Hours later, after my day shift at The Bean Dream but before my slayer powers urged me to patrol, I flung myself into my favorite house. A beautifully scarred back faced me, but then its owner turned and lit my soul on fire with his impossibly bright grin.

"Damn, Slayer. Welcome back. I can feel your p - oomph!"

I'd crossed the room and wrapped him up as close to my heart as I could get him. "Jacek," I breathed into the cool skin of his neck. "Are you okay?"

"I'm ...