True: Ethan Read online

  “You sent me away.”

  “I didn’t want you to go!”

  Ethan jumped, but he could feel his life returning. “The Novahn way is a difficult one. It’s physically impossible for us to question why a bond has been broken. To make it easier for both sides, a certain amount of ritual has become part of our culture—the one sent away leaves with nothing as soon as the words are said, and he cannot cry in the presence of the other.”

  Softer emotions tempered the ferocity in Brendan’s expression. “Did you cry for me, Ethan?”

  “Yes. For hours before I came here.”

  “I’m sorry.” His eyes brightened with unshed tears. “I didn’t know.”

  Ethan cast a brief, sidelong glance at Myra, who mouthed an apology of her own. “It wasn’t your fault.” Something…wondrous occurred to him, and he met Brendan’s gaze. “Did you come here meaning to drag me back?”

  A blush stained Brendan’s cheeks. “Yeah.”

  “Why?”

  His voice roughened. “What do you mean, why? Because I love you, dammit.”

  Ethan walked closer, smiling. “True?”

  “Of course it’s true,” Brendan snapped. “I wouldn’t lie about something like this.”

  Ethan laughed, knowing he could explain it all later. “I love you too.”

  The last of the ferocity slipped from Brendan’s face. “What about Jeff?”

  “Jeff isn’t my mate. You are.” He took Brendan’s hand, pressed its warm palm to his chest. “My heart beats for you. My life is yours alone.”

  Myra made a soft, cooing sound.

  Brendan glanced over his shoulder, then back at him. “What just happened?”

  “It’s another Novahn ritual. A declaration that I will never love another.”

  Everything about Brendan hushed. “What do I do?”

  “Just promise me that you’ll always be True.”

  He lifted his free hand and cupped Ethan’s face. “I promise,” he whispered. He lowered his head to capture Ethan’s mouth. The caress held sweetness, desire, love. Things Ethan had been aching for all his life. He slipped his arms around his mate and pressed himself close—a perfect fit.

  His Novahn essence was restored.

  And his human heart rejoiced.

  Loose Id Titles by Rowan McBride

  One Shot

  Want Me

  * * * *

  The ONE GOOD Series

  One Good Hand

  One Good Year

  * * * *

  The TRUE Series

  Ethan

  Rowan McBride

  Born an Air Force dependent, Rowan McBride traveled the world and totally missed the 80’s as most Americans know it. In exchange, xe’s gotten to walk in clogs, break an arm at Mt. Fuji, and say prayers at a Korean Buddhist temple. So far it seems like a fair trade. Although xe graduated from high school in Hawaii, xe didn’t learn to hula and make leis until going to college in Iowa. After leaving the Midwest, xe moved to Washington, DC and very nearly got xemself a Juris Doctor degree. Now xe’s chilling out in Texas, diabolically planning road trips that could span years.

  People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.

  Links to reach Rowan McBride:

  Main Web Site: http://www.rowanmcbride.com

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