“Welcome to Second Scoops! Are these beautiful babies getting treats today?” Her voice was high and enthusiastic, the kind of tone people used when talking to animals. Delilah’s tail wagged harder in response.
“Yes. Definitely yes. All the treats. What flavors are dog-safe?” Sonny moved closer to the counter, reading the menu board mounted on the wall. The options were extensive, everything from peanut butter to bacon to something called “Pupcake Delight,” which sounded both amazing and slightly terrifying.
“All of our dog flavors are in the case on the left.” The woman gestured to a separate freezer case filled with small containers. “No sugar, no artificial sweeteners, all natural ingredients. The peanut butter is our most popular, but the bacon is a close second.”
Sonny ordered both, unable to choose between them. The woman scooped generous portions into two small bowls, her hands moving quickly. The ice cream was lighter in color than regular ice cream, the texture slightly different. Sonny accepted both bowls and carried them carefully toward the door, Reese following with the dogs.
The back patio was empty except for one older couple sharing a sundae at the far table. Sonny chose a spot near the middle, setting both bowls on the ground where Delilah and Hercules could reach them easily. Both dogs approached cautiously, sniffing at the unfamiliar substance.
Delilah was the first to taste it, her tongue darting out to lick the peanut butter ice cream. Her whole body went still for a moment, processing this new experience. Then her tail started wagging so hard her entire back end moved with it. She dove into the bowl, eating with an enthusiasm that made Sonny laugh out loud.
Hercules took longer to commit, his caution evident in every movement. But once he tasted the bacon flavor, he was equally enthusiastic. Both dogs ate like they’d never experienced anything so wonderful in their entire lives, their faces getting covered in melted ice cream. As they licked the treats off each other’s faces then went back to their bowls, delight bloomed inside Sonny.
“This was the best idea ever!” Sonny couldn’t stop smiling, watching the dogs enjoy their treats. “Look at them. They’re so happy. When was the last time they got to be happy about anything?”
Reese went back inside and returned with two more ice cream cones, regular ones for humans. He handed one to Sonny before settling onto the picnic bench beside him. The cone was vanilla with chocolate swirls, simple but good. Sonny took a bite, the cold sweetness spreading across his tongue.
The afternoon sun was warm but not uncomfortable, filtered through the umbrella shading their table. Birds chirped from nearby trees. The scent of flowers drifted from planters arranged around the patio's perimeter. Everything felt peaceful in a way that Sonny’s life hadn’t been for months. Maybe years. Just sitting here, eating ice cream, watching two traumatized dogs experience joy for probably the first time since being stolen from their original homes.
Delilah finished first, licking her bowl clean before moving to investigate Hercules nearly-eaten ice cream. The male dog growled softly but without real heat, a warning that this was his food. Delilah respected the boundary, settling onto the concrete beside Sonny’s feet instead. Her tongue came out to lick the remaining ice cream from her muzzle, her tail still wagging.
Sonny reached down to scratch behind her ear, his fingers finding the spot that made her back leg twitch. She leaned into the touch, her eyes closing in contentment. Hercules finished his ice cream more slowly, taking his time with each lick. When the bowl was empty, he limped over to join Delilah at Sonny’s feet, both dogs pressing against his legs.
“They trust you.” Reese’s voice was quiet, meant just for Sonny. “Completely.”
“Not sure why. I might’ve rescued them, but I dragged them across three towns while being chased by angry hyenas.” Sonny took another bite of his ice cream, the cold making his teeth ache slightly. “Not exactly responsible pet ownership.”
“You saved their lives.” Reese’s hand found Sonny’s knee under the table, making him forget what they were talking about. “They know that. Animals understand intention.”
Right. Dogs.
Sonny wanted to say something, but the words stuck in his throat. His ice cream was melting faster than he could eat it, dripping down his fingers. He licked at the mess, trying to keep it from getting all over his pants. The vanilla was sweet, the chocolate richer. Good quality ice cream, not the cheap stuff from gas station freezers.
An awareness crawled up the back of his skull like cold fingers. Someone was watching. Not the casual observation of strangers sharing space, but focused attention. Predatory attention. His bunny recognized it immediately, every instinct screaming danger.
He looked up slowly, scanning the area around the patio. The older couple was still absorbed in their sundae. A family had arrived and was ordering inside. Nothing seemed out of place, but the feeling persisted, making his skin prickle with awareness.
Then he saw him.
The hyena from yesterday stood across the street, leaning against a brick building. He wasn’t trying to hide, wasn’t even pretending to be doing anything except watching. His eyes were locked on Sonny, his expression unreadable from this distance. But the threat was clear. The message was obvious.
We know where you are. We’re watching. We’re not giving up.
Sonny’s hand found Reese’s arm under the table, gripping tight. His voice came out barely above a whisper, his bunny screaming at him to run. “He’s here. The hyena from yesterday. Across the street.”
Reese was already staring in that direction. His ice-blue eyes locked on the threat. His mate’s hand covered Sonny’s, squeezing once.
“We’re leaving. Now.” Reese stood in one fluid motion, his height towering over Sonny. “Bring the dogs.”
Hands shaking, Sonny grabbed the bowls and threw them in the nearby trash, along with his unfinished cone. Delilah and Hercules sensed his fear, both dogs going tense. He helped them up, his movements quick but trying not to communicate panic. They needed to move fast, but running would only trigger chase instincts.
Reese was already heading toward the truck, his body positioned between them and the street. Between Sonny and the threat. The protective gesture made something warm curl through his fear, made his bunny settle slightly knowing his mate was there.
They made it to the truck without incident. Reese helped the dogs into the backseat while Sonny climbed into the passenger side, pissed their time had been cut short.
Reese started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, his movements controlled despite the clench of his jaw. The truck turned onto the main road, heading back toward the house. Sonny checked on the dogs. Both animals were pressed together, sensing the sudden tension.
In the side mirror, movement caught Sonny’s eye. A motorcycle had pulled out from a side street, following them. The rider wore a helmet that obscured his face, but Sonny recognized the build, the way he sat on the bike. The hyena. Following them. Making sure they knew he could.
