If she gave any indication that she wanted my help, I would be ready. We were in the city. Tall buildings abounded. Wouldn’t take me long to get to one. I could defenestrate Woodbridge on a dime.

“The park is community space,” Woodbridge said. “Should I have ignored you? That wouldn’t have been polite.” He sniffed. “No need to overreact.”

“No need to gaslight, either,” Juliet said, her professional voice in place, perfectly modulated. From the look on his face, I was sure Woodbridge had expected her to argue or sputter excuses, but she said nothing. She might as well have held up a sign that said, “We don’t give two shits what you think, old man.” I wanted to fucking clap.

“So this is the ‘counseling’ your mentor approved.” Woodbridge raised an eyebrow at our workout clothes. “Stretching in a park.”

“Sometimes we walk.” The words were out of my mouth before I could remind myself that Juliet didn’t need me stepping in. Well, I couldn’t just leave it at that. “This time it was yoga.” I butted my shoulder against Juliet’s. “Juliet is an excellent counselor.”

A nasty smile lit Woodbridge’s face. “Oh, I’m sure you think so. Yoga no doubt highlights her best…attributes.”

I couldn’t stop the growl that came out of my throat and I didn’t want to.

Calm down. Lou’s voice in my head was measured, though I could feel her anger at Woodbridge boiling underneath. Juliet’s got this. You’re making it harder for her.

I know, I said apologetically. He’s just such a dick.

She snorted.

Through all of this, the polite mask on Juliet’s face never wavered. “Studies have shown that shifters respond better to counseling if they can move while they talk—even if it’s just sitting on an exercise ball and rocking.”

“Like hyperactive children,” Woodbridge spat out.

“Shifters are physical creatures. While they can, of course, stay idle just like humans, in a heightened emotional state—like discussing problems with a counselor—they manage better when they’re allowed movement.” Juliet raised one brow, her expression cool. “Why would a patient open up to me if I can’t even see to their basic comfort?”

“Seeing to comfort is definitely a specialty of yours.” For the first time, Woodbridge looked directly at Savannah when he spoke. “Even if it means crossing professional boundaries.”

Juliet’s face went white. “What does that mean?”

Woodbridge blinked innocently at his daughter. “That you might go above and beyond to help a patient, that’s all.”

Oh, fuck this guy. I’d been trying so hard to step back and let Juliet handle her father, but my wolf could not deal with Woodbridge verbally attacking my pack. You don’t go after pups. I wasn’t sure what Woodbridge was going on about, but he’d been implying something about Savannah, that was clear. That was the only thing that could shake Juliet that much.

I growled, stepping forward, forcing Woodbridge to step back. “Arcanist Woodbridge, not another word. Not a peep or a whisper. You will leave.” I ducked my face until we were eye to eye. “I don’t care if this is a public space or not. While we agreed to surprise inspections, this does not qualify, and Dr. Larsen has already warned you.”