“I hope you set him straight,” I reply, shaking my head and pursing my lips in distaste. Honestly, anyone says his name and a roil of revolt fills my stomach.
Puck drops one of those killer, cheeky as fuck, smirks my way, “Seems pointless to answer that, Raney, but of course I did. He’s not getting anywhere near you.”
I’ve got no issue with the tidal wave of giddy relief that floods my system that Puck is exactly where he should be again. Next to me.
“Any chance I can ask for a bit of extra time?”
“No offence, kitten, you’ve run overtime here. I told the girls unlimited budget, but two hours was my limit… you’ve been nearly four.”
“And the issue is?”
“I made a promise you’d be packed before sunset.”
“Yeah, well you promised me a gala too.”
“Ah, so the girls are spoiling my surprises?” He goes to spin around. “Disappointed?”
“No. I think I was being stubborn, having to prove to myself I deserved to be there surrounded by the finer side of society. But I did that years ago.”
“You did.”
“And I don’t need any confirmation from anyone but my pack.”
Koz pushes against me while Puck cups my face. “Sounds good, you saying that, Raney.”
“So, all we need to resolve is the Anders?” I lead them to where I want them.
“Yes.”
“I know how to do it.”
“How?” Koz barks, his alpha making himself known now. I rub his shoulder again. Soothing him as much as settling myself.
“I’m also going to need a safe location, preferably with super-fast WIFI.”
“For Heidi?”
“For Heidi. But I also need a safe location myself.”
“Stop drip feeding me information, micina, you know how much it pisses me the fuck off.” He goes to turn around, but I hold him still by gripping his hips. Earning another bark of frustration.
“It’s okay,” I say softly, only for him. And his alpha. He settles. “I need somewhere private to speak with Hayes before you take me to my next surprise. I’d prefer to see Hayes face to face, but if that’s impossible, I can do it on the phone.”
“Why?”
“Koz,” I brush my hand over his shoulder, keeping it there because he won’t like what I have to say. “I’m not keeping secrets, but I want to speak with him first.”
“About the results of his ADV?”
“In a roundabout way.”
I’m surprised he doesn’t turn around, but that doesn’t miss his rising irritation. “Micina, we said no secrets.”
“There’s going to be times other people in our pack know things before you do, and that’s not because I love them more or less than you, it’s basic respect. But as soon as I’ve spoken with them, and as long as they say I can, I’ll be telling you. How could I not?”
He shakes his head. But he can’t argue. Well, it is Koz, so I’m sure if we wanted, he could argue but for the moment he doesn’t.
“Does it put you at risk?” Puck asks, his eyes full of concern.
