Fur and Claws (Race Games 4) - Page 13

TWELVE

Jo and Nic had listened to Cricket, Radley, and Theo talk back and forth about what they were doing, what they were searching for, and what they’d expect out of Jo and Nic if they were to take the offer and join them. Now, Theo was moving around the garage, studying the various weapons in different states of repair, his eyes bright with interest. He seemed far more transfixed with Frankie than anything, as if he’d never seen something so cobbled together before. It unnerved Jo to see the High Wizard of the North walking nonchalantly around her garage, but she couldn’t say anything without offense. When he reached out a hand to touch something though, she hissed through her teeth, a threat he took and removed his finger. She didn’t like anyone touching her tools.

“So you see, we could certainly use your help. And while there are many teams in the Games, we try to pick those who are either targets of the Council or who we can clearly trust,” Cricket continued. “Clearly, the two of you have been targeted already, and I think we could seriously benefit from a mutual deal.”

“I don’t understand,” Nic murmured. “So, you’re trying to take down the Council?”

“Yes,” Theo declared the same moment as Cricket answered, “No.” She shot him a glare that he happily ignored in favor of studying another weapon. “Those who are corrupt in the Council, yes. Danica Dyers and King Yophiel are on our side. There’s currently no necromancer councilman—”

Theo’s laugh cut her off. “Munin did a splendid job there.”

“As I was saying,” Cricket continued with a smile, clearly fond of the wizard despite his power. “We’re going after the corruption. We know someone is pulling the strings above the Council, but we haven’t been able to figure out who yet.”

Jo thought about it, the repercussions of siding with their cause and the complications it could result in. There were so many things that could go wrong no matter which decision they made, but despite all that, she had only one reason to enter the Race Games. The corruption sucked, but as long as they got through the race and won, it didn’t matter.

Nic looked at her, letting her make the decision, leaving it all up to her. Which was a good thing, because Jo would have made the final decision anyway. This wasn’t just a fun roundabout way to race cars for her. This was a way to bring the wolves some attention and grow her business.

She pursed her lips at Cricket, and though the fae was friendly and Jo hated to disappoint her, she answered, “It’s not our problem.”

“Jo—” Nic started, but Jo turned to him.

“No, you don’t understand.” Jo looked back at Cricket. “This is my chance. I need to win this race. I’ve worked my ass off for this, and I can’t have any distractions as noble as they may be. I’m sorry, but it’s not our problem. We’d like to decline.”

Cricket frowned. “Even though the corruption directly affects you?”

“We’re wolves,” Jo replied. “We’re used to being told no and being held down. It’s what everyone always does.” Radley’s eyes flickered as if he understood. “A few people coming after us doesn’t bother me, but if I’m worried about fulfilling some deal with y’all, it could distract from my goal, and I can’t have that.”

Radley nodded. “I understand your hesitation, but don’t you want all wolves to have the same chance as you did? You’ve worked hard—”

“And if I win, I’ll be able to provide plenty for the wolves,” Jo interrupted, no care in the world that she’d just interrupted an alpha. “If I lose, I can’t help anyone.”

Cricket tilted her head. “I’ve heard a lot about your business, Jo. About MateFinder. If it’s money you’re worried about, I’m an investor—’

“Don’t cheapen me like that,” Jo snarled, and Nic glanced at her nervously. “I don’t need handouts. I’ve earned this. I can do it myself.”

Cricket studied her, absorbed her words, and though her wings shuffled at her back and the others all grew silent, she didn’t back down. “I understand, Jo. I really do. So how about this?” She took a step forward, but Jo didn’t back down. “We’ll help you how we can and in exchange, you’ll tell us any information that falls into your lap. No distraction. Just if you come across anything important. As for the business stuff, I don’t invest in bad ideas, and I don’t demand parts of a company. Your company has made noise and considering I found my own mate outside of my species, I enjoy the concept of MateFinder. But I apologize for seeming as if I’m offering charity. It’s genuine interest, but I apologize for the timing.”

Jo watched Cricket and absorbed her words before nodding slowly. “I accept your apology.”

“Good,” Cricket mused. “Unfortunately, some parts of my father’s upbringing still slip through from time to time.” She smiled. “Will you at least consider the offer?”

Taking a moment to consider her options, and after a quick glance at Nic, Jo nodded her head. “We’ll think on it, but I make no promises.”

“That’s all I ask.” Cricket nodded her head gratefully. “Theo. . .” She turned toward where the wizard had last been, but he was no longer there. Sighing, she said, “I’m going to have to have a talk with that wizard about how rude it is to simply appear and disappear as if it’s a game. He could have at least said goodbye.”

Jo glanced at where Theo had left a small smudge of glitter against her worktable, but there was no other evidence that he’d ever been there. Perhaps he liked the mystery his existence left behind.

“We’ll let you get back to work,” Cricket said once she was done cursing Theo. “Thank you for taking time to speak to us, and if you’re ever in our neck of the woods, feel free to stop in for dinner. We love company.”

Radley reached out and shook Jo and Nic’s hands, but Cricket came in for a hug that had Jo tensing.

“Whatever your decision, Jo, know we’ll be cheering for you from the sidelines.”

“Thank you,” Jo murmured softly. Despite it all, she liked the fae, and if she survived the race, she was going to take her up on that dinner.

Friends were always appreciated.

Tags: Kendra Moreno Race Games Paranormal
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