Page 52 of The Other Side

Osian slipped downstairs and checked the doors and windows. He even went outside and made sure the garage was locked. When he was back in the house, he conjured up a ward around the cottage. He had to be careful how much of his power he used on this side, but he wanted to protect Drum. He was horrified by what Drum had told him. The idea that someone had beaten and stabbed him, almost killed him was unbearable. Although this creature—Jackson Ashford—was in prison, there was clearly a concern that he might try to get at Drum.

Osian lingered for a moment in the quiet kitchen, one hand resting against the old wooden table. The ward settled around the cottage like a second skin, invisible but reassuring, humming softly against his senses. Nothing would cross it unnoticed.

Satisfied, he climbed the stairs.

The bedroom door stood slightly ajar, the ceiling was full of stars and Drum was asleep. Or close enough. He lay on his side facing the door, one arm tucked beneath the pillow, the other resting over the duvet. Even unconscious, his brow was faintly furrowed.

Osian smiled sadly. Drum was so tired, so wary. He crossed the room as quietly as he could, but the bed creaked the moment he eased himself into it.

Drum’s eyes opened instantly. “Everything all right?”

“Everything’s secure.”

“The windows?”

“Locked.”

“The back door?”

“Locked.”

A pause. “The garage?”

“I checked that too.”

Drum let out a quiet breath. “Sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologise for.”

“I know.” His voice was rough with exhaustion. “Brain doesn’t always get the message.”

Osian reached over, brushing his knuckles lightly against Drum’s arm.

Then, so quietly Osian almost missed it, Drum said, “Sometimes I think he’s outside.”

Osian didn’t ask who. “He isn’t. He’s in prison.”

“I know.”

“You know,” Osian agreed gently. “Your body simply hasn’t caught up.”

“I keep thinking…” His voice cracked. “What if prison wasn’t enough? What if one day he finds out where I am?”

“He won’t.”

“You can’t promise that.”

Osian moved closer to him. “No. I can’t promise the future. But I can promise this.”

Drum stared at him without blinking.

“You will never again face it alone.”

Drum moved so that his forehead rested lightly against Osian’s shoulder. “So you’re saying if a homicidal psychopath breaks in…”

“I’ll be really annoyed.”

That earned him a snort.