Hector and Carlos Cortez, two of Lucas’s three half-brothers. I’d been wondering whether Benicio himself would come to collect us or would send someone instead. When it came to Cabal relations with werewolves or vampires, every nuance would be noticed and analyzed by the entire corporation.

Only in the last decade had the werewolves reentered the larger supernatural world. As evidenced by the way Karl had been treated, they were still viewed with a combination of curiosity and trepidation. Some weren’t happy that Benicio had initiated contact with Jeremy Danvers, the werewolf Alpha. Sending his sons to meet us was a small step back, but perhaps the politically shrewd move.

“Karl. Hope.”

Footfalls sounded behind us and we turned to see Benicio approaching from the other end of the floor, Troy behind him.

“Meetings never run on schedule, do they? Come along then. We’ll talk in my office.”

As we followed Benicio, I couldn’t help smiling. A deft move. In accompanying Karl personally, Benicio could not be accused of any slight against a werewolf envoy. Yet those who didn’t want to see their leader treating the Alpha—via his proxy—as an equal would argue that Benicio had sent his sons but, after an accidental hallway encounter, the only civil thing to do was take us himself. Another lesson learned.

BENICIO LED US through a tiny reception area, then dismissed Troy to an adjoining room.

We entered what was—from the photos on the desk—clearly Benicio’s private office, but it wasn’t much larger than the waiting room. Still it certainly was the best real estate in the building, overlooking Biscayne Bay, with an amazing floor-to-ceiling window that showcased the view.

“You must be here to discuss my arrangement with Hope,” Benicio said as he waved us to chairs. “But I’m not sure this was wise, bringing her in when she’s supposed to be undercover.”

“No?” Karl settled into his chair. “Then I guess you’ll have to abort the mission.”

My knees locked before I could drop into my chair. I shot a look at Karl, certain now that he’d invited me along because he knew it could mark the end of my job.

“Did you introduce her to anyone on your way in?” Benicio asked.

“Of course not. I simply presented myself as a Pack envoy, except to your sons, who also figured out who Hope was. But I presume they’ll be discreet.”

I relaxed. While Karl might have hoped this “indiscretion” would force the end of my mission, he hadn’t done anything that would put me at risk.

“I presume you want to join Hope in repaying this debt?” Benicio said.

“I’m considering it.”

And that was it. No accusations of reneging on a deal. It was as if both men acknowledged what had happened, and were mutually agreeing to move past the pointless blame and recriminations stage to get down to business.