Ghost's Dilemma Read Free Page B

fall of the cities and the humbling of the people.
    "What you'd call magic is more about the way we can hear each other in our heads. Telepathy was the old word for it. And a very few of us have dreams and visions. We See things that happened and what might happen too. But Moran didn't know any of this, and so my threat worked. Besides, I'd only have given Sari a tincture to add to his meals to give him a bad case of limp cock for a moon or so. And then I'd have asked him for another fee to cure him."
    Gerry laughed in earnest. "Is this what you learned from the Witch? Extorting fees?"
    Ghost wrapped his arms around Gerry's waist. "Don't be silly. Besides, the Witch was much better at this sort of thing. She got a new drying shed for not cursing someone once."
    "Wicked." Gerry leaned in to kiss Ghost, lingering over Ghost's full lips. "Did the Witch play this game often?"
    "Only when someone was simply too big an ass," Ghost replied and stretched up for another kiss.
    The wail of the baby interrupted them, and Gerry looked at Ghost with a sigh.
    "Sometimes I'm very glad we can't make a babe," Gerry admitted. "Do you need to go and help?"
    "Sari's still weak enough, so I should," Ghost replied. "Don't go anywhere. I'm not quite finished with what you started."

Chapter 2

    The summer passed quickly, and autumn nipped the air most mornings. Gerry hunted more frequently, smoking what he could to preserve the meat for the coming winter. Ghost wrapped root vegetables in straw and filled the cool cellar with sealed clay jars of preserves and small casks of lamp oil. Gerry chopped wood and stacked it to dry while Ghost aired out the woolen clothing and extra blankets they would need.
    Gerry put aside a pair of choice sind pelts to make a warm cloak for Ghost for the winter. He kept the thick, tawny fur on the inside and dyed the leather outside a deep green. Gerry spent close to a full moon preparing the pelts and joining them. The finished cloak was a luxurious gift, and Gerry was eager to see his beautiful Ghost wearing it.
    The day he finished the cloak, Gerry stopped Ghost in the main room as Ghost was headed to the yard. The late afternoon sun caught Ghost's spiral as Gerry shook out the cloak. Ghost stood frozen with eyes wide and mouth agape as Gerry hung the garment around his shoulders to test the fit.
    The cloak looked even better on Ghost than Gerry hoped it would, the green of the leather a deeper shade than Ghost's shimmering peridot spiral. Gerry waited for Ghost's words, admiring the sight of his beloved mate.
    "This... this is the most exquisite thing I've ever seen. I can't believe you made a cloak for me. It's too much, love."
    Gerry laughed, delighted by Ghost's reaction. He loved to pamper Ghost, not only to prove he was a proper alpha, but because Ghost was so unaccustomed to being pampered. Gerry leaned in to kiss Ghost and revel in the joy on Ghost's face. Ghost returned the kiss with great fervor. Gerry tugged up the hood as he kissed Ghost, the soft golden fur tickling Gerry's forehead.
    "I want you to be warm this winter. You'll get called out for all sorts of emergencies. People dropping firewood on their toes and getting icicles stuck on their noses. Everyone will want my witch to make them better." Gerry nibbled soft kisses as he teased Ghost, watching Ghost's pale eyes light up. "So I have to make sure my witch stays warm and healthy, and since I can't keep you in bed with me all winter, this is the next best thing."
    Ghost ducked his head. "You say such things. I'm sure there won't be people coming with icicles on their noses."
    "No," Gerry agreed, his arms firm around Ghost. "If they're smart, they'll be in bed. Bundled up and making new babes for you to deliver in the spring. You'll be running from house to house trying to make sure everyone is fine."
    Ghost laughed. "Then I'll make you follow me around with a bucket of hot water and a big pile of linens. You can be my apprentice." He reached up to