In Leon's backyard, under the warm glow of string lights, Ace focused on the needle, letting its hum buzz through her as it cut into the skin of the guy's arm. He was some college dude, buzz cut and all, leaning forward with his arm stretched out. He'd asked for a wolf. Simple enough, but it was enough to make her forget the world around her.
Mika sat beside her, quiet as always, watching, her calm presence grounding Ace.
"You okay?" Mika asked, her voice soft but steady.
Ace exhaled, glancing at the design in front of her. "Yeah."
Mika didn't buy it. "Max is inside."
Ace's hand nearly slipped. She shot Mika a glare. "Why would you tell me that while I'm working?"
Mika just smiled, an unspoken understanding in her eyes. She always saw more than Ace was willing to admit.