I took a deep breath, trying to keep the tears away. Another monster is dead. How many will keep coming at me? I look at Nikolai and wonder if I can make the few steps to him.
His brows drew together and he moved toward me without hesitation, closing the space in an instant to wrap my tiny body protectively into his massive frame, cradling and rocking me gently, letting me cling to him. I buried my face in his neck breathing his scent, hot tears slipped down my face, against his skin. I kept my face there to hide the tears, not wanting to show anyone how much that hurt, to torture another soul. Nikolai breathed quietly to reassure her and he held her close, pressing his lips into her raven hair. A song starts playing and my tears slide down and on his shirt. His eyes widened, and the shee
