Page 43 of Assisting the Alpha
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, andI’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.
