the firefighters if she wants news for a fire report? I know nothing about burning stuff.”
“Burning stuff. Ha.” Holly rolled her eyes. “I bet the fire’s just an excuse. Earlier, I heard her asking Royce about you and Juri.” She shifted her gaze to where Juri stood with Archer. “It’s good to see you two together. Are you... all right?”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Phoenix groaned. “Perfect. A nosy wanna-be reporter is just what I need right now. Where is she?”
“Over there.” Holly pointed toward a lean blonde wearing boots, jeans shorts, and a tank top. The camera strap was slung over her shoulder. Isabel was also talking to Deputy Dale until she noticed Phoenix and Holly looking her way.
Phoenix growled. “Great. She’s coming over.”
“You’re too big to overlook for long. Better have Juri join you,” Holly murmured. “You two need to present a united front, or she’ll spread even more rumors. I need to check in with my team.” She bumped his shoulder with her fist and took off.
“Hey! What do you mean more rumors?” Phoenix called after her. When Holly didn’t turn, and instead waved over her shoulder, Phoenix snarled. “Vickers!”
“Did she give you bad news?” Juri stopped beside him and immediately wrapped one arm around his waist. “Fuck, it’s hot.” He coughed and waved a hand in front of his face. “We should head back to Archer and—”
“Alpha!” Isabel had finally reached them, practically bouncing in her boots. She fluttered her long lashes—as though that would have any effect on Phoenix—and lifted her camera. “And our beloved Beta, too. Would it be okay if I snapped a picture of you in front of the fire? I can see the headline.” She raised one hand in a dramatic gesture. “Leaders in love cut romantic evening short to battle raging fire.”
Juri grunted and shot Isabel an annoyed look. “I think you should inform your readers about the fire and the need to be cautious instead of bringing us into the story. Alpha Phoenix and I are here to show our support and respect for the Hazel Wood’s fire department and coordinate the helpers if necessary.”
Isabel pouted. “Aww, come on. Nobody cares about an abandoned factory burning down. This town longs for gossip about our favorite couple.” She produced a cell phone, tapped the screen a couple of times then held it up between them. “Is there a wedding planned? When will you add children to your family? Juri, your brothers all have kids. Don’t you want an heir?”
Phoenix dreaded the crazy gleam in her eyes. Or maybe it was a trick of the fire. “Look, if you’re not interested in reporting about a possible case of arson, I’d advise you to get back behind the cordon. And I’ll have a talk with your uncle about letting family members roam crime scenes, as well as with your boss.” He felt Juri rub his back in a soothing caress. When he turned his head, he found Juri shooting him a warning glance. Right. Angering the press is bad form for an alpha.
Isabel stomped her foot. “But—”
Juri took Isabel by the arm. “Look, Isabel. If you’re serious about an honest article about Phoenix and me, why don’t you come by in a couple of days and we’ll give you an interview. An at home type of thing? Right now, we really need to concentrate on the fire. Arson’s a serious crime, even if it is an abandoned building that’s burning down.” While Juri led her toward her uncle, Phoenix followed them and kept listening.
“We were informed by the Paw’s Cove fire chief that an arsonist targeted unoccupied houses in their territory. It’s possible we’re dealing with the same guy. Since arsonists tend to escalate eventually, we’ll increase patrols to make sure nobody gets hurt.”
Isabel looked up at Juri with wide eyes. “How do you know it’s a guy? It could be a woman.”
They’d reached Archer, who stood beside a tall woman clad in black protective pants and a puffy black and yellow jacket. “Because most arsonists are male,” the woman said.
Phoenix held out his hand. “Deidre?”
“That’s me.” She took his hand and squeezed it with surprising force. “Alpha Phoenix?” When he nodded, she smiled. “I knew it. Desmond told me you were the hot one.” She winked at Juri. “And sadly unavailable.”
Juri growled and took Phoenix’s hand. “Absolutely unavailable.”
Pleased by the rare show of affection, as well as confused since he and Juri were on wobbly ground right now, Phoenix struggled