Page 158 of Wolf Blood

Harper was in the middle of telling me a story about her assistant job, but I couldn't really screen calls when Mav was gone. My gaze flicked to the caller ID, and hers followed.

"Answer it." She waved me toward it.

"Finish your story."

She gave me a look. "I can keep telling you about the fish tank later, Rhone."

I reluctantly picked up my phone. "What?"

She rolled her eyes at my lack of a greeting.

I poked a strawberry with my fork and lifted it to her lips.

"We've got someone in the lobby for you. Her name's Neve. She says she's the leader of the Vampire Aid Guild."

Shit.

"I'll be there as soon as possible. Don't let her leave, and don't kill her."

I hung up, and looked at Harper.

"Neve's here?" she asked.

I nodded.

Harper stood up. "Let's go."

"You're staying behind me. If she says anything cruel to you, I'm breaking her nose."

"Reasonable," she drawled.

I stood too, taking her hand. She slid her fingers through mine, and the only thing that gave away her nerves was the tight grip she had on my hand.

I signaled one of the enforcers. He nodded toward the table, letting me know he'd take care of the dishes as we headed out.

"We need her to help us find Holly. Don't say anything to piss her off,"Harper murmured as we stepped into the elevator.

"Me not pissing her off seems unlikely."

"That's why I'm warning you."

"If she's desperate enough to show up here, she's choosing a life in prison over letting Holly kill her. She knows she has to tell us, or we won't protect her. Me pissing her off isn't going to change that."

"I don't like that logic, Rhone."

"I'll play nice as long as she does."

Harper sighed, but agreed.Her grip tightened on my hand as the elevator dinged and the doors opened to the lobby.

We stepped out, and found ourselves facing my mate's mother.

As far as mothers-in-law went, I hadn't won the lottery.

I gestured Neve and the pair of enforcers behind her toward a room just off the lobby. It was a stiff, formal office that was rarely used.

Neve went in first, followed by the enforcers that flanked her. I put Harper in front of me, and propelled her inside with a hand on her hip.

She took the desk chair when I guided her toward it, and I remained on my feet at her side, folding my arms over my chest.