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“Aren’t all scientists biased one way or another? Research takes money. The source of that money is the root bias they must follow. Ya have to support the interests of the people paying yer bills.”

“The monetary price humans use to value their work is yet another issue. Nothing productive will be done about that until many centuries from now. We must seek a solution to the current problem within the limitations of current thinking.”

Zara smiled at Rasmus’s careful yet pompous ranting. His superior thinking was projecting into the future. I didn’t know whether to worry about what the female guardian was thinking or like her for finding Rasmus as amusing as I did.

When Zara turned her laughing gaze to mine, I nearly winced at my suspicious thoughts. But I just couldn’t trust her completely. I doubted I ever would.

“Colonel Benson and his witch wife should definitely come here,” Zara said. “We could protect them better. Rasmus and I both think the new wards will hold off future attackers. Someone from inside could betray us, but your efforts have reduced the capacity for another surprise attack.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask why neither she nor Rasmus had offered to do anything but I didn’t want to start an actual fight among us. I diplomatically returned to discussing Ben’s issues instead.

“I invited Ben and his wife to stay here until the threats to them pass. I don’t expect them to accept our help, but I can see a benefit for all of us if they do.”

“If they come here,” Zara said cautiously, “I would volunteer to protect the wife. Perhaps we could become friends. Maybe we could work together on tasks.”

I grinned. “And maybe ya could learn her magick.”

“Well, you’ve already admitted it would benefit us for me to do so.”

“I do that think still, but don’t get up yer hopes up.”

Rasmus watched us both. “Did you two discuss this before this meeting?”

I laughed and turned to him. “No, but we discussed a related issue. Women quickly synthesize lots of disparate information into the simplest solution that serves the majority. Both Zara and I believe that Felicity Benson's magick holds a potential solution for transforming the demon wolves back into humans. In the short term, Felicity would get a bodyguard and Zara would learn something new. That’s a win-win scenario.”

Zara beamed at me while Rasmus frowned at her. I’d have to ask him later why the idea bothered him so much. Maybe it was because he hadn’t been the one to think of it.

I looked at him and then at everyone else. “I’m not suggesting we spend all our time hiding out here. Ben will have jobs, and we’ll do them. However, we will stay on alert for future attacks. Someone had to tell them where I lived and about the wards.”

“Who would do that?” Rasmus asked.

“The only person with a grudge against me is Ezra. If that evil fairy put a significant price on my head, more will try to gain entrance here, and some may possess the power to break wards. I’ve warned Henry to be on alert. Speaking of Henry,” I looked around, “he and Gale have guests coming this weekend. He said he would text us with meal plans and arrangements. Ya’ll be on yer own for lunch each day. I suggest ya stock those little mini-fridges in yer bedrooms.”

Conn chuckled. “Theywould nevermake you rely on a mini-fridge to feed yourselves. Trust me. However, Mulan and I will feed ourselves until their guests leave. I’ve been asked to keep my presence to a minimum in the main house.”

“Why?” I asked, truly curious.

“Because the workers stop working when I’m around. They wait to see what I might ask them to do instead. It’s a reflex.”

“Conn is very impressive,” Mulan said with awe before rolling her eyes.

Conn’s pinch had her yelping and Zara laughing.

“Ah...” I said with a chuckle. “Henry told ya to keep yer kingly butt in the Wu Shaman’s house where it belongs.”

“It’s a request I find quite reasonable to follow since it’s the place I most want to be.”

I laughed. “Good, because it’s yer fault that I like the way they spoil me. Please don’t ruin it by playing king of the main house when they ask ya not to.”

Conn chuckled. “After all those years in Demon Hunter prison, you deserve some spoiling. I’m glad our situation has worked out for all of us.”

“So am I,” I said. “When Fiona gets home, everything will be perfect.”

Conn didn’t reply. Neither did anyone else. I glanced around the table. “What?” I asked. “Do ya all know something I don’t?”

When no one answered me, Rasmus cleared his throat. “She belongs to the angel until he’s done with her. Did you not see his brand on her arm?”

“What brand?” I demanded.