The Grand Hotel

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Brian’s POV

My spirit feels so weak knowing what Justin did for us. I should be grateful, but all I’m feeling is selfish. I want my lover to be with me.

After all these years of hiding my emotions, I’m finally able to express my feelings and love for Justin, and then, ironically, he is ripped away from me. I bury my head into Daphne’s shoulder and she clings to me tightly. Her tears mingle with mine as we rock gently, trying to find comfort in each other.

I am taken aback when Daphne becomes still. I hear her gasp and she rapidly pats my shoulder. “Bri…Brian. Oh my God, Brian.” she says excitedly.

I draw back and look into her brown eyes. “What is it?” My voice cracks with emotion.

She points to something behind me and as I turn around I feel a lump form in my throat. White mist forms within the room like small clouds. One of the tall, masculine beings moves towards Daphne and I with Justin lying limply in his arms. The angel kneels down in front of me and rests his translucent hand over Justin’s bleeding abdomen. The wounds magically begin to heal.

The angelic being looks to me and smiles as he reaches out to touch my cheek tenderly. The sensation causes soothing chills to rush through my spirit. “You and your lover are very brave,” he says in a clear, deep voice. When he lays Justin upon the bed, my tears pool in my eyes as I look at my lover’s limp, spiritless body. The being whispers and his words seem to float on the wind. “Kiss him with the light and he will come back to you.”

Carefully I take Justin into my arms, his head tilts back and droplets of blood trickle from his mouth. I choke back my tears as I lean forward and lay my forehead against his. “I love you,” I say just above a whisper, feeling my own lips quiver at the declaration. I pull back slightly and then look down at my lover, gently caressing the blonde hair out of his eyes.

I place my lips over his and kiss him softly, feeling the warmth returning to his lips as they begin to move against mine. Justin wraps his hand around my neck, deepening the kiss. Our tears blend together as the passion of our kiss overtakes us. I draw back, gasping for breath and then look into Justin’s sparking blue eyes. “I don’t understand,” I gasp out. “How can you be with me now? They said you died; that you sacrificed yourself so Lindsay, Gus and I could live in the light.”

He swallows hard as tears fall from his eyes. “It’s all true. The thing that brought me back was you. I was almost lost, drifting into nothingness when your image came to me. I knew I could never let you suffer that way, and selfishly I wanted to be with you. I love you Brian Kinney.”

I choke out a laugh and smirk. “You’re such a selfish bastard.” I smile down at him. “I’m just glad you kept your promise. I love you too.”

Justin smiles at me, reaches up and caresses my cheek. I lean into his touch, letting his love and affection soar through my spirit.

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23 year later

Jordan’s POV

My journey of self discovery started three years ago when I was 16 years old. I look over to the book lying on the passenger side of my car and smile as I think of my mother. She has always been so supportive, and me being gay was never an issue with us. My mother is a free spirit and a bit of a gypsy.

As a young boy I would have dreams that boggled my mind. It was as though I knew things that most kids at my age would not even think about. These thoughts and dreams frightened me, but they also helped me to understand the birthmarks on my wrists. My mother once told me I was kissed by angels and that I was an old soul. These marks were a reminder of something from my past that should never be repeated. Somehow I was given a second chance.

On my 16th birthday my mother gave me a book that changed my life forever. When I first saw it I laughed, wondering what she was up to. I remember holding it up and scoffing. “You want me to read some lame ass book about a psychic?”

She laughed softly and then spoke in her motherly tone. “Jordan, just read it. The author, Daphne Chanders, is a world renowned psychic. I have always loved listening to her. She is very insightful, yet has always been secretive until now. She has never really spoken of her personal life journey before. This story is about the death of her best friend.”

“Why should I give a shit about some fruitcake’s best friend?” I fold my arms and let out a dramatic sigh.

She shakes her head at me. “You’re such a drama queen sometimes, Jordan. Get over yourself and read the fucking book.”

I remember really looking at the cover of the book for the first time. I was quite taken by the woman’s picture on the front. She looked very much like the woman from my dreams, only older. I trace my finger over the words; ‘The Grand Hotel.’ Flipping over the book I read the summary of what the book is about.

I read the back carefully and instantly I am drawn into it and understand why my mother has given it to me. Everything on the back cover reminds me of dreams I had growing up. I look up to my mother in shock. “But how? How would she know my dreams?”

She smiles widely. “Turn to page sixty-one.” When I do I am in awe again. I am looking at a print of a painting I have painted. It is my exact style and technique of a wooden Gazebo. The two men who have always haunted my dreams are in an embrace looking at each other affectionately.

I am pulled out of the past and back in to the present by someone knocking on my car door. I roll down the window and see an elderly woman with red hair, wearing a very vibrant and colorful outfit.

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Debbie’s POV

I had gone outside to take a walk and gather some herbs from my garden. I look into the parking lot and notice a little blue car pull up, but the young man inside doesn’t get out. He looks down to the passenger side of the car and seems to be lost in thought. For some odd reason I am instantly drawn to him. I go over and knock on the car window and he jumps, laughing slightly as he rolls down the window.

I feel my breath catch in my throat as I instantly recognize his spirit. It’s Justin. He looks slightly different. His hair is shaggy and strawberry blonde and his eyes are a sliver blue.

I try to hold back my excitement. “You lost, honey?”

He looks down nervously “Uh, no ma’am. I was just…um…I was just thinking.”

“You know that can be a dangerous thing; thinking.”

He chuckles softly. “That it is.” He then smiles at me brightly, confirming my previous thoughts; this is most definitely our sunshine. He clears his throat and shakes his head. “I’m not lost at all. In fact I believe I’m exactly where I need to be.”

I smile at him and open his door. “Of course you are, honey. May I ask what brought you here to our Grand Hotel?”

He swallows and hands me Daphne’s book and I chuckle as I glance at the cover, then hand it back to him. “You know, you’re not the first to come here because of that book.”

He squirms slightly. “No shit?” His eyes widen. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have said that in front of you.”

I laugh and pat him on the cheek. “You can say any fucking word around me you like.” I smile at him and he laughs, and then gets out of his car. He walks around and gathers his luggage out of the trunk. I am taken back when I see translucent forms standing at his side. I gasp and smile when I recognize the pack of wolves that once guided Justin through hell and back. Natalie steps forward, giving me a canine smile and then winks. The vision fades, but I can still feel their presence.

We begin to walk up the steep steps when I notice he has two suitcases. “How long are you planning on staying, sunshine?”

He smiles at me warmly. “The name’s Jordan and I am staying as long as it takes to get my answers.”

“You’re looking for something, huh?”

He seems deep in thought for a moment. “Yeah.”

“Well, Jordan, it‘s nice to meet you and you’re welcome to stay as long as you need. By the way, I’m Debbie. My son and his husband own this place.”

I smile to myself. It’s amazing how life can turn out sometimes. I can’t wait to have my evening cup of tea and tell Daphne all about the new turn of events when she gets home. She has lived here ever since Justin passed away and has been the daughter I never had.

I know she will be looking forward to the romance we both know is soon to be blossoming and so am I. Instantly I think of my grandson, Brandon. He is Michael and Ben’s adopted son, who came into our lives 19 years ago. I have always felt in my heart that Brandon was Brian’s spirit. His speech and mannerisms are definitely a lot like Kinney, not to mentions the stuff he says. I remember holding him when he would wake from a nightmare. He would tell me of events that happened in Brian’s own life Things no one would have ever told him.

When Brandon was sixteen years old he asked to be moved into room 433. That was when it was confirmed in my heart. Sometimes I catch him sneaking off to the gazebo that has been blocked off for many years. I hear him from time to time moving around in the secret passage way and I am pretty sure he is going to Justin’s old bedroom. I snicker to myself, knowing which room Jordan will be staying in on his visit.

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Jordan’s POV

I can’t help but like the old woman. There is something kind in her eyes when she looks at me and for some reason I hope she doesn’t think I’m some odd tourist just seeking out the author of a book. When she called me sunshine I felt warmth in my heart. I walk up to the front desk and watch as Debbie makes her way behind the counter and speaks to a dark haired man. “Put him in room 533.”

I watch as he swallows hard. “Ma! We don’t use that room,” he says in a disgusted tone.

She pats his face then squeezes his cheek. “We do now.”

I look at the man’s name tag and read, Michael. For some reason it also seems familiar. I am stunned when this stranger glares at me and instantly I feel something from him that’s almost like jealousy. I take the key from him and then I see his eyes soften. “Take care of him,” he says, just above a whisper, which I find odd.

I raise a brow. “Take care of who?”

He stumbles over his words. “Oh…uh...I’m sorry. I meant to say, don’t lose that key, we only have one. We don’t use that room often.”

I clench the key in my hand tightly and then put it in my pocket. “Okay.”

I grab my luggage to walk up the stairway and am instantly drawn to the wall across the way from the desk. I put down my luggage and am so drawn to it that I reach out a hand and touch it. When I do I feel an unusual sensation vibrate through my fingertips and I can hear a deep male voice in my mind. “I mean it boy, stay away from this elevator,” he practically growls “No one is allowed in it but me. You got that clear?”

For some odd reason I whisper under my breath. “Crystal.” It’s like I’ve said it before and it seem so natural.

Suddenly my thoughts drift to seeing the two men who have haunted my dreams, making love in the gazebo. I smile to myself. It is an image I see often and frequently masturbate to. I always focus my thoughts on the tall lean man. I am always so entranced by him. I blink my eyes and then I realize my hand is not on the wall anymore, but resting on the edge of a picture frame. I look up and I am looking directly into the painting from the book of two men embracing in the wooden gazebo.

My hand starts shaking as I hear the voice again. I shake my head because the words do not make sense to me, yet they are so familiar. “After I died and I could still see you I was so fucking scared for your safety and sanity. When you placed your wrists on that blade I literally hurt with you. I tried to call to you.” He sucks in a breath. “I tried to make you stop, but there was nothing I could do. All I could think of when Daphne dragged you away was that moment we had together here in the gazebo before you father came and interrupted us.”

I gasp and then I hear another set of words “I love you.”

I am startled when I feel warm breath on my face. I watch as a hand reaches out and touches mine, making a pleasurable sensation flow through my body. I turn around and stifle a breath as I look into the most beautiful hazel eyes I’ve ever seen. I am amazed at the beautiful young man standing before me. His hair is light brown and he has a natural intensity that is hypnotic.

I notice he has a slight sneer in his face and also a hint of confusion in his eyes as he gently guides my hand away from the painting, unknowingly interlocking our fingers. His voice is gruff when he speaks, but his actions don’t match his tone. “That painting is very precious, it shouldn’t be touched.”

“I…” I clear my throat and feel butterflies in my stomach. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to touch it.” His features soften and he smiles at me. “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I have painted something just like it and I...I well it’s weird. It’s almost as though I know those two men. I can hear them in my mind and I’m so sorry. I never meant to cause any trouble. “

The young man’s face softens. “No worries, it’s okay.” He shrugs his shoulders. “Besides, sorry’s bullshit.” He suddenly becomes aware that he is holding my hand and instantly pulls his away, a blush spreading across his face. Quickly he composes himself. “You hear voices, huh? “ He chuckles softly. “You’re going to fit in here just fine. Everyone around here is a bit crazy.”

I draw back slightly. “Gee thanks.”

He smirks wickedly. “Hey, you’re the one who said you heard voices, not me.” He starts to walk away and then turns his head. “I just see dead people.”

He begins to walk up the staircase when I hear Michael call to him. “Brandon, don’t be scaring our guest with your, ‘I see dead people’ shit. Now, help this young man with his luggage and get back to work.”

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, Dad, I gotcha,” he reply sarcastically. “No telling people I see dead people. For Christ’s sake Dad! We live in a fucking haunted hotel; people expect to see dead people. It‘s part of the thrill.”

Michael shakes his head. “Jordan will be staying in room 533.”

His mouth drops slightly then he stiffens his jaw. He looks to me and then his father. “What the fuck? No one ever stays up there. You told me no one is ever allowed to stay in that room.” I see sadness spread across his face.

Instantly I wonder what the big deal is about this room. “I’m okay. I don’t have to stay in that room. I’ll be fine wherever you have an empty space.”

Brandon looks to me and his features soften again. “No, it’s okay. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

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Brandon’s POV

Leaning over I take hold of one of the suitcases and my hand brushes against his. My heart begins to beat rapidly in my chest, my mouth goes dry, and a lump forms in my throat. I am instantly drawn into his sliver blue eyes. God, he‘s beautiful. I feel like I have looked into his eyes a hundred times before.

Suddenly I am drawn to look at the object in his other hand and close my eyes for just a moment. It figures, he’s here because of the book Aunt Daph wrote. So many people come here wanting to see the freak show I like to call family. Why should he be any different? I look at him and raise a brow as I point to the book. “A little light reading?”

He smiles nervously. “Oh shit, I forgot to put it away.” Quickly he tucks it into the side of his other case. “It’s a good book. I’ve read it several times.”

I huff out a laugh. “Is it? I wouldn’t know. I never read it.” I’m not sure why I just lied to him. I have read the book, many times, and each time gives me more understanding of the past. It has answered a lot of questions I had concerning my dreams and nightmares.

He raises his brow back at me. “Really? I would think you would, since the author wrote it about this place.”

I shrug my shoulders not wanting to explain my whole life story to him. How do you tell a perfect stranger, ‘Oh yeah, I‘m a reincarnation of that dead guy, Brian Kinney, from the book your holding.’ I snicker at my own thought. “No reason to. I have lived it.”

He looks slightly embarrassed. “Shit, I didn’t think of that. Fuck! I don’t blame you then. If someone wrote a book about my home and life I would probably be bored to fucking tears.”

I smile, realizing I kind of like this guy’s attitude. I am somewhat taken aback when I see Aunt Lindsay peek over his shoulder. She has a mischievous grin spread across her lips as she brushes her translucent hand over his shoulder and I see him shudder slightly.

“You okay?” I ask

“I’m fine; I just got cold for a moment.”

Lindsay laughs sweetly, kisses him on the cheek, and then whispers something in his ear. It’s too quiet for me to hear.

Jordan turns his head in her direction a little but he seems to not be able to see her. “Did you hear that?”

I raise my brow at Lindsay and stare at her pointedly, and then turn my attention back to him. “No, I didn’t hear anything, but honestly I don’t doubt you did. It’s this place; a lot of weird things happen here.”

He swallows hard. “So this place is still haunted? I thought that after they crossed over into the light the spirits would have moved on.”

“Ah, someone has been doing their homework,” I reply dryly, and then snicker. I am amused when he blushes and suddenly it dawns on me that he is actually serious. I clear my throat. “Spirits still pass through often. Sometimes just to see how everyone is doing. Some of the spirits who were here before the place was turned in to a hotel still linger. I’m not sure why, but they don’t cause much trouble. The bad stuff is all cleared out, though.”

I begin to lead us up the staircase and when we get to the third floor, curiosity gets the best of me and I turn to face him. “What do you think you heard down there?”

“I heard a female voice whisper, ‘welcome home, sweetheart.’”

I raise a brow. “Well, that’s kind of fucked up don’t you think? Considering you have never been here before.”

Jordan chuckles softly and it sends pleasurable chills through me that can’t even begin to explain. My cock becomes instantly hard and it takes every ounce of reason I have inside of me, not to pin him up against the wall and fuck him. I gasp when I look into his eyes again and see the same sparkle that I have seen in my dreams of Justin. I am drawn out of my thoughts when he continues to talk. “Yeah, it seems fucked up, but I needed to hear it, because I feel I have been here before. In fact I know I have; just not in this life.”

I feel completely numb and I wonder if he could be possibly be the spirit of Justin. “That makes sense now; I mean why Dad wanted you to stay in room 533 then.” I begin to walk up the steps again.

“Yeah, I wanted to ask what the deal with that room is. Your grandmother told your Dad to put me in there. He seemed really spooked about it.”

I clear my throat, trying to figure out the best way to approach this and I realize there is no delicate way to do it. “That was Justin’s room when he and Daphne both came here the first time. No one has stayed up on the fifth floor until Daphne and Justin came back five years later. The fifth floor is where the murders happened.”

“Oh.”

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Jordan’s POV

I swallow nervously. Could Debbie know? Could she confirm I am who I think I am? And Brandon, God when I’m next to him I feel like jelly. He is so beautiful, if a little rough around the edges, but so was Brian and I know that is one of the things that attracted me to him. At least that’s how it felt in my dreams. I follow Brandon up the rest of the stairs silently, lost in my own thoughts. Could he be the spirit of Brian? He seems so familiar to me and I feel my heart begin to race and my hands tingle with sweat.

I hear Brandon clear his throat and a door creeks open. I look up and realize we are already at the room. “Here we are.” He flips on a light and sets my suitcase on the ground. I instantly notice the room is not as vacant as everyone has claimed. I don’t see a speck of dust and there is a CD player and a stack of CD’s on the dresser. The bed looks slightly rumpled and there is an ashtray with what looks like fresh cigarette butts in it. Next to the ashtray sits a half a bottle of beer.

I notice that Brandon sees it too. “Oh, shit,” he grumbles under his breath.

I look at him in amusement. “I thought no one was allowed in this room.”

He clears his throat. “No one is allowed in here,” he replies sternly.

“Then who does this stuff belong to?”

He shakes his head. “That’s none of your business and you didn’t see anything in here.” He walks around to the other side of the bed and sits down as he opens the side table drawer and takes something out of it. “Close the door,” he says gruffly.

I do as I’m asked because I will admit I am intrigued by this handsome man. He scoots up on the bed and rests his back against the head board. He takes a lighter out of his pocket and puts what looks like a joint in is mouth, lighting it and taking a deep drag. He holds the smoke in his lungs and then tilts his head back releasing it into the air.

I gasp at the site before me. Brandon is completely stunning. He seems so free, but I can tell he is trapped within his own walls like I am. He looks up at me and smirks, holding out the joint to me.

I smirk back and take a hit, savoring the taste in my mouth as I let the smoke enter my lungs. I release it and hand back the joint. He winks at me. “As I said before, no one is allowed in here, but I kinda have my bed in here. No worries, though, I won’t stay in here while you’re here,” he says cheekily, shooting a half wink in my direction. “I have a room just below and I’m able to sneak in here through secret passage way.”

I look at him, awestruck. “I’m surprised you’re telling me this.”

He huffs out a laugh. “Yeah, me too.”

I sit down on the bed next to him. “Can I ask you something?”

“Might as well. For some reason I find it hard not to talk to you.” I feel warmth creep into my heart when he says this.

“Why do you come up here?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I don’t know?” He takes another drag and I move closer to him, leaning my back against the head board as well.

I look over to him and I can see the haunted expression in his eyes. I take the joint from his hand, letting my fingers linger against his. He smiles at me sexily and I can feel the blush on my cheeks. “No. I think you have a reason.”

He sighs heavily and shakes his head. “I don’t want to talk about it. Please, just don’t tell Dad you found my stuff up here.” He lets out a sigh. “He would have a total shit fit.”

I hand the joint back to him. “Your secret’s safe with me. So, you’re sure you won’t be sneaking into my room at night?”

He laughs and turns to me. “I’m sure. Unless you want me to?” His tone is sensual and he gives me a look of longing.

My heart races with desire again and I shrug my shoulders. “We’ll have to see about that.”

Brandon looks at his watch. “Fuck! I have to get to work.” He puts out the joint and jumps up from the bed and to the door. Before he shuts the door he looks at me and hesitates for a moment. I can tell he wants to say something more but all he utters is, “Later.”

“Later,” I reply.

I watch, intrigued, as Brandon continues to stand by the door. He finally lets out a long sigh. “Look in the third drawer.” I am a bit puzzled when he closes the door and then I’m left with my own curiosity

I stand up and walk over to the big dresser. Out of curiosity I turn on the CD player and press play. I feel the smile spread across my face at the old music that pours through the stereo. I pick up the CD of Radio Heads (okay computer). I laugh softly to myself, remembering that I was listening to this on my drive out here. How weird and kind of spooky, really. I feel myself relating even more to Brandon. I look to the bed where we just shared a joint and shake my head. This all seems so surreal.

I let the music pour into me and I begin to lose myself within this strange new world. I slowly sway my body to the music and laugh at my own silliness. I feel a little lightheaded from the weed. I don’t smoke it that often. I plop myself at the end of the bed and reach over and open up the third drawer. I know I should feel hesitant but for some reason I don’t. I peek into the drawer and at first all I see are old clothes. A red sweatshirt catches my eye and when I take it out of the drawer I see a brown leather book.

I swallow hard, taking out the large book, I brush my fingers over the leather. I know I have touched this book before. I hold it up to my nose, inhaling its musty scent and instantly I feel tears welling in my eyes as I lay the book on my lap. I have seen this so many times in my dreams. Now I am even surer that I’m in the right place, but I’m not sure if this is the right time. I close my eyes for a moment. I already know what I will see, pictures of the family, lover and friends I once knew.

Opening my eyes I turn to the first page seeing an image of Daphne. She is much younger than the photo on her book cover and she has a beautiful smile spread across her face. I lightly brush my finger over the familiar features, feeling the lump forming in my throat. I take her book out of my suitcase and compare the two. I see how different she looks then and now; not just with age, but the expression in her eyes. I can see the hurt and devastation dulling her older eyes. I feel my heart going out to her and I remember the love we once shared. I swallow hard remembering the time we once shared a bed. I dreamt it once, and as baffling as it was to me to have a dream of being with a woman, I knew in my heart it was true, if only for brief moment. I remember the dreams of her expanding belly.

Unexpectedly I feel a cool chill spread throughout the room. I am so drawn into the picture I am startled when I hear a little voice whisper, “Jordan.” I look up and see a young girl about the age of five. Her blonde hair and blue eyes glisten like the sun. She smiles and giggles, swaying her body to the rhythm of the music that‘s still playing. She then runs over to me and hugs me tightly. “You are in the right place at the right time.”

She sits on the bed next to me and folds her hands in her lap. She looks over at the book and giggles again. She lifts her small, translucent hand to the drawing, “Mommy!”

I smile down at her realizing who the little girl is. I have read about her in Daphne’s book and immediately was taken by her. I feel my eyes moisten. “She is your mommy?”

She nods her head and then speaks softly. “I love you.”

Suddenly she vanishes and I wonder for a brief moment if I have imagined her being here. I turn the page to see the man who has haunted my dreams my whole life. I think of Brandon’s eyes and how they hold the same intensity. Looking down at the drawing of Brian I feel desire welling up inside me. Softly, I touch his face as another tear falls down my cheek. How could something from another time affect me so much? I look closer at the page and I can see tears marking the page. I brush at them only to realize they aren’t mine. I am stunned to see an image of Brandon holding the book. He wipes away his tears and I can feel all of his feelings of loneliness and having to live within the shadow of someone else’s ghost. I hold the book to my chest and feel his heart beat with mine. For some reason I can tell he is thinking about me now. I hear his voice in my mind. “I’m glad you’re here.”

I shake my head and I know I must be imagining things. I turn the page, trying to understand all the strange things that are happening to me. Before me on the next page I see an attractive woman reading to a young boy. They have also been in my dreams and sometimes my nightmares. I feel my heart clench when the image of the woman lying on her apartment floor, coated in her own blood, her throat gaping open, pops into my head. The little boy lies still within her arms.

Abruptly I close the book, trying to get the visions out of my head. How could anyone do this to such a beautiful family? I stand up and pace the room, remembering the words from Daphne’s book. It was Justin’s father. “Fuck!” I scream at the top of my lungs for something I have no control over.

I grab the leather book and head out the door and down the stairs. I can see people milling around but I try not to look up at anyone or anything. I am startled when I hear a male’s voice. “Why hello, sweetheart.” I look up at the tall, older man, wearing vibrant clothing. “You are a delectable dish,” he chuckles and takes hold of my arms, patting my hand. “You look so familiar. Have we met before?”

“I don’t think so,” I say weakly, feeling my voice shake.

He cocks his head. “Hmm, that’s odd. I could have sworn we have met. Well, no matter, you look like something is troubling you. Why don’t we go to the dining room and have a bite to eat. You can tell Auntie Em all about it.”

I smile softly, feeling oddly comfortable with this sweet and gentle man. “I would like that.” We walk to an open doorway and I see a sign that says ‘The Asylum.’ “I see the truth now. You don‘t really want to feed me, you just think I am crazy,” I say teasingly, pointing to the sign.

The older man hesitates. “No I...” He laughs suddenly, realizing I was teasing him, “It’s the name of the Restaurant.”

“I know, I was teasing you, Emmett.”

He shakes he head and looks at me in awe. “How did you know my full name?”

It dawns on me that he never really introduced himself. “Lucky guess?” I reply sheepishly.

He pats my hand again. “Must be.”

He guides us over to a table and I lay the book down. Emmett looks at it quizzically and then we both sit down. He lays a napkin over his lap. “They have the best food here.” He moves his fingers to lightly touch his chest. “Of course I am kind of partial. I’m the bartender here and have been for over 23 years.”

“That’s a long time.”

He smiles and I can tell he is slightly lost in thought. “Not really. When you’re surrounded by friends and family it seems to go by fast. We have been here for each other through some difficult times.”

I am startled when I hear someone clear their throat. I look up and see Brandon standing by the table. My stomach begins to stir with butterflies once again, my mouth becomes dry, and suddenly I feel my hands begin to shake as I look into his beautiful, hypnotic eyes. He takes a pencil out from behind his ear and looks down at his order pad. He clears his throat again and when he speaks his voice is husky. “Is this old Queen bothering you?” He winks at me and glares at the older man.

“Hey I’ll have you know I may be old but I still go got it,” retorts Emmett. Brandon shakes his head and chuckles kissing the older man on the cheek. “Hi, Auntie Em. You’re right; you’re not bad looking for an old guy.”

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Emmett’s POV

I can’t help but laugh at Brandon’s banter. In so many ways he is like the Brian we all once knew but, also different in so many ways as well. Brandon was raised in a loving home with Ben and Michael and therefore never had reason to build up all those hard, cynical walls Brian had erected out of self defense from his own family.

I watch how Brandon looks at the other young man and to say the least, I am a bit intrigued. I have never seen Brandon’s eyes spark like this before. I look back to the other young man and the realization begins to hit me. I go to introduce them, realizing I don’t even know our guest’s name. “Brandon this is…”

“Jordan.” My nephew replies. “We’ve already met. I helped him to his room.”

“Oh!” I look over to Jordan. “What room are you staying in?”

I watch as the two young men seem to be drawn into each other’s gaze. I can see the strong attraction blossoming between them as Jordan smiles and blushes. “Oh, I’m in room 533.”

I feel my breath hitch. “You’re in room what?!” I look to Brandon and then Jordan.

“It’s true. Grandma told Dad to put him in there.”

I suddenly hear Debbie call out to me. “Hey Emmett, could you help me over here for a second?”

I stand up, noticing how dazed Brandon seems. I take the pencil and pad from his hands and chuckle under my breath as he sits down across from Jordan. He doesn’t even seem to realize I have taken his things; he only has eyes for Jordan.

I walk over to Debbie. “Is he who I think he is?”

She chuckles. “He most certainly is. I saw his wolves with him. Natalie is guarding him.”

“No Shit?” I look at the two young men in awe.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Brandon’s POV

I feel completely numb as my heart races. My mouth feels dry when I try to speak and nothing comes out. I have never been so taken by someone before. Earlier, in Jordan’s room I hesitated to tell him about the book, but I needed to know. I needed to know if he might truly be the spirit of Justin. I look down and see he has the book with him. His eyes are slightly swollen and I see his emotions trying to overtake him; more than anything I want to comfort him. I know he must have had visions. I know I did every time I looked at the book.

Jordan seems lost in his thoughts so I gently lay my hand over his and he looks up at me in shock. “You want to talk about what you saw in the book?”

He shakes his head. “Not here.”

I nod my head in understanding. “I have a place we could go.”

“Aren’t you working?”

I smile at him and he tenderly squeezes my hand. “Yes, I am, but I have a feeling Grandma has already found someone to replace me for the day. “

“Are you sure?”

I look up see Emmett taking orders from my table. “Yeah, I am pretty sure.”

I stand up and instinctively take hold of Jordan’s hand. He looks at me and smiles as I lean over and kiss him chastely on the forehead. For the first time I don’t care what my friends and family have to say, I have lived my whole life in someone else’s shadow and for the first time I feel free when I am with Jordan.

I lead him outside and we walk down a pathway. “Where are we going?”

I stop walking and turn to him, feeling goose bumps trail down my arm as he looks up at me with his silver blue eyes. “I wanted to show you something.”

I’m surprised when I see white spirit wolves standing on both sides of the path. I lead us down the trail to the old gazebo and when it comes into sight I hear Jordan gasp. He lets go of my hand and climbs the steps and then he spins around slowly in the center of the old building. I walk up to him and take the book from his hand, laying it to the side, all thoughts of talking about it gone with the wind.

Jordan looks at me with desire and longing in his eyes. “What are you doing?”

I move closer to him and wrap one arm around his waist and another gently behind his neck. “I have no fucking idea what I am doing. I’ve never felt like this before.”

He chuckles softly and it’s music to my ears. “Neither have I. Well, I have, but only in my dreams.”

“Me too.” Cautiously I lean forward, lightly brushing my lips against his. The warmth of his moist lips against mine sends a pleasurable spark through my body. Jordan’s hands move to my back and I tingle under his touch.

He pulls back and looks into my eyes as he gently places his hand along my jaw line. “I remember wanting to fall in love with you all over again.”

I brush my finger under his lashes, tenderly wiping away his stray tears. “Me too,” I choke out and then pull his body close to mine, kissing him fervently.

I feel our souls joining as one and then I glance over his shoulder and see our friends and family who have passed on; looking at us with big smiles. In the distance I can hear wolves howling and I know for the fist time in this life I am happy and content. I can see in Jordan’s eyes that he is too.

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