Page 20 of Demon

“Not a demon, but possibly other preternatural.”

“Fuck. This is bad, Callan.”

“Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t catch him.”

“You came so fast—it’s not your fault.” He tried to swallow but his mouth was too dry. And he couldn’t stop shaking. “I can’t sleep in here now. I’ll go to the couch.”

“I will sit in your chair and watch over you.” Callan held out his hand. “Come. I need to call Xavier, so he knows what we’re dealing with.”

“It’s two in the morning.”

“Is fine.”

Lonnie grabbed that big hand, Callan’s touch making him feel better. Safer.

But Callan surprised him when he kept pulling until he could lift Lonnie into the air. He wrapped Lonnie’s legs around his waist and carried him into the living room. He felt big. And safe. And Lonnie held him tight, not wanting to ever let go. Once in the living room, Callan laid him on the couch, grabbed Lonnie’s favorite big throw, and spread it over him before tucking a pillow under his head.

“I won’t leave this room for anything,” Callan said softly. “All night. You can rest.” He picked up the phone he’d left on the coffee table.

Lonnie half listened as Callan filled his boss in on what had happened. Mostly, he just kept seeing those eyes staring at him in the dark. He’d been scared to know that someone had been here before to leave theInuyashafigurine, but this felt entirely different.

This person had been watching him sleep.

He shivered and pulled the blanket to his chin. He wouldn’t be sleeping again tonight. So he put on the next episode of the new show they were watching, leaving the sound low until Callan was off the phone. Curling on his side, he pulled his knees up and stared at the images on the screen.

Callan set his phone down. “Xavier is coming in the morning. Said it’s time he looks for magical traces.”

“Traces?”

He nodded. “Use of magic leaves traces. Like fingerprints.” He started to sit in the chair, but Lonnie held out his hand.

“Could you maybe sit here? By me?”

Callan came right to him, gently lifting his upper body and sliding in under him. He rested Lonnie’s head in his lap. “Better?”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but I’m really shaken up. That was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me, and knowing this person can just come into my home whenever he wants terrifies me. I can’t fight magic.”

“We can.”

“What kind of creature can just vanish like that?”

“Could be a jinn or a wizard. I’ll know if he comes back. I have his scent now. Was too faint before when he left the toy.”

Callan’s lap was warm, his sweats soft against Lonnie’s cheek. The hard muscles were relaxed, and he wondered if Callan had noticed the back of his head was pressed against his balls.

Lonnie sure had, and it was taking his mind off his fear. The masculine scent mixed with fabric softener filled his nose and without conscious thought, he nuzzled his face deeper into Callan’s thigh.

Callan went very still, his hand on the side of Lonnie’s head.

“You feel and smell so good,” Lonnie whispered. “Thank you for this. I feel better.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there.” He slowly ran his fingers through Lonnie’s hair. “I will be from now on.”

“I know you will.”

They were silent then, the television flickering light into the darkness of the living room. Callan continued to stroke his hair. Lonnie knew he still wouldn’t be sleeping, but he’d be soaking up as much of this comfort as he could.

Knowing someone had been in the house and left the figurine had scared him. Seeing,actually seeing, someone left him utterly terrified. How long had he been there? And was this the first time? Had Lonnie been sleeping nightly with a shadowyfigure watching this whole time? His heart started to race, and he closed his eyes tight. He really hadn’t been concerned enough over the notes. And he’d been so caught up in his growing desire for Callan, he hadn’t given that figurine gift the reaction he should have. Someone was truly obsessed with him. Him. But why? He was nothing special and never had been. He was a short, rather plain teacher. And cuddly, according to Callan. Cuddly was not sexy. He doubted his stalker was looking for snuggles. No, this person…or now magical being…was after something else. But what?

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