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“And Abel,” I said “He chose the side of good today”

“I hate to think ould have happened if you hadn’t gotten through to hie, or just a momentary lapse Time will tell, I suppose At least Carter can keep him in check if need be”

I grinned and asked, “What was that kiss about?”

Elias grinned, too “I’m not sure Carter doesn’t discuss his love life withto have his hands full”

“No doubt”

We both fell silent again, watching each other in the flickering firelight Then I reached out and took his hand He wrapped both of his hands aroundto be okay, Mateo” I wanted to believe that

The nextI noticed was thatabove the mantel, and in its place was an impressionistic landscape I tried not to read too much into that, but it still felt a bit like a rejection

I clihtfully left so a razor and a coot dressed in the same clothes from the day before, because they were all I had with me

Then I went in search of Elias A feeling of uncertainty followedere to each other anymore

The door in the corner was open when I stepped into the sitting roo around in the kitchen I crossed the rooainst the doorframe

It was tough to sneak up on a olf, but I’d ht He stood at a work table in the center of the small, simple kitchen, barefoot and dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans The muscles flexed in his ar it fro more

Without warning, a sense of loss slammed into me

He was free of the bond now Free of me He could find whoever he wanted, fall in love, and build a life with the man of his choice

Regret rose up and sed me whole

I’d e mistake and wasted sothat had keptmyself in a position where I could be hurt That hy I ran and hid fro It cost me a century with my mate, and now I didn’t have one anymore

Just then, Elias looked up and spottedto see what he’d do