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“Don’t underestimate him. He heals the mind as well as the body.”

She smirked. “I bet he’d like a crack at healing your body.”

“I think he and I have established a mutual admiration society, but there isn’t anything romantic between us.”

“Because you’re hung up on the demigod?”

I blew a breath. “I’m not hung up on anyone.” I slapped my hands on the counter. “Well, look at that. You successfully managed to steer the conversation back to me. Guess my time is up.”

Her cackle was low and warm. “Can’t get much past you, can I?”

“To be fair, I don’t think you try very hard.”

“It’s more fun when you figure it out.”

“I’m glad I can offer you a sliver of joy in an otherwise bleak existence.”

She patted my cheek, the metal of her knuckle ring gently scraping my skin. “If you tell the others, I’ll deny every word, but you’re my favorite.”

I was momentarily stunned. Compliments from Meemaw were as rare as good hair days on a humid island. “What about Margie?”

“She’s my flesh and blood. She doesn’t count.”

The tension in my body softened. “In case I haven’t told you lately, I appreciate you, Meemaw.”

“As you should. I’m amazing.”

I laughed. “Modest too.”

“Women have been plagued by demands of modesty for centuries. I have no interest in contributing to that.” She arched an eyebrow. “See? Feminist.”

“Don’t tell the others,” I said, still smiling, “but you’re my favorite, too.”

I felt slightly better leaving Meemaw’s condo than when I walked in, which was impressive given everything I was dealing with. Meemaw was a balm for the soul.

On my way to the library, I swung by my cottage to feed Jinx and update her on my findings. The cat’s tail swished violently as I told her about Hypnos’s blood.

A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. I peeked out the window and my breath hitched. The wannabe alpha stood on my porch, wearing an innocuous outfit of khaki shorts and a red collared shirt.

“Stay out of sight,” I told the cat. I stepped outside and shut the door behind me, trying not to let my discomfort show. “What brings you here, Mr. Irwin?”

Keith produced a dagger from his pocket. “Heard you were collecting contraband. Wanted to turn in mine.” He held out the dagger by the handle. “Is this what you were searching for in my condo?”

“Yes, it was,” I lied. I accepted the dagger. “No sheath?”

“Don’t believe in 'em.”

Probably refused to wear condoms too. I tucked the dagger in my back pocket, careful not to nick myself. “Did you get this from Clement?”

“I did. I like to hunt. Thought it would be good to have a blade.”

“You’re a werewolf. Why not hunt in your wolf form?”

“I don’t excel in that area.” He leaned his shoulder against the exterior of the cottage. “Tell me, Maya, do you like your job?”

“I do,” I said slowly, unable to figure out his reason for asking.

“I could use a second in command. Plus, you’re easy on the eyes.”