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"As you can see, the distribution restructuring will increase your U.S. margins by approximately thirty-one percent in the first year. The brand consolidation under a single import license eliminates the redundancy costs you're currently absorbing through the London broker. I'd like to schedule a formal presentation for your board within the week."

Darius took the document. He looked at it. He looked at me.

"You were in a car accident last night," he said.

"Yes."

"You were held by a pack of Russian wolves who wanted your head."

"I'm aware," I said. "The proposal is still good."

"You are very much your father's daughter."

He held my gaze, smiling at me. It was the first time I realized our eyes were the exact same color. I wondered how much he resembled my father. I wondered if he had a picture of my father.

"Get some rest," he said. "Ama will bring you anything you need."

"I need to get back to my office."

"You don't need to work again in your life. You're a very wealthy woman, Nell."

It was never about the money for me. It was about the work. I loved the work. It gave me my self-worth being the smartest person in the room. I opened my mouth to tell my cousin this when he said the one thing that rocked me back on my heels.

"Magnus Blackwood's wedding is this weekend. Should I assume I'll be declining on your behalf?"

I didn't gasp. I didn't crumble. I didn't place my hand to my chest like I was clutching my pearls. This is what I had bargained for. Didn't mean I had to watch that bargain play out.

"I'll think about it."

I left the proposal on the desk and walked out of the room. Back in the massive living room, I sat at the window. I looked at the Manhattan skyline, the geometry of the buildings, the way the darkness between them was not really dark at all. I found the Odhiambo, Blackwood & Associates building by the sign. My name on it in chrome letters, visible even from here if you knew where to look. I looked at it for a while.

This weekend.

Magnus would be in a suit; a wedding suit. That would be devastating to behold. For the people in attendance. Which I would not be. I wasn't a masochist.

The front door of the suite opened again. I did let out a sigh this time. I didn't want to deal with Ama and her helpfulness. I just wanted to be left alone.

But it wasn't Ama.

Addie stood in the doorway. She was in a dark coat, slightly out of breath, a grin on her face, concern in her gaze.

I was across the room before I had decided to move.

She caught me. Her arms around me, mine around her. Something in my chest released — a tension I had been holding since the bridge, since the river, since stepping off the Volki boat and leaving him behind — releasing into the warmth of a friendship that did not require explanation. The cavalry was here.

"How did you get in?" I said, into her shoulder.

"I grew up in a hotel. I can get in and out of any of them." Addie pulled back, looked at my face, and did the rapid assessment of a woman who was used to reading damage reports. "I don't have long. I slipped my detail. Vidar will figure out where I am in approximately twenty minutes, and then there will be a war, so talk fast."

I sniffled, wiping at the corner of my eye. There wasn't a tear there. There was no need. I was being rescued. It occurred to me that my savior could've saved me from this weeks ago. "How dare you not tell me Magnus was engaged?"

"You told me it was going to be your typical one-night stand. You specifically said stress relief, purely transactional, you don't do the other thing. And it was pack business. You weren't pack."

"Fuck you. I'm your pack."

"Fuck me." She nodded. "You are my pack. It sounds like you’re Magnus' pack. Elias said he was holding you hostage. Wolves don't do that unless you're an asset or a fated mate."

I swallowed, but held my best friend's gaze.