“Yes, but what if she wants him to stand in the room with us?”
“If that be the case, don’t play into her hands. Just do what Viktor asks and nothing more. Besides, she’s here on a social call.” Christian squinted up at a bright window. “I can’t imagine she’ll insist on bringing that dunderhead inside if he might embarrass her. I also don’t think she’ll want to give Viktor the impression she doesn’t trust him. In her mind, she thinks she needs to have everyone in her pocket.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. Just the thought of Fletcher being anywhere on our property—inside or out—was distracting.
Christian patted my knee. “We can only plan one step ahead on this one. If Ronald doesn’t escort me down to the wine cellar, we’ll have to find another way to separate them that won’t raise suspicion. Let’s stick to the initial plan. Don’t get inside your head too much.”
“Who, me?”
Christian put his arm around me and gave me a playful squeeze. “Aye, lass. Don’t forget that Lenore’s a more powerful Vampire than I am. Even with my blood, it won’t be enough if she has a notion to crush your windpipe.”
I looked over my shoulder. “I just hope my father stays upstairs. If he hears any kind of commotion— Well, you know how he is.”
“A stubborn mule?”
“Protective. And then there’s Switch.”
“I don’t think they’ll hear anything from the third floor. Viktor’s speaking with him now. Kira shouldn’t be a problem; she does whatever Viktor commands. Gem and Claude will be keeping them distracted so everything seems copasetic. Speak of the devil,” he murmured.
Switch hiked up the stairs after Hunter, who giggled as he flew up the steps behind us.
“Slow down,” Switch called out. “Wait for me right there.” He finally chose a spot a few steps down and anchored one foot on a higher step. “Hey.”
I could tell by that one word that he knew something was up. “Hey, Switch. Do you mind keeping an eye on my dad for a little while? He’s probably bored out of his mind, and I want to make sure he doesn’t sneak down, looking for something to do. He’s supposed to be taking it easy.”
“Sure thing.” Switch scratched his chest over his T-shirt, which advertised a local Shifter brewery. For whatever reason, wolves had a noticeable presence when they entered a room. It was a different vibe, not unlike a large predator walking by. His long hair was tied back in a low ponytail, so I could really see the way he was eyeing us. “Could I have a minute with my girl?”
Christian rose to his feet. “You call her that one more time, and I’ll shave your skull.”
“Give it your best shot. But I can’t promise my wolf won’t piss on your tires.”
Christian jogged down the stairs. “Don’t try me, Shifter. I’ll have you sucking your thumb, thinking you’re just a babe in his mother’s womb.”
“Nice to see you two getting along,” I said.
“That’s how all men talk to each other.” Switch sat next to me. “The more I get to know him, the more I realize he’s just like your old man. No wonder Crush can’t stand him.”
“I’ll never understand men.”
Switch chuckled and straightened his legs to rest his feet on the lower steps. “Men, I understand. It’s the female species that confounds me. I just hope you know what you’re doing with a Vampire.”
“You’re forgetting I’m half. Besides, I don’t think anyone really knows what they’re doing in a relationship.”
“True. If he loves you half as much as your dad loves you, that’s good enough for me. Just be sure you always know your worth.”
“I do.” I patted his shoulder playfully. “Thanks, Switcharoo. Always looking out for others. Maybe you should have been a pack therapist.”
He brushed his fingers around his tightly groomed beard. The whiskers encircled his mouth but didn’t go up his jaw. “They usually have Relics who specialize in Shifter dynamics do that kind of work. Less of a conflict of interest.”
“You could do a lot of things. Some of us have limited options. So take your own advice and rememberyourworth.” I smiled, really enjoying having him around. When not teaching Shepherd’s kid, he sometimes kept me company. I didn’t have to worry about him dying on the job. And Switch was a really grounded individual who, despite his appearance, was an intellectual. “What did Viktor tell you?”
“To stay upstairs.”
“Do as he says,” I said, rising to my feet. “Now isn’t the time to let your wolf out. Don’t say anything to Crush. Just keep him busy until you’re given the all clear. He knows he’s not supposed to come down anyhow, but…”
“Don’t worry, Raven. I know you have important work to do. Just remember, you know where to find me.” He looked up at me with his soft brown eyes. “I’m not just a hot piece of ass. I know how to fight when it matters.”
I snorted. Claude and Gem appeared on the landing below. As soon as they noticed Switch, their pensive look vanished.
