Ghost's Dilemma (17 page)

Gerry looked at Ghost with a faint smile, his color nearly back to normal. Ghost returned the smile, relief brightening it. "But enough of my chatter. What happened, love? Aside from the obvious, since I know you got sick. How did it start?"

"I had a head ache," Gerry said, and his brow furrowed as he thought back. "I was helping at the infirmary, and when I left, I had a head ache. I didn't want to ask Natali for help, so I just went home." He paused for a few more sips of water. "I went to wash before I came into the house. My head ache got worse, and my stomach started. It all went fast from there. I remember getting sick a few times, and I hurt all over. For the most part, I stayed in bed. I thought I heard you once or twice, but I think I was dreaming. Or maybe it was wishful thinking."

"I'm here now." Ghost turned to Egill. "I'll bring Gerry some broth, and I can help him wash up and change. Afterward, I could use your help to change the sheets."

***

Gerry managed a bowl of broth and two slices of fresh bread before he declared himself both full and exhausted. He let Ghost wash him with a soft cloth and warm water, not quite as thorough as a scrubbing in the wash house, but enough to clean away most of the dried sweat and blood. Gerry was stubborn enough to insist on dressing himself. Ghost watched him, wary, while Egill helped change the sheets.

Egill spent the first night at Gerry and Ghost's house. Ghost tucked him into bed in the back bedroom, not wanting to send Egill back through the strange streets to the infirmary. The boy seemed happy enough to stay, and Ghost had one fewer worry for the night.

After settling Egill in, Ghost went into his own bedroom and closed the door. He stripped in haste and thought about finding one of his knitted tunics, but Gerry's voice stopped him.

"I've missed seeing you like this, all pale and silvery in the moonlight." Gerry was watching Ghost with undisguised appreciation, and Ghost put his hands on his hips.

"You've been feverish and sick for at least two days. You need to rest, not get yourself all worked up," Ghost scolded, but he smiled anyway. The truth was he enjoyed seeing the admiration in Gerry's eyes, a look reserved only for him.

"You've cured me," Gerry said, a hint of laughter in his voice. "I'm feeling much better, beloved. Come to bed?"

A fluttering in Ghost's belly matched a growing interest elsewhere. "To sleep," he said, doing his best to sound stern despite his treacherous body.

"Of course to sleep," Gerry agreed, and he folded back the quilt in invitation.

Ghost climbed into the bed and slipped into Gerry's warm embrace. "Oh, love, I've missed you," he admitted. Ghost settled into Gerry's arms, his head on Gerry's shoulder. Ghost wrapped an arm around Gerry's broad chest. "Pillows don't quite do the trick."

"I noticed," Gerry said, and he turned his head to press a kiss to the top of Ghost's head. "I missed you too, beloved. This place was empty without you. And I'm not sure I'm going to be able to fall asleep, now I have you next to me again."

"Oh, don't you dare, or I'll go make hemp again," Ghost said, lifting his head to look at Gerry. "You need to sleep to heal properly. We can wait until the morning and see how you are then."

"Mm." Gerry shifted, and his thigh pressed against Ghost's hard cock. "I can see what you mean. Or feel it, actually."

A shiver ran through Ghost as Gerry moved again, creating a delicious friction against Ghost's cock. "Just ignore it. It's just what a man's body will do," he said, unconsciously echoing Njall's words.

"Yes, it is." Gerry's voice held a husky note that promised he was not about to let this slide. "A man's body will do many things, especially when he's got the man he loves in his arms. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm interested too, my precious Ghost. I don't want to wait until morning."

"You've been sick," Ghost protested, but it was a feeble effort. He raised himself on one elbow and looked at Gerry, trying to ignore the tent in the quilt.

"Moon shine on me, Ghost. When you look at me like this, how can I even think about anything but making love to you?" Gerry's smile took Ghost's breath away. "I'll let you do all the work, beloved. I promise. But just let me feel you. Father help me, I thought I'd ruined everything. I was so scared you wouldn't come home to me."

"I couldn't leave you," Ghost said. "I see things differently because I'm a witch, or maybe because I grew up with only the Witch for company. I don't always get how love works, and I know it. I also know I don't want to be anywhere you're not." Ghost moved, rising up onto his knees.

Gerry lifted his hips, and Ghost pulled down the woven pants Ghost had given him to wear. His cock was standing strong and erect and already beaded with precome. Ghost took in the gorgeous sight of Gerry's naked body and shifted to straddle him.

"This is good, beloved." Gerry wrapped calloused hands around Ghost's hips. "I'll just let you take what you want, my precious Ghost."

"I want you," Ghost said, and he leaned forward to kiss Gerry, relishing the scrape of stubble against his lips and chin. Gerry's fingers slid into his hair as Gerry pulled him into the kiss. Gerry's cock pressed against Ghost's thigh, and Ghost abandoned Gerry's lips in favor of kissing his way down Gerry's neck. Gerry's pulse beat strong against Ghost's lips, encouraging Ghost to move his attentions a good bit lower.

Ghost breathed in, the scent of Gerry's precome as intoxicating as it was familiar. He licked his lips before lowering his mouth over the head of Gerry's cock, hearing the delighted gasp that escaped Gerry. He let the tip of his tongue tease the sensitive cleft under the head until he had coaxed a needy moan from Gerry. Ghost savored Gerry's taste, his mouth sliding down the shaft nearly half the way.

Gerry's fingers tightened in Ghost's hair, and Ghost could see the way Gerry's chiseled belly tensed. Ghost slipped one hand under Gerry's balls, cupping them. He stroked the tender patch behind the sac, and Gerry moaned again, a sound that ran straight to Ghost's belly in a rush of heat. He drew his lips up with deliberate slowness and sank back down again, taking almost all of Gerry's cock. His tongue traced the thick vein along the underside of the shaft as he drew his mouth off Gerry's cock, sucking as he went.

"Ghost," Gerry whispered, and his voice was husky with need. Ghost glanced up, loving the flush in Gerry's cheeks and the heat in his eyes. Gerry tugged to pull Ghost up and into a kiss. Ghost fumbled for the oil in the little basket, nipping Gerry's lower lip as Gerry deepened the kiss.

Ghost let his body say all the things he had no words for. His sorrow over their argument. His regret at having to leave with the disagreement unresolved. His fear upon seeing Gerry so ill. He couldn't get enough of Gerry. He opened into the kiss as Gerry plumbed his mouth. He could feel his nipples tighten as they brushed against Gerry's chest, the peaks sensitive to the lightest touch. Gerry's hand closed over Ghost's and took the oil from him. Ghost gasped in pure need as Gerry's hand caressed the curve of his ass.

"My precious Ghost," Gerry murmured, his breath hot against Ghost's ear. "I've missed you. I've missed this."

Gerry's finger, slippery with oil, traced the entrance between Ghost's cheeks. He pressed back, wanting to be breached. He needed to be filled, to know he and Gerry were whole again. Ghost's world dwindled down to this moment, one bow-roughened finger buried inside him. Ghost heard his own soft gasp at the welcome intrusion. Ghost's cock jumped, leaving a wet mark on Gerry's belly.

"How's this, beloved?" Gerry's whisper sent a tingle down Ghost's spine, and Ghost pressed back against Gerry's hand, demanding and needy. "I'll take this as approval, shall I? Or do you want more?"

"You talk too much," Ghost informed him, and his cock twitched as Gerry added a second finger. Ghost's hole loosened at Gerry's familiar touch. At the same time, the touch heightened his desire. Ghost's restless fingers worked their way into Gerry's thick hair, tugging him into another kiss, because Gerry's mouth was made to be kissed.

When they broke apart, Ghost gazed down at Gerry, drinking in the expression on his face. "Now," he whispered. "I'm ready. I need you."

"Are you sure?" The question was their ritual. Gerry was already grasping Ghost's hips, helping Ghost line up his hole with Gerry's oil-slicked cock. Ghost pressed down, impatient to be filled, his hands gripping Gerry's forearms for leverage.

Ghost watched Gerry's eyes flutter closed as Ghost's passage accepted the head of Gerry's cock. Ghost eased himself down on Gerry's cock with short, small movements until Gerry's balls brushed against Ghost's ass cheeks. Gerry was inside him as far as it was possible. Ghost was home.

Strong hands held Ghost in place, and Ghost wriggled against the restraint, his back bowing as Gerry's cock ground within him. The movement hit all the right places and sent sparks of pleasure up Ghost's spine.

"Give it a moment," Gerry said. "Let yourself adjust."

"I need to move." The words came out as a growl, and Gerry chuckled as Ghost wriggled again.

"Fierce little thing." Gerry loosened his grip, though.

Ghost rolled his hips forward to ride Gerry's cock, his thighs flexing as he lifted himself. His hands tightened around Gerry's forearms. Ghost gasped, sliding back down as Gerry's cock found the sweet spot inside him. At the same time, Gerry's hand wrapped around Ghost's cock, squeezing tight. The room disappeared in a flash of white behind Ghost's eyes.

All the need and desire and worry found release in the cry Ghost couldn't hold back. He was aware, somewhere in the back of his mind, how his balls had tightened. He could feel the throb of the thick vein along the underside of Gerry's cock as his passage closed around it. He ground down, wanting all of Gerry. His hips rocked again, and Ghost gasped as a glorious wave of sensation burst through him. He rode Gerry with frantic and erratic thrusts as he spasmed around Gerry's cock. His balls pulsed, and his come emptied onto Gerry's taut stomach.

"Ghost," Gerry whispered, rough and ragged. "Oh, beloved, Moon shine on me, you feel so good. I can't wait." The heat of Gerry's release filled Ghost and sent a whole new burst of pleasure spiraling upward along his spine to explode behind his eyes.

Ghost let himself fall forward, trusting Gerry to catch him. His heart was beating like a drum, and he buried his face in the warm space between Gerry's shoulder and neck, breathing in the familiar scent of Gerry's skin. Gerry's rough fingers rubbed along Ghost's back. Ghost trembled as he wrapped his arms around Gerry as best he could. The journey was over.

"Next time, you're coming with me," Ghost mumbled into Gerry's neck, listening to the comfortable thrum of Gerry's pulse.

"Next time?" Gerry sounded amused, and Ghost lifted his head to peer at Gerry. "Only if I get to pick where we go. The Northlands? Way too cold for me, even with a hot-blooded mate like mine." Gerry's lips muffled Ghost's laughing protest. Ghost settled in his arms. They exchanged soft kisses for a while until Ghost's head fell back against the pillows. Gerry's humming filled his ears and heart as he drifted off to sleep.

Epilogue

As the sun rose the next morning, Ghost dressed to visit the infirmary and check on the effectiveness of the cure. If Gerry was any indication, the antidote worked exactly as Sri's notes promised. Egill was already dressed and waiting to go too. Ghost agreed he could come along, but first Ghost returned to the bedroom to say goodbye to Gerry.

"I'm going with you," Gerry insisted.

"You're still recovering yourself," Ghost argued. But Gerry was already out of the bed and pulling on his breeches. Ghost didn't fight it further because, in truth, he was reluctant to leave Gerry, even for a morning.

All the surviving afflicted were recovering well, and Ghost gave anyone who had not had the illness a prophylactic dose of the vaccine. The Witch and Natali assisted in the vaccinations, and Natali thanked Ghost again for the gifts he had given her. She left to return to her own village, promising to contact Ghost for updates on the epidemic and the cure. For her part, the Witch went back to her house outside town to start the proceedings against Sri and Tarah.

Gerry, Ghost, and Egill returned home at the end of the day, and Ghost prepared a hearty meal for Gerry to help Gerry regain his strength. After dinner, Egill settled in to read in the back bedroom as Ghost cleaned up the dinner dishes. Ghost felt Gerry's presence at his back, and he turned from the sink to see Gerry standing in the doorway with his guitar. Gerry's cheeks were a hectic pink.

"Is everything all-- "

“I... wrote you a song.” Gerry interrupted Ghost's question. “When you were gone. Sometimes it's difficult... to tell you how I feel. Can I play it for you?”

Ghost nodded, clutching a cup in his hands. Gerry sat down by the hearth and lowered his eyes to his guitar. As he began to play, the soft sounds of the familiar ethereal tune filled the air. Gerry hummed to the melody Ghost had heard so many times. In that moment, Gerry looked so alluring to Ghost, strong and loyal and brave. Then, for the first time ever, Gerry's humming slid into words. Gerry's voice was rich and vibrant, and warmed Ghost's heart as he sang.

"Would you ease my shame,

If I could offer the words?

Forgive my mistake,

And return to me now.

I can't go on.

I've forgotten how.

But I know you'll always be,

My home and haven.

Return, my Ghost, to me.

You're all I'll ever need.

Stay by my side,

'Til the end of time."

Gerry glanced up from his guitar as the last notes rang out through the room. Ghost felt his lashes grow damp. He dropped the cup and launched himself into Gerry's arms.

"Oh, Gerry, I'm back. I won't leave again. You're my home, love." Ghost blinked away hot tears. "You're all I need too. I promise I'll never leave you. I'll stay right here in your arms where I belong. I love you. Moon shine on me, Gerry, I love you."

Ghost swallowed the rest of what he wanted to say in a sob. He gripped Gerry's tunic tightly, fisting his hands in the fabric and breathing in the scent of his mate. Ghost felt a fool for crying, but Gerry stood strong and rubbed Ghost's back in a soothing rhythm until Ghost's sobs eased.

"I was wondering," Gerry murmured into Ghost's ear. "The Witch is making noises about going to the South for the hearing, isn't she?"

Ghost drew a shaky breath and leaned back into Gerry's embrace, puzzled by the change in topic. "So I've gathered. I'm pretty sure Zereda is presiding, so it'll be in the South. All the elder witches will hear the case."

"What's she going to do with Egill? Is she taking him too?" Gerry pressed a kiss to Ghost's hair.

"I don't know. I suppose it's his choice. Isn't it? He's got no family we know of, and the clan I met isn't his." Ghost gazed into Gerry's eyes, trying to See what he was thinking.

"How would you feel about taking Egill as our dependent?" Gerry's smile was mischievous.

Ghost gasped. He was planning on asking Gerry the same thing this evening when they were alone. Ghost wanted Egill more than anything. Ghost knew how lost and alone Egill must feel right now. Ghost had felt the same way living with the Witch. An outcast because he looked different, because he could See. No matter how hard the Witch tried, he never felt as though he belonged until Gerry came along and loved him. Egill would have what Ghost never had. Egill would have Ghost, who looked like Egill, and Saw like Egill. And Egill would have Gerry, who would cherish Egill with a father's devotion and not question what Egill was.

"Why are you asking me?" Ghost demanded. "I mean, you're the alpha, you know." Ghost placed his palms flat against Gerry's chest.

"Well, yes, but I'd rather have the advice of my wise and fierce witch before I make such a momentous decision."

Gerry laughed as Ghost twined his hands in Gerry's hair and pulled him down into a heated kiss.

When Ghost finally let him up for air, Gerry gazed into Ghost's eyes and smiled. "I'll take the kiss for a yes." Ghost opened his mouth to speak, but Gerry touched his finger to Ghost's lips to stop him. "And I'm also going to tell you I'm the happiest man in the village right now. I love you, Ghost. I can't imagine a life without you by my side. But more important, I can't imagine not being at your side. You're all I need to make my life complete, and wherever life takes us, we'll go together. Even if it means going to your frozen Northlands."

"Just as long as we're together," Ghost said, looking into Gerry's gorgeous eyes and seeing only love there. "We can take the carriage up to the Northlands in the summer. You, and me, and our Egill. Our family."

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