up to, and we do. We’re all college educated and work with werecats around the world to better our lives and theirs. We manage rogues when we see them, and if we can, get them to settle down.”
“And we kill anyone who breaks our rules,” Hisao added. “Then, you broke our rules.”
I winced. “Yeah, I know.”
“Obviously, we couldn’t kill you, so we’re adjusting.” Zuri tapped her nails on the coffee table in front of her. “This could go wrong if you screw up, Jacky.”
“Or it could go very right,” Niko retorted. “They’re all mad at her and us because of her. Western European werecats call me once a week to bitch about their werewolves, who have started this insane global effort to talk to us. The London vampire nest is also trying to talk to a werecat nearby, and that has me worried. We can’t change that, but…” He tilted his head, thinking. “If we show Jacky is just as invested in our safety and prosperity as a species, the others might not see her as such a problem child.”
“I’m not a problem child. I protected one little human girl!” I grumbled softly. “I did what any rational being would do, and that’s it.”
“And we need to show them you didn’t mean to cause as much trouble as you did,” Niko said softly. “This is a great opportunity, Zuri.”
“I know, and I know how you feel about the possibility of real, lasting peace with the wolves.” Zuri gave him a small smile. “Too bad you could never lead the cause.”
“I did what I could when I could.” He shrugged.
“There’s a chance this had nothing to do with the wolves,” Mischa reminded everyone. “But yes, Niko is right. Do you think Father considered that before he went to take one out of Davor’s hide?”
“Probably,” Hisao mumbled. “Keep in touch with us, Jacky.”
“I will,” I promised, swallowing. “Thanks for trusting me.”
“You’re family,” Zuri said, still smiling. “Stay safe. Family meeting adjourned.”
The video feeds all cut out at once.
Leaning back in my desk chair, I considered my next move. I was being entrusted with helping Jabari once the full moon passed, and I would be able to help fix the problem that could very well be my fault. I was going to help get justice for two dead werecats.
It felt like a win-win in my book.
Now, I just have to convince Heath he owes me enough to help me out.
9
Chapter Nine
The full moon was coming. I could feel it in my bones, ready to answer the call but not yet, not just yet. I had a few more hours before it became pressing. That meant I had time to call Heath, who would have already locked Carey away for her own safety, the same way I had done. If it were any other night, he would let her pet him. I knew, like me, they shifted more than just on the full moon; there was just more control on every other night. Tonight, there would be little control. It was the most dangerous time of the month for any of the humans in my territory.
I dialed him up, hoping he was calm, not already edgy from the coming night.
“Jacky. What can I do for you?” His scotch voice was easy on my nerves, soothing. I could recognize the Alpha talking and figured it had to be the upcoming full moon that made him channel such a calm.
“I wanted to ask you a favor to think on tonight,” I answered. “I told you about those dead werecats, right? Well, the werecat who went out to investigate has now been declared missing as well. Due to…things, I’m heading up there to check it out without getting into trouble. The problem is, we already know the last werecat had a hard time talking to the local werewolf pack…”
“What do you need from me? It sounds like an introduction.” He didn’t sound annoyed or surprised. If anything, his calm seemed to grow deeper, more patient on the other end of the line.
“That’s exactly what I need. I’ve been told to stay out of any immediate trouble and danger, so it should be an easy trip. With our…obvious public connection, it might be easier for you to get me in to get some answers if the wolves know anything.”
“Or they could be the problem, and I would literally be throwing you to the wolves,” he replied. “Have you or whoever you’re talking to considered that?”
“Sure.” Kind of...not really.