Page 5 of Specter

Noah darted out the barn’s back door and ran for the trees. Another blast tore through the night air. Noah didn’t slow. Tears and snot streaked his face. He made no move to wipe it away. There was a bag hidden in the brush near the edge of the property. Noah had stashed it there three months ago after a night he didn’t care to recall. He had known he couldn’t stay much longer. Now he had to go. Duke and his mom were dead. There was nothing left. It was time to run.

Noah fought his way through the grief that always struck from nowhere. Tonight, he was doubly raw. Duke had told him not to look back. He pulled open the door. Noah had to keep his eyes locked on the future now. It was last order Duke had given him. Noah had to obey.

No one waited for him in the hall. Relief poured through him. Noah didn’t want anyone to see him at his weakest. He couldn’t let them see how torn he was over this entire situation. Noah had to find someone to care for him. He couldn’t stay at Silas’s forever. Noah had done what he needed to do to survive his entire life. Tonight was no different. He descended the steps. Since his room was on the third floor, he had time to harden himself. At the bottom of the final staircase, Kage waited. The gentle giant—as Noah like to think of him—gave Noah a reassuring smile before escorting him to a waiting cage. It was like a birdcage. Noah smiled at the thought. This was like a game. He could pretend to have wings. Noah could choose to see the night as him waiting to be set free so he could stretch his wings and soar.

“Are you ready?”

Noah nodded.

Kage eyed him. His ice-blue eyes looked oddly kind as they moved over Noah’s face. “Do you have the key and your cell phone?”

Noah showed Kage the backpack. “The key is around my neck and my phone is in the bag.”

Kage nodded. “Okay. Don’t forget, you choose. You have the key to open the cage. No one can get to you without your permission, and you don’t have to choose anyone. You can text me anytime if you don’t want to stay. I’ll walk you upstairs. You don’t have to be scared.”

Noah nodded and stepped inside the cage. Kage shut the door. Noah used his key to lock it from the inside before hiding it again. Their gazes met.

“I’m opening the door to let the guests inside now. Are you sure you want to do this?”

A lump rose in Noah’s throat, but there was no going back. “Do it.” A tear rolled down his cheek and Noah turned away. He sat on the floor of the cage with his bag. Noah would color until his nerves calmed. Then, he would pick a new daddy. He had no other choice.

Chapter Three

Atallstonefencesurrounded the property. After Duke handed his invitation to security and had it scanned by a black light, he was allowed inside the gate. His heart skipped a beat as he set sight on the house. It was a huge place that made his home look like a shack. For a moment, Duke wondered if he should turn around and let Noah keep this life… if he was here.

Duke eyed every face he passed. Men milled around the lawn, socializing and flirting. Champagne glasses passed from servers in various stages of undress to tux-clad partygoers. He didn’t see Noah anywhere. Duke wondered if Noah had changed or if he even still lived. He felt sick. It was a feeling that worsened by the second. The huge double front doors to the mansion opened. Light spilled out and everyone turned toward the house—like moths drawn to the warmth. With his heart in his throat, Duke fell into step with the crowd, moving along with the throng.

An arm slipped through his and held on.

Duke’s gaze shot toward the blond beauty. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested.” He was beautiful. Flawless, really. But Duke was here for the only man who mattered, and he couldn’t be distracted.

The blond held up a yellow card.

Duke read it.My name is Tommy. I’m mute.Duke blinked a few times and cleared his throat. “Hey, Tommy. No offense, but I’m still not interested.”

Tommy rolled his eyes and crooked his finger, motioning for Duke to lean down. When Duke tilted his head Tommy’s way, Tommy pressed his mouth against Duke’s ear. “I’m escorting you to Noah.”

While his voice was barely a whisper, Duke hadn’t misheard. He covered Tommy’s hand, which rested in the crook of his arm. “Sorry. Please lead the way.”

A sweet smile met his apology. Tommy moved away from the crowd as they stepped through the door. Most people headed right. Tommy hauled him straight ahead. As they passed through an archway, grand chandeliers cast a glow on the room. Gorgeous art covered the walls and sculptures lined the shelves. Duke’s gaze was locked on the giant old-fashioned bird cages scattered throughout the room. In a cage near the back of the room, a smaller man sat coloring. A dark green dinosaur costume hid his features, but Duke knew. He felt it in his heart. It was Noah. There was no mistaking the defeated way he sat, with his shoulders hunched and one foot extended. The foot moved restlessly from side to side, as if keeping beat with the music in his head. Duke had seen Noah sit the same way a hundred times. Each breath Duke took came harder than the last. He wondered if he would faint.

Then the man’s chin lifted, as if he felt Duke’s presence. His head turned. Their gazes met. Duke’s knees weakened. Noah’s perfect lips parted in surprise. He moved to his knees and clutched the bars. Duke moved faster. He left Tommy behind.

“Noah.”

Noah swayed. “Duke?”

Duke ran the last few feet and dropped to his haunches. Their fingers linked through the bars. “Holy shit, baby. Why are you in a cage? Is this why I haven’t been able to find you? I’ll get you out. Don’t worry. Hang on.” Duke shot to his feet. He tugged at the locked door. When it didn’t budge, his gaze shot around the room. A stone sculpture sat nearby. He didn’t hesitate to grab it.

“Duke.”

Some form of madness had taken hold. He could barely hear a thing. His entire focus was locked on setting his baby free. “Hold on, angel. I can get you out.” He smashed the sculpture against the door handle. It didn’t budge, but a small chunk of the stone from the piece hit the floor.

“Duke.”

“I’ve got this, Noah. Just stay back.”

Noah moved closer because it was him and Duke should have known he wouldn’t listen. With a shake of his head, Noah unwound a necklace from his neck. Before Duke could smash the handle again, Noah used the key on the necklace to unlock the door. It swung wide. Noah didn’t move to leave. He stood perfectly still, as if scared to touch Duke.

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