I part my lips to respond, but the door suddenly bursts open behind us. I scramble off Nickolas's lap as he shoots to his feet, both of us whirling to see who has barged in so abruptly.

"Nickolas!" Eric's voice rings out, slightly breathless, as he holds the door open. His eyes are bright with urgency and...excitement.

"What is it? Who did you find?" Nickolas demands, his entire body thrumming with tense anticipation.

"Little one..." He crosses the space between us in two long strides, ...