Nikodemus
I helped Cilla carry in the boxes filled with charms—my babies. Charms weren’t large and the entirety of the store fit into four medium sized boxes.
“That last one has the charms that were in storage,” Cilla said while pointing a finger at the box tucked under my left arm. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted those too. I think the chances of this sketchy warlock getting ahold of them is small, but I thought better safe than sorry.”
“Your logic is sound.” I was grateful for Cilla’s thoroughness.
“I kept the ones in storage together. That way, if you’re running out of time or magical juice, you can save them until the end.”
Again, Cilla’s logical reasoning was most welcome.
“Good evening, Cilla,” Hikaru greeted while holding the door open. He had one hip propped against the door frame, arms crossed, and tails lazily shifting behind him. Hikaru’s gold-green eyes damn near glowed as the outdoor lights hit them.
“I see you’re still here,” Cilla answered casually. Only her tightening muscles betrayed her unease.
“Ha!” Hikaru threw his head back and laughed. “I like your spunk, little squirrel shifter. As long as you don’t touch what is mine, we’ll get along fine.”
I pushed past Cilla, ignoring her wide eyes and parted mouth. “I don’t remember agreeing to be owned,” I huffed as I set two boxes down on the kitchen countertop. “Honestly, do you not realize how incredibly rude that is?” I opened the first box as a way of distracting myself.
“You’re so cute when you get all riled up like that.” Hikaru was suddenly behind me, his breath ghosting across my neck and making my skin heat. Before I could swat him away, Hikaru merrily danced away, snagging the final piece of garlic bread and shoving it in his mouth. I was beginning to believe Keir might be onto something and that Hikaru had a beast living in his stomach, stealing his food. Then again, Erasmus could put away a lot of food and he was also slight.
With what I imagined was a herculean effort, Cilla ignored Hikaru’s antics. Sliding her boxes next to mine, she reached across the counter to grasp my hand but must have thought better of her actions and pulled back before contact could be made. When I chanced a glance Hikaru’s direction, I noticed his attention was firmly affixed to that near touch. The look on his face radiated his displeasure loud and clear.
“How are you doing, Nikodemus?” Cilla asked, sincere concern softening her voice.
“I am fine,” I partially lied. I was physically well enough. That didn’t take into account the emotional turmoil roiling inside my gut or the constant anger I fought back.
“I’m sure you aren’t,” Cilla answered with a shake of her head. “I hope you’re calling him out on his bullshit, Hikaru.”
“Oh, I am.” The displeasured look of earlier vanished into one of pleased satisfaction. “It’s kind of you to think of me, Cilla.”
“As if you’d allow me to forget your presence,” Cilla countered while beginning to remove the charms.
“So true.”
“You’re both talking about me as if I’ve vanished from the room.” I should have been more irritated than I was. It was possible my anger and worry had taken up too much headspace, not allowing for other emotions to gain purchase.
Continuing to ignore me, Hikaru shifted closer. His claw-tipped fingers gently lifted the nearest charm. He held on to it, twisting it in the light. The opalescent nature of the stone changed color as the light hit it at different angles. “What does this one do? It’s so pretty.”
Holding out my hand, Hikaru placed the charm in my palm. It warmed with recognition of its maker. “It is a protective charm. It can create a temporary shield. Nothing and no one can get through.” I’d first conceived of the charm to aid my son. This one wasn’t a big seller, but we’d seen interest grow recently—mostly from human women. It was a sad statement regarding the world we shared and lived in.
Eyes slipping closed, I concentrated on the charm in my hand, looking for any foreign manipulation. Finding none, I set the charm aside and confidently stated, “This one is clean.”
“You know that quickly? How can you tell?” Hikaru asked.
I wasn’t entirely certain how to answer. All I knew was that I was right. This charm hadn’t been tampered with. “I just know.”
Hikaru’s eyebrows tipped upward for half a second before a look of utter satisfaction came over his face. “That’s my Niki,” Hikaru practically purred before leaning in and giving my cheek a chaste peck.
“Menace.”
“Your menace,” Hikaru whispered into my ear, making my cheeks flame.
I thought Cilla might be uncomfortable sitting there while Hikaru was being…well, Hikaru. Instead, when I caught her gaze, her deep brown eyes were alight, and a grin crinkled their edges. “Well, well. Yours indeed.”
“This isn’t?—”
“Yes, it is,” Hikaru swiftly interrupted my denials. Snuggled up beside me, one of his arms thrown over my shoulders and his tails caressing my back, it was difficult to argue. Besides, I was beginning to question just how much Iwantedto argue.
