Page 34 of Protected from Torment

Melissa nods again. “Okay.” Then she leans against me. Her hair tickles my chin, much like it did in my brief fantasy. “Thanks, Tyler.”

I give her a gentle hug. “Of course, Mel.” Twisting the doorknob, I say, “Okay. Home, sweet home.”

As soon as we enter ‌a small but tidy kitchen, we’re met by the sound of claws scrabbling on the floor. The house seems to tremble as though a small elephant is running through it. Then a streak of gold comes tearing towards us, tail wagging so quickly it’s a blur.

Hurrying after him, Indy calls, “Oscar. Slow down. We talked about this. You’re supposed to be gentle with her.”

And right behind Indy, Webb says more forcefully, “Oscar. Sit. Stay.”

Oscar pays neither of them any mind. He just barges forward, all his attention focused on Melissa. I try to hang on to her, worried he’ll knock her over, because shit, he has to be nearly her size, but Mel just drops to her knees and holds out her arms.

Before I can intervene, Oscar flings himself at Melissa. He’s wriggling and hopping like crazy and keeps letting out little excited yips. I don’t want to drag him away from her, but I also don’t want Mel hurt. So I settle for crouching beside them, with one arm positioned behind her in case she falls.

“Oh, Oskie,” Mel says, her voice thick with tears. “Oh, buddy, I’m so sorry. I missed you so much. Are you okay? Were you scared? I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

Last into the kitchen, Levi emerges and catches my eye. He lifts his chin at me. “Hey, Pix. How’s it going?”

I give him an answering chin lift. “Good. Glad you could make it out here.”

Melissa sets Oscar away from her and starts scratching his head. She gives me a puzzled look. “Pix? Is that you?”

“It’s short for Pixel,” Indy answers. “Since he’s a computer nerd, and all.” Glancing at me, he asks, “Didn’t Dante give you that name?”

“Yes,” I reply. Then I turn back to Melissa. “It’s my nickname. I don’t go by it much, now. Just when one of these guys decides to trot it out.”

She nods in understanding. “Pixel. That makes sense. I like it.” Glancing past Oscar, she spots the three men standing in a loose line by the kitchen island. She kisses Oscar’s head, then starts to push herself to her feet. “Hi,” she starts, “I’m Melissa.”

I quickly wrap my arm around her waist again. “Take it easy,” I murmur.

Webb catches my eye and smirks. Then he raises his eyebrows in a wordless, what’s this expression.

I shoot him a quelling look, and the asshole just chuckles.

Webb’s the first to cross the room to us. “Hey, Melissa.” His jaw tightens as he takes in the purpling bruise on her forehead. “It’s good to see you again. Although, I wish it were under better circumstances.”

Melissa nudges closer to me. “Hi, Webb.” A little quiver shakes her voice. “Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it.”

Webb’s gaze flickers to me, and because I know him so well, I’m able to convey a silent message to him. I think she’s scared of what you think of her.

His brow furrows for a second. Then he smiles. “Of course I’d come,” he replies. “You’re Night Stalker family. Anything you need, I’m here for you.”

She stares at him for a long moment before swallowing hard. Moisture shines in her eyes. Finally, she says, “I can’t tell you what that means.”

Indy comes forward to join Webb, and holds his hand out to Melissa. “Hey, Melissa. We’ve never officially met. I’m Indy. It’s nice to meet you.”

Melissa takes his hand. “Thank you so much for coming. I know you must be so busy⁠—”

“It’s no problem.” Jerking his chin at a white box sitting on the counter, he adds, “I brought some cookies for you. Don’t worry, I didn’t bake them. My wife did. She said cookies make everything better.”

She smiles. “She’s right. They do.”

Levi’s the last to join our small huddle, but as he does, he flashes Melissa a broad grin. “I’m Levi, as I’m sure you’ve guessed. I’m the one who just inserted himself in this whole operation. But really, I’m the best one of the group. You’ll see.”

“The best?” I ask. “Really?”

“Yup.” Levi nods cheerfully. “The funniest, and the smartest, and the most handsome…”

Melissa stares at Levi for a few seconds, assessing. She doesn’t know that he’s all talk, or that he likes to make cheesy jokes when he’s not sure what else to say. So she might take what he’s saying seriously. I’m just about to explain when she replies with a hint of amusement, “I don’t know. Tyler’s pretty smart. Are you smarter than him?”