3. We sneak out in thirty seconds and hit the staircase at a run. #3
My great-grandfather, with no care I was in the police station and supposed to be managing everyone present, ruffled my hair.
“Your bride will inevitably need Sunny when she loses her way. It’ll happen the first time.
My present to you won’t make much sense now, but I ask that you trust me.
When your bride loses her way, don’t fear.
She’ll return. Some journeys she must travel alone, and for all your talents and magic, you can’t hold living flame in your hand. ”
I tensed at the memory of Bailey igniting 120 Wall Street. Reconstruction had already begun, but I avoided the place, unable to forget the moment I’d almost lost her. “Again?”
“Again. She’ll be fine. You’ll panic, of course. That’s what you do when it comes to your bride, but she’ll be fine. Sunny will help her home.”
“Are you trying to help or make me worry even more?” If my great-grandfather was trying to induce an anxiety attack, he was doing an admirable job. I didn’t suffer from them often, but without fail, Bailey had something to do with them.
“A little of both.”
“You’re a terrible great-grandfather.”
Anubis grinned and displayed his sharp teeth. “Sunny isn’t truly a wolf, but she’s not a golden jackal, either. You’ll find her suited for Bailey, second only to you, so try not to become too jealous.”
Sunny panted and nuzzled my leg. “I’m jealous she’s getting a dog.”
“Sunny will get jealous of most other dogs, although she’ll accept a certain individual with no fuss. She can share, somewhat. How about a cat?”
“Will the cat like Bailey more than me?”
“Inevitably.” My great-grandfather smiled. “You’ll be fine.”
“It’ll still be my cat.”
“Lion, tiger, panther, or other?”
“I can’t keep a large predator in my house.”
“I’ll find you a small one.”
Why was I even talking to my great-grandfather? All of my relatives were lunatics, especially the divines. Saying so had never done any good in the past, but I couldn’t resist the urge to reply, “You’re insane.”
My great-grandfather chuckled. “You make this so much fun. Sunny might appreciate some company of the feline bent. I’ll ask around the family.”
What had I done? “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”
“Of course. Do watch over young Samuel, Sunny. He’ll be almost as much trouble as your ward. Do try to be patient with him. He’s a most unreasonable human when it comes to his bride.”
“I’m supposed to be unreasonable. She’s my wife!”
“Yes, yes. We’ve heard this many times. Ah, Perky?”
Hah. Bailey had corrupted my great-grandfather. I’d have to reward her for that later.
“Sir?” Perkins asked.
“I took the liberty of calling in a prescription for a human-suitable chill pill for little Samuel here. Do pick it up after you acquire Sunny’s things. He’ll need it.”
My great-grandfather vanished.
Everyone stared at me, Perkins included.
“It’s only partially his fault I qualify to be your chief,” I complained. “And if you could forget this happened, I would really appreciate it.”
“No wonder Mrs. Chief Quinn blushes if I ask her if she had a good morning. You must be a beast in bed.” Amanda smirked. “Enjoy your vacation, sir.”
“You’re a terrible woman, Amanda.”
“But I’m a fantastic cop and a better self-defense instructor. Still. That explains a lot.” Still smirking, Amanda wandered away, waving as she went. “Happy holidays.”
I sighed, bent over, and picked up Bailey’s new puppy, who licked my hand and wagged her tail. “Happy holidays. Make sure everyone plays it safe while I’m gone.”
“Always.”
“Falhavert, email me with everything I need to care for Sunny, please.”
“Of course, sir. I’ll leave basic instructions for her initial training.
We’ll start the real work after you’re back to work.
For now, your job is to bond with her. I’ve been told she’s already bonded with Mrs. Chief Quinn, so you need to work on your relationship with Sunny.
It should be easy, as she already likes you.
Keep a firm hand with her. She’s going to be assertive and demanding, so you need to make certain she knows you’re still the boss of the relationship.
I suspect Mrs. Chief Quinn will have an easier time, as we’ve already established that Sunny is serving as her protector.
You need to establish how your partnership will work.
But, as long as you handle her correctly, she’ll make an excellent companion and partner. ”
“How young is she?”
“Young enough she still gets some special milk with her raw meat. Honestly, she just likes it, but it’s good for her. Her diet is more specialized than a regular dog’s. You can wean her off at any time—or don’t, as you choose. I’ll have her basic supply list sent to you in a few minutes.”
“This is going to cost me a fortune, isn’t it? The instant you said raw meat, it became clear my great-grandfather staged a successful ambush of my wallet.”
“You’re doomed,” the trainer confirmed.
“I’m trusting you with Bailey,” I informed Sunny. “You have one job, so please don’t screw it up.”
Sunny licked my hand.