Huntsman - Morgan Brice Page 0,17

a grin. That got him pelted with popcorn and bottle caps, but he took a bow and danced out of the way of a new onslaught.

Since tomorrow was Sunday and tourist season hadn’t started yet, that usually meant sleeping in, catching the replay of a baseball or hockey game—depending on the season—and having their company gradually drift away by noon.

Russ nursed a slight buzz and looked at the rowdy group with affection. Ty and Justin were tussling over a pillow, while Brandon carried empty bottles out to the kitchen where Drew packed up leftovers. He might have the oddest “pack,” but they were all men he would trust to have his back when it counted.

Now all that’s missing is your mate, his wolf added unhelpfully.

Russ said good night and ambled to his room. He made quick work of brushing his teeth and using the restroom, then stripped and set his alarm so he wouldn’t miss coffee with Liam. He practically fell into bed, wiped out by the day.

He and Anthony stood on the balcony at the Adirondack Museum, looking out over the fog-wrapped blue mountains. This was a favorite place; not just for the view, but also because Anthony had proposed there. They always made a point to visit “their spot” when they came to the museum.

They stood side by side, leaning on the railing, taking in the view of autumn leaves, just as they had on their last visit before the wreck.

“It’s so beautiful,” Russ said. “I wish it could always stay this way.”

“Everything changes,” Anthony replied in the dream—which Russ knew wasn’t how it had gone in real life.

“What if I don’t want it to?” Dream-Russ asked.

“We don’t always get a say.” Anthony reached over and took his hand. Russ met his dearly-loved, deeply-missed gaze. “Sometimes, you have to let go. Spring is coming. New beginnings. That’s what I want for you.”

As Russ watched through teary eyes, Anthony’s image faded, becoming translucent and then vanishing completely.

He woke, tears streaming down his face, heart thudding. Anthony’s voice rang in his ears, far too real to have been a mere dream.

The scanner went off in the living room, sounding an alert that cut through any remaining fog of sleep. Russ ran for the scanner as Drew and the others gathered just steps behind him. He glanced at the time and saw that it was three-thirty.

“Four-alarm blaze at 423 Edgewater Road. All units report.”

Ty had his phone out and was already dialing. “It’s Williams. I’m with Lowe, Miller, and Davis. Do you need us to come in?”

He listened, then shook his head. “Okay. Call if you need us sooner.” Ty looked up. “Chief says to come in for the morning shift, but he’s covered for now.”

“Shit, Edgewater Road has a bunch of seasonal homes. I wonder if anyone’s even living there now?” Justin said.

“And if they aren’t, then how the hell did a fire start?” Brandon asked the question that was on all of their minds.

More alcohol was out of the question now, knowing they needed to be on-duty and clear-headed in just a few hours, although Russ sorely wanted a drink, something much stiffer than beer after the dream.

“We might as well try to get a little shut-eye,” Russ said, although he doubted it would work, at least for him. “Especially if we need to relieve the night shift.”

Everyone headed back to their places, and Russ closed his door behind him and debated whether to sit up in the reading chair for the rest of the night. The bed he had shared with Anthony had been a source of comfort, and at his worst moments, he had almost been able to imagine his husband’s embrace when he was wrapped tightly in sheets and blankets. He had purchased a new bed last year but had never shared it with anyone.

Now his heart felt torn and confused. Sensing Anthony’s presence at the cemetery, dreaming of him just moments ago still consoled Russ. But as much as it confounded him, he could not deny the reality of the connection he felt to Liam, something he never expected to experience.

At least to Russ’s way of reckoning, Anthony had made it clear that he did not oppose Russ finding his fated mate. That eased his guilt over the undeniable magnetism that drew him to Liam. But his own reaction was only half the equation.

What if Liam doesn’t want to take a chance?

Russ didn’t have an answer to that. Shit. I’ve got to go into the