Woodbridge nodded stiffly, unhappy but unable to argue.

Mama Ami stood. “If that’s all?” She phrased it like a question, but everyone understood it as a dismissal.

We said our goodbyes, thanking Prisha and basically ignoring Woodbridge, Mama Ami hanging back with us. Then Declan stared at the two members of the Tribunal until they both gathered their things. It was a very wolfy thing to do, and I appreciated its effectiveness.

“We’ll see ourselves out,” Woodbridge said.

Declan didn’t move, holding me in place, waiting to make sure they both left the house. He wouldn’t want them on his territory and wouldn’t feel safe until they were gone. In that moment that was very clear—this may be Trick’s house, but Declan considered this to be his territory all the same. I squeezed his hand. I didn’t think any of us would argue with him.

Once we heard their cars start up and drive away, his shoulders softened. He let go of me and hugged Mama Ami. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” She hugged him back. “I’m glad you contacted me.”

“I know you had to drop everything and this whole mess has upset your schedule—”

Mama Ami waved him off. “It’s what family does.” The corner of her mouth kicked up. “I’m just glad I’m here to spike Woodbridge’s plans and hold him in check. That man—” She shook her head, her lips tight against the profanity she no doubt wanted to heap onto Woodbridge.

I laughed and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mama Ami. And thank you.”

“I love you to, Loulou.” She patted my shoulder. “Just keep it up. We’ll show them, won’t we?”

I walked Mama Ami to her car, leaving Declan to call his sister. When I came back in, he was standing in the middle of the living room, frowning at his phone, waves of concern coming through our link.

“Everything okay?”

“Zoey didn’t answer her phone.”

I touched his wrist. “Does she usually keep her phone close?”

He shook his head. “No, but she would right now.” He tapped his phone, calling her again. With each ring, I felt his tension ratchet higher.

I rubbed small circles between his shoulders, listening as the faint ringing sound stopped and Zoey’s voice came over the line, telling us to leave a message. “Is there another way to contact her?”

Declan immediately started scrolling through his contacts. “I can call Sid.” He hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen. “I haven’t talked to her.” There was a wealth of if not sadness, then something similar in his brown eyes.

I kissed him quick and soft. “Want me to call her for you? If you’re not ready?”

Declan’s arm slid along my waist, tucking me to him. “No, I can do it.” His hand dipped under my shirt, his palm hot as it rested on my lower back. “Thank you for offering.”

“Want me to stay or go?”

He tucked his face against my neck, breathing deep. “Stay. Please.”