“But he owes me so much.” Lynx’s voice is a low, warning growl.
“Then he can work off payment like the rest of us do. This ismyhouse, and you’ll followmyrules.”
The lowyowlcomes again, and when the flashlight dips slightly, it catches Bob’s glowing eyes.
“What is that thing?” the man asks from behind me.
“That’s Bob,” Lynx says.
“B-Bob?”
“Yes. Bob. Bob the cat.”
“Bob won’t hurt him either,” I say. Considering none of us has control over the animal, it’s a bold demand, but I’m going to stand strong. This guy is terrified, and I can’t blame him. Wilde’s End isn’t the easiest place to survive, and our years here have hardened us.
Lynx’s eyes dip to meet mine. “I came to find you. Your pest is worried.”
“Kennedy?”
“Go tell him you’re safe. I’ll take care of this one.”
I hear the man move before I know what’s happening. The light goes berserk, there’s a thump, footsteps, a hiss, and then Lynx shrieks. Like his careful calm is exploding from him.
“He threw the fucking flashlight at me!”
A shadow crosses the hole I came in through, and I catch a glimpse of Lynx darting after it.
I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do, but I need to do something.
I chase the both of them, crawling through the hole, scrambling out of my place, and then running out into the rain. It takes me a moment to spot them, and when I do, I catch sight of Lynx gaining on the much smaller man. He pounces like a tiger, and they both slam into the ground.
I run, rain and wet hair trying to ruin my vision. No matter what, I can’t let Lynx hurt him. I can’t.
The cleaver is on the ground a few feet away, and Lynx is straddling the man’s chest, knife at his throat and every muscle in his arm bulging.
I reach them quickly. “Get off him.”
“Now is the time to be quiet,” Lynx warns.
“I said get off him!”
Lynx’s eyes flash, but he doesn’t look away. “This is why I hate people. Even your favorite pets disappoint you.”
I’m not sure whether to be surprised that I’m his favorite or offended that he called me his pet. He doesn’t even callBobhis pet.
“Please, Lynx,” I beg, hoping there’s a scrap of humanity in there somewhere.
“It’s my job to protect the town. To keep ussafe.” Lynx’s eyes are wide, vein bulging in his forehead, arm shaking under the pressure of keeping himself steady.
“He’s not a threat!” I shout, panic creeping in at the same time as the man loses it.
“Please let me go. I didn’t mean to steal your stuff. I crashed here, and I’m lost and scared and?—”
“Shut the fuck up.”
The man swallows his words.
“Lynx—”
