“If he’s too much trouble, I’ll figure something out,” I promised. “The shelter won’t take him back, and I’d rather see him go to a home. You live out here alone, and I think it’s a good idea to get either a dog or a security system with cameras and an alarm.”
Crush shot me a baleful look. “The dog stays. You’re not putting cameras in my house so you can spy on me.” Then he leaned toward the dog and softened his voice. “Go on. Eat it.”
The dog bobbed his head but didn’t make a move for the wiener.
“What are you trying to do?” I asked.
“Just testing to see if he knows who the alpha is around here. Alphas eat first. Betas only eat when the alpha gives them permission.”
I snorted. “He’s a dog, not a Shifter. I don’t think that’s how it works.”
Crush reached down on the floor, swiped up the bread and meat, and then held it in front of the dog’s muzzle. “Here.”
With that, the dog gobbled up the tasty snack and then proceeded to lick Crush’s hand, arm, and then his neck.
Crush rocked with laughter in that way I adored—a deep belly laugh that warmed me all over. Yeah, these two were going to get along just fine.
I slumped in my chair. “They gave me a squeaky toy shaped like a hamburger. It’s in the truck if you want it.”
Crush patted the dog’s muscular body. “He doesn’t need a damn rubber toy. What he needs is a good bone.”
“So where am I meeting Ren?”
Crush glanced up at the clock in the kitchen. “We need to head out.”
“Ineed to head out.Youneed to buy dog food before he starves to death.”
“That wasn’t the plan.”
“Look, I know you want to be involved, but I need you to not be involved. Especially with any case I might be working. If you stick your nose in the middle of this, I won’t be able to do my job. And another thing—Ren won’t respect me if I walk in with my father holding my hand.”
Crush let out a reluctant sigh and watched the dog, who was busy licking crumbs off the floor.
“He probably needs a good run in the yard,” I suggested. “You two stay here and bond.”
“Sit,” Crush ordered. When the dog wagged his tail, my father shook his head. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. I can’t have an animal this big that doesn’t listen.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t knock over the table for your plate. He seems like a good dog. He just needs someone like you to teach him all the rules.” I rose from my seat and pushed my chair in. “Christian and I are leaving. Where’s the meeting?”
Crush stood. “He’ll be at the Angry Hornet in a private room. Ren doesn’t want his pack involved.”
When I heard Christian’s bike approaching, I shut the door so the dog wouldn’t get out. “I don’t remember a private room in that place.”
Crush pursed his lips. “Every Breed bar has a private room. It’s the one marked Utility Closet.”
I looked down at the big beast of a dog. “Why do they call a Shifter bar that mostly serves wolves the Angry Hornet instead of something more… wolfy?”
My dad reached in the fridge and pulled out a cold hot dog and gave it a wiggle, which made the dog salivate. “When they first opened the place, there were hornet’s nests everywhere—even in the bathrooms. They damn near got stung to death trying to clear it.”
“Figures. Well, you two have fun bonding. I’m leaving my truck here for now, so if you want to pick up dog food or whatever, the keys are inside.”
“Maybe I’ll give it the wash it deserves.”
I strode out the door. “See ya, Crush.”
With the engine rumbling, Christian kept watch on the door as I mounted the bike and wrapped my arms around his middle. “What the feck was that coming after me?”
“My dad’s new best friend.”
