"Yes," I said. "How did you know that?"
He grimaced. "Because, uh... I know him."
"What?" I blurted out.
I wanted to rush over, grab him by the shoulders and shake him until he told me more information. But I didn't dare put myself into that kind of danger. I couldn't trust harpies and I couldn't trust alphas. I had to keep my distance.
It made perfect sense. Of course the two harpies knew each other. They were likely working together.
I narrowed my eyes at the harpy in front of me. No matter what he said or how dumb he played himself up, I couldn't trust him. It was all an act to make me drop my guard.
"Yep. His name is Mistral. Speaking of names, mine's Cloud." The harpy smiled and extended a terrifying talon-covered hand. "What's yours?"
I balked.
"Oh, sorry," Cloud said, withdrawing his attempted handshake. "I forgot about the talons. I'm not used to spending time with shifters this small... If they freak you out that badly, I can shift into human form."
Why would he offer to do that? What did he possibly gain from making me feel more comfortable?
The ability to sneak past my guard, that's what. It was so obvious. I'd rather he kept his talons where I could see them.
"That's okay," I said in a clipped tone. "You can stay in that form."
Cloud shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just tell me if you change your mind."
I narrowed my eyes. Why did it sound like he intended on sticking around? I had no use for this harpy, oranyharpy for that matter.
"What's your name?" Cloud asked.
Ugh. Of course he was pressuring me into replying. Typical alpha.
"Meeko," I said grudgingly. When Cloud smiled, I snapped, "What?"
"Nothing. It's just a cute name."
"It is not cute. It's a strong mouse shifter name," I grumbled.
Cloud tilted his head. "Things can be cute and still be strong."
"Whatever. Tell me about Mistral."
"You don't know anything at all?" Cloud asked.
"No," I ground through my teeth. "If I did, I wouldn't bother asking."
Cloud put up his hands. "Okay, okay, relax..."
A pulse of rage ran through me. My paws clenched into fists. "Don't tell me to relax! My sword is gone, and it's all because of that Mistral! I need to get it back as soon as possible, so be quiet and tell me where he is!"
When Cloud looked hurt at my outburst, I felt a flicker of guilt, which made absolutely no sense. Why should I feel guilty? He was an alpha, and a harpy to boot. He probably thought he had complete power and control over me.
But that didn't stop me from feeling bad.
"Sorry," I mumbled, not meeting Cloud's bright eyes. "Just... please tell me everything you can about Mistral."
My guilt was followed by a pang of anger towards myself. What was I thinking, yelling at my only source of information right now? I could've blown my whole chance to get the sword back.
But when I forced myself to meet Cloud's gaze, he was smiling like nothing had happened.
