The sky darkened. Wind tossed a fistful of hail against the coffee shop’s windows.

Vlad walked into the shop leading Commander Gresh and what Simon assumed were the man’s mate and offspring. Behind them were Captain Burke and Agent O’Sullivan.

And pushing past them came Merri Lee and Ruthie. They dodged everyone else crowded into the coffee shop, had a hurried discussion with Nadine Fallacaro, who was behind the counter, then headed for the back door, where Mist waited.

“Arroo!” Even from a human throat, a Wolf howl silenced humans quite satisfactorily. “There is food here and at Meat-n-Greens. There are books in the library, and you can read anything in the store.” Simon gestured toward the archway to indicate Howling Good Reads. “Pups are staying in one of the efficiency apartments with Miss Twyla and the Sierra. They have books and movies and food up there. You humans need to pick a place where you’re going to wait out the storm and then stay there. When the storm arrives, we’ll be locking the doors because anything in the open is prey.”

Silence.

Burke stepped forward. “I appreciate you offering shelter to some of our families. Lieutenant Montgomery will remain here with his team to give you whatever assistance they can, and to respond to any calls in the area. I’m going back to the station. The rest of my men are there.”

Simon looked into Burke’s eyes. The man knew—or knew enough—of what was coming with the storm.

“Stay inside until it’s done,” Simon said. “That won’t guarantee your safety, but you’ll have no chance in the open.”

You’re going to have to let some humans die if you want to survive and save the rest. That was the real message.

Burke nodded. “I’d better be on my way.”

Louis Gresh looked at his mate. “I’m going to the station too. You and the children will be safe here.”

His mate didn’t look sure of that, but she nodded.

“Elliot Wolfgard gave me permission to remain in the consulate and maintain contact with Governor Hannigan,” Greg O’Sullivan said. “He suggested that I pick up food and drink before the storm hits.”

“Do that now,” Simon said.

“People.” Burke’s voice boomed in the coffee shop. “While there is comfort in numbers, you need to consider what has been said. Two places are stocked with provisions and other supplies. You need to split up between them so that one place doesn’t run out of food while the other place has food spoiling.”

The older Debany male looked around. “The captain has a good point. So where can we be the most use?”

Simon stared at the humans who seemed to be waiting for him to issue instructions.

Where can the humans be of use? He hadn’t anticipated any of them wanting to be useful, just wanting a safe place to shelter.