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“How are you holding up?” Nyoka pats my shoulder awkwardly. Not that I blame him; I didn’t cope well when his brother died and he was dealing with his own grief at the same time. Neither of us really knows how to console the other.

Nyoka and my coven also don’t know I was attacked the same night Irving’s body was found. Ethan wasn’t about to tell them anything, and I didn’t think it was a good idea. I haven’t even told Ethan that he’s right, it was a warning, and that it was about not claiming a surprise inheritance.

I decided against saying anything on Monday, since we’d only been fooling around for a few days and it’s something I felt like I needed to deal with on my own.

And since then? Ethan’s been far too busy trying to solve this homicide case while dealing with impromptu demands for updates from the mayor.

As well as the case, Cal’s been training me every night, with Ethan and Raj taking it in turns to play attacker.

It’s the only thing that helps right now: knowing that maybe next time I’m attacked I won’t crumble under pressure.

I couldn’t be there for Irving, but maybe I’ll be able to save someone else.

I shrug, not sure what to say in response to my cousin’s question. My focus is a solid, reassuring weight around my neck, my moonstone pulsing dejectedly.

The questions Will, Fraser, and Nyoka ask me are agonising. When was the last time I saw Irving? Has he been in contact since? Was there more between us than friendship? Why were we out the back of Love Bites? Can I describe our attacker again?

The more they ask, the more upset I get until Raj steps in, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Gentlemen, if you have any further questions, we would be happy to assist at a future time. Ayo is done for now.”

Nyoka stands, squaring up to him even though Raj is almost as tall as Ethan and therefore almost a foot taller than Nyoka and me. Our family isn’t exactly known for our stature.

“That’s not for you to decide. All questions are critical in a murder investigation. Something you’d know if you had any experience of one.”

Raj ignores the dig. “I would think your cousin’s mental well-being is also of importance, Mr Muroyi.”

Fraser and Will exchange a loaded look, then stand. Will puts his tablet and stylus away and says, “I think we’ve got enough for now. Thanks for your time, Ayo.”

I manage a tight smile and stand as well. Neither of them offer to shake my hand, which is just as well, because with Fraser living in what I still think of as my apartment, being civil to the man only extends so far.

Nyoka glares at Raj for a few moments longer before turning to me. His expression softens, although not by much. “Take care of yourself.”

“I will. You too.”

Raj turns to me as soon as they leave. “I’m not Ethan, but do you want a hug? You look like you could use one.”

“Are you sure? I might rumple your suit.” Raj is pretty particular about his clothes staying pristine.

He grimaces, but then opens his arms and gestures me in. “You’re worth it.”

I actually manage a shaky laugh as I hug him. He’s right; it’s not quite the same as hugging Ethan, but it helps nonetheless.

When we get back upstairs, I hover by the empty conference room. “I just need to make a private call.”

Raj looks a little surprised. “Sure. Put up a ward if you don’t want anyone eavesdropping.”

“We’d never do that,” Jet yells from the kitchen.

Raj rolls his eyes and heads for the office.

I head into the conference room, shut the door, then put up a quick privacy ward that prevents anyone from coming in as well as stopping any sound from getting out. I will hear if anyone knocks on the door, though.

Then I scroll through my phone until I find the number I need. One of my vampire uncles, Vittorio, answers on the third ring.

“ Ayo! It’s been a while. What can I do for you? ”

“Hi, Uncle. I need your legal services and your absolute discretion. You cannot tell another soul.”

It’s time I stopped burying my head in the sand about this inheritance. I told Ms. Blake I’d had an accident on the way to our meeting and that I needed time to heal. While she’s been understanding, she keeps reminding me there’s a looming deadline.

I don’t know who warned me off or why, but I won’t let them win, and I can’t trust a human I don’t know the way I trust Uncle Vittorio.

“ Give me a moment… All right, I’m alone. What exactly do you need? ”

“I need you to claim an inheritance on my behalf, in less than two weeks, without anyone finding out.”

“You don’t actually need to sit in the café.

It’s just lunch with Zaiden.” This is my fourth attempt at persuading Ethan that no harm will come to me in a busy area of Riverside on a Saturday lunchtime.

Since we’re now across the street from the café, and I’ve already spotted Zaiden at one of the outdoor tables, this is my last chance.

Ethan frowns at Zaiden. “Is this your way of telling me you need space?”

“It’s my way of saying that as much as I appreciate you and the others protecting me when there’s a murderer on the loose, I want to be able to hang out with my best friend.”

“Without me.” His tone is flat.

I wince. “Yes.”

Ethan rubs his beard as he scans the street. “I’ll sit at one of the outdoor tables at the pub. Good enough?”

The pub in question is almost directly opposite the café, slightly further on than where we’re standing.

It’s a good compromise, and I almost kiss him as thanks before remembering we don’t do PDA.

I’m not sure how it came about, whether it’s because we’re just casual or because I’m averse to it since I don’t want any of the coven knowing we’re together, but we’ve never so much as held hands outside his flat or the office.

I can only imagine the reaction if Nyoka or my coven friends found out I’m shagging a wolf shifter. They only tolerate my friendship with Zaiden because my mum facilitated it a billion years ago. Sally is probably the sole exception, but I haven’t even told her.

“That’s great, thanks.” I rush across the street before Ethan changes his mind.

Zaiden’s face splits into a grin and he stands to hug me hard. “Fuck, I’ve missed you. I can’t wait until this is all over and we can go back to our regular Friday nights out.”

“Same.” I hug him back tightly, then sit opposite him at the table, my back to the street. I cast a quick sound distortion ward around us so no one will be able to hear the exact words, but we won’t be oddly silent to the humans at the adjacent tables.

“So, your bodyguard boyfriend allowed this much space between you?”

I grimace. “He’s glaring at you for hugging me, isn’t he?”

Zaiden laughs. “Yeah.”

“He’s just protective. He’s not my boyfriend, though.”

Zaiden raises his eyebrows at that. “No? Because the way he is with you… and the way you smell… that’s more than just friends, bro.”

I roll my eyes and pick up my menu. “I already told you we’re fooling around.”

Zaiden leans forward, forearms on the table. “Yeah, you did, but I saw how he was after you got hurt behind Love Bites, and the fact that he’s barely let you out of his sight since you were jumped on Monday? This might be more than casual for him.”

I stare at my menu, trying to ignore the little flutter that thought gives me and glad when a waitress interrupts to take our order. It gives me a few minutes to think, because as much as I like the idea of a sexy, sweet guy like Ethan as more than a bit of fun, it’s not going to happen.

“How do you feel about him?” Zaiden asks gently when the waitress leaves.

I exhale and play with the salt-shaker. “Honestly? I like him a lot, and yeah, I’m massively interested in more with him.

How could I not be? He’s gorgeous, protective, badass, a total sweetheart to me even though his default setting is grumpy, and he’s amazing in bed.

What’s not to like? But there’s no future there. ”

“Why not?”

I give him a scathing look. “Because I’d be kicked out of the coven, duh. A relationship with an alpha wolf? They’d never accept it. Nyoka already kicked me out of my apartment early when he found out I was working for Soldati Security. I don’t want to lose my coven as well.”

Zaiden frowns. “Wait, what? When was this? I know your month is up, but you said you found somewhere temporary, I’m guessing with lover boy.”

I wince. Oops. I forgot I hadn’t told him this part. “Um… so you know the night you drove me home…?”

Zaiden leans back, his expression wary. “Yes…”

“Nyoka came to see me that night. Said the task force couldn’t accept me living in the manor when I was working for their rival. Said I had to move out that night. I moved my shit to one of the attics, took a suitcase full of clothes and stuff, and…”

“And what?” Zaiden is looking a mixture of pissed off and horrified.

“Ethan found me sleeping in my car outside the office.”

“What the fuck?” Zaiden’s yell is so loud I wince. “Are you crazy?” Zaiden hisses, thankfully lowering his volume. “It’s not safe!”

“I know.”

“You could have been killed!”

“ I know , all right? I know. Ethan insisted I come inside and crash with him. I wasn’t actually out in my car for long.”

“And you’ve been at his place ever since.” Zaiden’s scowl is making me feel all kinds of guilty.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“I would have turned around and come straight back, you know. Helped you pack your shit, let you stay with me, whatever you needed.”

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that you were probably home by the time Nyoka told me, and I’d already outstayed my welcome with the pack, so I figured I’d stay the night next to the office and text you the next day. If I really needed to come to your place, I would have done.”

“Would you? Really? Actually?”

I sigh, grateful the waitress chooses that moment to bring our food and drinks.

“Yes,” I say when she’s gone. “I’d have come to your place the next night. I swear.”

Zaiden glares at his cheeseburger like it’s personally offended him.

“You’re still my best friend,” I say softly.

His lips twitch, and he throws a salt packet at me. “Fuck off, you sappy git. I know that.”

“Forgive me?” I widen my eyes and try my most pitiful face.

He rolls his eyes and shoves a chip into his mouth. Once he’s finished chewing, he sighs. “Fine, yes, I forgive you. But hey, are you still saving for your own place?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Because I thought we could get a place in the neutral zone together. I admit it’s a bit of a risk with the coven being wankers about other species, but since we’re just friends, maybe they’d be okay with it?”

When Nyoka told me just over a month ago that I’d have to move out, this was actually the first solution I thought of. But although a lot has changed for me since then, nothing has for Zaiden.

“As awesome as that would be, you need your pack.”

Zaiden frowns. “They’d still be my pack. They won’t kick me out for living with a magic-user.”

“You’d be apart from them, though. I know you, Zay. It would be awesome at first, and we’d have heaps of fun… but then eventually you’d suffer, surrounded by all these buildings with nowhere to go for a run. You need them.”

Zaiden’s scowl is epic. “I don’t care. You need me more.”

And this is why he’s my best friend. One of many reasons.

“I’ll be fine. I can afford my own place soon.” Probably. “Then you can stay over as often as you like. Besides, could you even afford to live around here with your measly student loan?”

“Pfft, I’d figure it out. I make a decent amount busking.” Zaiden points a stern finger at me. “Promise me we’ll go out soon. It’s been far too long since we got drunk and raised hell. My brother actually told me he was proud of me yesterday.” He shudders and pulls a face, and I laugh.

“One hundred percent yes. Fingers crossed this is all over by my birthday. We can have a night out to remember.”

Zaiden holds his fist out and I bump it with mine. “I’m holding you to that.”