Page 35 of Secrets in the Shadow

Next to the bear, Stewart stood, his mouth slightly open in shock. “Killian,” he whispered. “Apologize! That was totally uncalled for.”

Quinton looked amused. Ryker simply observed him. Killian appeared remorseful.

“I’m really sorry about that dickhead comment and for embarrassing your mate.”

Raziel forgot all about the incident when Nate walked into the room, a plate piled high with food.

The demon Ethan had helped Ryker to save. The same demon who was mated to his rescuer.

Nate set everything down then glanced over at Raziel. Ryker moved closer to his mate. “Whoever ordered an angel, your delivery is late. Christmas has already come and gone.”

As badly as Raziel wanted to bare his fangs, the demon was a mate. Even he wouldn’t cross that line, though his instincts begged him to.

“I have plenty of food if you want some,” Nate offered as he grabbed the remote, seeming unfazed he was in the same room as a heavenly being.

“Did you poison it?” Raziel groused.

Ryker snarled.

Cody yanked sharply on the back of his black leather pants, a silent warning to shut his mouth. What did his mate expect? Angels and demons didn’t play nice together.

Nate chuckled in dismissal, which made Raziel clench his jaw. “I was locked up in a motel for a century, hanging in limbo with absolutely no one to talk to. I don’t care that you’re an angel. I’m just interested in delicious food and good conversation.”

Ryker sat next to Nate on the couch, curling his beefy arm around the small man. The glare he shot Raziel was clear. Don’t mess with his mate or suffer his wrath.

Stewart said, “I’ll be right back,” and left the room.

Raziel glanced down at Cody. I’m really trying to prove that being locked in a cage doesn’t mean I’m gonna piss on their carpet. But they are not making it easy. He pushed the words inside his mate’s mind.

Cody’s eyes grew wide as his lips parted, his gaze darting around the room. Did he think he was hearing voices? He was, but Cody knew his damn voice.

His mate narrowed his eyes, locking gazes with Raziel. What was he doing? He would have thought his mate was pissed at him if his cute nose wasn’t twitching. Then it struck him.

Baby steps. I have to teach you telepathy first, and then you can try out your training wheels.

Cody let out a breath Raziel hadn’t been aware he was holding.

Are you trying to pop a blood vessel?

“Apparently I was going for a migraine.” Cody rubbed his forehead. “That’s tiring and hurts my brain.”

Babe, let’s keep the telepathic thing to ourselves, okay?

As far as Raziel knew, the bears were unaware of his ability. He’d told Killian earlier that Ethan had sucked him into his head. But the telepathic ability was a secret weapon he wanted to keep in his pocket.

Cody slowly rubbed the back of his neck, giving a subtle nod.

You don’t have to act like we’re spies infiltrating their home. Simply nod.

His mate crossed his arms and rubbed his jaw, while nonchalantly giving Raziel a thumbs-up. The redhead was too damn funny.

Playing along, Raziel scratched his beard, giving one in return, then curled the same thumb around his index finger on the opposite hand and pushed it in and out, using his hair as a veil.

Cody’s brows shot up as a slow smile spread. “When?”

If Killian hadn’t had a fit about how his bed was used, Raziel would take his mate upstairs for round two.

Cody glanced down, and Raziel felt his son’s presence right next to him, their bond humming like an electrical current between them.

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