Free A Touch of Frost by S. E. Smith Page A

quietly behind him. The inside living space was now intact. His eyes swept the area, pausing on the small plastic container sitting on the end table next to the couch. Disbelief washed through him and he blinked his eyes several times as he stepped closer to look inside the sealed container.
    He squatted down so that he was at eye level with it. Unable to believe what he was seeing, he rubbed a hand across his eyes and blinked again. A soft chuckle escaped him as he took in the furious image before him.
    Taar, no bigger than the size of his index finger, snarled back at him from inside his plastic prison. It wasn’t just the fact that the huge Learian had been reduced to the size of a child’s toy, it was the fact that he was dressed in a pink flowery dress.
    “Laugh now, Ranger. When I get out of here, I’m going to kill you and that witch!” Taar threatened.
    Frost tapped on the side, knocking Taar back on his ass. This was better than killing the bastard. For once, the Learian was at everyone else’s mercy. His head jerked up when the soft sound of crying reached him.
    “I will deal with you later,” Frost said dismissively as he stood. “Enjoy your prison, Taar. If you are lucky, I might just let you live and take you back in it.”
    Frost stepped away from the end table and continued down the long hallway, following the sound of the sobs. Each one pulled on him as he stepped closer. He paused outside the door before gently pushing it open.
    Lacey lay across the bed. Her shoulders shook as she cried into the pillow that she had her arms wrapped around. Regret that he was part of the cause of her pain swept through him.
    He walked quietly over to the bed and sat down next to her. His fingers paused as he reached for her. Ignoring the sudden feeling of uncertainty and fear that she might reject him, he caressed her long hair and back.
    “I am sorry for your loss,” he forced out.
    He drew in a steadying breath when she slowly rolled over onto her side to look up at him with red-rimmed eyes. She brushed her right hand over her cheek as another tear escaped and sniffed loudly. A trembling sigh escaped her before she started to speak.
    “He was killed three years ago in a bus accident. He was coming home from seeing his parents. His car… his car needed some work and was in the shop,” she said in a thick voice. “The bus had a blowout and the driver lost control. It was late at night so most of the passengers were sleeping. It… Sean might have survived if he had been on the other side of the bus. It happened… it was over before we even realized what was going on.”
    “How can he still be here if he is dead?” Frost asked, sliding his hand up and down Lacey’s arm in comfort.
    Lacey released another shaky breath and rolled onto her back. She picked up his hand and studied it for several long seconds before she answered him. Spreading her fingers, she placed her palm against his. The difference between the two was significant, but what was even more amazing was how perfectly they fit together.
    “You might have noticed that some of us are a little different,” she whispered. “We aren’t like other humans here on Earth. Over the last few centuries, more of those in the world that have unusual powers or are a little different have come to Magic to live. It is a place where we can be safe. We can live normal lives being who we are. Magic is a place where we can raise our families without fear of being persecuted for having the ability to do things others only dream about. Here, spirits who aren’t ready to leave can stay.” She paused as she studied their joined fingers. It felt so good to touch someone again. To feel the warmth of skin pressed against her own. “At first, I thought Sean’s spirit was here because I refused to let him go. I have loved him since the second grade. How could I go on without him? But lately… lately, I’m beginning to think it’s Sean that is the one who has decided