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“Let him bring it on,” I replied, with more bravado than I actually felt. The air between us crackled with unspoken tension, a silent standoff that had nothing to do with the sexy vibe I’d felt earlier.
“Saving Cairo and Poppy might cost you everything.”
“Then I’ll pay the price.” I met his gaze squarely, my own determination reflecting back at me. “Some things are worth the risk. You taught me that, remember?”
“Dammit, Tessa,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. “Just... be careful, okay?”
“Always am,” I replied with a grin that didn’t quite reach my eyes, before stepping out into the parking lot, each step away from Riker sending a small ripple through the bond we’d been building. Yet, I squared my shoulders, because when it came to hunting monsters, I knew all about playing with fire.
I turned on my heel, leaving Riker brooding in the shadow of the doorframe. His disapproval latched onto me like the sticky Texas humidity—thick and unwelcome. I could still feel his gaze boring into my back, heavy with concern and something else... maybe a smidge of jealousy.
That’s when I realized neither of us had a vehicle. Mine was parked down by Old Red, and Riker’s was over in Elijah’s apartment complex parking lot.
So much for my dramatic exit.
“Well, hell,” I muttered, then turned back to remind Riker of our dilemma.
Once I’d locked up behind him, I called up an Uber to take me back to my car.
* * *
The next morning, I drove downtown. Niko’s office tower loomed ahead, its sleek lines soaring arrogantly above its neighbors. The lobby was an oasis of polished marble and hushed tones, a stark contrast to the chaos of the streets. I strode past reception with a confidence I didn’t entirely feel, flashing a smile at the security guard who looked bored enough to be counting dust motes.
“Ms. Fury, Mr. Savas is expecting you,” the receptionist called out, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space. “He’s in the upper office.”
“Of course he is,” I said, more to myself than her.
The elevator whisked me upwards. I stepped out onto the penthouse floor, where the decor shifted from corporate chic to ‘I’m a billionaire werewolf with impeccable taste’. It was all clean lines, cool metals, and warm woods—a den fit for the king of canines.
“Come in, Tessa,” Niko called from where he stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, surveying his domain below.
“Hey, Niko,” I started, my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. “We need to talk about Zayn.”
He turned, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. There was an edge to him, a barely restrained power that seemed to ripple beneath his tailored shirt.
“We’re still on the hunt?” Niko’s eyebrow arched.
“Yep. We’ve still got a fire-breathing djinn with delusions of grandeur and a penchant for dramatic exits. And I still need your nose—and fangs—to track him down.”
“Let’s hear why you’re here, then,” Niko said finally, motioning toward the leather couches. His body language was all business, but there was a spark in his eye that spoke of more than just professional interest.
“Fine, but if we’re strategizing, I get dibs on the comfy chair,” I declared, claiming my spot with the tenacity of a terrier. “And just so we’re clear—I’m not here to play fetch.”
He rolled his eyes. “Wolves don’t play fetch.”
I kept my tone steady, threading urgency into each word. “Zayn’s got Cairo—took him last night—and now Cairo and Poppy are both in some deep guacamole.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, the blue darkening like storm clouds. He leaned back, arms crossed, the leather of his chair protesting with a creak that matched the tension in the room.
“Keep going,” he urged.
“He’s given us three days to pull out of the case before he turns this place into an inferno—and I’m pretty sure he’s not bluffing.” I watched him carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. “Zayn is not just any hot-headed djinn; he’s got the firepower to turn Dallas into a BBQ pit, and I’m not talking about a Sunday cookout.”
“Three days...” Niko echoed, his gaze shifting to the sprawling cityscape visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Exactly. And if we don’t save them by then, it’s game over for more than just our friendly neighborhood djinn and his human Juliet.” I let out a half-laugh that sounded more like a snort. “Not exactly the kind of heat wave anyone wants.”
“Immolate the entire city...” Niko murmured, more to himself than to me. His brows furrowed, and I could see the gears turning in his head, calculating risks and strategies.
