Smart human. She wasn’t one that would be easily fooled. “I’m Hikaru.” I gave a little finger wave along with my most winning smile. “Consider me the transportation service.” I added a little salute that seemed to confuse Belle more than entertain her. Tough crowd.
“May I come in?” Niki politely asked.
Belle seemed to contemplate her answer for half a second before nodding. “I don’t see what you think you can do, but at this point, I’m willing to try anything.”
Niki moved closer and I followed, staying close by his side. Niki was doing an admirable job hiding his exhaustion, but I was a very observant kitsune, especially when it came to my warlock. A slight tremble affected him when Niki raised his arms, and the magic dancing around him wasn’t as bright or numerous as usual. Even it looked tired. I hadn’t really thought magic could look worn out. I was learning all kinds of new things being around Niki.
Getting closer to Martha Phillips didn’t improve my opinion of her condition. In a lot of ways, she didn’t even look like a real person—more like a doll than anything else. A tube ran into her mouth and was hooked to a machine that reminded me of an accordion. Belle must have caught me looking because she said, “It regulates her breathing. The doctors say she needs it while medicated.”
All I could do was nod. I wasn’t a doctor. Humans had interesting ways of keeping themselves alive and since I wasn’t human, I didn’t feel the need to learn the particulars.
Niki raised his hand, fingers outstretched. Before he could so much as summon a trickle of magic, Belle reached across the bed and grasped Niki’s wrist. My tails nearly burst through my humanoid disguise as fearful rage swept through me. Dissipating, I was on the other side of the bed, my own hand tightly clasping Belle’s arm as a low growl of warning rumbled from deep within my chest.
“No one touches Niki but me.” I squeezed tighter but Belle still didn’t release Niki. I could grind her bones to dust but had enough self-control to hold back. For now.
“It’s okay, Hikaru,” Niki tried placating me.
“She needs to let you go,” I insisted.
Instead of looking at me, Niki kept his gaze on Belle. “She doesn’t mean me any harm. I’m sure Belle is simply concerned about her sister, and rightfully so. I should have explained what I was doing before raising my arm.”
“You’re damn right. I don’t trust you, warlock,” Belle angrily answered.
“I understand, but I need to magically examine your sister to try and determine what the damage is. I want to help.” Niki’s voice remained calm and although deep, it was soothing.
We were in an odd sort of standoff until Belle finally relented, relaxing her fingers and releasing Niki’s wrist. “If you hurt her, I’ll?—”
“This won’t hurt. It is a simple scan. Think of it as gathering information but not acting on what is learned.”
Belle gave a curt nod and I released her arm, leaving red marks that would most likely bruise.
“Sorry about that, but as I said, no one touches Niki but me.” I dissipated, reforming beside Niki. Going up on tiptoes, I kissed his cheek. “I’m not about to apologize for being overprotective so don’t even start.”
“Menace,” Niki lovingly said.
“Your menace.”
Niki’s dark gaze found mine. There was a depth of emotion layered in those black eyes. They’d once stared at me with suspicion and annoyance. The annoyance was sometimes still there, but any harsh emotions were tempered by glowing fondness. My heart hammered thinking that it was more than mere affection.
“Mine,” Niki answered, possessive claiming singing through that singular word. It was a claiming I welcomed with open arms.
As I stared into Niki’s eyes, I watched him shutter any and all warmth as his attention once more found its way to Martha. This time, before he raised his hand, Niki looked to Belle for permission. Arms crossed and shoulders rounded in on themselves, Belle gave a hesitant nod.
It was all the permission Niki needed. Eyes slipping closed, he raised his arm, fingers outstretched, and called to his magic. As I’d thought, the magic was sluggish and tired. It still heeded his call, but did so at a much more sedate pace. Niki’s fingers shook and his arm lagged. I grasped that unsteady arm, giving what physical support I could.
Niki sent the magic into Martha, seeking out the injured areas. I watched as the magic meandered through her body, working its way to her head and brain. It stayed there, twisting and turning before returning to Niki.
Niki didn’t have to say a word, his drawn lips and pinched eyes told me it wasn’t good news.
Helping him lower his arm, I stayed close. Niki was unsteady and I guided him to a nearby chair. The fact he didn’t protest was disturbing. Once seated, Niki placed his arms on the armrests and leaned back. His skin appeared even sallower than it had before. Crouching beside him, I shed my female human persona. I barely registered Belle’s gasp. I wanted my tails. Niki needed them.
Stroking his legs, two of my tails draped over Niki’s lap. Hand still shaky, Niki wound his fingers through one of my tails. His soft exhale was worth it. “You’re not well. How bad is it?” I’d been concerned before. Now I was worried.
“I’ll be fine.”
“That’s not what I asked you.”
Niki sighed but remained silent. For a moment, I thought he’d refuse to answer but he finally relented. “It’s not good. I’m…I’ve overextended myself.” Niki grimaced. “I didn’t lie. I will be fine, with time.”
