The man back-pedaled down the trail as the beast growled and stalked after him. Soon he turned and ran, but he was no match for the wolverine.
The beast caught up with him a short distance down the trail. Claws and teeth tore into flesh as it took the man down. Screams rent the air and were music to the beast's ears. Blood was sweet nectar, and soon the body stopped moving. It was done. The lesson was learned.
Chapter Three
Frankie
After a restless night filled with dreams of a certain lion shifter, Frankie crawled out of bed to start her day. She had to be at the bar early because it was inventory day. She hated inventory day. It took all day to go through everything but she was lead bartender so it was her responsibility. After a quick shower, she dressed, ate a breakfast of toast and eggs, and headed out.
"Morning, Frankie."
"Morning, Anna," she replied as she entered the Tasty Skull. Anna was one of the servers. "How's it going?"
"Pretty good. How are you today?"
"Tired. I slept like shit, but that's life. Let's get this show on the road."
By the time she stopped for lunch, she was halfway done. She turned the TV on to catch the local news while she ate.
"The body of Thomas Jeffries was found early this morning. He appears to have been the victim of an animal attack."
"Hey, Frankie, isn't that the guy who got handsy with you last night?" Anna asked.
She looked up at the TV and sure enough, there, on the screen, was a photo of the asshole who'd grabbed her wrist the night before. Now he was dead. Mauled to death? Did the lion, Yaeger, do it after he left her last night? Or was it just a strange coincidence?
She was behind the bar serving drinks when the scent of musk and sandalwood hit her, letting her know her mate had arrived. She'd hoped he would stay away, but of course she wasn't that lucky. She watched him saunter across the bar as if he owned the place.
"Evening, darlin', can I get a lager?" he said, leaning on the bar top.
"Evening. Sure thing." She got his drink and slid it over to him. Their fingers touched briefly, and she felt that zing again.
"When's your break?"
"You don't give up, do you?"
"Not a chance."
She growled in frustration. "Half an hour." She justified it with wanting to ask him about the man's death.
"Good. Spend it with me."
"Fine, but no funny business," she replied.
"As you wish."
Thirty minutes later, she was stepping from behind the bar. She grabbed a beer on her way to his table. Once there, she slid into the booth opposite him.
"There she is. I was wondering if you would join me," he said once she sat down.
"I said I would, and I keep my word," she countered. She took a sip of her beer. "Besides, I need to ask you something."
"Go for it, darlin'."
"That asshole who got handsy with me was found mauled to death this morning. You didn't have anything to do with it, did you?"
"Darlin', I might break some bones if it's warranted, but I wouldn't kill someone just for touching you," he growled. "I'm offended you even asked me that."
"Given the fact I barely know you, he was mauled by an animal, and you did threaten him, it was a logical question," she replied.
