We followed Kerry for several blocks through neighborhoods that steadily declined, and Rome’s mood went downhill with it.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as we jogged along in the dark. “You’re wearing your mean face.”
“We’re not equipped to fight a war with half of the Diabolical in the city, but youhadto follow him.”
“You’re afraid?” My eyebrows shot up.
“If I go down, Mira, you haul your heinie out of wherever we are and don’t look back.”
“You’re worried aboutme?”
“Yes, I’m worried about you! And don’t get your panties in a twist. I know you can take care of yourself, but I don’t want you getting hurt trying to help me. I’m strong and I’m fast, but anyone can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. If that happens, you need to get out.”
“For pity’s sake!” I yanked up the sleeve and rattled Zick Black’s charm bracelet in his face. “I’ll teleport us out if we get ambushed.”
“Oh. Right. Did I ever tell you how much that thing’sworth?”
“Nothing if it doesn’t save your life and a fortune if it does.” I frowned up at him. “And I thought you said warriors don’t leave scents. Plus, you have your bracelet on, so how would anything Diabolical know you’re a neph?”
“Idon’tleave a scent, which will make them curious about what I am. I want you to be aware and ready. Like I said, I donotwant you to get hurt.”
“Too bad you can’t become invisible.” I made a face.
He stopped and stared at me.
“What?”
“I can’t become invisible.” His grin was wicked. “But I can become the next best thing.”
#
I couldn’t resist petting the massive dog as he walked by my side.
Before he’d shifted, Rome had explained he could maintain the form longer if he chose an animal closer to his own weight. In the past, he’d used everything from a boa constrictor to a baby elephant, which made me snort, but had found anEnglish mastiff to be the most inconspicuous. After people got over how huge of a dog he was, he could get to work.
He’d also said that, while he wouldn’t be able to talk, he’d be himself inside and could understand me the same as always. Remembering that, I rested my hand on his head, leaned down, and fondled one of his silky ears as I whispered in it.
“You are a handsome beast.” I laughed when he looked up at me with long-suffering eyes. “In human form, too, babe.”
He slurped his tongue up the side of my face before I could dodge.
“Eww!” I laughed again as I wiped my face with my sleeve. “But I definitely like your human kisses more.”
When he huffed in a doggy way and wagged his tail, I knew he was amused.
“What are you doing here?”
Kerry’s deep voice made me jump, and I turned in a circle looking for him until he bled out of the shadows of an alley.
“Why’d you have to sneak up on me like that?” I pressed one hand over my stalled heart.
He’d already dismissed me to focus on Rome.
“Where’d you find this guy?” His eyes lit up as he rubbed the dog’s ears and neck. “Can we keep him? I love dogs!”
“Yeah, I’m gonna keep him,” I said in a dry tone. “He’s Rome.”
“Oh.” His face fell in disappointment. “How’d you convince him to come along? Usually he makes me go back.”
