“That depends on what you think of him.” Doc’s eyes narrowed a little. Ottis’ heart skipped again.
“I don’t want him as my alpha,” Ottis said truthfully.
Doc stood taller, preening a little. Ottis snuggled closer into his side.
They were approaching Doc’s car when Marcie sneezed under the cover of Doc’s shirt. The shirt lit up orange from the inside, just a tiny spot of light.
But Ottis saw it. Doc did too.
Had someoneelseseen it?
Ottis’ heart kicked.
“Don’t look around,” Doc murmured. “That’ll make you appear more suspicious. But I think Marcie caught an eye or two.”
“Crap,” Ottis whispered.
With a light pressure on Ottis’ waist, Doc herded him past his car.
It made sense. They shouldn’t draw attention to their escape vehicle.
Two cars past their own, heavy footsteps approached them from behind. It wasn’t Hijinks.
Doc squeezed Ottis’ hip. “Keep moving,” he said under his breath.
Then he released Ottis, and turned to face the threat himself.
11
DANGER
Ottis’heart pounded. He knew he had to keep moving. He knew he had to keep Marcie safe.
But he also couldn’t help worrying about Doc.
He strained his ears for signs of life. None in the cars ahead.
So he ducked behind the nearest SUV, listening for the nearest threats.
Some cars away, Doc straightened to his full height. “What do you want?”
His voice had gone cold and hard, dangerous in a way that Ottis had never heard before. It was a voice that said he wouldn’t hesitate to use his fists, and hurt people if he had to.
Ottis’ mouth went dry. This was totally the wrong time to be turned on.
“Nothing, man. Just wanted to check out that kid,” the stranger said. His voice was oily and it sounded all kinds of wrong.
Doc’s answering growl was so low and threatening that Ottis’ insides jolted.
“What do you want with the baby?” Doc asked, taking a step forward.
When Ottis moved a little, he managed to see the man through a few clear windows. The man was shrugging and holding up his hands like he was trying to pacify Doc, but something about his face... It was an act.
From the way Doc snorted, he knew it too.
“Look, pal,” Doc said. “I’m going to give you one chance to walk away right now, and take your harassment with you. We’ll all get to go home happy. Sounds good?”
“No,” the man said, his face twisting. “Hand it over.”
