She started to move a washing machine over so that Vic could mop up all the foam. “What if you’re already a shifter?”
Surprisingly, it was Vic who answered, his gaze coming to rest Simon and Joey. “You get amped up, don’t you? I mean, I’m already a…a hybrid, but this is like bad E. I feel like I could go ten rounds against Ali. And I really, really want to.”
Simon watched her brother, his expression flat. And the longer he held Vic’s gaze, the more her brother flushed. Then suddenly her screwup of a sibling straightened into military correct posture, his shoulders back and his head lifted.
“I was an idiot, sir! I won’t disobey orders again.”
“See that you don’t. Now clean up this mess.”
Alyssa thought that her brother would argue, but he nodded sharply. “Yes, sir!” This must have been how he was in the army, and she had to say that the look was good on him. Meanwhile, Simon turned to Joey who was inspecting the empty tin of popcorn.
“Thanks for the ride, Joey—”
“Your mate’s a drug dealer and yet you want to shut down our operation. Don’t you think that’s a bit hypocritical?”
Alyssa stiffened. She’d already pegged Joey as one of those holier-than-thou pricks who sneered at the poor. He probably had roots in a slum worse than this neighborhood, until a little bit of money and education had pulled his family out of the gutter. But instead of extending a hand to help a neighbor or a cousin, they focused on how much better they were than anyone else. And that set her back up.
“I run a laundromat, asshole—” she began, but Simon was there before her, rounding on the smaller man and stepping so close into the guy’s personal space that Alyssa feared another brawl.
And yet when he spoke, he kept his voice coldly matter of fact. “She is not my mate,” he began. “And do not equate cannabis with what Nanook sold. They are not the same.”
“They’re all—”
“And do not interrupt.”
Joey shut his mouth, but it was pulled into a sullen pout.
“The time for discussion is past.”
“And when exactly was that?” Joey challenged.
“You made your case this afternoon. I have considered it and found it lacking.” His tone made it clear that he found Joey lacking as well. A sentiment that Alyssa cheered. “You may go now.”
Joey took a step back, but he was shaking his head as he moved. “You’re not in Hicksville anymore,” he sneered. “This is a mistake.”
“Then it is mine to make.” Simon glared down at the smaller man. “I expect a progress report by eight a.m. tomorrow.”
“Which you won’t be able to read.”
Simon arched a brow, but he didn’t argue. He didn’t have to. He was acting as a military commander and expected obedience. Problem was, Joey wasn’t a recruit. And he sure as hell hadn’t been taught when to keep his mouth shut.
“You’re making a mistake,” he repeated as he took a step toward the door. “And she,” he added, gesturing to at her with a dismissive wave, “is a disaster waiting to happen.” Then he curled his lip. “Just hope you’re not around when it all goes boom.”
And with that, he stepped outside and disappeared.
“Fucking poser,” Alyssa muttered when he was far enough away not to hear. “Are you sure you need him?”
“Yes. And he is not wrong. The cannabis is dangerous.”
“What?” Her voice was sharp and angry. She’d noted that he hadn’t claimed her as his girlfriend. Hell, he’d all but said they were nothing to each other and that had hurt so bad it had temporarily stolen her breath. So she’d buried it under a tide of righteous indignation. “Don’t you dare lecture me on the evils of marijuana, you asshole. Set aside the real medical benefits, I’ve never had a problem with someone who was high. Drunks, on the other hand? They get into bar fights, beat their wives, and drive into minivans of kids.” She made a wild gesture out the window. “Besides, I don’t sell it. I just don’t criminalize those who do.”
He listened to her tirade with that infuriatingly flat expression. And when she paused to take a breath, he spoke.
“With the tensions out there, the cannabis dealer is a target.”
“So are grocery stores. In fact, they’re worse. Do you know how many shootings there were today? Seven. Do you hear me? Seven.”
His mouth flattened. “Then you are in even greater danger.” He looked out the window at Mrs. Garcia’s house. “Her business will threaten yours.”
