Nik’s mouth brushed over her head in a soft kiss. “For a moment there, I was worried.”
Dragging her focus away from the departing half-demon cop, she smiled. “I had five years of taking care of myself against demoniis and shitheads like him. I’m used to getting a few knocks—”
“I know,” Nik growled, then fixed her a hard stare. “Nor is it an endorsement of my approval for the future. I only let you do this because I know you needed closure.”
She rolled her eyes at his protective crankiness.
“Shadow?”
She pivoted to her beloved brother. “I can’t believe you’re here. God, you’re so tall for seventeen!”
He laughed. “I’m eighteen in a few weeks. Told ya I’d be taller than you someday.”
Laughing, she hugged him, trying to get her roiling emotions under control. She had her brother back, and that jerk Enzo was finally out of their lives. She met Nik’s eyes. “Thank you for saving my brother and for giving me what I needed.”
He gave a little nod, then let his glamour fall away, back in his all-black patrolling gear of leathers and t-shirt that hugged his big, muscled body, his tonal ink covering his arms and neck once more.
“Knew it,” Liam piped out, grinning. “You aren’t a homeless…” His brow creased. “I know you’re not human or demon… What are you?”
“Not out here in the open,” Shadow said quickly.
“Something far worse,” Nik deadpanned.
Liam blinked.
“He isn’t.” Shadow laughed. “I’ll answer all your questions later, Liam. You’re finished here?”
“Yeah, a long while ago. But I usually hang around until things wind down.”
Shadow knew why. To avoid spending time at the penthouse.
“Let’s go,” Nik said. “I have to get back on patrol.” He glanced at Liam. “I suggest holding on to me and not letting go.”
Her brother eyed Nik’s powerful, tattooed arm warily.
“It’ll be okay.” Shadow beckoned him closer. “Trust me.”
She grasped her brother’s arm, tugged him close. A startled oomph escaped Liam, making her smile as Nik dematerialized them.
Moments later, they took form on the kitchen terrace. Potted thyme and mint, growing profusely, drenched the night air. Bright lights spilled outside through the open French doors.
Liam stumbled back. “Whoa. Cool transfer of molecules.”
Shadow snorted, lingering in Nik’s embrace. “Only the possessors of XY genes would think so. What if we reemerged and came out wrong on the other side, huh?”
“Won’t happen.” A wicked light burned in Nik’s eyes. “This way, I get you to hold me.”
She snort-laughed. “Typical male. I concur. I like it, too, I mean holding onto you.”
“Darn,” Liam muttered softly. “My Suzuki. It’s parked at The Shelter.”
“Give the plate number to Hedori,” Nik said. “He’ll see that you get it.”
Footsteps sounded, and Kira wandered out. “Hey, Nik. Shadow…”
Whatever else she would have said got lost as her jaw almost hit her chest, her eyes widening. “Liam! Oh, thank god, you got him.” She rushed over and hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
Then casting a quick look at them, she hooked her arm through his in a familiar manner, which spoke of ease and friendship. “C’mon. You must be hungry.” She ushered him inside, giving Shadow a moment alone with Nik.
