Page 4 of Cats and Dogs

She thanked Vi and Ian and joined the two women waiting for her in front of the house, practically skipping. "I've never patrolled," she confessed.

It wasn't that she wasn't capable of it, but she'd never had the inclination to take on that sort of job, and Rye hadn't forced the matter. When there was danger nearby, her instincts were to stay close to the children. Rye had told her once that he was glad she'd taken on that role.

"There's always the possibility of an enemy sneaking past us," he'd said. "It's a relief to know you're there to kick their ass."

She'd beamed, feeling a little proud; he wasn't leaving her behind because she was a useless submissive. He did so because he could concentrate on the fight at hand if he knew the children had protection. Besides, no one could get them to calm down like she could when they were stressed out.

A few days ago, when hell had rained down on them from the Shifter Council and all their goons, two adults had been left with the children: Christine and Clary, a brand-new, but nonetheless dangerous, tigress. She might have been of help in the battle, but the fact that she was asked to remain with her and the kids proved that Rye truly believed the right thing was to leave assets behind.

Somehow, now the pride had grown, including three new shifters they could trust, Christine's need to remain glued to the kids was lightening a little. Between the presence of Luke, Theo, and Ari, and Rain's shields, she felt like she could try to patrol.

Plus, she was a cat. Curiosity was in her nature.

“Come on. Tell me all the things.”

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