Vashana sat on her haunches and nudged my hand with her nose.
“Vashana,” Furn said. “Beautiful.”
“Yes, she is.” I grinned.
“Here, Vashana,” Furn said.
Vashana looked at me.
“Stay,” I said, sensing the test.
Vashana stayed.
Furn burst out laughing.
“What? What the fuck happened?” Basal asked as he came rushing into the room. “Shit. Don't tell me you chose one for him already.”
Furn looked at Basal and snorted. “I had nothing to do with this. They chose each other. And she's already obeying him over me.”
“No fucking way,” Basal growled. “Here!”
All the dogs in the room except for Leeya and Vashana ran to Basal and lined up for him.
“Son of a bitch,” Basal growled. Then he hurried to say, “Sorry, not you lot. Dismissed.”
The dogs ran off to return to their play.
“Do you still doubt my decision?” Furn smirked at Basal.
Basal was staring at Vashana. “No.” He looked up at me. “No, I don't. Congratulations on finding your companion.”
“Thank you.”
“You had better have the four gold to pay for her,” he added.
“Basal!” Furn snapped.
“What?”
I eagerly pulled four gold pieces from my pouch and handed them to Furn. “That's a bargain.”
Furn laughed at Basal's shocked expression. “As if he came unprepared.” He pocketed the coins and slapped me on the shoulder. “Come with me, Galin, and I'll fetch that booklet for you. Although, I'm not sure you're going to need it. You seem to know what she needs.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
My heart nearly burst with happiness on the way back to my shop. Vashana strode beside me, her sharp stare taking in everything from the carriages rolling down the cleared streets to the pedestrians approaching us. And everyone gave us a wide berth when they saw her. I felt like a king.
A king. Frowning, I looked down at my new companion. She had given me strength. My diamond. Or maybe she was just reminding me of the strength I already possessed—that you could be both beautiful and strong. Whatever it was, by the time we stepped into my shop, I felt brave enough to face anything.
“Boss!” Arena exclaimed, then drew back. “What . . . where did you . . .”
“Vashana, this is Arena and he is Raef.” I pointed at my employees. “They are friends.”
Vashana yipped.
“Good girl.” I stroked her head. “This is Vashana,” I said to my employees. “She's my new companion.”
“Holy fuck!” Raef exclaimed since the shop was empty. “How did you get a vanrussa?”
