She smiles. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."
Addie chooses that moment to materialise out of the crowd. "Hey honey," she wraps her arms around Elma and pecks her on the cheek. "The kids are upset everyone's in here without them. That granddaughter of yours led a coup. They've barricaded themselves in the pantry."
Elma heaves a world weary sigh. "Of course she did."
"She takes after you," Addie says fondly. "Minjo wants your help coaxing them out."
"How does she expect me to do that? The chocolate is in there. They're never coming out."
"You could tell them werewolves are allergic to chocolate," you suggest. "My mum did that to me when I was a cub."
Elma smirks. "It wouldn't work. Izzie already knows she can eat chocolate. She's been doing it for too many years." She turns away. "Don't worry, Gideon Mercer. I'll figure out a way to get them out."
"And," Addie adds. "If she doesn't, I'll drag them out kicking and screaming."
It's a joke... you hope.
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