Nick crossed his arms over his chest and lifted his chin with every bit of stubborn Cajun pride he possessed. “You might know my name and face, but you know nothing about me personally. And that’s your mistake. If you did, you’d know not to threaten me or mine.” He raked a sneer over Noir’s body. “If you think you can take me, you better not come alone.” He cast his gaze around at the bodies on the floor. “And don’t forget to stock up on body bags before you do.”

With a furious growl, Noir vanished and took a screaming Livia with him.

Grim exchanged a furious glower with Laguerre before he closed the distance between him and Nick. In full reaper mode, he stood toe-to-toe with Nick’s Malachai form. “This little slight here today will not be forgotten, boy. So let me put Noir’s sentiments into words you and your little demonteers can fully understand…” He swept his gaze around to each of them. “Consider yourselves served. It’s on, bitches.”

With a snap of his bony fingers, he, Laguerre, Pain and Suffering all vanished from the room.

“On what?” Dagon asked.

Snorting, Kody explained while Nick looked around for Zavid.

Menyara gave a sad shake of her head. “Zavid’s gone, Nick. I’m sorry. Livia sacrificed him to bring Noir over to this realm.”

“No…” Nick couldn’t believe it as pain for his friend racked him. “What about Caleb?”

“He’s upstairs, still unconscious. She tried with him, but he was too powerful. Even asleep, he fought her.”

Thank God for that.

“My mom?”

Kody approached him slowly. “She’s with Caleb, and Simi’s guarding them both.”

Breathing in relief and grateful beyond measure to his friends, he finally transformed back into his human body.

Now that he no longer looked like the creature who’d coldly murdered her and her brother, Kody brushed her hand through his hair. “Should I ask about the new Malachai you?”

He gave her a sheepish grin before he pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her neck so that he could inhale that sweet vanilla scent that always made his head spin. “I found a way to control it. At least for now.”

She held him close. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Never,” he snorted, then kissed her.

Thorn sauntered over to Nick and let out a weary breath as he eyed him. “I hope to God you know what you’re doing with this new group you’ve chosen, kid.”

By the way he stared at Aeron, Nick had a feeling there was some serious history between them. But neither gave a clue as to what it was.

Same with Thorn and Dagon.

Holding tight to Kody, Nick shrugged at Thorn’s warning. “At least I know something about these šarras and their loyalties.”