Page 14 of Secrets in the Shadow

Just as Cody reached for the knob, Raziel vanished.

That shit was the freakiest thing he had ever seen. He froze for half a beat, staring at the now-empty chair. But he could still feel Raziel’s presence—an odd, almost electric sensation that settled in his chest like a second heartbeat.

Shaking off the craziness trying desperately to cling to him, he opened the door. His father stood on the porch, toolbox in hand and his usual easy smile on his face.

“Morning, kiddo. Thought I’d get this sink of yours sorted before I head to the hardware store,” his dad said in his gruff, but good-natured tone. He didn’t even wait for Cody to respond before heading toward the bathroom. Closing and locking the door, Cody turned, narrowing his eyes at the empty space where Raziel had been moments ago.

“Uh, yeah. Sure. Come on in, Dad.” He returned to the kitchen and glanced quickly around the room as though expecting something, anything, from the invisible angel who had just been sitting at his table.

“It’s my dad, so behave,” he whispered. “No funny business.”

Raziel, of course, didn’t make a peep. But Cody swore he could feel the angel’s presence hovering just behind him, unseen but undeniably there.

His dad set the toolbox on the bathroom counter and gave Cody an odd look when he joined him.

“You okay?” His dad looked him over, concern in his eyes. “Are you getting enough sleep?”

“Plenty.” He bit back a yelp when an invisible finger poked at his ribs.

Opening the toolbox, his dad continued to study him with a doubtful expression.

A finger poked at Cody’s ribs once more, causing him to flinch and bite back another yelp. “Will you cut it out?” he hissed under his breath then curled his lips in when he realized what he’d done.

“Cut what out?” his dad asked, glancing back curiously.

“Nothing.” Cody cleared his throat, making a mental note to kill Raziel later.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” His dad’s eyes wrinkled at the corners. “You know you can talk to me about anything, son.”

Gazing tenderly at his father, Cody gave him a warm smile. “I know. I promise I’m getting plenty of sleep, but thanks for being so concerned.”

A knowing look entered his dad’s pale blue eyes. “You’re seeing a new fella, aren’t you.”

Cody nearly choked. “I can promise you I’m not seeing a guy.”

Because he’s invisible and quickly getting on my nerves.

“If you’re too embarrassed to talk about it, call your mom.”

His dad bent under the sink, leaving Cody to glare daggers at the empty space before he fled into the hallway. “Keep it up and no more bacon for you, buster.”

Yelling at thin air while threatening an invisible angel had to be the definition of insanity. It just had to be.

“Love how those jeans hug your cute little ass so nicely, kitten.” Raziel’s low, sultry voice ghosted over Cody’s ear.

“What…you…” He just stood there blinking like the flirtatious comment had fried brain cells. This whole situation was the most bizarre thing he had ever experienced. “Stop,” he whispered sharply, refusing to glance over his shoulder, even though Raziel couldn’t be seen.

“Stop what?” his dad called out.

“Duchess is playing with my feet!” His dad was already worried about him. Cody didn’t need to make him think his son had completely lost his mind.

It sure as hell felt like it.

Duchess Poppy Von Fluffington slinked back into the room, her tail puffed up and her body stiff. She paused in the doorway, her wide, suspicious gaze darting around as if checking to make sure the coast was clear. When her eyes landed on Raziel’s general vicinity, she yowled then bolted, her claws catching on the rug and sending it into a crumpled mess.

He knew exactly how she felt.

“I think she likes me,” Raziel purred, his tone thick with mock innocence.

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