Lissa Kasey - Reflection of a Curse

Reflection of a Curse

Romancing a Curse

By Lissa Kasey

Reflection of a Curse

1st Edition

Copyright 2021 Lissa Kasey

All rights reserved

Cover Art by Doelle Designs

Edited by Christy Duke

Published by Lissa Kasey

http://www.lissakasey.com

Please Be Advised

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Warning

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the Author.

Listed below are the trigger warnings for this book. If any of these things bother you, please proceed with caution:

References to past life violence

Mentions of the pandemic, illness, cancer, and death

Mentions of loss of a pet

Mental illnesses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD

Brand pulled into the gas station on the outskirts of the last town before heading out to the manor. He knew the manor wasnt that far from city life, but the long, empty roads and never-ending trees felt otherwise. He worried hed be too far from a hospital if something happened. Not that there was much a hospital could do for him anymore. He would either recover, or remain as he was, forever disabled. This entire trip was to give him a chance to heal, but he wasnt certain he had much hope left.

He left Hunter in the backseat of the truck's cab to refill. The cold of winter added a layer of muffled white noise to the edges of his senses even though it was barely October. He stared at the empty station, no one around as far as he could see. He opened the fuel cap and filled the tank to prepare for the last leg of the journey. Was he really doing this?

A man stepped out from the convenience store, not dressed for the cold. Brand wondered if hed done something wrong, like pumping his own gas, as he could vaguely recall there were some states that didnt allow that. He was pretty sure that was New Jersey, not New York, but as the man approached, he didnt look upset or angry, more worried.

He was shorter than Brand by an inch or two, young, maybe mid-twenties, stocky, not fat, more solid through the core, shoulders broad, hair dark under a beanie, but only a flannel shirt over the top of his jeans rather than a winter coat. Not bad looking, Brand thought, though found his eyes the most intriguing and unsettling part about him. They were heavily lashed, and deep brown, even from a distance. What was the phrase Brand had read that fit that? Soulful?

Hey, Brand said in greeting.

Hey, the man replied, stopping a good ten feet away, Im wondering if youre headed north?

Um, yeah, up to the manor? Brand knew it was a tourist attraction. Would this man have heard of it?

The mans face lit up, eyes brightening. Can I get a ride? The spot I need to be dropped off is a couple of miles from the manor. He glanced away, looking sheepish. Ill see if I can grab a mask from the owner, he pointed at the convenience store, but I am vaccinated if that helps.

Brand worried at his lip for a minute. He wasnt strong enough to fight anyone off if they tried to take his truck or something, but nothing about this guy set off alarms. He seemed normal, looked clean enough, not like he was on a bender or anything. Hunter was in the cab and could be fiercely protective, but he was also strapped in for safety.

I understand if you dont want to, the man continued. We live in a shitty world right now.

Nah, its fine, Brand said finally. How many times had he wished hed received simple acts of kindness? Ive got a box of masks in the cab. Let me grab them. Ive had both shots, too, but after I already got the nasty. He finished at the pump, and opened the door to the cab to lean in for the box, grabbing one for himself and one for the new guy. He tugged his mask on and held out the other.

Thanks, the guy said, adjusting the mask and wearing it properly. It said a lot about him that he bothered to both offer to wear one and to know how to do it right.

Brand waved to the passenger door. Get in. Let me know where youll need out. Map says there is only one road up.

Its a straight shot unless you take the long way around to the highway and then over. Roads are pretty slick right now. The curves can be rough.

Ill keep the speed down, Brand said. He had planned to anyway. You need to grab anything?

The man shook his head. Nah. But thank you. I appreciate the ride. Not much for rideshare options out this way.

Brand snorted a laugh. Right? Hadnt thought of that. Probably would pay a left nut for a drive this far out. He got in, shutting the door and waiting until his guest buckled up, Hunter leaned over the console to sniff the man as Brand turned the truck back on.

Whos this beautiful guy? The man asked, carefully holding out a hand for the husky to sniff. He obviously knew a little about dogs. Hunter examined the mans hand before leaning in for a scratch.

Hunter, Brand said.

Hes gorgeous. Is it okay if I pet him?

Sure, Brand agreed as he steered the truck out to the road.

The man scratched Hunters ears, and the dog leaned into his touch. Hunter was a good judge of character, sometimes growling at people when they got too close, even when Brand didnt see an issue. Instinct, hed learned, was important, and he trusted Hunter more than he trusted most people.

You from around here? Brand asked.

Got family up this way. His voice had the edge of an accent. Its been a rough year. Everything shutdown. Cost of everything going up. Thought Id spend some time with family until things are a little more normal.

Normal Brand grumbled. Was there a thing anymore? Hed never be normal again, would he? He swallowed back bile at the thought.

You have family up at the manor? I know Zach and Sean have been running it for a bit, since the lady who had it before passed.

You know them? Brand wondered.

Yeah, they employ half the workforce in the area, and the rest feeds into the tourism it generates. Even with the shutdown, there has been a steady flow of folks visiting. Lots of talk of the lake up behind the manor having magical powers. Brings more tourists.

It was the first Brand had heard of it. Magical how?

A portal to another world, the man said with a smile as he looked out the window. The road was a winding thing through the trees. Brand kept his eyes fixed as he felt a bit of ice here and there. Thought your family might have mentioned it if they are from here.

I dont really have any family, Brand admitted.

No girlfriend up there waiting? The mans tone was light and teasing.

Not really into girls, Brand said, wondering if the guy would freak.

Boyfriend then.

No one wants the mess I am, Brand said.

Youre an attractive guy, dont see why not. The town is small and its hard to meet new people up this way, there are more than a handful of gay men up this way.

This guy thought Brand was attractive? How was that possible? Brand had never felt more unattractive in his life. My best friend, Montana, works at the house. Hes the chef. Invited me to visit for a while.

Ah, sounds like hes a bit of family then, the man said. Was his accent Scottish? Brand thought he caught an edge to the tone that reminded him of the movies. The kind we choose at least.

I guess, Brand agreed. We grew up in a group home together. Hes an amazing chef.