Switch anchored his fists on his hips. “That means he’s hungry.”
Shepherd blinked down at the boy, who was aiming a striped ball at a corner pocket. “You learned that, little man? I’m proud of you. Just for that, I think we should get some ice cream.”
Hunter jumped up and down as if he had springs in his shoes. When he darted into the hallway, I glimpsed the blinking lights on his sneakers.
Switch stole Shepherd’s chair.
“That’s cool you’re teaching him that,” I said, admiring Switch’s ambitious approach.
“Teaching him. Teaching you. Teaching everyone.”
I gave him a puzzled look. “Why us? He’s not deaf.”
Switch chuckled. “How do you expect to understand him if you can’t speak his language? That’s the whole point. I’m starting with a few basic words to see how he takes to it. If we make more progress, I want everyone learning.”
“That’s not how the real world works. What happens when he goes out there and realizes nobody else understands him?”
“Doesn’t matter. He should at least be able to communicate with the people he loves.” Switch scratched the back of his neck. “How you holding up?”
“Oh, like I always do.” I looked down at my black nail polish. “Last night was a walk in the park… with a minor detour.”
“Is that why your Vampire is standing outside in his underwear?”
“He’s on poop patrol. Crush made him the official dog walker. I can’t have my dad going up and down the stairs at all hours. Viktor didn’t want him on the ground floor, so I’ll be taking his food up to the room.”
“Big job, I take it.”
“Yeah.”
“Watch out for yourself.”
I hopped off my stool. “Always do.”
Switch was getting a little too parental. I didn’t like anyone assuming I couldn’t take care of myself. Lately our conversations reminded me why I could never have a relationship with a Shifter. Their personality traits were so different from what I needed.
Then I thought about Christian standing half naked in the snow. A guy who screwed up but was still taking care of my father’s dog even though he didn’t like my fatherordogs. Yeah,that’swhat I needed.
Switch followed behind me. “Well, as long as your partner is on poop patrol…”
Confused, I turned around.
Switch’s brown wolf trotted out of his clothes, tail wagging and a mischievous look on his face.
While heading toward Wyatt’s office, I watched the brown wolf scamper to the end of the hallway and nearly collide with Gem, who skated into view.
She twirled in a circle, arms out. “Slow down, mister!” Gem glided toward me, wearing pink pajama bottoms with brown polka dots. The fuzzy white angora sweater seemed like an odd choice.
“What’s with the outfit?” I asked.
She skidded to a stop. “I know! It doesn’t match at all. These pajama bottoms are supremely cozy. It’s too bad the matching top is a short-sleeve. Since the halls are cold and I don’t use my fireplace, I needed something warm. Oh! Speaking of fashion faux pas, are you aware that Christian—”
“Is flashing the neighborhood? Yep.” I kept walking, Gem skating beside me. “I meant why aren’t you wearing work clothes? It’ll take too long for you to change.”
“Viktor said my job is here now, and I can wear whatever I want. I decided on pajamas all day long. Why bother dressing when I’m not going anywhere?”
“Did you guys find anything on Ivar’s phone?”
She jumped ahead of me and skated backward. “There was nothing noteworthy, but Wyatt found a site bookmarked on his phone. He spent days trying to figure out the password.” Gem grinned, her purple lipstick making her teeth look extra white. “I was the one who suggested Swarovski.”
