“What was that?” Seri sniffled, cheek smooshed against the wolf’s damp scruff. “That look? You’re plotting something.”
“We were concerned that your baby lacked defensive instincts,” Ko told her with a smirk. “Turns out he’s got the killer spirit of a honey badger crossed with a chainsaw.”
“He passed the test with honors.” Cas offered Brumous a closed fist, and the pup bumped it solemnly with his nose.
“Test?” Seri raised her face, the sunlight turning her tear streaks to silver ribbons.
“A guard dog without teeth is just a pet. We weren’t certain he’d ever bite. Now that we know he’s got the instinct, we can work on channeling it.”
“You’re not mad at him?” Her breath hitched. “But he attacked you!”
“We deserved it.” Ko flexed the arm still bearing teeth grooves. “Play stupid games…”
“Win psychotic wolf prizes,” I finished with a grin, watching the wisteria vines tremble ten feet away. “Addison! Either come out, or I start charging rent.”
He emerged looking like a half-drowned sparrow, dark curls plastered to his forehead.
“S-sorry, Prince Zane. I just—”
“Team water brigade, activate!” I tossed an empty bucket at his chest. He fumbled, but kept hold of it. “Two more warm ones. Go, go, go!”
His retreating shoulders loosened. Kid thrived on clear orders.
“I’ll help him.” Seri scrambled up, nearly tripping over Brummy’s tail.
“You’ll sit,” Casimir ordered.
“But—”
“Let him carry what he can, beloved.” Ko blocked her path, voice soft as a blade sheath. “Just as you ask us to do with you.”
“Unless you want to build your strength and stamina, starfire,” I teased. “Three on oneisan endurance sport—”
Rinse water hit my skull like a revelation.
“Motherfucker!” I whirled to find Casimir innocently examining an empty bucket.
“Huh. Empty.” He tossed the bucket to Koa. “Let’s wash him down one more time.”
“The wolf or Z?” Ko taunted.
And our murder floof shook himself in solidarity, spraying everyone within a six-foot radius.
#
Rinsing out Brummy for the final time was easy peasy after that. He stood statue-still beneath the deluge, looking absurdly regal for something that moments ago tried to bathe in Cas’ blood.
Koa’s towel attack sent the wolf into wiggling ecstasy.
“Never seen a dire wolf enjoy a spa day,” he chuckled.
“Dire-dorkmore like.” I wrung out my shirt. “He’s— Hey!”
A blow dryer hit my shoulder with a plastic clatter. Addison hovered like a nervous drone, extension cord trailing behind him.
“Abuelasaid forSeñor Lobo. ”
Brummy sniffed it curiously. The machine’s whir hadn’t fully started before he pancaked at Koa’s feet, legs splayed like roadkill.
