“I do not understand.” Inari’s ire faded into confusion. “What has happened? How are you here when you were dead? How have you come to know this warlock, and why are you in the Americas instead of your homeland?”
Again, Niki was my voice. “There is much to explain. Would you like to remain here, or would you prefer coming into our home?”
Inari tilted their head in thought. “I would like to see where my kit lives.”
“Then come,” Niki said. “And be welcome.”
Unable to resist, I entwined my arm with Inari’s, practically dragging them into our home. “You should have seen it when I first arrived. Everything was so sterile and pristine. Niki didn’t know how to properly live in his dwelling. It was just a house before I arrived, now it’s a home.”
I prattled on and on as I dragged Inari into our home. I was a very proud kitsune and just like vanity, I had no hang-ups when it came to expressing my glowing pride.
After a quick tour, we found ourselves in the living room. Inari sat primly on a chair while Niki and I sat opposite, me practically in his lap. I should have offered Inari some tea at the very least, but I was too hyper to do so. My brain felt like it had been hit with a triple dose of caffeine and couldn’t seem to settle on a single thought.
Niki wound up being my voice again, telling Inari as much of the tale as we understood, while I filled in the blanks I could. Understandably, Inari was furious.
“I will destroy this shadow borne,” Inari fiercely growled. Their face briefly morphed into something monstrous before settling back into the feminine.
“Tenzen Huxley has already been taken care of,” Niki said calmly, attempting to soothe. “At least as much as a shadow borne can be. He’s been buried deep underground where no light can possibly reach him. There, he sleeps eternally. It is the equivalent of death for his species.”
“He should be made to suffer more,” Inari adamantly claimed.
“I don’t disagree,” Niki answered, again, his voice deceptively calm. “However, I am content with the outcome. Huxley is no longer an active threat; however, we are still dealing with the trauma he left in his wake.” Niki pointedly looked at me.
Gripping Niki’s hand, I hoped my tight grip didn’t cause him too much pain. Inhaling deeply, I calmed my mind enough to say, “I’m sorry, Inari. I shouldn’t have believed Tenzen. I… If I’d just called out to you sooner, if I’d?—”
“Nonsense. You were but a young kit. If you bear such fault, then I must claim as much for believing the ruse. I was so distraught. You were there, swimming in the lake and then you were simply gone. Your body eventually floated to the surface. In my grief, I vaporized the lake, incinerating your body with it. I am uncertain how this shadow borne tricked me, but I am more the fool for allowing his treacherous scheme to work. It is I who should beg apology.”
“There’s no need.” And truly, there wasn’t. “We’ve both suffered enough. I won’t let Tenzen take another minute from us, not even to waste that minute on what ifs and blame.”
“Wisely spoken, my kitsune.” Inari’s expression softened. “I cannot properly express the joy I feel this day. I feel light with happiness and peace, though I am not yet ready to share your wisdom. This shadow borne took much from meand that grievous slight is not easily forgotten and shall never be forgiven. Should this shadow borne resurface, I will make certain he suffers the consequences of his actions.” Amber light filled Inari’s eyes. I had no doubt they would make good on that promise.
Perhaps Inari’s anger should have bothered me. It didn’t. Their anger was for me, not toward me. That made all the difference.
“Should Huxley rise again, many others will desire revenge as well,” Niki coldly offered. “Myself included.”
The intensity of Inari’s gaze settled on Niki. They stared at him for a few heated seconds before giving a firm nod. “I will hold you to that, warlock.”
“As you should,” Niki readily agreed.
The fire lighting Inari’s eyes faded, leaving brilliant chocolate behind. “I am beginning to see the attraction and affection. I will be watching your relationship closely. Should you harm Hikaru in any way?—”
“I will gladly submit to whatever punishment you deem fit.”
“No one’s punishing anyone.” The mere thought of anyone, including Inari, harming Niki made me sick.
Instead of getting upset, Inari’s offered me an affectionate smile. Opening their arms, Inari motioned me forward. “Come, sit with me.”
Niki gave me a half grin and little push. “Go on.”
I didn’t need telling twice. Leaping up, I jumped toward Inari, transforming into my fox form midair. Inari caught me, laughing as they placed me in their lap, stroking my fur. I circled before settling, nuzzling against Inari’s touch.
“My beautiful kit. How I’ve missed you. You are home now. You are safe. No one will ever harm you again. Your warlock and I will make certain.”
I’d never imagined such happiness could be real. I was wanted. I was loved. Was there truly any better feeling than that?
Thirty-Four
Nikodemus
