Page 36 of Secrets in the Shadow

“I pomus,” Ethan said, letting Raziel know he’d stayed away from the dark corner.

“What’s he talking about?” Stewart frowned.

Amoretto, I think we should keep that between us. No one will understand, and they might become upset, scared for you. Deal?

Hugging the stuffed bear to his chest, the toddler looked as if he was mulling it over. He might not have the communication skills just yet, but he understood far more than the people in this room knew.

Ethan gave a slight nod. The subtlety around here was going to give them all away.

“Badass!” Ethan giggled.

“Buddy, we’ve talked about this,” Stewart gently chastised.

But his son had taken the spotlight off of the “promise” question.

He really was a badass.

Raziel hunkered down and held out his hand. They’d already touched, so there was no use keeping their distance. “Hi, Ethan. I’m Raziel.”

He heard the minute Stewart let go of his breath. Raziel wasn’t going to introduce himself as Ethan’s father. Only because it would confuse his son.

Ethan hesitated, his emerald eyes locking onto the extended hand. Then, with deliberate care, the tiny boy slid his hand into Raziel’s, his small fingers wrapping around his much larger ones. The touch was warm, impossibly soft, and it pierced through Raziel’s defenses like a blade.

This time, it wasn’t an accident. It was a choice.

Raziel’s breath hitched. The fragile trust in Ethan’s gesture threatened to undo him. His son’s hand was so delicate, so innocent, yet it held a strength that defied reason—a strength Raziel could feel resonating through their connection.

The edges of his wings twitched, an instinctive response to the flood of emotions rushing through him. How could something so small make him feel so profoundly? The ache in his chest deepened, sharp and bittersweet, as he realized this was the first moment he truly felt like a father.

“Razzy!” Ethan grinned.

His arms ached to pick up his son and high-five his little hand. Reluctantly, he let it go. He felt Killian watching him closely. Raziel scratched his beard, flipping the bear off.

Killian chuckled. “Not even in your dreams.”

Ignoring him, Raziel pulled Cody down next to him. “Ethan, this is my mate, Cody.”

He might have been rushing the introduction with his mate, but he wanted his son to know who Cody was, to know he was family and that Ethan could trust him. But more importantly, he wanted Ethan to know he could go to Cody for help if he ever needed to.

Ethan gazed at him then reached out and touched his flaming-red hair. “Fire.”

Raziel didn’t have to look to see everyone watching them, including the demon, who rested his chin in his hand as he bent over the arm of the couch, a happy smile on his face.

“Yes, I have red hair.” Cody nodded, seeming self-conscious that attention was being drawn to his hair.

The guy really was insane if he thought he wasn’t gorgeous.

Ethan gently touched Cody’s hair, seeming fascinated. “You hair yaffa.”

“Now that one I’m having a hard time understanding.” Stewart smiled.

Raziel froze, the word hitting him like a strike to the chest. His son had spoken in their language—a piece of their heritage Raziel hadn’t expected to hear so soon. Pride swelled, fierce and overwhelming, momentarily stealing his breath. For the first time, he felt the weight of their connection, not just as a father but as a part of Ethan’s world.

Yes, it is beautiful, amoretto. Can you tell Cody that in his language?

Ethan frowned, as if trying to figure out how to say it. “You hair bu-wa-foo.” He nodded, smiling at his accomplishment, his pretty white teeth showing, his dimples on display.

Cody looked at Raziel.

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