Magic Steals by Ilona Andrews Page B

almost glows. You’re this huge majestic creature. When I look at you in your animal form, you look otherworldly. There is almost a touch of divinity about it. The psychological effect of it is staggering. You look and think, ‘How the hell do I even fight this?’ I guarantee you, any attacker will hesitate. Even if they think you are weak, they will still hesitate. That hesitation is all we need. If they are unsure, if they question their judgment, psychologically we won the fight, because let me tell you, fighting me requires complete commitment. I don’t play.”
    I tried to process what he was saying.
    â€œYou’re the smartest woman I know,” he said. “Think strategically and use that agile brain. Also you just drove past the house.”
    I brought Pooki to an abrupt halt, reversed, and parked by a large, two-story mansion. The house stood quiet.
    We got out and walked to the wrought iron gate in the six-foot fence. Jim kicked the lock. The gate swung open.
    â€œIs that what you first thought when you saw me?” I asked. “That I was majestic?”
    â€œYes,” he said. “You asked me at Eyang Ida’s house why I am with you. I’m with you because you’re smart and beautiful, and you are not like anyone I know. No matter how hard things are, you throw yourself into them. During Midnight Games you walked into a cage with trained killers not knowing if your curses would work, because you knew other people were counting on you. That’s what you do. You step up.”
    He stopped, stepping too close to me. His voice was quiet. “I watch everyone around me, waiting for a knife in my back. I can’t help it. The paranoia is so deeply ingrained now, it’s a part of who I am. It isn’t about what they would do, it’s about what they could do. I have friends, but I never forget that friendship is conditional.”
    â€œCurran wouldn’t stab you in the back.”
    â€œHe would if the circumstances were right.”
    â€œJim, do you really live always expecting people to turn on you?”
    He nodded. “It’s like going through life holding my breath.”
    â€œThat’s terrible.” I reached over and stroked his cheek with my fingertips. “People are not like that. Some people are like that, but most people are honest and kind. Our friends. Curran, Derek, Kate, Doolittle, they are loyal to us.”
    He caught my hand and kissed it. “I love this about you.”
    My heart was beating too fast. “Jim . . .”
    â€œI watch everyone, but when I watch you, all I feel is . . . that I want to be with you. You will never lie to me. And if I need help, you will be there. With you, I breathe.”
    I put my arms around him. I just wanted to make it better for him, to somehow shield him from that. His arms closed around me, his hard body pressing next to mine.
    â€œEveryone has that someone who is most important to them,” he said, his voice so low only a shapeshifter could’veheard it. “That one person who trumps the rules. You are that to me. I would do anything for you.”
    The world stopped. I just stood there, shell-shocked. He did just say all that to me, right? I didn’t imagine it?
    â€œYou never answered,” he said quietly.
    â€œNever answered what?”
    â€œIf you would be the cat alpha with me.”
    He was asking me . . . “I didn’t know it was a question.”
    He pulled away and met my gaze. “It is.”
    â€œYes,” I said in a small voice.
    Jim smiled.
    We walked up to the door. Jim tried the handle. It turned in his hand. He swung the door open. We sniffed the air in unison. Steven was home. No other human smells troubled the house. What in the world did he do with his daughter? Maybe she didn’t live with him?
    Jim walked through the door. I followed him on soft feet, tracking the scent. The inside of the