“Exactly,” Max agreed. “We need to study this clan so we know what we might be up against. You’re our best bet for getting information, since even the local vampires are giving them plenty of space. Riley, I don’t think there were more than half a dozen vampires in that house, along with a goddess and her servant—and that goddess might be why the Night Bloode are so powerful. I’m not sure. I just know you need to watch yourself.”
“We’re dealing with vampires. That’s a given.”
“I know, but...” Max looked into her eyes, his brightening with concern as his direwolf stared out at her. “Kraft seems to be a little too interested in my favorite cousin.”
“Onlycousin.”
He frowned. “I trust him when he says he wants the artifact. But it’s ours.”
“I know.”
“And you’re ours. Don’t let them pull anything.”
“I won’t.” Though she didn’t know how immune she’d be to death magic.
As if reading her mind, he nodded. “Let’s go.”
“Go?”
He dropped bills on the table. “That’ll cover your soda too. Take it to go.”
Josie rolled her eyes and pulled back the drink she’d intended to drop off. She returned with the soda in a to-go cup.
Max smiled. “Thanks, Josie.”
“Whatever.” She turned back to the counter.
And the pack acted like Riley was the one with the attitude. She had nothing on the eighteen-year-old.
Max grabbed Riley’s duffel off the seat and preceded her outside.
“Where are we going?”
“To get you some anti-death magic spells. If I’m not mistaken, Boyce can tattoo you up in a heartbeat.”
“Tattoo?” She didn’t know about that. “Boyce?”
“Shut up and follow me.”
She grumbled as she followed him. “You’re not alpha yet. And with that attitude, you might not live long enough to see that day come.”
“Think what you want. Dad’s getting ready to step down. I’m in, and you’remyberserker. I won’t make you kiss my ass, but I’m thinking about getting a pinkie ring you can kiss when the mood strikes.”
“You’re so annoying.”
“Yet you love me. So step it up. We need to get you ready for this hell you’re about to dive into.”
Thanks to you,she wanted to say but didn’t.
“Yeah, thanks to me,” he muttered.
Hell, maybe he was ready to become alpha. Seemed her wily cousin could pick thoughts out of his dire’s heads. Or maybe it was just hers.
“Nope. All of ’em. Now quit screwing around and shield yourself the way Mom taught you. Because if you’re this lax around vampires, you’ll be easy prey.”
She growled at him, despite knowing he spoke the truth, and shielded her mind.
“Better. For a berserker, you’re a little scattered.”
