Death Becomes Him - 26

“I feel like we’ve inherited a grandmother, or a maiden aunt,” Trent said, laughing.

“I suppose on one level, we have,” Rory agreed, wrapping his arms around Trent. He instantly dropped them and moved away when Beau growled. “Oh boy, we could have a problem.”

“Beau,” Trent said sternly, pointing to the floor, waiting for the dog to come and sit. “You are to behave. Rory is here to stay so get used to it.”

Beau cocked his head. Trent could almost see him saying ‘Why?’ if he could speak.

“Because I love him, and he loves me, and we’re going to be living together. The three of us.” He petted Beau, beckoning for Rory to come closer.

Beau growled again, but this time it was only a halfhearted one. When Rory cautiously held out his hand, Beau sniffed it, looked at Trent, then back at Rory, and woofed softly.

“Good dog,” Rory said, inching his hand over Beau’s head. Carefully he patted it, smiling with relief when Beau allowed him to. “I wonder, did he growl because he was protecting you, or because he doesn’t like vampires?”

“A bit of both, probably. It took him a while to let Emily get close.”

“Well, Beau,” Rory said, kneeling in front of the dog, “You don’t have to guard him from me. I’d never hurt him.”

Beau stared at him for a moment, then licked his face, turned and bounced to the front door.

“Time for his walk,” Trent told Rory. “Oh boy, I’d better call Jennie to let her know I’m back.” He did so while putting Beau’s leash on him. “Yeah, it was fantastic,” he told her when she asked. “But I’m glad to be home. I’ll see you on Monday. And thanks for taking care of Beau. When my stuff gets here… Yeah I shipped it. I didn’t want to pay for extra baggage. Anyway, when it gets here I have something for you…”—he laughed—“No I’m not telling you what. You’ll just have to wait and see.” He thanked her again and hung up. By then Beau was dancing with impatience.

“You coming with us?” Trent asked Rory.

“You bet.”

The walk to the park was done in fits and starts as always, thanks to Beau’s need to check out things along the way. But eventually they made it there and Trent let Beau off his leash, knowing the dog wouldn’t go far.

As it was dark of the moon, the only light came from the few street lamps beside the benches.

“A fitting night to come back,” Rory said, linking his arm with Trent’s. “There was no moon the night I was attacked. It sort of completes the circle.”

“And begins a new one.”

“Indeed.” Embracing Trent, while keeping a wary eye on Beau, Rory kissed him. “I missed the city. I missed you. I’m so glad to be home.”

  

“You have no idea how happy I am that you are,” Trent replied, feeling a sense of relief at Rory’s words. Not that he’d doubted Rory would regret leaving the chateau to return to what might be considered the real world. But still… He hugged his lover tightly.

Rory chuckled. “You trying to squeeze me to death?”  

“I don’t think that’s possible.” Trent winced a second later, realizing what he’d said.

“Hey,” Rory kissed him quickly, “I am dead, technically. It’s a fact of”—he grinned—“life. So don’t try monitoring your words thinking you might upset me. After four years plus, I’m not too touchy about it.”

“All right. Point made and taken.”