After what seemed to be a long time, Joseph’s attention flickered to someone who was looking at his hat with an expression of recognition crossing their face. He took her in with an assessing sweep of his eyes and couldn’t help the slight frown that tugged down The corners of his mouth. He hadn’t been expecting to work with a woman. Even after living through years of change, he still felt uncomfortable with the idea of a woman putting herself in danger on purpose. Old fashioned, as some of the younger wolves in his pack would have said. But that was just who he was. So he watched unhappily as the redhead approached, her steps stealthy and misdirecting.

As she eventually stopped near him, leaving no doubt that she was the partner who had been sent to work with him, Joseph flared his nostrils slightly, taking in her scent. Over The smell of his hot chocolate, he caught hints of the people flowing around them, of the car the woman had been driving, her shampoo, the hint of gun powder and metal that spoke of a concealed weapon, and the underlying essence of who she was. Who Kathleen O’Connell was. Or rather, who she was on the surface. Considering her hand as she offered it after giving her name, Joseph took it politely, Giving her hand a small shake before dropping it quickly.

“Yes, we do need to talk.” He at last responded, meeting the woman‘s eyes thoughtfully. “ and if you would prefer to do so somewhere warm, then I wouldn’t say no to getting another drink.”

Glancing in the direction Kate had tilted her head, the werewolf started off at a brisk pace, pausing only long enough to hold the door open for her. Coffee scented hot  air washed over Joseph as he stood next to the open door, tempting him to crinkle his nose with distaste, though he managed to keep his expression neutral. He had never been one to enjoy the taste, or smell, of coffee.