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The beta’s face transformed from blank to scheming in seconds. “Yes. He’s quite good at it, as you can tell.”
“Most assuredly.” Cortana gave her best thoughtful expression. “Should I plan for a vet visit, perhaps? You know, to make sure he doesn’t have fleas?”
“Solid logic. I can give you their number.”
Underneath the desk, the wolf huffed a telling sigh, and Cortana beamed. At least something might prod the alpha into action, and this idea was as good as any.
“Perfect. Did I need to pick up some kibble on the way home, or do you keep it in stock for when Riaz refuses to shift?”
“We typically just throw him some leftover table scraps.” Shrugging, Ava looked under the open-concept desk to gauge her alpha’s reaction. “No chocolate, of course.”
A noise of discontentment escaped the animal, but Cortana continued, unperturbed. “Well, you know what they say about alphas.”
“What?”
“That they’re drama queens, bent on ensuring their entire pack feels the weight of their discontent.”
Cortana glanced down at him, surprised to see his orange eyes now leering at her. Though she’d doubted animals could make facial expressions, Riaz’s fury was entirely apparent. Like any self-respecting immortal, she continued unabashed.
“Isn’t that what you were doing last night, Riaz? Pulling all those poor wolfies from their cozy beds to sleep on the hard floor with you?”
Teeth bared, the wolf leapt to his feet, shifted instantaneously so that the man leered down at her with a stare that didn’t completely camouflage his irritation.
“I did no such thing. They came willingly.”
“Oh look, it’s Riaz.” Cortana feigned surprise. “I was wondering where you’d gone off to. Thought I’d have to get a dog whistle or bribe you back with some dog treats.”
“What do you want, Cortana?” The blank tone would fool no one.
“To tell you I’ve invited Toni to your den.” She could feel herself losing steam when she failed to get a rise out of him. “She’s ready to come whenever you give your okay.”
Riaz’s expression transformed from bland to bewilderment in the span of seconds. “Why?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“So she can assist you with your wildfire problem.”
“My wildfire problem?” Riaz was still confused as to why Cortana’s friend would be coming to his den. Did she have some ulterior motive for bringing her here?
“Toni is a Fire Elemental,” Cortana frowned. “She’s Drake’s wife.”
Oh. Riaz felt like a fool. The vampire had invited the woman to ensure the den didn’t burn—enough to have his wolf leap with joy. It still confused the stuffing out of Riaz. Either way, he was indebted to her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Fido.” Patting his arm pedantically, Cortana’s face softened. “Shall I give her the okay?”
Riaz nodded, waiting as the vampire tapped out a text on her phone. Once sent, Cortana gazed up at him in silence, searching his eyes.
“When will she arrive?” he asked, grasping for conversation topics now that he’d finally given up his pout. Though he’d have preferred to stay in wolf form, even he had to admit it was a cowardly act.
“Five seconds or so.”
Before Riaz could ask, a fissure of air churned around them, and suddenly there were two extra people standing in the small space of Ava’s office.
Wolf growling an unfriendly greeting, Riaz instantly went on the defense, pulling Cortana behind him and placing his body between the two women and the intruders. At least, until he recognized them both.
“Toni!” Cortana, immune to his protectiveness, shrugged out of his hold to embrace the woman warmly.
