“Sorry not sorry,” I said, and Gabriel smiled.
“What’s the next move?” he asked.
“They’ll plan the memorial,” Connor said. “If there’s a schism in the clan, we’ll probably see evidence of it when they make those plans. Memorials are a big deal in the Pack,” he said, shifting his gaze to me. “The celebration of life, the reunification of the body with the earth.”
“That will be telling,” I said. “If the clan had any involvement in his death, if someone was angry at him, it might come out in those discussions.”
“Might,” Gabriel said. “Unless they’re savvy enough to hide it.”
“Nothing hidden regarding the murder,” Connor said. “But we’ll see.”
“When were you supposed to come back?” his father asked.
“Tomorrow,” Connor said, glancing at me. “But we’re negotiating.”
“If both of you can swing it, I’d like you to stay a couple more days. I don’t want whatever has infected the clan to spread to the rest of the Pack. It needs to be isolated and rooted out. If they get suspicious, say—I don’t know—that you’re staying to pay your respects to Loren.”
A tiny hand holding a tiny pink brush sneaked into view. It smashed bright pink powder onto Gabriel’s cheek, leaving a splotch.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said, voice and eyes flat. “That’s very pretty.”
A child giggled.
“I’m also open to your driving home immediately,” Gabriel said. “Please.”
“I wouldn’t want to interrupt your grandchild bonding time,” Connor said with a grin. “And I don’t mind staying.”
“I can clear it with the Ombudsman, if that would help,” Gabriel said. Then added, “Not on the walls, Milo.”
“I think Yuen will understand the delay,” I said. “But it probably wouldn’t hurt for him to hear from the Apex.”
“Done,” Gabriel said as tiny glitter stickers were pressed to his face. “Feast your eyes on the Apex of the North American Central Pack in all his glory.”
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” Connor said, “and is covered in glitter stickers.”
***
When the call was done, Connor settled back onto the couch again, ran a hand through his hair.
As if by instinct—and where had that come from?—I curled into him. Connor made a sound of satisfaction, wrapped his arms around me.
“You sure you’re fine with staying?”
“I’m too intrigued to leave,” I admitted. “As long as Yuen’s good with it.”
“I’m pretty sure he will be when he’s advised you’re helping solve a supernatural murder.”
“Which is, ironically, what the sheriff’s office would be doing if Cash hadn’t paid him off.”
“Yeah,” Connor said ruefully. “This place is more of a mess than I’d imagined. So I’m glad I have backup.”
“It’s a shame you can’t rely on Miranda for that.”
“I could rely on her if things got hairy because she’s Pack, and she’s Chicago Pack. But no, she won’t take a silver bullet for me.”
“I’ll make you a deal,” I said. “You take an aspen stake for me, and I’ll take a silver bullet for you.”
“Deal,” Connor said, and lowered his mouth to mine. The kiss was soft, almost teasing, and enough to have my blood speeding.