“Normally. Must be something about the werewolf blood.”
Logan nodded. “So, she doesn’t have to shift with the moon.”
“Nope. Anytime she wants. She goes home regularly to shift, though. Her mother’s been depressed since Alex murdered her father. Meredith looks out for her. But this month she’s staying, so she’s agreed to watch Maggie.”
“Enough said. I’ll ask Polina to alter the enchantment to allow her in.”
“Thanks, Logan.” Silas took a seat across the desk from him.
“Meredith must be pretty special. You wouldn’t give just anyone access to your place or Maggie, especially with the heart there.”
“She is.” Silas leaned his elbows on the desk. “I think she might be the one.”
Eyes widening, Logan chuckled long and low. “The sly fox has stolen your heart? I thought I saw a spark when you were here last, but it was hard to tell if it was love or the fumes off all the vodka and tonics.”
“Ugh. Don’t remind me.”
“She must love you. Anyone else would have left your drunk ass on my couch.”
Silas hoped Logan was right. He caught himself smiling like an idiot and changed the subject.
“What about the portal to Nickelova’s mountain? Can Polina do it?” he asked.
Logan nodded. “Not a portal exactly, but she can get you there. She travels by gold dust.”
“Hey, whatever works. I knew I could count on you.”
Logan stood and rounded the desk. “Can you spare a few minutes for a beer with an old friend before you go? I want to hear more about you and Meredith.”
Silas scratched his stubble. “Only if you tell me what it’s like being Polina’s caretaker.”
“For that, you’ll have to commit to two beers.” Logan gave a low chuckle.
With a thump on his friend’s back, Silas opened the door. “It’s a hard job, but I’ll make the sacrifice for you, my friend.”
“You know, between Grateful and your sister both being pregnant, Polina has been talking about babies in her sleep.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Not at all.” Logan bobbed an eyebrow. “I’m willing to practice as long as she wants me to, though.”
Organizing the monthly shift was never easy, but neither was maintaining a decade-long friendship. Silas followed Logan from his office, eager to fulfill his two-beer promise.
Chapter Fifteen
Days later, with Silas performing his duties at Rivergate, Meredith let herself into his small brick home to take care of Maggie. She was happy to do this for him, to allow him to stay with his pack for the three days of the full moon. She liked how that made her feel. Like she’d become an important part of his life. She hoped it was the beginning of something more.
“Hey girl,” she rubbed Maggie’s floppy ears and filled the mutt’s bowls. She’d take her out back for a run when she was done eating. Maggie had a doggie door, so technically all she needed was feeding, but Meredith didn’t think it was proper to leave the dog alone so much. She’d decided to stay a few hours to play with the pup.
A rattle came from the front door as if someone was trying the knob. She hadn’t locked it when she came in and wondered what was stopping whoever it was from entering. Unless it was someone supernatural who couldn’t get past the enchantment. Her fingers grazed the hilt of the gun tucked into the small of her back. Still there. She strode across the room and opened the door.
“Soleil?” She almost didn’t recognize the blonde, her sunny glow masked by the bright day behind her.
“Excuse me? Do I know you?” Soleil smoothed the fabric of her fitted plum-colored dress.
“Uh, no, I guess we haven’t met. I’m Silas’s partner, Meredith.” She wasn’t sure why she didn’t say she was his girlfriend. A gut feeling. A remnant of awkwardness still clung to the word, especially under Soleil’s scrutiny.
“Is Silas here? I need to ask him something before he leaves for Rivergate.”
