I swung the door open a moment before Derek walked through it. “I heard the conversation. I’m coming,” he said. Ascanio rolled his eyes. “This will be fun.” Derek parked himself in the doorway. “You need backup.” “She has backup.” “Yes, but someone will have to carry the Prince of Hyenas if he accidentally stabs his pinkie toe, and she isn’t a shapeshifter.” “Fine.” I headed for my vehicle. Behind me Ascanio snorted. “Idiot wolf.” “Spoiled bouda brat.” “Bigot.” “Crybaby.” “Shit for brains.” “Momma’s boy.” Universe, grant me patience.
