I sniffled, lying my head on my paws. It was fine. I mean, the pain throbbing in my snout royally sucked, but it was okay because soon I’d be on the plane to Chromatimaeus Island. Once I was there, I could eat and shower and do all that nice stuff.
Well, until the Games ended again. Then I’d have to come back ‘home.’
And if I didn’t find my mate this time, I’d have no home to return to.
One thing was clear: if this was my life now, then I needed to improve my rat hunting skills ASAP.
“Dear gods,” a voice muttered behind me, accompanied by a familiar baby powder scent. “Zavala, is that you?”
I yelped in surprise, jumping a foot in the air and landing on all four paws. A white-haired omega stared down at me with disdain. Or concern. Or both.
“Alaric!” I cried.
He scrutinized me with his odd-colored eyes. “What the hell happened to you? You’re absolutely filthy.”
I heard that a lot lately. Was it getting worse? I glanced down at my fur. It was usually coarse but clean. Now it was greasy, dull, and weirdly sticky in certain areas. I’d been so busy trying to find food that I’d forgotten to wash my coat.
I shamefully tucked my paws beneath me. “I know...”
“Why?” Alaric asked. He was flabbergasted, like he couldn’t possibly imagine having more than a single speck of dust on him.
“It’s, er, a long story,” I replied.
Alaric blinked at me incredulously. My pitiful appearance seemed to throw a wrench in his sassy attitude, rendering him speechless.
After a long moment, Alaric pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “Let me get this straight. We’ve got a flight in—” He checked his expensive-looking watch. “Two hours. And you’re outside sitting in garbage.”
“Technically, I’mstandingin garbage.”
“For the love of...” Alaric huffed, making a curt hand gesture. “Does it matter, Muzo? You’re dirty, and you reek of wet dog and trash.”
I perked up with a grin. That was the first time Alaric had ever addressed me by name instead of ‘dog,’ ‘jackal,’ or ‘hey, you.’ He must’ve been pretty worried about me.
“What are you smiling about?” Alaric demanded. “Have you lost what few brain cells you had rattling around in that little head of yours?”
“My head’s average-sized. I think.”
Alaric made a frustrated sound. “Just... wait here. And stop chasing rats. You’re the furthest thing from a competent hunter. Next time, it’s going to bite your nose clean off.”
My ears flattened. That sounded horrifying. I nervously eyed the rat from earlier, who still reigned as the king of the Dumpster.
“Okay,” I mumbled.
Alaric stormed off in a tizzy. I forgot to ask where he was going, but in case he planned on coming back, I figured I’d stay put.
I sat down next to the Dumpster. My stomach growled. I was really looking forward to the in-flight meal. Last time, I ordered my favorite food, grilled shrimp. It even came with a side of cream sauce. My mouth filled with saliva just thinking about it...
A loud gasp tore me from my food daydream.
“Muzo!” Poppy cried.
Oh no.
My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach. I wanted to avoid Poppy until we reached the hotel and I got my shit together, but that was naive. He was my best friend, and we’d be on the same flight. Surely he’d sniff me out and cling to my side sooner or later.
I didn’t want him to see me like this. I’d wormed my way out of explaining it the last two times we spoke, but now that I was a certified trash-dweller, there was no way he’d believe the ‘everything is A-okay!’ story.
Poppy ran towards me, his big doe eyes wide with concern. Alaric stood behind him with his arms crossed and brows knitted. He must’ve fetched Poppy from the airport lounge when he saw what a sorry state I was in. Man, what a commotion I’d caused.
