FINALLY, THE amber-gold light surrounded Ezekiel, and the cat was replaced with Ezekiel the man.
Flavian let out a long breath. The man beneath Ezekiel, the only one of Flavian’s attackers still conscious, began to curse and struggle again, but Ezekiel pulled a fist back and hit him. Flavian wasn’t certain if the punch knocked him out or if his head hitting the marble did it, but the result was the same.
“Are you all right?” Ezekiel asked as he stood and strode the few steps to Flavian.
Flavian nodded and dropped the urn he realized he was still holding. He didn’t protest when he drew him into his arms, held him against his broad chest. He didn’t want to protest. He shuddered as Ezekiel’s arms closed around him, comforting, protecting, and let himself sag into Ezekiel’s strength for ju
