Page 32 of Deadly Avarice
Franklin’s hand was on the door when Leander said, “That’s it? You’re just gonna leave?”
I turned ever so slightly. “I thought that’s what you wanted. It was never my intention to cause you grief or…” I wasn’t sure how to finish without sounding overly dramatic.
Scrubbing his hands through his hair, Leander’s thick, dark locks stood up all over when he was finished. Princess remained on the couch, curled up next to another larger and furrier housemate. Three dogs settled around Leander’s feet while theothers remained in their dog beds, ears perked and paying very close attention.
“Fuck, I’m gonna regret this.” Leander blew out a deep breath and tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling. “Tell me why you came. Why youreallycame all the way out here.”
“I—” My words caught in my throat. Franklin squeezed my fingers, pulling my attention to his fathomless eyes. Inhaling deeply, I gave Franklin a firm nod before I said, “I’m lucky. Or maybe fortunate. My father’s still in my life.”
Leander sucked in a harsh breath but remained silent.
“I can use my necromancer abilities to make a living and, on occasion, help others. I’ve got a home, a man that loves me, friends, and family. I’ve also got my sanity. It has become painfully clear that I’m in the minority.”
“And what? You feel guilty?” Leander questioned.
I shrugged. “Maybe. Although I’d sayresponsibleis a better word.”
“Responsible for what?” Leander sounded genuinely confused.
“Responsible for my fellow necromancers that aren’t so fortunate,” I answered. “Franklin says I shouldn’t feel that way, but I do.”
Franklin pulled me toward him so that my back rested against his front. “That’s not exactly what I said. I think it’s admirable that you want to help. I just don’t want you to take on the weight of every necromancer’s lot in life.”
“Someone needs to,” I muttered, almost too quiet to be heard. Almost.
“That’s what you intend to do?” Leander closed the distance between us. “You want to find all the necromancers in the world and…do what exactly?”
I shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’m sort of making this up as I go. I just have to think there’s a way to help. I had a great supportnetwork growing up and I probably needed it less than nearly every other necromancer out there. If we could identify them and figure out what they need, what they can and can’t do, then maybe more necromancers can be helped. Maybe, just maybe, our species can have some kind of a life.”
Leander’s dark eyes widened as he stared down at me. His gaze flicked to Franklin before settling back on me. “You’re nuts.”
I didn’t take offense. “That’s possible.”
“And you’re on board with this insanity?” Leander asked Franklin.
My man didn’t disappoint. “We’re a package deal. If this is what Boone wants, then I’m here. And for the record, I don’t think it’s all that nutty or insane. Someone needs to step up. While I don’t think it’s Boone’s responsibility, he’s the only one brave enough to try.”
“Brave or idiotic,” Leander huffed while crossing his arms. “I hate to agree with the human, but he’s got a point. This should be something the Magical Usage Council spearheads. Not that they give a flying fuck any more than our warlock fathers.” Bitterness rang through Leander’s words.
“Well, we know the Warlock Council is out,” Franklin answered. “Not that we’re giving up on that route, but they’ve been less helpful.”
This time, the sound Leander made was more growl. “Typical.”
I wanted to get away from the warlock elephant in the room. “We’ve got some traction in the Magical Usage Council. I’m not sure how that’s going to pan out or if… Well, let’s just say I’m still not certain.”
“Fair enough,” Leander interestingly agreed. Crossing his arms over his chest, Leander silently stood there, his head turned and gazed across the room. For a brief moment, heappeared lost. Head hanging, Leander’s frame relaxed. “It is and isn’t easy to forget. I’ve lived out here, on this land, for the better part of the last ten-plus years. Some days, I’m able to forget I’m a necromancer at all. It’s been so long since I’ve heard the whispers, felt the cold press of something no one else could see against my skin. I didn’t have it as bad as this Navarre you’ve spoken about and I sure as shit can’t bring a soul back from across the veil like you evidently can, but I can hear them and…that kind of shit fucks with your mind. Especially when you’re young.
“Listen, I don’t know how I can help, or to be truthful, if I’m willing. But maybe don’t become a ghost yourself.” Yanking a cell phone out of his pocket, Leander said, “Give me your number.”
I quickly rattled off my cell number and a second later my phone beeped with an incoming text.
“Now you’ve got my info too. Don’t fucking abuse the privilege,” Leander ordered while pointing a finger at my chest.
“I won’t,” I promised while something warm filled my soul.
“I can’t believe I’m fucking doing this, but you might have a point. In my own way, I got lucky too. My mom married into money and instead of completely ditching me, my stepdad bought me this land. Sure, they don’t want shit to do with me now, but I count my blessings where I can. Some of us don’t have a blessing to count.”
“No. No they don’t,” I agreed.
