Chapter Forty-Eight
Willow
Bert
Do you still want to take on some private training sessions? A few clients asked for you.
Me
I would love that. Count me in.
Bert
How about Thursday at six?
Me
Sounds good.
“Hey, do you think you might be free for babysitting duties on Thursday around 6 p.m.?” I glance over and quirk my eyebrows at Puppy, now Lassie, who’s sitting beside me, grumbling about cages.
Though he’s taken well to his new role as my shadow, he hates being in a car—and especially the passenger seat.
Men.
“What’s that now?” He’s busy texting, fingers flying over his phone screen.
I gather my things and unbuckle, handing him the car keys. “Bert booked me a one-to-one training session with a new client on Thursday at six p.m. Since you’re my designated babysitter, I figured I would let you know.” I roll my eyes, and he chuckles.
“Willow, it’s an honor to be your bodyguard. I’m happy to go where you go. As long as I don’t touch you, because then Cujo will rip off my arms and beat me with them. But, yes, I’ll make a note and clear the time.”
“Thank you.” I reach for the door handle, ready to get out, until Lassie hits the lock button. My head swivels toward him in confusion, then he pops open the passenger door.
“Are you coming in?” I ask, hoping he’s not. Cujo told him to wait outside the building.
“Nope. But I am going to walk you and Bruce inside to make sure the coast is clear. So, stay where you are and let me come around.” It’s over the top, but I let him; there’s no point in arguing when I’m about to get my first taste of freedom in way too long.
Together, we enter the building, and the scent of dogs, shampoo, and kennels fills my nose.
It’s the first piece of normalcy I’ve had, and I hold on tight.
The bond in my chest pulls from being so far away from Cujo, but I ignore it.
You’ve withstood much greater pain, and you’ll be home soon enough.
Satisfied the shelter is safe, Lassie heads back outside, and Alicia, hearing the bell over the door, waltzes in from the back room. She’s always friendly to anyone visiting, but lets out an exuberant whoop when she sees it’s me.
“Girl, I’ve missed you so damn much,” she crows, rushing around the desk to pounce on me with a big hug. Bruce nuzzles her hand. “Same goes for you, big guy.”
“Missed you, too.”
“How are you?” Her eyes fall to the bite on my neck, and her brows rise in surprise. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yup.”
“Is it Gy’s?” she asks as we walk toward the back. We both know the ins and outs of this place, which means scooping kitty litter, cleaning poop, giving baths, and all the like.
“No. Freaking Cujo. And no, he didn’t ask first.”
“Can’t you reject it? Isn’t that a thing?”
“You’re right, I could, but rejecting a bond creates catastrophic damage, especially between scent-matches. The timing wasn’t ideal, but the feelings I have for him are so freaking strong.” I haven’t said the words to either Alpha yet, but the truth is in my heart.
“Okay! Then happy it is! And you couldn’t have picked a better day.
Cindy’s coming in to get Mule.” Joy fills me, glad to be here for the special moment.
Together, we head to the back of the shelter, knowing what needs to be done.
The silly floppy-eared dog prances eagerly at the front of his kennel as if he knows.
After rolling up our sleeves, we get to work.
The bell chimes, and Alicia and I grin at each other. “She’s here!”
Grabbing the hunter-green leash, I clip it to Mule’s matching collar. He’s all kitted out, ready to go home, and I can’t wait for him to get a happily-ever-after. As soon as he spots Cindy, Mule starts pulling at the lead, and rather than fight him, I let it go.
Cindy bends to greet him. “Hi, boy. Hi. Are you ready to come home?” Her excitement is infectious, and Mule leaps around.
“How have you been?” Alicia asks once Mule calms.
“Mostly okay, but not being able to work has been frustrating. I still can’t believe the coffee shop burned like that.” With everything else going on, I had completely forgotten. Guilt churns in my gut. I should have been checking in more. “They’re now saying it was arson.”
That revelation slams into me like a ton of bricks. Could this have happened because of me?
“Hopefully they’ll get it back up and running soon.” Alicia makes polite conversation.
“Yeah. Otherwise, I’m going to need to start job hunting.” Cindy looks like she’s sucking on a lemon at the thought. I feel bad for her, but there’s not much I can do; my life is a disaster.
“That would be a shame.” Alicia pulls out a box of adoption toys and lets Mule choose a few favorites. We’ve already overflowed his goodbye basket, but what’s a few more?
“Yeah. It will all work out.” Her cheerful outlook is admirable. The pile grows, and I take in just how much stuff she needs to move to her car.
"Let me help." I gather the basket in my arms, and Bruce jumps up to follow us out. Already familiar with one another, Mule sniffs him in greeting, and they both wag their tails. Alicia hefts open the door, and as we walk outside, the rumble of motorcycles catches my attention.
My Alphas? Although I told them I’d be here for a few hours, the bit of girl time I got has been enough. I’m missing my guys.
Three motorcycles appear, slowing as they pass the parking lot. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end.
Not my mates. Not my mates.
Together, the bikes turn around as though they might pass us again. But then they drive straight over the sidewalk and into the parking lot.
Danger crackles in the air, and Bruce growls deep in his throat.
I place the basket on Cindy’s backseat and close the door, making sure Mule stays inside. He’s not trained like Bruce.
“Cindy, get in the car.” My disfigured fingers protest around the hilt of my knife as I pull it from its sheath at my back. The bikes come to a stop, and three rough-looking men stare us down, malice etched on their faces.
“They’re here for me,” she whispers. “Not you. Take Bruce. Leave. Stay safe.” She’s shaking like a leaf beside me.
Maneuvering until they’ve blocked Cindy’s car in, the riders surround us before cutting the engines.
None of them has a helmet, but all wear masks over their mouths and chins.
The one in the lead seems familiar, and looking at the patches on their cuts, I quickly realize he’s the asshole from the coffee shop who was harassing Cindy.
“Boys. Looks like we’re getting the two-for-one special today.” The jerk folds his arms across his chest.
The other bikers snicker, and one in the front tosses his leg over to dismount before advancing on us.
“Please, Cray. Leave us alone.” Cindy’s begging unleashes my fury, and I pull out my new gun.
“Stop right there,” I demand, and Bruce punctuates it with a series of rapid barks. The three Black Plagues’ eyes dart to me, slithering down my body venomously.
“Hello, cunt. We’ve been waiting for you to leave that fuckin’ compound.” His words send a shiver down my spine. Why would they be after me? “Our boss offered big money for you. Dead or alive.”
Shit. My heart thunders, and my hands grow slippery with sweat.
“And who would that be?” I already know, but I need to hear it from his vile mouth. Bruce presses himself into my side. Ready. Waiting. Lethal.
Cray, unbothered, steps forward, yanking a sharp blade from his belt. The sun catches the metal, and he shines the light directly in my dog’s face, forcing Bruce to step back.
“Pack Mordred. Make this easy, and we won’t hurt you. Much.” The name has bile racing up my throat, but I swallow it down. Now isn’t the time.
Cocking my gun, I plant my feet. “I choose violence.”