“I’m sure you have some talent you can be proud of.”

“I did just get back from negotiating with honey-loving Russian bears.”

“That’s impressive. I hear Russians are tough negotiators.”

“It was over a hockey game.”

“Oh.” They stayed silent for a moment until the She-wolf patted Toni’s knee. “Why don’t we order that room service, darlin’? Seems like you could use some sweet tea and scones more than I could.”

Ricky knew he hadn’t been in his room that long. He’d showered, shaved, and changed clothes as quickly as possible. But when he came out, he found his mother and Toni . . . eating scones?

And no Vic! Damn feline-bear hybrids were not to be trusted!

“Everything all right out here?” he asked, easing up to the pair.

“Yes.” Toni held up the plate of scones. “Would you like one?”

“Sure.” Ricky took a blueberry pastry while he kept his eyes on both women. “Guess we better get you to work, Toni.”

“Yeah.” Toni blew out a breath.

“What’s wrong, darlin’?” his mother asked, shocking Ricky with the concern he heard in her voice.

“I haven’t talked to anybody. I mean I e-mailed all the details about the deal to the team’s coach but . . . she’s hard to read. I think I annoy her.”

“What is she?”

“Tiger.”

Tala Lee Evans clicked her tongue against her teeth. Her typical sound of disgust.

“Momma,” Ricky warned.

“You know how I feel about those felines, Ricky Lee. Not to be trusted,” she told Toni. “But you don’t let some cat get you down. You walk in there with your head held high and tell her exactly how well you did for them. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” She stood and motioned them both toward the door. “Now y’all go on. And I’ll see you tonight at your parents’ place, Antonella.”

Ricky froze. “What?”

“Yes. I already texted my mom.” Toni grinned. “I’m dying to know what she’ll order in for dinner.”

Then the two females laughed while Tala Lee led them to the door. “Have a good day, you two. And Ricky Lee . . . ?”

Now in the hallway, Ricky faced his mother, his mouth slightly open because he was so confused. “Don’t you worry about Laura Jane anymore. I’ll handle her.”

“Wait, Momma—”

“Go on now. I’ll see you tonight.” She blew a kiss and closed the door in Ricky’s face.

Slowly, he faced Toni. She looked up at him, smiled.

That’s when he picked her up and dropped her onto his shoulderand carried her down the hallway to the elevator. The treacherous feline-bear followed behind them.

Once on the elevator, Ricky put Toni back on her feet and demanded, “What did you do to her?”

“Nothing.”

“That was not my mother. My mother is an untrusting, fairly miserable She-wolf whose only friend is the scary Alpha Female of the Tennessee Smith Pack. The woman who just shooed us away is not that.”

“Well—”

“And what did she mean about coming over to your parents’ house tonight? Why is my momma coming over to your parents’ house?”

“Don’t yell at me.”

“This is not yelling. This is panicked loud talking!”

“Yeah.” Vic decided to chime in. “His yelling’s not usually this high-pitched.”

“Shut up, unhelpful!” Ricky shot back.

“Why would you be panicking? I like your mother.”

Ricky couldn’t help asking, “Why?”

Toni rolled her eyes and stepped out of the elevator now that the doors had opened on the main floor. “That is a ridiculous question.”

“No, it’s not.”

“It is. Your mother is perfectly fine and considering she successfully raised four children says a lot about her.”

“She had my daddy and an entire Pack behind that.”

“You don’t give her enough credit.”

“Look, I love my momma, but I have no delusions about her. And I like your parents. They are wonderful, good-natured people, and I really don’t think we should force them to spend time with my mother.”

Toni stopped and spun around to face Ricky. “Why don’t you admit, you just don’t want your mother spending time with my jackal parents?”

“Because that’s not true. I don’t want your jackal parents spending time with my mother.”

“What’s the difference?”

“Huge difference. It’s just like I don’t want your parents hanging around Reece.”

Toni shrugged. “Well, that I completely understand.”

Toni stepped off the elevator in the Sports Center and headed toward the team offices. Behind her were Ricky and Barinov. It seemed they really were going to follow her around all day.

As Toni walked, she caught sight of Cella heading toward the practice rink. She picked up her step, wanting to catch up with the feline but not look like she was running.

“Hi, Cella.”

Busy reading a newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee, Cella glanced back at her. “Oh. Toni. Hey. How’s it going, hon?”

“Good. Did you get all the deal particulars I e-mailed you?”