Page 45 of The Human’s Heart

He ran for me, and for one second, I thought his shield was going to bounce right off of mine, but then I saw his incubus magic fly out around him, encompass his shield, and then wrap its way around mine.

When our shields touched, instead of bouncing off each other, they sort of melded together. I had no idea how he’d done it when his shield had been made with his Uncle Del’s magic, but I didn’t care at that moment. Obviously, he knew how to manipulate it, and all I cared about was having him beside me.

And then Zay squatted on the ground and pulled me into his arms. I went easily, and before I could stop it, tears began running down my face.

“Shhh… I’ve got you. You’re safe. You’re okay.”

I cried and sniffled for another minute before a group of policemen with their guns out came rushing onto the scene.

Zaos called out, “I’m under orders from Alecander Gillman-Ellwood from the BCA to protect this man until you clear the entire area.” My viramore held something up, and it took me a moment to realize it was some kind of weird official document from Alec himself. What, did he just have that on hand? I mean… I supposed he did. The entire Ellwood family was nothing if not prepared for disaster.

And they’d taken even more precautions with Zay since he didn’t live on coven land. He probably had loads of things like that just lying around somewhere or perhaps hidden in a secret compartment in his car.

I wonder if I have secret documents in my car? Is there a secret hiding place?

Zay gave me a strange look, like he probably overheard me and was thinking what the actual fuck, but he was too busy handling the police to pay much attention.

Zay continued, “You should’ve already received a call from Alecander Gillman-Ellwood himself. You have your orders.”

The man who I supposed was in charge examined us for a few seconds before giving Zaos a nod and barking out orders. He left three officers to watch over us while the rest searched for the shooter. Each of them placed a shield over themselves too.

Hm. Did everyone in this city have Uncle Del’s spells or something?

Zaos very gently and carefully moved Phia off my legs and placed her on the ground beside us. He swallowed thickly before facing me.

He cupped my cheeks for a moment, kissed my forehead, and pulled me into his chest as he examined Phia without touching her. I could feel his magic poking and prodding me while it also looked her over.

Holy shit. I’d just watched someone die. Right in front of me.

I probably had her blood splattered all over me, not to mention whatever else was on my body and clothes.

Holy fucking shit. Phia was dead. She’d been shot.

I gasped and shot up to look into Zay’s eyes. “Oh god, Kian. What’re we gonna tell Kian?”

“Shhh.” He gently tugged me back down. “It’s alright. Don’t worry about him right now, okay? Let’s just concentrate on staying calm. We’ll talk to the police, go home, and figure it out from there, okay?”

Before either of us could agree or come up with a better plan, I heard Ailin’s voice yell, “Let me through. Now. I need to see my grandsons. Move it, asshole, or I’ll blast you straight into Brinnswick Forest.”

I heard more yelling, more voices joining in, and then I felt a wave of energy—magic?—flowing through the alley, and even though I knew Ailin was beyond pissed off, I had no doubt this soothing, earthy magic floating around me was his.

The policemen almost immediately moved out of his way when they felt just how powerful the scary but kind witch was. As soon as they parted, Ailin ran straight for us with Sebastian only half a step behind.

“Zay. Hugo. Are you okay?” Ailin asked as he knelt beside our shield.

I nodded at him, and Zay turned us so he could see his grandfathers without letting me go. “We’re not injured, but Phia…” He trailed off as he pointed at her. “She’s… she’s gone.”

“Fuck me,” Ailin muttered.

“Oh no. Poor Phia…” Sebastian shook his head. “Poor Kian.” He cringed and looked at Ailin, and although neither said anything out loud, I had no doubt they were communicating through their bond.

“Zay,” Sebastian said. “We already cleared the area and found no shooter. Some of your aunts and uncles are here, guarding the entire area. Your dads are on their way. Can you drop the shield so we can get you two cleaned up, home, and behind your wards?”

Zay took a deep breath before whispering to me, “Is that okay with you?”

I nodded. I could admit to myself that I was a little terrified of dropping the shield, but I trusted Zay, and I trusted his grandparents and the rest of the family. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that they wouldn’t risk us if there was even a small chance the shooter was still in the vicinity.

“You sure?”