But then the pounding came a third time–WHAM—WHAM—WHAM!!! accompanied by a muffled curse from outside.
Kiera frowned. That voice was human—or at least humanoid.
Buck’s growl deepened. The thick fur along his shoulders was standing up and in the dim light from the hallway glows, Kiera could see his lips peeling back from long, sharp, white teeth.
“Easy, boy,” she whispered automatically, though her own pulse was racing now. “Take it easy.”
WHAM—WHAM—WHAM!!!
The pounding came again.
Kiera frowned.
“All right, that’s enough of that,” she muttered.
Pushing the coverlet aside, she slid out of bed, shivering a little as the cooler air of the room hit her bare legs. She was still wearing her oversized t—shirt, and she was glad she hadn’t decided to sleep nude.
Buck jumped off the bed at once, pacing close beside her as she hurried barefoot down the curving hallway toward the front of the dome. The big wolf’s body was tense and alert, every line of him saying danger!
Honestly, Kiera felt it too. No one should be knocking at her door in the middle of the night. What the hell was happening? If there had been an accident or problem with someone she loved back on Earth, Commander Rarev or Iyanna would have bespoken her with a Think-Me. They wouldn’t come pounding on her door at three o’clock in the morning or whatever ungodly hour it was.
She reached the front door and paused in front of the silver panel, keeping well back from it. The Monstrum security doors were strong—strong enough to withstand a battering from most of the creatures in the sanctuary if one somehow got loose.
Still, her skin prickled uneasily as what sounded like a heavy fist slammed against it.
“Who’s there?” she called, her voice coming out angry because being scared did that to her.
“’S me—Higgs!” a deep masculine voice snarled, words slurring.
Kiera’s stomach dropped. Of course it was Higgs. Who else would come pounding on her door in the middle of the night like some kind of drunken lunatic?
Buck’s growl turned into a deeper, more dangerous rumble. He pressed close to her leg, near enough that she could feel the heat rolling off his massive body.
The sound of his growl was oddly comforting.
If he tries to hurt you, I’ll fuck him up! it said.
Which was exactly the kind of backup Kiera needed.
“What do you want? It’s the middle of the night!” she exclaimed, still shouting through the door.
“Wanna come in. You never gave me a chance. You an’ me, we’re the only ones around on this gods—forsaken moon–we oughta be together! Lemme in and I’ll show you how a real man treats a lady!” Higgs slurs.
Kiera grimaced. The smell of liquor wasn’t coming through the sealed door, but she could hear it clearly enough in his voice. Great. Just great. Apparently the slimy rancher next door had gotten drunk and decided tonight was the night he was going to try and show her a good time.
“I don’t think so,” she snapped. “You sound drunk—go home and sleep it off.”
Outside, Higgs muttered something she couldn’t quite make out and then banged on the door again, harder this time.
WHAM—WHAM—WHAM!!!
Kiera jumped in spite of herself. If he didn’t stop that, he was seriously going to put a dent in her front door!
“Come on, pretty Kiera!” he shouted. “You didn’ treat me right! One little date an’ then you act like you’re too good for me? I been patient with you but that ends NOW! Get out here and lemme show you what a woman’s good for!”
At that point Buck, who had been growling louder and louder, pushed her aside and planted himself directly in front of the door, shoulders squared, head lowered, a snarl curling his lips.
“Buck–” she began but he didn’t let her finish.
