---

---

---

---

I smile, glancing behind me to watch Nic walk away. I was definitely glad I said yes to him and yes to trying again. I turn my attention back and pull out my phone.

Thank you. You were right. I send Caden the message before I slip my phone back into my bag.

Nic sets the box down in front of me, and I smile up at him. ”I’m sure it’ll taste just as good,” I say and pack up my pizza.

---

---

---

---

I make a show of glancing around and shrug. ”I’m sure I can find room here. We can rearrange some things to hoard all your weird furniture,” I tease them. I rest my hands on Nero’s hips and lean in. I press a kiss on their cheek. ”You don’t have to if you don’t want to. You could send your minions away, and we could spend a few nights there if you want to maintain the image,” I say after pulling back.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see a text from Cassi. I open it up and chuckle. The usual fee then? For years, Cassi and I went back and forth on I told you so's. I always wanted some historical item, and she always wanted a bottle of her favourite whiskey. It was a fun little back and forth we had.

---

---

”Need anything else?” I ask once the pizza’s packed, glancing over at the soda fountain. ”Or should we get your driving home drink after the temple?” I ask with a grin. I didn’t ever think that I would like someone and their weird quirks as much as I like Cass, but here I am, finding each and every one adorable so far.

---

---

---

---

---

---

I close my eyes, trying to concentrate on just Caden for now while he kisses my cheek. I’m glad when he’s distracted by the phone for a minute so he hopefully won’t see me nervously pull on my fingers. “Only problem there is that I don’t have beds and… well you’ve seen my other furniture.” I tease before I take a deep breath.

“But I’ll think about it.” I finally say in a promise to Caden.

---

---

---

---

I stand and follow Nic’s eyes to the soda machine. ”After,” I say and take his hand, leading him from the shop and back to the SUV. Caden messages me back while we are walking, and I wait until we get to the SUV to read the message. I smile, shaking my head but reply back with a yes.

---

---

---

---

”Some of those couches looked like they could fit the pair of us, and there is always the floor,” I joke. I release my hold on Nero and kiss their hand. ”I’ll see you later. Have fun with Kimiko.”

---

---

I rub my thumb along her hand as we get back into the SUV, securing the pizza in the back to keep it safe. As I pull up directions and start the car, I ask, “So, if you find anything when you visit these spiritual places, what do you do?” I’m curious to know what sort of treasures she’s found before.

---

---

---

---

I shake my head at him. “Just try not to have too much fun with the wolves.” I say with a bright smile as I start pulling on the clothes I had been wearing before the prank on Avery.

”But also, be safe. If you come back with so much as a scratch, I will break Avery’s hands.” I wink as I shimmy into the clothes.

---

---

---

---

Holding Nic’s hand has quickly become a comfort of mine. I buckle myself in and get comfortable before I retake Nic’s hand. I watch him punch in the directions for the Hindu Temple and consider his question.

”I usually stop to meditate and listen. Often, the ancestors have knowledge they want to pass on or something else they wish to share. I listen and write it down. If I can find their descendants, I’ll pass on the information. If I find objects, I usually leave them as they aren’t mine to take. Or, if they wish for an object to be returned, I’ll enlist Caden’s help to track it down. He has connections all over the world when it comes to artifacts. Mostly, I do what I can to help preserve the space. Some hunters will dispel ghosts, but I leave them alone if they aren’t harming the living. They often linger because they have unfinished business or don’t want to go.”

---

---

---

---

I laugh and give Nero a bow. ”As you wish. Text me often,” I remind them before I leave them.

I meet Avery outside beside the Aston Martin. ”Do you mind driving? I want to do some research on the information we gathered last night.”

Avery shakes his head and opens the driver’s side door. ”Not at all,” he said. In fact, Avery looks relieved when I asked him to drive.

We get inside, and I give Avery the location of Levi’s home before we drive off. I open my notebook and phone and start going back and forth, making notes and saving pages to read in more detail later. I have it narrowed down between several creatures: sirens, rugarus, and Lamia. Happy with that, I decide to listen to Levi’s voicemail, finally.

---

---

---

---

I turn on the radio but keep the volume low while Caden does his research. We make it into Chicago before Caden switches gears and puts his phone to his ear. As I drive, I try to wrap my head around the idea of why a wolf pack would want to live within the city. The city's buildings make me feel claustrophobic. I could only imagine how the other wolves feel, but Caden once told me that Levi’s pack enjoyed being close to life and human emotions. Honestly, this pack sounded more like vampires than werewolves to me.

Caden snorts before he hangs up the phone, shaking his head. I glance over at him but don’t say anything. ”Oh, Nero says you manhandled them. They would like me to break your hands.”

I snort, then quickly look at Caden. He’s grinning and starts to laugh. He pats my arm. ”Don’t worry, I know they deserved it after pranking you.”

I grunt. ”Gee, thanks.” Caden laughs again and looks out the windows.

”It wouldn’t kill you to lighten up. We probably wouldn’t have to meet up with the Chicago pack if you did.”

”Kimiko and I were leaving, they followed us out, and Levi’s second didn’t like being called limped dicked by her. Not my fault the idiot can’t take a joke,” I grumble.

”Speaking of Kimiko…” Caden starts in and I groan. I turn off the freeway and make my way through one of Chicago’s suburbs. ”Kiki is friendly and inquisitive. Yes, she can be quite abrasive, but she comes by it honestly. I confess I’ve influenced her outgoing behaviour, but she’s just trying to get to know you, Avery. You don’t have to give her your life story, but you don’t need to give her the cold shoulder. She is family, and we don’t treat family the way you have. Tell your wolf to get used to the fox, or I’ll make it.”

Caden’s tone changes while he talks, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I don’t have to look at Caden to know his eyes shifted to the dragon’s briefly before going back to normal. I’ve never seen Caden’s dragon form, but he did shift into a wolf once. It was the largest wolf I had ever seen and it was incredibly powerful. I never wanted to be on the wrong side of Caden or his wolf.

I tighten and relax my hand on the steering wheel. ”Yes, boss.”

---

---

I nod as she speaks, finding myself admiring her more. Cass is so incredibly empathetic that I find the fact that she would not only take time to listen to these displaced spirits, but also try to find their descendants to relay the information, so incredibly brave of her. I know how much of an emotional toll it could take just from days where I’ve watched doctors have to give bad news to family members.

“I’d love to help you with these types of things if you ever need it. At least, with the people who are still living. I don’t think I could do much for the spirits myself.” I squeeze Cass’ hand gently before resuming the rubbing motion with my thumb.

---

---

---

---

When I make it down the stairs again, making sure to grab the fancy phone Caden had gotten me, I found Kiki waiting for me again. She watches me struggle to get the phone in the pocket of my shorts before she starts to laugh lightly.

“Accessories first then, let’s go.” She grabs my gloved hand an drags me out of the house towards what I could assume was the garage for Caden’s vehicles. We’re speed down the roads in no time and I have the pleasure of finding out that Kiki definitely learned how to drive from Caden.

---

---

---

---

”Oh yeah, the dog wanted to use your bed to shake off after discovering the surprising lack of towels Caden has by his pool.” Nero says and I snort.

”Well thank you for not letting him do that. I don’t know how much I would have enjoyed my room forever smelling like a wet dog.” I reply as I weave through vehicles with ease, even in the SUV.

Nero grins. ”I did tell him I would help him get you back though. You know, Avery doesn’t smell like a dog.”

I nod, rolling my eyes and laughing. I know, but I still appreciate it.”

---

---

---

---

I smile softly, watching Nic even after he spoke about wanting to help. ”Just paying your respects is more than enough,” I assure him. He had enough he had to worry about when it came to his family and his work. Sometimes, my task had me travelling over the world to find who I needed to. ”But if you really want to do more than that, I’ll let you know when I need to speak to the living.”

---

---

---

---

I pull up outside the Chicago werewolves' compound. Two wolves mingle outside the gates and eye the car suspiciously. I look at Caden.

”We could still drive away. I don’t need to be here for this.”

Caden checks his phone before slipping it into his inside jacket pocket. He looks at me and pats my leg. ”Go to your happy place, Zain. We have to play nice,” Caden says and gets out of the vehicle before I can protest.

I sit in the car for half a second more, grumbling before I get out. I pull off my sunglasses and tuck them into my shirt. I left the first four buttons undone, revealing toned muscle underneath. I had a rather loose view when it came to nudity. I didn’t mind it, nor did I mind showing off.

I walk around the car, locking it and slipping the keys into my pocket. I stand half a step behind Caden. The pair of us matched each other well and presented quite a striking united front. Caden looks back at me before he walks forward and through the gate. The wolves guarding the place don’t even stop us.

We walk inside, and I scrunch my nose up to block the stench. Seriously, why do these people insist on living like this? Caden is the picture of calm and ease, though, and I try to match him — even though my eyes keep darting around the place, looking for exits and things to use in case a fight breaks out.

---

---

---

---

Not many things in this life bother me, and if something does, I don’t let it show. Allowing weakness to show gives a way for others to exploit you, and being the head of my family — and a de facto wolf pack — I couldn’t let anything affect me.

I walk into the pack’s den, looking around casually. ”We’re here to see Levi,” I announce to the wolf who greets us in the entryway. Near the back of the house, I see familiar faces from last night. I nod to the trio before Avery, and I are led to a room on the right side of the house. Levi is sitting in a chair with a female, barely dressed, sitting on his desk. I give the woman a once over, feigning appreciation when really all I feel is disgust at this display.

”Levi, I see your trio of brutes are healing well.”

“Caden, I see you brought the pup. Good.”

Avery tenses behind me and I shift my weight ever so slightly to stand closer to him. My nearness calms Avery, and I continue my little game with Levi.

”Yes, well, I was under the impression you and your pack felt slighted by his behaviour, and so we are here to make amends,” I say, opening my arms wide in servility.

---

---

I nod. “You just let me know what I can do and I’ll be there.” I assure her. It’s not a long drive to the temple and I find parking easily. I don’t get out of the car yet though.

“Is there anything I should know in case you do find something? Like something that might make a grown man like myself scream like a little girl if I’m not warned beforehand?” I’m mostly joking, but I also don’t want to bring attention to us if there’s something Cass does find.

---

---

---

---

I pull out my phone and mess around on it a bit as I try to decipher how best to use it. To my embarrassment, I figure out the term I was trying to use last note is ‘google’ not ‘goggle’. After some googling and a great effort from me trying not just throw the thing out the window, I manage to figure out how to take a selfie. I pretend to look scared with Kiki in the driver’s seat behind me.

You taught this fox how to drive, didn’t you. Hopefully the text doens’t distract him or cause trouble, but instead brings a little comic relief.

---

---

---

---

I pull the car into the parking garage downtown before Nero and I make our way to the shops. Oh this is why everyone falls in love with the small thing - they just react to everything in childlike wonder. I tell a sales person to help Kiki find some bags or purses to use, handing them Caden’s credit card, before I start surreptitiously taking photos of Nero as they explore and prance about. I hold back on sending Caden all of them, but I do send some of the more endearing photos I manage to get of Nero. I also make sure to include the address of the parking garage and the name of the shop we’re currently in.

---

---

---

---

I unbuckle my seatbelt and glance at Nic. I laugh and cover my mouth. I close my eyes and shake my head, but I’m grinning as I pull my hand away. ”Are you afraid of ghosts, Nic?” I ask. My tone is teasing, but I also seriously want to know, so if I do have to warn him of a presence.

I’ve never been able to see ghosts or spirits unless they want me to sense them. I was never blessed with that gift — for which I am glad — but I do sense them and know when they are around.

---

---

---

---

“‘Slighted’ is one word for it. He and the bitch he took home left three of my guys bleeding and unconscious in the alley.”

Avery growls behind me and pushes into my shoulder. I create an unmovable wall and prevent him from jumping Levi. Which I wish I could have let him do.

I start laughing. ”Are you telling me your boys are upset because Avery found someone to bring home, and they didn’t? Levi, werewolves already have a reputation for being territorial, but please, this 1800s treatment of women is a little old, don’t you think?” I look at him with pure amusement.

He doesn’t seem pleased by my reaction, but he also starts to realize how stupid this whole thing is. ”Look, Avery is going to come across you and your people often. He knows to let you have the lay of the land when you come hunting on my property, and he knows who is in charge in Chicago. But if your guys can’t handle a little healthy competition every once in a while, they will get complacent, and then someone will come in here and sweep everything out from underneath you.”

Levi’s eyes flash yellow, and the female werewolf on the desk steps aside, her eyes also shifting. “Is that a threat?”

I smile pleasantly and shake my head. ”Not at all, but I am in close contact with the Marrok. Do you want me to tell him what type of company you keep and what a shithole you have your pack living in?” Levi pauses and breaks eye contact with me. Gotcha.

I walk towards Levi’s desk, the female wolf shifting to stand in the corner of the room. My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to read Nero’s texts, followed by Kimiko’s. I have the upper hand over Levi, so I take a second to respond, but I don’t let my face betray the joy I actually feel from seeing Nero prance around the store, excitedly trying on bags like a fashion model.



Looking annoyed, I slip my phone away and look down at Levi. ”As far as I am concerned, last night was a spitting contest. That club is meant to be neutral territory. Besides, we have more important matters to discuss. Call in your second.” I look at the female cowering in the corner. She dashes out of the room without even looking at Levi for dismissal. I feel faulty, knowing she will likely pay for that later.

---

---

I shake my head. ”Not that I know of, but I also haven’t encountered any that I know of. My mind’s going back through all the horror movies I’ve watched.” I smile affectionately at her.

“I just don’t want to be surprised and blow our ‘cover’.” I use air quotes when I say this. We’re not undercover or anything and this is all hypothetical, but I still want to make sure I don’t leak the secret I only just learned. Nor do I want to lose Cass. I squeeze her hand one last time before I hop out of the car.

---

---

---

---

I’m just glad I’m not some mortal :P I find a green fanny pack that I think would work well with more casual outfits. I hold it up to show Kiki and she nods approvingly, the salesperson helping me swiftly handing it to another employee.

I find another green purse and send a selfie of myself holding it to Caden. Is this the shade of green you like?

---

---

---

---

I snort at the text I get back from Caden and quickly cover my face when I get looks from patrons and employees alike. I believe I said something about him being a one-pump-chump who wouldn’t know where the clit is without a highly detailed map, but who knows for sure ;* XX I shake my shoulders in silent laughter. I hope the petty fight wasn’t rustling too many feathers.

---

---

---

---

I feel my heart race and my cheeks warm when Nic looks at me with such affection. I don’t feel very deserving of his attention, and it makes me suddenly shy. Thankfully, Nic doesn’t linger and gets out of the car. I take a deep breath before getting out as well.

I speak again once we are standing beside each other. ”Oh, don’t worry about that. I can block us should something happen or if I need to do something so others won’t see it.” I look up at the temple as we approach.

Many people are milling about as it is still an active temple, but it is open to everyone. I smile and nod to people as we pass through to the central courtyard. I look up at the tower in awe of the white-washed stone and all the carvings. It’s a work of art.

---

---

---

---

I look around Levi’s office, if one could call it that, while waiting for their second to arrive. Avery hardly moves, but I know he feels more relaxed and in control. I can feel the vow he made to me and the one I made to him pull taunt between us, a tether for the other to pull on should they need the extra support.

Werewolf pack magic was something I was familiar with. Dragons have a similar bond that allows us always to be connected to others. It was one of the reasons why knowledge was so easily passed on through the mind from one generation to the next. That bond also gave stability and extra support or magic when needed. The pack bonds between wolves were much the same.

A pack member could draw on the pack and alpha’s magics in order to heal faster or shift more quickly. They could also speak mind-to-mind and know the location of another. So far, Avery and I could only draw strength from one another. That wasn’t to say we couldn’t do the other things; we simply had never tried.

My phone buzzes, and I retrieve it while we wait. I finally sit down, and Avery stands behind my chair. I open up the picture from Nero and sigh, shaking my head. All for show.



I can’t help but smirk at Kimiko’s text, and I lift it to show Avery. He also grins and nods. At the desk, Levi frowns.



Finally, Levi’s second, Terrance, walks in and joins the conversation. They take up a position behind Levi, like Avery did with me. I look Terry up and down before nodding. Yup. Kiki was right. I look at Levi.

”Can we agree that last night was insignificant? Hunting on my lands remains open still and accessible to you as long as we are granted the same courtesy of movement in Chicago.”

Levi looks fed up with me, but he looks at Terrance, who looks down and nods. Levi looks back at me and nods. ”Good, moving on. I’ve been called in on a case concerning young males going missing, their hearts ripped out.”

“We have—.” I cut Levi off with a wave of my hand.

”I am well aware no one in your pack is involved with this. Neither is Avery, but the police are short-sighted, so the pack is on their radar. Last night, while your second was on an ego trip and you were doing gods knows what, Avery and I were scouting the club for witnesses and the true culprit. We found a witness, and they provided us with some decent information. It seems the woman responsible for the killings is moonlighting in the supernatural district. You and your pack have been known to frequent down there. Have you noticed anyone new down there? They have a specific scent,” I say and fish out the bottle of perfume I had Kimiko wearing the other night. I had the bottle over, and both wolves took a sniff.

“That bitch fox smelt like that last night,” Terry says.

”Yes, I’m well aware. I asked her to wear it for me to try and draw the creature out.” I level my eyes at Terrance, who looks away immediately before I look at Levi. He holds my gaze for a full two seconds before looking away. ”The fox you so aptly mentioned is a long-time friend of mine. I’d watch what you say about her from now on. Now, aside from her, have you smelt anything like this before?”

---

---

I can’t help but grin when Cass tells me how she’s able to create barriers. “Have I told you yet that you are very attractive and powerful and cute?” I ask as we walk towards the entrance. I politely smile at the people all about the temple. There’s sound all around, but it’s a nice and comforting noise that just lets us know there are people here, working to keep the place beautiful. I gently grab Cass’ hand and hold it, smiling.

---

---

---

---

I put my phone in the bag. It’s a tight squeeze but it will clasps close. I take my phone out of my pocket and quickly send a text to Caden. It fits! Is there anything else that would g9 in my purse?

---

---

---

---

I scoff at Caden’s message a little. Of course it was - this is me we’re talking about after all. I send a picture of Nero taking a selfie.

They’re a quick learner - I didn’t even have to teach them how to do that. I can see them going for more green accessories than any other color and I laugh softly with a shake of my head. Definitely can see the charm to the demon now.

---

---

---

---

I’m staring intently at some of the sculpture work done, letting my feet carry me where they want to go, when Nic’s words cause me to falter. I look down, blushing. ”Not from you,” I declare. Feeling emboldened, I look at Nic. ”Say it again,” I ask, but I’m also teasing. I’m not so vain that I need to be told how great I am.

---

---

---

---

Levi looks back at Terry and glares at his second. I can’t help but smirk. I wasn’t sure Caden would mention Kimiko’s importance to him, but I’m glad he did because the reaction was priceless.

Levi shifts in his seat and looks back at Caden. “I have not.”

“I have,” Terry chimes in. I glance at Terry, who is glaring at me. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, Terry has. I keep making eye contact with Terry until Caden speaks.

---

---

---

---

”Excellent, where and when?” I pull out my phone and look at Terry expectantly for the information. He grudgingly gives it to me, and I write it down while responding to Nero and Kimiko.





I check the location Terry gave me on the maps, zooming in and out to mask my prolonged phone use. ”Alright, we’ll take a look at the location and cross-reference the information. I suggest you and your pack lay low until this is all over,” I say and stand.

“Caden,” Levi says suddenly. I look at him expectantly. “You’re not going to talk to Bran about any of this, right?”

I smile and glance around Levi’s office before I look at Terry and Levi. ”Don’t give me a reason to. Avery is my ward, and it would be wise if we could all get along. Let’s make sure to keep the treaty intact. Bran’s been watching how it plays out very closely,” I say.

---

---

I smirk and bend down so I can whisper in a low voice while looking at her eyes. “Vous êtes incroyablement belle et je suis constamment en admiration devant vous.” My French is a little broken, the accent off, as it’s not something I use often. My parents had learned it while we were in Canada and wanted to make sure I did too, but we often spoke Mandarin to each other if we didn’t use English. I lean forward and kiss her softly before I straighten.

“Alright, which direction first?” I ask Cass, pretending nothing had just happened. My ears are red, I’m sure, but I grin lopsidedly at her anyway.

---

---

---

---

Aye, aye cap’n. I walk over to where Nero is an start pulling them towards other colors in the shop. I always loved a store that organized by color.

Nero sends a quick text to who I can only assume is Caden. “What’s your favorite color, kleiner Kobold?” I ask as we pass some yellow items and I quickly snatch a pair of sunglasses that catch my eye.

---

---

---

---

That’s too much stuff and this is coming from a hoarder :P

Kiki joins me and directs me towards other parts of the store. Hearing someone else call me an imp doesn’t quite have the same effect on me as when Caden does it, but I don’t mind the nickname. I pause to think over her question. “Black? Red? But more like a deep red? Dark green?” I shrug. Before, I only really cared that I came off as in complete control, something that blacks and dark colors were great with. Kiki laughs and shakes her head at my last color option.

---

---

---

---

When he leans in, I’m expecting him to say the words again or tease me and call me a tomato. I am not expecting him to speak French. Even if it's Canadian French and it’s broken and spoken slower than it should be, it still freezes me in place. He can speak French?

All I can do is stare at him. Nic leans in closer to kiss me, but I can’t even close my eyes or enjoy the kiss. I’m in shock. He turns away from me, asking where to go next. He pulls on my hand, and I take a broken step forward.

”Um…” I look around, feeling slightly disoriented. I gesture in a random direction, needing to get my bearings.

Not only did Nic speak French, but he called me gorgeous and said he was in constant awe of me. I truly didn’t believe I was worthy of such praise, but I liked the molten feeling that moved under my skin to match the cold tingling I felt when he whispered in my ear.

---

---

---

---

Avery and I are free to leave the house, but I don’t think any of us left that meeting particularly happy. I’m indifferent. I have more information on who the killer might be and I tell Avery the directions. I tap my fingers on my leg, processing everything.

”You okay, boss?” Avery asks me.

He pulls me from my thoughts, but I shake my head. ”Something doesn’t feel right. Levi is not right, neither is Terrance,” I state. Avery looks at me, confused. ”Ah, it’s fine. Just pent-up energy from being in that place.”

I pull out my phone and look at my messages. I smile and dial Nero’s number rather than text back.

---

---

Hopefully I didn’t overdo it, but I definitely think I might have broke her. Deciding not to tease her this time, I lead her along towards where she pointed, even if it was a vague gesture. “I’ve overheard you and Caden speak French to each other, but mine’s not the greatest, sorry.” I say sheepishly, rubbing my thumb on her hand in hopes to comfort her.

“It comes in handy at the hospital every so often though.” I go on, rambling a little. “I also speak Mandarin and I know sign language as well.”

---

---

---

---

I’m in the middle of texting Caden two different purses to choose from when my phone starts ringing, catching me off guard for a moment before I answer it. “Is everything okay?” I ask right away, feeling anxious. Kiki gives me a look before she takes the burgundy purse from me to hand to the salesperson and puts the red plaid one back where I had found it.

I see her make a beeline for the shoes and I hurry to follow her, phone pressed to my ear.

---

---

---

---

The more Nic talks, the more I come back into myself. I blush at how much Nic affected me with just simple words said in French. ”Oh, yes. I was born in France. I spent the first seven years of my life there before we moved to Scotland to begin my training,” I inform him.

I missed France as well, but not as much as I missed Scotland. I travelled to France often, so I didn’t experience the same nostalgia. ”Your French was just fine. We can talk more in French if you want to practice it. You just, caught me off guard, and what you said, I wasn’t expecting it,” I say with an awkward laugh and a blush.

---

---

---

---

I chuckle when Nero immediately asks me what is wrong. ”Alles ist gut, kleiner Kobold. Ich habe deine Stimme vermisst. Wie ist Einkaufen?” Avery glances at me, and I wink at him. I’m certain he would appreciate not being privy to the conversation Nero and I have.

---

---

I smile when she starts getting her bearings again, then it turns into a grin when she confesses what had caught her off guard. “Well, I meant every word of it.” I tell her with a squeeze of her hand.

“I would also love to practice French with you - maybe then patients who speak it won’t give me those judgey eyes.”

---

---

---

---

I grin at what he says. “Würden Sie sagen, Sie lieben meine Stimme?” I tease as I pick up a pair of chunky shoes with thick soles, trying to decide if I want to be taller or if I just like the aesthetic. I wait until Kiki is a good ten or so feet before I whisper into the phone, “Ich habe dich und deine Stimme auch vermisst.”

“Das Einkaufen läuft gut, Kiki kann das viel besser als ich.”

I feel a presence behind me and squeak when Kiki talks. “I heard my name, are you and Caden trying to talk about me behind my back?” She teases.

---

---

---

---

I blush from Nic's words and how genuine he is. I don't feel as embarrassed about it now or uncomfortable with the attention. Hopefully it's something I'll get more comfortable with.

”Parfait!” I say to him. It would be fun to speak more French again.

---

---

---

---

My eyes sparkle when Nero asks if I love the sound of their voice. ”Ich könnte es einfach tun,” I say. Truthfully, I miss more than just their voice. It almost feels painful how much I miss them.

I hear Nero squeal after they express how much fun they are having. I can hear Kiki come through and I chuckle. ”Go, enjoy your day. Avery and I got a lead on what's been behind the more recent attacks from the wolves. We're going to go check it out.”

---

---

I chuckle, shaking my head. “The delicious yogurt thing from McDonald’s?” I tease before I try to think of the next question in French before I say it out loud.

“Alors, votre... formation en Écosse... c'était pour devenir un... sorcier?” I ask as we continue walking through the temple grounds together. I mostly let Cass take the lead, but don’t let go of her hand. It’s so soft and small in mine…

---

---

---

---

I smack Kiki and wave her off but she doesn’t budge. “Stay safe please and tell me if we need to join you, okay?” I tell Caden earnestly. I know he’s practically indestructible, but I still worry about what this killer might be.

“Speaking of the puppies, how did that go?” I plop down on one of the chairs and Kiki runs off to go collect an assortment of shoes to bring back for me to try on.