Gideon and Nix growl at the same time, and it would be funny if Grayson weren’t freaked out that his mentors were under lock and key because of him.
“Let’s hope things go according to their plan.”
The lawyer had set into motion something that would change the Rhodes pack dynamic forever, and Grayson finds his wolf is happy about it.
Gideon has a soft blue apron over his running clothes. It looks like he had the same idea as Grayson, but was just waiting for Grayson to ask.
“Love, I need you and Finn here with the kids.” Jay tips his head toward the yard where Rowan is standing, ruff up as he watches a squirrel run along the fence. His look encompasses Luca and Skye as well.
Skye wouldn’t tolerate Luca leaving him behind—he will probably balk at Jay going out the door, too. He’s catching up on all those years without a pack and sees Jay as the leader he is. Luca has been his emotional anchor, and he has small outbursts when Luca isn’t within sight to filter out the hard things or ease the way.
Grayson is so proud of Luca. He’s a great dad to the girls, but has hit the ground running with a traumatized toddler who has no idea of what it means to live life as part of a pack. He takes a step toward the kitchen so he can kiss his mate’s cheek, maybe grab his juicy butt under his t-shirt, when Jay’s voice stops him.
“Pretty, you and Nix will need to be on guard today. We only got part of the story from Professor Kirwan, and so far, we don’t know why she is so fixated. It’s clearly bigger than just an overeager teacher trying to make a name for herself with a talented student and whateverThe Onemeans…that shit never bodes well. Is there anyone on staff who you can talk to about the foci?”
The offense is serious enough that they could take it to the Headmaster Percival, but he hasn’t been the staunchest Grayson-magical-Were supporter despite his original pride at stealing him away from Florida’s Guild. He especially dislikes Jay.
Gideon has an opinion on that. He thinks it’s that the headmaster is envious of both Grayson’s and Jay’s power. No, Percival wouldn’t be Grayson’s first choice for help.
“What about your Earth professor? The one with the sculptures and scones?” Leo asks. “Professor Shaw? She seems like she’d be aboveboard.”
Gideon has his phone in his hand and scrolls through his phone until he stops to read something. “Hmmm…Augusta Shaw. Nothing to note on Adam’s report except a bit of rebellion in her early twenties. I like her.” He doesn’t say what Professor Shaw had been up to, but it has put a smile on his face.
“You investigated her?” Grayson asks, and while he shouldn’t be surprised, it does beg the question of why Gideon hadn’t been suspicious of Professor Kirwan.
“Gideon, I thought we talked about this—” Jay interrupts.
Gideon ignores his disapproval and the narrow-eyed glare that promises this discussion isn’t over. “Of course I did, and before you ask, Kirwan looks perfect on paper. But Adam does mention she’s almost too squeaky clean, and I have to agree.”
“How can someone be too squeaky clean?” Finn asks, sliding the back door open and letting Rowan-wolf in first. The big wolfsniffs Skye and then each of the babies before pressing his nose into Nix’s belly with a huff.
When Nix shoos him away after a kiss to the head, he disappears down the hallway and into the laundry room.
“Well, everyone has a skeleton or two. Even you, Dr. Merritt.”
At that, Finn’s jaw drops, and he looks like he’s about to start on a tangent about either Gideon and Adam prying into everyone’s business or about what the hacker could have possibly dug up on him.
The pack descends into a loud discussion about what skeletons are in everyone’s closet, but Grayson has his eyes on Gideon, who is watching for any impact the noise has on Skye.
Way ahead as usual, Jay puts a hand up at the loud noise, and the pack falls silent.
“We gotta get ready to go, Jaybird.” Leo nods toward the stairs.
“Shit, yeah.” He meets Grayson’s eyes and puts a calloused palm on his cheek, and then rubs his wrist on the side of his neck. “Grayson, I need you to keep a level head.”
“I’m just going to school like usual?” It’s hard not to sound incredulous.
“Yeah, do like you usually do, except this time you’re bringing my representative and your soulmate.”
“I’ll make sure he comes home in one piece, Jamie.”
“That’s why I’m telling Gray to keep a level head. Baby boy, if you could not cause an inter-agency incident today, I would take it as a personal favor.”
Nix frowns and crosses his arms over his chest. His fluffy brown hair has dried in waves around his head, and his red mouth is firmed into a stubborn line. He looks like a toddler who got told he couldn’t ride the big rides at the amusement park.
“Please?” Jay asks, curling a strand of hair behind Nix’s ear and kissing his nose.
“Fine. But I am not making promises if she pushes my buttons. Besides, you’re at the Guarda, anyway.”
