Page 47 of Lost Girl

“Niko.”

“Cortez.”

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb push Soren out of the way and practically rush her like eager puppies. She laughs, thankfully, and shakes their hands as well. If she’s anything but flattered and amused, she doesn’t show it.

Cortez then inhales a heap of air, seconds away from spouting some stupid crap, which prompts me to slide between them like a buffer.

Doesn’t. Do. Shit.

Both of them bark out a laugh that leaves my nostrils flaring in silent indignation.Don’t do it,my stare warns, but Cortez opens his mouth anyway.

“Sooo defensive, geez. Watch your back, little Wendy. That’s the Alpha right there and he’s got his eye on you.”

This fucking asshole.

“Cool it, Tez,” Soren chimes.

“I’m fucking around, man, chill,” he snaps, turning around with his shoulders already squared.

Soren is unfazed though, rolling his eyes to solidify the obvious. “It’s unnecessary and fucking childish. Be respectful.”

“The other’s still out there?” I interject, ‘cause that’s all that matters right now.

I’ll get Cortez back soon enough.

“Yeah,” Soren nods, “they’re keeping on perimeter until dawn. Like I said, we’re clear, so theycouldturn in if they wanted. I told them as much but you know how Levi is with shit like this.”

Thorough and unrelenting.

“It’s fine. Better safe than sorry. I’m gonna make sure she’s comfortable and then I’ll meet you guys, alright?”

Soren tips his head and pulls the other two away by the back of their shirts before they can utter another word. Once they’re out of ear shot, Wendy turns to me, an impressed brow arched high as she crosses her arms.

“So you’re the Alpha?”

“In the flesh,” I quip, holding my hands up in surrender as I start moving again.

“I should’ve known,” she chuckles, following behind me. “Were you ever going to tell me, or did you want me thinking you were just an ordinary wolf?”

“Does the status matter?” I’m honestly taken aback by the question, by her tone, too.

She’s not upset, but she seems, I don’t know, disappointed, maybe? “It’s not that it matters, I just assumed that’s something you’d want me to know. Something you’d be proud of.”

Why? Not like that would change anything.

“Maybe I didn’t want you to feel intimidated?” I shrug noncommittally.

Wendy huffs a small scoff. “I’ve already seen you in your wolf form, Tavi. Can’t get more intimidating than that.”

“I’m sorry?” I don’t know what else to say. I truly didn’t think it was important to mention.

“Don’t be,” she sighs. “I’m tired and cranky. Everything’s just now hitting me and I’m—”

“Hey.” Voice soft, I wrap a hand around her arm, dragging her gaze up to meet my own. “I get it. It’s a lot to take in all in one night. You’re right, though—I should’ve told you, I just didn’t think it mattered.”

“You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to share. You’re under no obligation and you certainly don’t owe me anything.”

“I’ll share anything you want to know,” I vow. “But you need to rest first.”

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