Page 11 of With the Stars

“This is so strange. I can feel you. I can tell they’re your emotions and not mine. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Minho didn’t need Peter to say anything. He felt the same way. “I can feel you too. You’re confused, happy. Maybe a little unsure, but there is an underlying calmness to you.”

“Yes. I never expected to meet someone like you. Never expected to be here with you right now, but I’m not worried about it. This feels right to me. Like being with Diane did.”

Minho smiled. “I met Diane.”

“You did? When?”

“She was at a late evening mass. I spoke to her for a few minutes when she waited outside for you one night. She was kind and sweet, but strong too. I used to go to church but over the years I stopped.”

“Do you still go?”

“Not as much as I should, but when things have settled and there isn’t as much of a threat as there is now, then I’d like to go again. I can only go when the nights grow darker at an earlier time. Autumn and winter, mainly.”

“Do vampires have churches?” Peter’s fingers traced circles on his back and Minho closed his eyes.

“Some of us practice but most don’t. You tend to lose faith over the years when you see what others are capable of. Also when you live as long as we do, it doesn’t seem as important. Watching you two, seeing Diane practicing, made me reconsider, so I went to church.”

“It may sound strange but I’m glad you got to meet her.”

“I can see why you fell in love with her. She was an amazing woman and I’m sorry you lost her.”

Peter’s fingers flattened on his back and held him tight. “I can feel you mean those words.”

“I wouldn’t lie to—”

“Dad! I’m home!” They heard heavy thumping up the stairs, then the bedroom door burst open. “Mike couldn’t…what the fuck?”

Chapter Six

Peter tried to sit up, but Minho’s naked body got in the way. Pushing him off, Peter pointed to the door. “Outside, now, Rex.”

“You’re naked in bed with a man?” Rex almost squeaked the words out. “Since when have you been gay? Was Mom some beard?”

Minho sat up, not bothering to cover his body. “Bisexual.”

“Do I look like I’m talking to you?” Rex glared at Minho, then looked back at Peter. “At least you have good taste.”

Peter, still pointing at the bedroom door, ground out, “Outside, now, Rex. Do as you’re told.”

“Eww Dad, cover up.”

“I can be naked in my own bedroom, Rex. If you weren’t in here you wouldn’t be seeing it, would you, so leave now. I’ll deal with you when I’m dressed.”

Rex left, mumbling under his breath. Peter grabbed his jeans and shoved his legs in them, hopping as he pulled them up and fastened them. Noticing Minho not moving or getting dressed,Peter narrowed his eyes at him. “Minho. Why are you doing very little moving right now?”

Minho grinned. “I like Rex. He’s funny.”

Peter took several calming breaths. “Get your clothes on and help me deal with Rex. In case you forgot, we’re mated now, so as step-dad you get to be involved.”

Minho blinked. “Huh? Oh yeah. Damn. So soon. I thought I would have at least a day before I had to do the parenting side of things.”

Peter grunted. “Welcome to my world, Daddy.”

“No. Please don’t say that.”

“Why not?”

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