I slide out of the bed, find the clothes I had on earlier and dress as June patiently waits by the door.
“I’m coming, girl. Give me a second.”
Splashing my face with cold water gives me a little jolt. I’m pleased to find a new toothbrush and travel toothpaste in the stocked bathroom cabinet.
Even a hairbrush.
Satisfied I don’t look like I just crawled out of bed, I head for the door.
The first thing I notice when I step into the hallway is the quiet of a well-built house. In this case a fortress. It’s not silent, but there’s a hush over the house.
By no means does it feel like I’m alone.
This house is manned by guards patrolling the exterior and Ryker’s teammates are planning to take down the crime ring that almost killed us.
There’s an energy here. Somehow I feel I’m like part of it.
Not like the outsider I’ve felt like for my whole life.
I pad barefoot into the kitchen where I find a large container marked with June’s name and two bowls. Already prepped for her meal with water and crunchy food.
It takes me a second, but I realize she’s waiting for the green light to eat.
“Okay, go ahead.” I motion to the bowl. She just wags that long, graceful black tail, her pink tongue slipping out of her mouth.
“You can eat.”
I try snapping my fingers.
Woof. Wag, doggy smile.
Oh my, she’s adorable.
“Do you come with an owner’s manual?” I ask her.
“Actually she does.”
I startle and clutch my chest, mouth going dry in a flash.
A beast of a man stands in the doorway with one hand in his pocket. The other leaned against the door jamb. He’s wearing an Agile Security T-shirt that doesn’t hide a single muscle.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. That was inconsiderate. I’m Scout, by the way.”
“It’s okay,” I croak, “I’m just jumpy.”
“Understandable.”
He’s got that quiet, still gaze that a lot of the men who work with Ryker seem to have. It takes getting used to.
“Do you know June?” I ask because she’s eagerly watching him, ears perked, friendly expression.
“My friend trained her. June flew here with me on a helo earlier today.”
He makes a soft clicking sound with his tongue. She goes to him, putting her head in his hand, sighing with pleasure.
I watch them for a second, calmed by his gentle way with her.
“How do I tell her to eat?”
