Page 10 of Alpha Charmed

“So.” Torin’s voice cuts through the tactical planning. “The witch. You’re courting her.”

“I’m investigating a murder.”

“With that expression you make when she’s nearby.” Elio’s smile returns. “The one that says ‘mine’ in approximately forty-seven languages.”

“I don’t have an expression⁠—”

“You’ve been professionally pining for her for nearly a decade.” Torin’s voice is mild, almost gentle. The same tone he uses when explaining obvious things to particularly dense cubs. “At some point, the professionalism becomes the excuse.”

“I’m not pining.”

Four sets of eyes stare at me with varying degrees of disbelief.

“The investigation is the priority,” I try again. “Someone murdered an elder. This isn’t a courtship opportunity.”

“Everything is a courtship opportunity.” Aslan grins, the expression doing nothing to dim the predator in his face. He’s been insufferably happy since claiming Leire—and relentlessly vocal about his opinions on others’ romantic lives. “You finally have a reason to spend time with her. Use it.”

“An elder is dead.”

“And you’re going to avenge her while also pursuing the woman you’ve wanted. Efficiency.” Aslan’s grin widens. “I approve.”

“I don’t need your approval.”

“You have it anyway.” Torin shifts in his stone chair.

The words come out sharper than I intended. “I’m pursuing her because she’s—” I stop.

Four pairs of eyes wait.

“I’m not pursuing her,” I finish lamely. “She doesn’t want to be pursued.”

“She invited you into her space.” Rhodes looks up from his notes. His expression is the particular kind of concern he reserves for situations that don’t fit proper categories. “After midnight. During an emotional crisis. That’s not the behavior of someone who doesn’t want to be pursued.”

“She needed help with an investigation.”

“She needed you.” Rhodes’s voice is flat. “I’ve been noting your interactions for years. The pattern is clear. You observe her. She observes you. Neither acts. It’s exhausting to witness.”

“You’ve been documenting my romantic situation?”

“I document everything. It’s concerning that you haven’t noticed.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Can we please focus on the actual crisis? The murder? The Preserver infiltration?”

“We can multitask.” Elio examines his fingernails again.

I push back from the stone circle and stand. “I’m going home. We’ll reconvene tomorrow to discuss actual investigation strategies. Not my personal life.”

“Your personal life is finally happening.” Elio rises with that fluid panther grace. “Some of us have been betting on the timeline. I had money on five more years of noble suffering.”

I leave.

Behind me, I hear Aslan’s voice: “Fifty gold says he makes a move within the week.”

“I’ll take that bet.” Rhodes. “He’s too noble. It’ll be at least a month.”

“The witch will make the first move.” Elio, sounding absolutely certain. “She’s more decisive than he is.”

“Agreed.” Torin. “Twenty says she cracks within two weeks.”