“No,” Cooper agreed. “But confessing to the development of a biological weapon with the express purpose of targeting a specific group of people is a good start. Not to mention the fact you just implied you knew Ryan Basque had possession of said weapon and didn’t report it. Those are going to be far heftier charges than accomplice.”

Freeman stared at him for one beat, two, then her face twisted in rage. “They’ll turn on you, you know,” she spat. “You might have stopped me, but the word is already out, or it will be soon enough. The three factions have been jostling for control for too long to let a potential source of power live peacefully. They’ll fight over you like three starving dogs over a rabbit. If I get nothing else out of this other than the satisfaction of knowing that one day this stupid curse of a legend will rip you apart, then so be it.”

Cooper glanced at the viewing window briefly, then turned his back to it and stepped up to the edge of the table. Placing a hand on the cool metal, he leaned over close.

“And if I really am the Moon?” he quietly murmured. “Would you still think threatening me was a good idea?”

Freeman blinked at him, confusion flickering in her eyes. A touch of fear, too. “You’re human,” she said. “You and I both know that’s nonsense. There’s no such thing.”

“Maybe not for us,” Cooper agreed. “But you said it yourself. I’m part of their world now. And I will do whatever it takes to protect what’s mine as well as any other wolf who needs me. Whatever name you want to give it, that part is true.”

He straightened and backed away. “Sorry I can’t stay,” he said in a normal volume, checking the time. “The courts are closing soon and I have some business that can’t wait. Goodbye, Dr. Freeman.”

Cooper walked out of the room without looking back.

On the other side of the door stood Park and Cola waiting with her arms crossed. “Nice little confession you got,” she said. “I was worried for a minute in the beginning, but all’s well that ends well.”

“Thanks,” Cooper said dryly.

“What did you whisper to her at the end, though? We couldn’t hear.”

“Just talking long-term plans,” he said easily.

“Cute,” Cola said. “But I said we couldn’t hear you. We heard her threats crystal clear.”

“Then you know she was implying you have a leak.”

“Yes.” Cola shifted her weight then sighed slightly. “I will do everything I can to clean house and keep the details of this case need-to-know, you have my word on that. But...”