“I can,” I said, “and I will.”
Mathias stepped forward, slow and controlled, and placed his hand on her shoulder. His fingertips glowed with a soft green light that pulsed like a heartbeat. People in the café paid attention for a moment, but then turned away as if something nudged their focus elsewhere. Mathias's glamour quietly swept the space.
Nicole gasped. “Get away from me. I am a high-ranking werewolf. If you touch me again, I will report you to the council.”
“You should have thought about that before you accepted money to frame children,” Mathias said.
Her breathing became heavy. “Do not touch me. Do not touch me.”
I pressed my palm lightly against her back, reinforcing the spell that held her still. “You will not be harmed if you cooperate.”
“That is not true,” Mathias correc
