The walk to Carter's apartment felt like traversing another realm. Each step brought me closer to bridging the gap I'd intentionally kept between us. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on his door.

Carter's eyes widened in surprise when he saw me, but he didn't hesitate to invite me in. "Kal, hey. I'm glad you came."

As I stepped inside, my gaze wandered over the travel photos, family pictures, and martial arts trophies lining the shelves. The apartment was so... him. Warm, grounded, with a sense of adventure. A pang of longing tugged at my chest, making this conversation even harder.

"Nice place," I said, trying to break the tension.

Carter smiled softly. "Thanks. So, what's on your mind?" He motioned for me to sit beside him on the couch, his patience making me want to spill everything.

I took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I'm sorry for how I acted yesterday. When you brought up us being friends, something inside me snapped… The truth is that I like you, in more ways than just a friend. But that still doesn’t mean I’m looking for a relationship, and I know you’re not either.”

He leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips. "I get it. I'm not trying to force anything here."

“I know. I’m dealing with a lot right now, but I don’t want you thinking that all I want is to stay ‘just friends’ either.”

His hand reached out and took mine. Nice and warm that sent a tingle throughout my body.

"Can I be honest with you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. When he nodded, I blurted out the unpretty truth. "I'm... scared."

His eyes widened. "Of what?"

"Abandonment," I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat. "My parents left as soon as I turned eighteen. My ex exploited that and was abusive. I don't want to jump into anything, but I want you in my life."

Carter moved closer, his presence warm and comforting. "I like you too, Kal. A lot. But you’re not the only one with things going on. I’m only twenty-five and I promised myself that I’d put my career first... It’s a dream of mine…"

"I know," I said quickly. "I'm not asking for a relationship. Just... you. However that looks."

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

He laughed softly, a mix of relief and uncertainty in his voice. "I'm not sure how that looks either, but I’m listening."

I took a breath, trying to find the right words. "Maybe we could be... friends. With a few benefits, when we need them. No pressure, no expectations. Just…see where it goes.”

“Benefits?” The corner of his mouth turned up into a sweet, yet slightly enticing grin. He arched a playful eyebrow. “What does that entail?”

I smiled, feeling bolder. "Can I try something? And have it mean nothing if it doesn't work out?"

He nodded, and I leaned in, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was soft, tentative, but it felt right. A spark of electricity seemed to pass between us, and I felt Carter's hand gently cup my cheek, deepening the kiss with a tenderness that made my heart race.

When we pulled away, he met my gaze, more serious now. "This doesn't change how I feel about dating. My career comes first."

I nodded, understanding. "Just friends. With a few benefits, when we need them. Okay?” That’s all I could promise, anyway.

He didn't agree or disagree verbally, but his actions spoke volumes. Carter pulled me close, his stormy blue eyes filled with a mix of desire and affection. Then he kissed me again, this time with more passion and certainty. His lips moved against mine with a longing that matched my own, and I felt myself melting into his embrace. And for the first time in a long time, I wasn't running from something. I was running towards something—towards healing, towards letting someone in.

"Can I stay here tonight?" I asked, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "Just to... be close to you? For you to…hold me?"

Carter wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into his chest. "Whatever you need, sweetheart. I'm here."

And I just laid there, surrounded by his warmth, and simply enjoyed the moment. We watched a show on Netflix, ordered Chinese for dinner, and kissed a few more times. It was just nice to be…normal.

As we crawled in his bed together later that night, my mind wandered. I knew I couldn't keep my reaper identity from Carter forever, but for now, that was okay. I'd keep my darkness away from him, maybe even grow from his light. It was a fragile balance, but it was a start.

Drifting off to sleep, I felt something I hadn't experienced in years—hope. The road ahead was unknown, but I wasn't traveling alone. Kat and Carter were by my side, even if Carter didn't know everything yet. I wasn't fully at peace with my new life, but I wasn't fighting it anymore either. Both Carter and Kat radiated positive energy that balanced my darker side, offering a sense of normalcy I desperately needed.

You had to choose who you surrounded yourself with, right? People that raised you up and didn’t drag you down.

As Carter's breathing evened out beside me, I allowed myself a small smile. I felt that I had a place that was comfortable to me. Whatever came next, I was ready to face it—both the shadows of my reaper duties and the light of new beginnings.

* * * * *

What's next for Kal and Carter? Has their unconventional arrangement evolved into something more, or have they gone their separate ways?

And Kat? She's about to face a supernatural challenge of her own.

The story continues two years later...

Find out what happens next in the Death's Scythe series, starting with Reaper Cursed.

Learn where to find the story here: www.joynellschultz.com/DeathScythe