“His attempt to master American idioms.”
Emma laughed. “He also needs to tone down his Russian accent, maybe a couple notches.”
“Any who, Nik spends most of his time on missions. Won’t lie. He was pissed Rylee called him away from pursuing Saskia.”
“He made that very loud and clear. Saskia is one of the escaped Nazi werewolves and a serial killer.”
“When they captured Nik, he was supposed to have mated her.”
“Really?”
“He dodged that bullet.” She sighed. “Or dodged that bite.”
“I bet.” Did he pursue Saskia because he’d been drawn to her as a mate? Nah, she was a murderer. Then again, once the wolf felt a love bond, that sort of history didn’t matter as much. Maybe he hoped to turn her.
Cricket wrinkled her brow. “What’s really odd is when we go to bars, Nik doesn’t drink alcohol.”
Red flags and not necessarily old Soviet ones flashed before her. “Maybe he’s an alcoholic?”
“No. At least Slade and I don’t think so. Rylee might, but she won’t share.”
Emma bit the inside of her cheek and stared at her mug. “Hmm. I bet if that was an issue, Rylee would let me know.”
“I’m sure she would, unless the almighty Rylee doesn’t know.” She laughed. “Maybe, he just doesn’t like the taste.”
“Yeah right.”
Emma changed the subject. “I wonder if my father’s cottage is still here.” Her eyes prickled with tears. “I remember staying there just about every summer since age ten. When I was twelve, Rylee introduced me to your world.” She traced the silvery claw marks on her arm. “Marked me.”
“The cabin belongs to you. If you prefer, you can stay there.”
“Perhaps someday.” Until she settled into her new position, she’d stay close to headquarters. She glanced at Cricket. “Did you know my father?”
“Only by phone. I never met Mr. H. in person.”
“Now as a top LIA agent, I’m sure you would have.”
Cricket smiled. “Explains why I got to meet you. As a matter of fact, Rylee wants me to be at your beck and call while you’re here.”
“My handler.”
“We jokingly say your border collie.”
“Huh?”
“As in a herding dog.”
“That makes me feel sheep. You know as in cheap.”
Cricket shook her head. “Baaad.”
Emma liked that Cricket seemed looser about pack rules. “I noticed you didn’t demand to take the first sip before I did?”
“As far as I’m concerned when it’s just the two of us, or on an outside mission, we act like normal girlfriends. No wolfish behavior.” Cricket lowered her voice. “Which I personally detest.”
“I understand after all you went through.”
“How much do you know about me?”