Page 82 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Akira felt the tension radiating through Suuzu’s body, so he slowed his breathing and relaxed his muscles, ready to go limp if an airlift was imminent. They’d practiced all kinds of emergency maneuvers—partly because his best friend was a worrywart, but partly because Akira would never get enough of flying.
More difficult was holding his tongue. Suuzu needed to tell him what was going on!
He couldn’t see anything or feel anything, but that was no surprise. Humans missed a heck of a lot, even when there weren’t barriers or illusions in play. All he could do was trust Suuzu.
And pinch him.
“Hush.” Suuzu curled more snugly against him, his talons lengthening discernibly.
When a figure stepped out of nowhere, the phoenix added a warning hiss, but the person lifted his hands in a plea for peace. “It’s only us.”
Us?
Then in scolding tones, raised to carry, “For pity’s sake, old friend, stop pretending to be a threat. It’s childish.”
Tsk.
Tension burst like a bubble, and Akira wriggled free, barreling into the waiting embrace of Michael Ward. “You’re here!”
“Well spotted. We only just arrived and are under strict orders to make sure you’re doing as brilliantly as your texts imply.” Michael made a show of looking him over. “Your sister misses you.”
“I’m fine. We’re fine.” Akira eased away and presented himself to the aloof figure of his brother-in-law. “Hello, Argent.”
A silver eyebrow arched. “Since when are you so reserved?”
Which Akira took as permission to step into the fox’s arms. While his sister’s mate was much more reserved than Michael, he was several times more protective. Argent checked him over, then gripped his chin. Pale blue eyes narrowed. “Why are you beyond safe boundaries?”
“We were seeing Kimi and Isla home.”
He accepted that with a low hum, then switched his attention to Suuzu. Akira wanted to defend his friend, but Argent offered no criticism. “You noticed quickly and would have had him safely away. Well done.”
Suuzu simply reclaimed Akira, who was getting rather used to being passed around. He said, “You didn’t say anything about coming. Does Isla know?”
“In a general sense.” Michael gestured vaguely. “I’m a bit ahead of schedule, due to this and that. Hints were dropped. I have a shrine to ward. Among other things.”
Argent’s attention remained fixed on some distant point, but his calm voice betrayed nothing. “We will be at the Starmark compound. Visit us there when your class schedule allows. Kyrie misses you.”
“You brought him?” Akira glanced around, not liking the idea of his little nephew being at risk. Especially if tonight’s skirmish was dragon-based.
“I sent him on ahead with Gingko.”
Akira relaxed. “That’s good then. We’ll come as soon as we can. Tomorrow?”
Suuzu, who hadn’t loosened his hold, promised, “Tomorrow.”
Akira didn’t have the senses to know exactly what was going on, but it didn’t take a genius to tellsomethingwas happening in Keishi’s neighborhoods. Dogs barked in every street, and he caught the distant howl of a wolf. “Trackers?” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“They’re still chasing something?”
“I do not think they would bring this much attention to themselves without cause.” Suuzu steered him firmly along. “While there is no immediate danger, we should hurry.”
“Yeah, okay.” Akira broke into a jog before Suuzu could decide it would be more expedient to carry him.
At the dormitory entrance, they were cornered by Sentinel Skybellow. “Kimiko Miyabe and Isla Ward?”
“Safe,” Suuzu assured.
