Read Online To Summon Nightmares by J.K. Pendragon - Free Book Online Page A

about."
    Niall was quiet for a moment. "Can't talk about or don't want to talk about? Because you don't need to censor yourself. I promise I won't be, like, weirded out or anything. I like to hear... about people. I didn't get a lot of contact with people for a long time when I was younger."
    "It's just..." Cohen rubbed his face, wondering how to explain what he was feeling, or if he even wanted to. "It's stupid, it's got nothing to do with what we were talking about, really." Well, that was a lie. But he didn't want to explain the connection to Niall. He took another sip of his tea, thinking, and then blurted out, "You ever feel like no one will ever want to be with you? Like because of the choices you made, out of necessity even, you're destined to be alone forever?"
    The words hung heavy in the air. Cohen flinched at himself. He hadn't meant it to come out so depressing.
    Niall nodded though. "Yeah," he said. "You think because you're transitioning that no one will want to be with you?"
    "Well," Cohen leaned back on the couch, surprised by Niall's straightforwardness. "I guess I do. I mean, I know bi people exist, and plenty of trans people have partners, I know that, but I can't help feeling like anyone who likes girls won't like how I look, and anyone who likes boys won't like how I... ah." He blushed. "This is about to get a bit explicit, I think I should stop."
    "I think," said Niall, setting his tea down on the coffee table and leaning closer to Cohen, "That if you're going to date someone, you should date someone who likes boys."
    "That'd certainly be better for my mental health," agreed Cohen, sighing. "But I... I can't help feeling they'd be disappointed."
    "I don't think you're giving us enough credit," said Niall with a small smile. "We care about more than just cocks, you know."
    Cohen laughed and bit his lip against what he wanted to say, which was why would any man want me? "Thanks," he said instead. "See, you've done your part to fight stereotypes about gay men."
    "Fighting for the cause," laughed Niall and he got up again to check the food. The couch shifted as he stood, and Cohen felt, stupidly, like they'd just had a rather intimate moment. Spoiled a bit by his awkwardness, of course, but what wasn't?
    "I've made you a stir fry," said Niall. "It isn't amazing, but it's weeknight cooking, what can I say?"
    "Where do you work?" asked Cohen, getting up to bring the tea mugs to the table.
    "Just the little corner shop in town." Niall plated the dinner expertly, and placed it in front of Cohen, who looked at it dubiously. "It's a job."
    "Did you grow up in town?" asked Cohen, and Niall shook his head, spearing a piece of tofu on his fork and eating quickly. "So, why did you move here then?"
    Niall took another bite and was quiet as he chewed. Cohen dutifully copied him, taking a bite out of a pepper. Niall had cooked the vegetables and tofu in a teriyaki and garlic sauce which made it surprisingly tolerable.
    "Actually, I just came here to get away, same as you," said Niall finally, getting up to procure a jug of water and glasses. "I only moved here a few months ago," he explained, sitting down and pouring the water. "I think I mentioned the locals haven't warmed to me yet. So, are you going to get a lot of writing done at the Coughton?"
    Cohen blinked, surprised at how quickly Niall had turned the conversation back to him. Usually that was Cohen's tactic. "I hope so. I want to write my next book."
    "Hmm." Niall took another bite of tofu. "I hope you write a new book."
    "I thought you wanted me to finish the series!"
    "I changed my mind. I'm allowed to change my mind."
    "Right," said Cohen. "Well, I have a contract for the next one and I do have to make money eventually."
    "That's not very artistic of you," said Niall.
    "Oh, shut up!" Cohen couldn't help but laugh. Niall was pushing his buttons, but it felt more like flirting than teasing. At least, he hoped it was. "You're so rude! You're the rudest person