I shake my head. “A foster has been named, and since the dog isn’t registered, showed up malnourished, and remained unclaimed for more than ten days, you’ve forfeited ownership.”
“What the fuck? That’s ridiculous.” He steps toward me, and I hear a rustling behind me as my pack moves to my defense. A swell of pride rises in me, but I don’t let it show. The puppy mill alpha hesitates, swears under his breath, and stomps out the door.
“You think he’s going to come back?” Rafe asks, undoubtedly thinking of Winnie.
“Nope. I heard that investigation is about wrapped up. If he does come back, it’ll be in handcuffs,” Erin says.
Everyone smirks.
Winnie
Mornings at the farmers market are some of my favorites in the spring. Every stall is a rainbow of pastel colors. Flowers burst from some, vegetables from others. Some have homemade clothing or décor. Food trucks line the path, offering tasty treats while I browse. The sun is just breaking through the clouds as I stroll in one of my favorite sundresses, Deputy at the end of a leash, sniffing everyone and everything in sight.
Yesterday, the heat spike at my cabin with Gage and Corbin left me exhausted, but today I feel amazing. Like my energy has doubled.
“Winnie!” Erin calls from behind me. She’s wearing her uniform and is clearly monitoring things at the festival. “And how’s my favorite deputy?” she adds in a sing-song voice, rubbing him between the ears. He’s so big now she barely has to lean over.
“Hey, Erin. How’s it going?” I ask.
“Oh, ya know. Quiet. Always quiet here. I love that about this place.” She smiles like she’s telling a joke I don’t quite get. “Your alphas are here.”
And sure enough, I hear them before I see them. Motors roar above the sound of milling people as five bikes park along the street in front of the farmers market barrier.
“Doesn’t that mask bother you? It’s warm today. Why can’t he just take it off?” Erin asks.
A hot wave of protection and anger rises up in me. Erin’s nice enough, but I’m going to nip this line of questioning in the bud.
“That’s none of your business,” I say coolly. “It’s nobody’s. He’s not hurting anyone.”
Erin’s eyebrows shoot up, and she looks lost for a moment before regaining herself. “You’re right. That was rude. I’m sorry.”.
The fist squeezing my gut unclenches, and I take a deep breath.
Then the guys reach us. Corbin sweeps me into his arms in an all-consuming hug. When he sets me down, Erin is already waving goodbye and heading deeper into the festival. Our eyes lock and there’s an apology in hers. I never enjoy confrontation.
My eyes find Eli, and I wonder if he’s okay here.
He catches my look and steps to my side, running a hand down my spine. “I’m okay, Softness,” he assures me.
Deputy nuzzles into his hand. Eli absently rubs him while still focused on me. Then he lifts the bottom of his mask. I take the offered column and nuzzle in, thoroughly scent-marking him. His purr revs up, and I melt a little.
“Any scent left for the rest of us, Dulzura?” Rafe asks.
I laugh and fall into his open arms, scent-marking along his chest and neck. He does the same to the top of my head. Zeke pulls me away by my hips and scent-marks into my throat from behind. My laughter bubbles up, bright even to my own ears.
Corbin and Gage are at the coffee truck and return with drinks for everyone. Gage hands me a chocolate chip espresso, and I take it tentatively.
“You know my order?” I ask.
His smile is small but proud. “Of course, Princess.” His hand brushes mine as he lets go of the cup.
“You opening the store today?” Zeke asks, arms still encircling me from behind.
“Yeah, Saturdays are always busy. The mornings will be slower because of the farmers market, but the afternoon will be heck.”
Gage chuckles a little. “You really never swear, do you?”
“Nope,” I confirm, taking a sip of coffee to hide my blush. Gage leans forward and brushes a scent mark across my cheek with his nose.
