We get into Janice—which I’ve now renamed “the death mobile”—Larry balanced in his carrier on my lap as we trundle down the bumpy path into town, Hale pointing out sights as we go.
We pull to a stop at the harbor and Hale takes the cat carrier from me then we walk along the boardwalk, admiring the boats while Hale tells me about how he used to pretend to be a pirate here when he was a kid. We cut down a side alley, coming out at the vet’s office. The bell jingles over the top of the door as we step inside.
“If it isn’t Hale Valen.” A short man with oversized spectacles that are as thick as bottle caps pops his head up from behind the counter. “I heard you were back in town.” His beady gaze sweeps over me next. “With an omega.”
“News travels fast, huh?” Hale chuckles. “Dr. Otto, this is Kady.”
I wave awkwardly. “Hi.”
“And who do we have here?” Dr. Otto peers into the cat carrier.
“This is Larry.” I lower my face to Larry’s carrier as Hale puts it on the counter. “He cut his paw the other day.”
“I patched him up, but I’d like you to check him over to see if he needs any antibiotics,” Hale explains. “We don’t know exactly what he cut himself on. He got out and was rummaging in a garbage can.”
“Lucky for you, I have a quiet morning,” Dr. Otto says. “I’m free until Mrs. Barkluski’s Pomeranian comes in at eleven.”
Hale wrinkles his nose. “Yikes. I don’t miss Buster.”
“Yikes indeed.” Dr. Otto shudders before turning back to me. “If Hale’s seen to Larry, I’m sure he’s just fine. I taught him myself, you know. It really is a shame that he didn’t continue?—”
“Anyway!” Hale cuts him off. “Are we okay to leave Larry here with you? We’re just going to head over to Pearl’s for food.”
“I have his insurance details somewhere.” I rifle through my purse.
“Don’t worry about it.” Dr. Otto smiles. “This is on me. I’d never charge a friend of Hale’s after the amount of help he’s given me over the years. He’s saved me a small fortune.”
“Thanks, Dr. Otto.” Hale beams. “You’re the best.”
“Be careful.” I need to warn Dr. Otto about what he’s getting into. “Larry has a bit of a temper.”
“Don’t worry.” Dr. Otto twirls his wrist. “It’ll be nothing compared to Buster, the Pomeranian. I’m sure Larry and I will get on just dandy.”
From the hissing going on, it appears Larry isn’t quite as taken with Dr. Otto as he is with the Valen Pack alphas. Maybe he’s starting to feel like himself again. I was beginning to think that he’d developed a whole new personality.
After leaving Larry in Dr. Otto’s capable hands, we head across the street to Pearl’s. It’s a kitsch diner that looks like it hasn’t been decorated for decades, with a sparkly tiled floor, shiny pink booths, and glittery tabletops. A buttery-sweet aroma wafts over from the delicious-looking selection of freshly baked pies and goods in the glass counter.
“Hale Valen!” A plump woman races to greet us, throwing her arms around Hale to give him a squeeze that leaves him gasping for air. “You know, you look thinner than the last time I saw you.” She pinches his cheek. “Have you been eating properly?”
“I’ve been eating just fine, Pearl.” A pink flush colors Hale’s face.
She looks at me with curiosity. “And this must be your omega.”
I pull on the strap of my purse, not sure what to say.
She doesn’t wait for me to gather my thoughts before continuing. “When I got a call last night from Mrs. Barkluski saying that she saw you driving in, I was tickled pink. It’s about time the Valen Pack found an omega. I’ve been saying it for years.” Pearl links arms with me. “They’re good boys. They couldn’t be more helpful around town. Everyone in Rose Harbor misses them when they’re gone. Do you like it here? This is my place, by the way. I’ve run this diner for years.”
“Give her a second to breathe, Pearl.” Hale steps in to rescue me, a hand on my lower back, leading me to a booth. “We just arrived.”
“Sorry, sorry. Take a seat. The menu is on the table.” Pearl rifles around in her apron for her notebook, barely giving me a chance to glance at the menu before she asks, “What can I get you?”
“Let’s start with a coffee.” Hale slides in opposite me. “And your special pancakes. With all the toppings.”
Skeptical, I narrow my eyes at him.
“Trust me,” he chuckles. “You won’t want anything else.”
“Guess I’ll take your word for it.”
