It would be quicker if he did it, but the hall was empty. Karl handed me his gloves—sheer fabric that let me feel and grip objects, but wouldn’t leave prints.

I shifted so my body would block anyone’s view from the right. Karl took up position on my left.

“You’re blocking my light,” I said.

“You can’t pick locks in the dark?”

“You still need to teach me.”

“That’s what I’m doing.”

He stayed where he was, shadow cast over my hands. I closed my eyes and worked by feel. Overkill, but my heart was already picking up speed and I wasn’t averse to adding an extra layer of challenge…and danger.

After a minute, his hand closed around mine. My eyes flew open.

“Keep them shut,” he murmured. When I did, he straightened my fingers, guiding them. “Now, you can feel the…”

He led me through it. I struggled to pay attention, but the feel of his fingers through the thin fabric, the warmth of his breath, the overwhelming awareness of him, standing inches away…Let’s just say the chaos buzz of the lock-picking wasn’t the only thing making my pulse race.

Finally, we got it unlocked. I opened the door.

“Do you still have those locks I gave you for practice?” he asked.

“I do.”

“You should work on them in different light conditions.”

“You mean I’m not perfect yet?”

“Shockingly enough.”

He propelled me through the hall, then circled the room, sniffing discreetly.

“I don’t think that’s going to do it,” I said.

“I’m just starting.”

“You mean you’re working up to the undignified part.”

A snort, but he didn’t disagree, just kept circling.

“Just get down on the carpet,” I said. “I swear I won’t take photos.”

He crouched, then cast a surreptitious glance my way.

“Oh, good God, just get down already.” I turned my back to him and crossed my arms. “Better? I swear, Karl, even in Miami, you win bonus points for vanity.”

Another snort. Another noticeable lack of disagreement. After a few minutes, I said, “When Elena and I worked a council job together, she said her sense of smell is better when she’s in wolf form.”

“Humph.”

“I’m just saying…”

“Elena’s sense of smell is better than mine in any form.”

“And you admit it?”

“Only because it isn’t a skill I care to excel in.” A pause. “But you’re right. I should Change.”

“I was kidding, Karl. I know it’s not like snapping your fingers—”

“No, I should. I’m already overdue.”

“Ah, that’s why you’ve been so grouchy.”

“Yes. It has absolutely nothing to do with you.”