“That’s somehow more intense than the puzzle explanation.” But Sonny’s eyes had grown darker, pupils dilated. “We’re in your backyard. In broad daylight. With dogs. This is not the time or place for whatever shenanigans you’re thinking about.”
Sonny laughed as Reese kissed him. Then he made a surprised sound that melted into something softer, hands coming up to grip Reese’s shirt. The kiss was slow, thorough, tasting like the mint toothpaste Sonny had used. His mate opened for him immediately, letting Reese in, giving back without hesitation.
Delilah barked. The sound was quiet, uncertain, but it cut through the moment. Sonny pulled back, his face flushed. “The dogs. Right. We’re supposed to be walking the dogs, not making out like horny teenagers.”
“Cockblocker,” Reese grumbled.
“You’re terrible. This is terrible enabling behavior.” But Sonny was smiling as he turned back to the dogs, checking on them with gentle hands. “Come on, you two. Let’s finish this lap before your new daddy decides to completely derail the exercise plan with his gorgeous face.”
His mate thought he was gorgeous. Reese inwardly preened.
They continued walking, Sonny’s hand finding his. The contact was casual, easy, like they’d been doing this for years instead of days. The dogs moved between them, Delilah pressing close to Sonny’s leg while Hercules stayed near Reese’s, like the “kids” were purposely keeping them apart.
The wind shifted.
Reese went still. The scent hit him, carried on the soft breeze. Hyena. Male. Close. Too close. His bear surged forward, demanding action, demanding to end the threat.
“Sonny.” Reese glanced around. “Take the dogs inside. Now.”
His mate’s head snapped up, those hazel eyes going wide. “What’s wrong?”
“Inside. Now.” Reese was already moving, positioning himself between Sonny and the fence line where the scent was strongest. His claws and canines slid free. “Don’t argue. Just go.”
Sonny grabbed both dogs, his movements quick despite Delilah’s limp and Hercules’s labored breathing. Reese heard him moving toward the house, heard the back door open and close.
The hyena stepped out from behind the large oak tree just inside the woods. He was in human form, average height, lean build. His dark hair was pulled back from his face, revealing features that might have been handsome if not for the predatory gleam in his eyes. He wore jeans and a plain shirt, nothing that would draw attention. But the scent rolling off him was unmistakable.
Threat. Danger. Enemy.
Reese’s bear snarled, demanding he shift and eliminate the problem. But strategy said to wait, to gather intel before resorting to violence. The back door opened again behind him. Footsteps approached, multiple sets. Grayson’s lion scent mixed with Colton’s panther and Malik's cheetah. Backup.
They spread out beside Reese, forming a line between the hyena and the house. Grayson’s authority rolled off him in palpable waves. Colton’s restless energy had focused into something dangerous. Malik's usual calm had been replaced by predatory stillness.
The hyena raised his hands in a gesture that appear non-threatening. Reese knew better. “I’m not here to start trouble. Just want to talk.”
“Talk.” Grayson’s voice carried command, the kind of tone that expected immediate obedience. “About what?”
“The dogs. The ones your little bunny stole from us.” The hyena’s eyes tracked to the house, searching. “We want them back. Willing to negotiate terms.”
Reese’s vision tunneled. His bear roared, demanding blood. The hyena had called Sonny “your little bunny” like he was property, like he belonged to them collectively rather than being Reese’s mate specifically. The disrespect alone was enough to warrant violence.
“There’s nothing to negotiate.” Reese snarled, his bear bleeding through. “The dogs stay where they are.”
The hyena’s expression shifted, something calculating entering his features. “Those dogs are worth a lot of money. Prime fighters. We've invested significant resources into their training. Surely we can come to some kind of arrangement.”
“They’re not for sale.” Reese took a step forward, his body moving without conscious thought. The hyena took a step back, his instincts recognizing the threat even if his brain hadn’t caught up yet. “They’re not property. They’re living creatures that you tortured for profit.”
“We’re willing to be generous.” The hyena’s hands were still raised, but his posture had shifted. Ready to run. “Name a price. Whatever you think is fair.”
Reese’s hands flexed at his sides, his bear demanding he shift and end this. But killing the messenger wouldn’t solve the larger problem. The hyena pack would just send more. They needed to understand that pursuing this would cost them more than the dogs were worth.
“There is no price.” Grayson had moved closer to Reese, his presence a reminder to maintain control. “The dogs are under our protection now. That makes them untouchable. You need to leave before this conversation becomes something else.”
The hyena’s eyes darted between them, assessing. Calculating odds. Looking for weakness. His gaze lingered on the house, on the windows where Reese knew Sonny was probably watching. The attention made something violent surge through his blood.
“You’re protecting a thief.” The hyena’s voice had gone harder, losing the false pleasantness. “He stole our property. That has consequences in our world.” The hyena’s gaze sharpened, flicking sideways to Grayson’s bared teeth, then to Colton’s hands flexing in and out of fists, then swiftly back to Reese—as if, by sheer force of will, he could pull the conversation back under his control. “You know how these things go, bear. If someone takes from us, we have to answer or we look weak. It’s not about the dogs. Not really. It’s a message, and if you don’t let us send it, there’s always escalation. You know that too.” He smiled, displaying just enough teeth to be a warning. “We’re prepared to take this as far as it goes, if that’s what you want.”
Reese didn’t respond. He didn’t have to. The pack’s silence was louder than any threat. Grayson’s arms folded across his chest, his voice low and even. “You’ll leave the property now, and you won’t come back. Consider your message delivered.” The muscles in Colton’s jaw worked as if he were already sinking his canines into flesh. Malik’s stance had gone so still he might have been a shadow painted onto the lawn, every cell waiting for the first twitch that meant run or pounce.
