Chapter 35
Chapter thirty-five
Rhys
The practice is louder than usual.
Puppies squeak from the recovery cages, someone laughs in the prep room, and the camera crew are whispering instructions to each other while trying not to get in anyone’s way.
Normal chaos.
Noah stands in the middle of it like a conductor. Clipboard in hand, puppies temporarily absent from his pockets for once.
“Louise, can you move the rabbit to kennel three? I need the heat pad clear for the next one.”
Louise nods and moves instantly.
He’s good at this.
Too good.
I lean against the prep room doorframe, watching him, letting the noise of the practice fade behind the quiet satisfaction of seeing him where he belongs.
The man who arrived here just days ago and barely spoke.
Now he’s directing surgeons.
“Dr. Calder,” Noah calls without even looking up. “You’re supposed to be scrubbing for the next spay.”
“You seem to be running the place without me.”
He grins.
“I am.”
The grin fades a second later as he turns away to answer another question.
And that’s when I see him.
Someone out across the car park. Standing beside the hedge line.
Not walking.
Not approaching.
Just standing.
Watching.
The same man from the restaurant window. I know it instantly.
Predators recognize predators.
My hand tightens around the edge of the doorframe. The distance is too far to see his expression clearly, but I don’t need to.
I can feel it.
His focus is obvious.
He isn’t watching the building.
He’s watching Noah.
The kill itch stirs immediately. Low. Certain. Patient.
A familiar pressure behind my ribs.
I step further into the doorway, blocking Noah from the man’s line of sight.
The movement is slight. Subtle, but necessary.
Noah glances up at me.
“Why are you lurking like a gargoyle?”
“I own the building,” I reply calmly.
“I’m fairly sure gargoyles don’t do surgery.”
“They would if they were qualified.”
He rolls his eyes and returns to his clipboard. “I need to finish this so I can start moving my girls into the barn. Give them more room and give you the kennel block back.”
“No,” I order instantly.
Niah frowns at me. He doesn't understand my actions, but I'm only trying to protect him. “Not alone. I want to see them settle with you.”
“Fine.” Noah rolls his eyes but the suspicion doesn't completely leave his face.
Behind him, the puppies whine again, and Noah’s attention is no longer on me.
Across the car park, the man finally moves.
Not towards us.
Just turning away and walking calmly down the road as if he was never there.
Like he had only come to confirm something.
Or someone.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Its Martha calling from the office.
“Rhys,” she says quietly when I answer.
“There’s another call asking for Noah.”
“Did he give a name?”
“No.” Of course he didn’t.
Its probably Noah’s dad, but if he doesn't play by my rules then he doesn't get his way.
“No name, no contact,” I repeat my earlier decision.
I watch the empty road where the man disappeared.
The kill itch spreads through my chest like a slow burn.
Soon.
Very soon.
Someone is going to make a mistake. And I’ll make sure it’s their last.