Page 30 of Bitter Discord

“You’ll steer clear of the mansion and anyone else you see come and go from it. In return, I will give you an interview,” Zuri said, smiling. “We’ll know if you spy.”

“It’s regularly swept for unauthorized electronics. We have cameras secretly placed in a four-block radius as well.” I wasn’t skilled enough to clear rooms myself, not yet. Dirk still did it for me most days when Bethany visited. She was just following her job’s protocol, and I knew she didn’t entirely like it. Zuri promised to do it while we were together in Dallas.

“Why would an interview with you be worth not knowing what’s happening in our own city?” Rhodes asked.

“Because I’m an old werecat… and a witch. I’m more interesting than anyone you’ll ever find. I can be a very good source of information and an ally in your effort to better understand the supernatural world… within limits.”

“We both know you wouldn’t tell me anything useful,” Director Rhodes countered.

“Certainly, but it’s better than the alternative.” Zuri smiled. “A somewhat useless ally rather than a very dangerous enemy.”

Director Rhodes narrowed his eyes, so I changed our course.

“Let me try this.” I leaned on the table. “Back in April, there was an incident with the Dallas pack. You probably read the report, right? They attacked my home and tried to kill the Eversons. Heath and I discovered the witch family living outside of town who orchestrated the coup in 2018 and nearly finished taking control of the pack in April. We didn’t just discover them. We put our lives on the line to stop them, not just for us or for Dallas’ werewolves. We helped everyone in this country.”

“You did,” the director said warily. “You want us not to spy as repayment?”

“I want you not to spy so we don’t have another potentially catastrophic situation in the city. Tensions are high with the supernaturals right now, specifically witches, werewolves, and werecats. Zuri and I are playing politics. We don’t need an extra group of people adding tension we can’t afford. We’re not two citizens asking you to stay out of our business.”

“We’re a diplomatic envoy of the werecat ruling family demanding a party unrelated to our affairs stayoutof our affairs,” Zuri finished. “Do we need to make it any clearer? If you fight us, the offer of at least having me on your record is out the window. I’ll just enforce our will by force.”

“This is still our city,” Director Rhodes said, putting a finger on the table.

“Not to the supernatural world,” Zuri said, shaking her head. “Jacky took out the largest power in this city when the Dallas pack fell, and she refused to allow werewolves to stay in the city. To the witches and fae left, it’s our family.” She looked at me. “This is why I always hated that the werewolves went public in the eighties. It just complicates everything.”

“I was a human under the age of ten when it happened. I kind of thought it was cool,” I told her.

“Clearly.” Zuri didn’t roll her eyes from what I could see, but there was something in her voice that told me she wanted to.

“Back on track, ladies,” Sutton said, gruff and annoyed.

“Watch your tone with your elders,” Zuri chastised.

“Excuse me—”

“We’ll stay out of the way,” Director Rhodes said, cutting off Sutton. “While I would love to be in the way, one of the jobs of the BSA is knowing when we need to steer clear of the supernatural to keep humanity as a whole safe. If you feel my agents could… spark the flame, so to speak, then I will keep them out of the way. On one condition, of course.”

“Let’s hear it,” I said, glad that smart people still existed in the world.

“There can’t be anything overtly illegal happening. You’re not running drugs or planning to overthrow the United States government, correct?”

“This is a meeting of minds to ensure the stability of current ruling powers and the delicate balancing act between two supernatural species who have gone to war on multiple occasions,” Zuri promised. She was making our gathering seem much more important than it was, but she was the one who knew how to have the gravitas she’d mentioned earlier. “Nothing illegal. Just talking, learning, understanding. Nothing more.”

“Then all I would ask is for a heads-up if there is trouble,” the Director said, standing, everyone following his lead except Zuri. “I read Agent Kirk’s reports with interest every time she turns them in. The differences in approach between werecats and werewolves are fascinating. You’re a private group of people who don’t like to make a stir. I like people like you. If this is done, I’ll coordinate with my different groups and make sure we stay off anyone who might be involved with your… gathering.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Zuri leaned back in her seat. “This will also keep your agents safe. I hope you understand. I didn’t want to threaten them, but I would have if you pushed.”

“Oh, the thought certainly crossed my mind,” the Director said, adjusting his blazer. “You’ll give me that interview when you’re free. Call me.” He pulled a card out from his jacket and put it on the table. He only had eyes for Zuri, and the scent of his attraction became clear as he walked past the vent to leave, the Assistant Director on his heels.

“It’s been a long day,” I said softly.

“It has,” Zuri agreed, finally standing. She took the card, read it quickly, then put it in her clutch.

“Bethany, this was fun. We’ll see ourselves out.”

“Have a nice day. Thank you so much for coming in to have this meeting. It means a lot to me.”

“We have to work together sometimes, right? I’ll see you at my place for our normal appointment in a couple weeks.” I waved and left, Zuri following. We said nothing until we reached the car.

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