from beyond the grave, which was insane.

Damn. Just how strong did magic run in this family?

Fourteen

Rhett

Calix did sleep over that night. After exploding light bulbs and all, we just slept. Still, it was very nice. Calix was warm and cuddly, and I enjoyed having him in my bed very much.

Also, not sure if it was because of his talk with the ghosts earlier or if it was his presence keeping them at bay, but nothing woke us in the middle of the night. No strange sounds, no banging, none of that. Just beautiful, peaceful sleep.

I needed this to be a regular thing.

Calix and I showered together. A long shower, if you know what I mean. Damn, I loved that man’s hands. He put down some kind of protective barrier first so I didn’t blow out the bathroom light, too, which I appreciated. Rather hard to get in the mood if you’re worried about glass flying at you.

Eventually, once the water started running colder, we pulled ourselves out, put on pants, and meandered down to the kitchen. Since I was the host, it being my house and all, I took charge over breakfast.

“Cereal? Oatmeal?”

“Oatmeal would be great. I’ll start the coffee.” Calix wandered over to the coffee maker, as comfortable here as he would be in his own apartment.

I really loved that he was.

Oatmeal didn’t take long to make, and we sat at the bar to eat our breakfast and down our caffeine.

“So…Rhett. How do you feel about my mom coming over today?”

I swallowed the coffee in my mouth before replying. “That would be awesome. I really want someone who can communicate properly with the ghosts.”

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