Free Dark Awakening by Patti O'Shea

about her magic. He hadn't heard much about humans who had talent, so he'd gone through that information quickly. Next, he'd told her what he'd recalled about the kijo from Orcus legend, and then he explained the basics of how demons used their powers.
    With every mile, though, he seemed to become more and more tense. She could feel it radiating off him, and it made her own anxiety increase. She'd never seen him like this, not even when he'd fought that demon in her apartment.
    "Nic, are you okay?" she asked when she stopped at a light.
    "Yes." He put his hand on her thigh and gave her a squeeze. "I only wish I could have left you at the hotel."
    She nearly snarled, but swallowed her words. How could he consider fighting alone? But there was no point in arguing about something that hadn't happened. Back in the room, Nic had claimed it might be a setup to leave her unguarded. Either way—as if she wanted to remain behind!
    The light turned green and Kimi stepped on the accelerator. "Do you really think he's bluffing about having my mom?" she asked.
    "Yes, I do," Nic said, and even though this was the fourth or fifth time she'd asked, he sounded as patient now as he had before.
    "But if he doesn't have her," she countered, as she had earlier, "how did he get my comm code? And I talked to my mom—that was definitely her voice."
    "There are demons with the ability to mimic," Nic said, already knowing what her next argument would be. "The comm code? Maybe he picked that up from the coworker who betrayed you."
    Kimi wanted to believe Nic. There was nothing she wished for more than this to be a simple ruse, one to ensure she showed up to face the Dark One. As far as she was concerned, even if there was only a one percent chance that Augustin was holding her mother hostage, she had to meet him. She couldn't lose her mother, not now and not like this. Memories swamped her. Kimi had been in grade school when her mom was diagnosed with cancer. That had been the worst year of her life, the most frightening, and she'd vowed never to take her mom's presence for granted. Yet she'd done just that. It had happened gradually, when she wasn't thinking. How easy that was.
    As if sensing her unease, Nic gave her thigh another squeeze. "Do you want me to try reaching her again?"
    Kimi nodded, and fished the comm out of her purse. That's what had her most scared—she'd called and called her parents and no one had answered. It was nearly three o'clock in the morning. Where the hell could they be if they weren't at home?
    "Voice mail again," Nic reported and returned her comm to her bag. Kimi felt her gut twist tighter.
    It wasn't only her mother she worried about; her father wasn't picking up the comm either. Augustin hadn't mentioned anyone except her mom, though. Was her dad hurt?
    Then there was Nic. Kimi glanced over at him and the ache in her chest increased so much, it felt as if someone had reached inside her and was trying to crush her heart. His jaw was set, his expression resolute, and she saw an intangible emotion there that added to her fear. She wished this whole thing were already over, her family safe, Nic unharmed, and Augustin out of the way. Why did she have to be a kijo?
    When they reached an area of Crimson City that looked as if it had been firebombed—the lower, a place she never went—she decided they had to be getting close. A few minutes later, Nic said, "Park here. We'll walk the remaining distance." She prayed they'd be safe from things other than just Augustin.
    He stopped her as he stood on the sidewalk next to her car. "You need to stay hidden from Augustin for as long as possible. Once he knows you're there, he'll be focused on reaching you. What I want you to do is to stand behind me, always keeping my body between you and the Dark One. And if it looks as if he's going to win, leave."
    "No!"
    "Yes. If your mother is there, take her and go. I'll do what I have to in order for you to rescue her and get away."
    She