Page 41 of Ours

“It’s just what dogs do,” Maddox said with a lewd grin on his face. “He needs to memorize yourscent.”

With an exasperated sigh, Lexi waited for the shepherd to finish his nasal interrogation. After a long minute, the dog finally seemed satisfied. Turning to look at Kade, Cupcake barked loudly twice to alert his master that he was done with his task.

“Guter hund,” Kade said, taking a single step towards Lexi and the canine.

Quirking his head to the side, Cupcake wagged his long tail as Kade came closer. Obviously pleased with his performance.

“He seems...friendly,” Lexi said, toggling her attention back and forth between the dog and Kade.

Maddox chuckled, the deep sound giving Lexi theick.

“Well, he will be to you,” Kade replied, before snapping his fingers once again. “Cupcake,fass!”

With another sharp bark, the shepherd quickly moved to Lexi’s left side and plopped his hind legs down on the ground. Sitting proudly, the dog looked to Kade for acknowledgement.

“So, what did that do?” Lexi asked.

“You’re under his protection. He won’t let anyone touch you,” Kade answered.

“Unless you want them to,” Maddox snickered.

Glancing over his shoulder to Maddox, Kade clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. His Skull seemed way too comfortable. It was apparent that he would have to assert himself during this trip.

“We’re done, here,” Kade said gruffly, heading towards the front door. “Come back at ten, Maddox. I’ll be ready.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Maddox walked to the door with a swagger in his step. He wanted to leave, anyway. Callie was waiting for him back at the safe house. Bloodbayne sure did know how to treat his employees right. Kade would be a lot more effective if he did shit like that.

“Cupcake is a very loyal dog, Miss Curtis. He will be good to you. I should know, I trained him. Oh, and don’t worry,” he said, lowering his baritone voice so that only she could hear as he walked past.“It’ll all be over soon.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

What time is it?Nikki purred.

Scrunching her face in frustration, Lexi stopped herself from picking up her phone. It had been well over two hours since her last text from Kade, and her anxiety was growing by the second. The last thing she needed was the bitch in her head making things worse.

I guess it doesn’t matter, does it? We both know he’s not coming back,Nikki taunted.

“Hey! Shut the fuck up!” Lexi spat aloud, her angry voice waking Cupcake.

Glancing at the shepherd curled at her feet, she whispered an apology and leaned down to rub his head. There were plenty of knives and Glocks hidden around the mansion, but she was thankful that Kade had left the pup with her. She had grown fond of the sweet demon over the past four days. He was her constant shadow, and she felt much more secure having him at her side.

“You’re such a good boy, Cupcake! When Kade comes home, I’m going to see if he will let me keep you,” she said with a warm smile.

Sniffing the air, Cupcake let out a small whimper in reply. Satisfied that there wasn’t an immediate threat to his human, he settled back down at his place beside her dining room chair.

Ugh, why would you keep that thing? It’s a disgusting mongrel,Nikki said.

“Dammit, Nikki! Why the hell did you have to come back?” she growled, toying with the sentimental charms on her bangle. “I was doing just finewithoutyou.”

You know exactly why,Nikki replied, her tone growing hard.

Holding onto the tiny white and yellow gold baby bootie, a chill ran down her spine as her brain replayed Maddox’s ominous comment. She was a sitting duck, all alone in the sprawling mansion. It was only a matter of time before something horrible happened. She could feel it in the pit of her stomach. Yes, she knew exactly why her alter had returned.

It’s a good thing you have me, ya know, Nikki said.

Rolling her eyes, Lexi placed her right palm against the curve of her stomach. “Oh yes, I’m so very lucky that you fucked the father of my child.”

You really ought to get over what happened between Kade and me. It was just sex, honestly. He’s too much of a bore for me...all body, no brains. Talking to him was like talking to a brick wall. Now Demetri on the other hand, he’s much more my type. Unlike you, I could handle that man. Just think of all the fun we could have together.

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