(You can find Michael in the Amaranthine saga & Brothers of Darkness. This story takes place roughly one year before Brothers of Darkness.)

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Michael sat on the couch in his mother's trailer, watching TV. He wished she'd hurry up and get home from work. He needed another beer, but he was finally comfortable and he didn't want to move.

As if heaven sent, she banged through the door, dropping shoes and her purse. Before he could even ask her about ...