Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Approaching vehicle lights grabbed Dax’s attention for a moment before he answered. “I’ve been thinking a lot about that and have actually done a research paper on it. I believe it’s a newer anomaly—possibly a product of evolution. I do think they’ve been around but probably learned early in life to hide their reactions to us. Like us, they stay hidden. The fact our small group has met so many is still something I’m pondering.”
Emory grinned as the cleanup wizards got out of the car and came toward them. “Well, if anyone can figure it out, it’s you. Are you hoping to find your soulmate, Dax?”
“You know I am. Just as I know you have absolutely no interest in having one of your own.”
Emory waggled his brows. “Variety makes my life interesting.”
“There’s nothing like the comfort of having a partner. I still miss the two I had in the past.”
“I know you do.” Emory clapped a hand on Dax’s shoulder. “I hope for you, my friend. Hope you find that soulmate.”
What Dax didn’t tell him was that he had the strongest feeling he would be meeting his soulmate soon. That feeling had only gotten stronger since he’d learned humans were a possibility.
The problem was, humans had never been an option for him. Not with his supernatural strength. However, if his recent conclusion on his research was correct, all that could change.
Chapter Two
Everett
Everett Page felt a fresh wave of grief as he stepped over the threshold of the massive house he’d inherited. His grandfather had been the last of his family left. No more would Wilson be greeting him with a welcoming grin. His warm, generous nature had filled this house with love, and now that was gone.
Everett tried to focus on what needed to be done now. His overall list of to-do items threatened to overwhelm him, but he’d kept today’s list short. Get the estate sale company established and pack a little of the study. Unfortunately, he had agreed to a blind date that night. His grandfather would have been thrilled because the man had worried about him being alone, but Everett just dreaded that night.
He hated blind dates.
His best friend, Trilla, had a way of talking him into doing things he didn’t like, and she swore up and down this guy was perfect for him. Everett was pretty sure that wasn’t true. He’d dated many men over the years and never come close to finding anyone he wanted with any sort of permanence.
Though he always tried because more than anything, Everett hated being alone. His grandfather had known that.
His footsteps echoed in the massive foyer. He’d grown up in this home, exploring the countless nooks and crannies, and sharing dinners with Wilson in the kitchen because neither of them had liked eating at the big table in the dining room. And he’d spent many a dark night with his head buried under the covers as a young boy because the old house made lots of noises at night.
Everett had lost his parents in a car accident at the age of eight. That loss had left him with heavy emotional scars.
But his grandfather had been loving and kind and welcomed him with open arms. It was just the nights he’d had issue with—still did to some extent. Insomnia was his constant companion. And since he planned to stay here while the estate sale company catalogued everything for sale, he knew he’d have even more trouble sleeping since he wouldn’t be in his own bed. And also, because he’d be going through his grandfather’s study by himself. That office was where Wilson had spent most of his time, and it was crammed full of all the things he’d collected over the years that meant the most to him.
Wilson had been a bit of a hoarder.
Everett walked into the office and shivered. There was a…feel to this room. Prickly and faintly ominous. He had first noticed the feeling in in his teens and had avoided the room as much as possible since then. He’d never been able to explain it or figure out the reason.
He squared his shoulders and looked around at the bookcases lining the walls, the massive cherry wood desk, and the fireplace Wilson had used daily—even when it was warm out. There was a burgundy loveseat in the corner with a recliner and end table. Wilson’s favorite gray throw was still draped over the back of the loveseat.
Grief slammed into him, and he had to close his eyes.
Knowing that wonderful old man was no longer a part of his life hurt. It didn’t matter that his last four years had been spent expecting this outcome, with Wilson becoming more and more frail every day. His passing had still hit Everett hard. He was alone now, without a family of his own to lessen the blow. And Everett wanted a family so badly—it was just finding the right man to partner his life with that had always been the problem. At thirty-six, he worried that it was never going to happen.