Page 13 of Guarded By the Bigfoot
Parker’s eyes narrowed. “Not happening.”
“This isn’t up for debate. It’s not safe for you here.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” She stepped closer, chin lifted in defiance. “Especially not after what I just saw up there.”
Tali leaned against the doorframe, watching our exchange with poorly concealed entertainment. Her lips twitched as she fought back a smile.
“Something funny?” I growled.
“Oh no, please continue.” She waved a hand. “This is better than those reality shows humans love so much.”
I shot her a look that would have sent most beings running. “Instead of enjoying the show, make yourself useful. Set up a Veilcom with the pack and clan leaders. Tonight.”
“All of them?” Tali straightened, amusement fading. “That serious?”
“Yes.” My voice dropped. “We need everyone.”
“I’ll send the alert.” She pushed off the doorframe, but paused to grin at Parker. “Good luck with this one. He’s extra growly when he’s worried.”
“Out,” I ordered.
Tali’s giggle echoed down the hall as she left.
“I mean it, Parker.” I turned back to face her. “The sooner the better.”
“And I mean it too.” She planted herself firmly in front of me, hands on hips. “There is no way in hell I’m leaving this mountain. Not while that thing is trying to break through, and definitely not while you’re running yourself into the ground trying to stop it.”
“I don’t need...”
“If you say you don’t need help, I swear I’ll throw something at you.” Her eyes flashed. “And don’t think I won’t aim for that shoulder.”
I didn’t bother to argue. Fighting her stubborn streak would be like trying to move a mountain. Technically possible, but never worth the effort. Besides, a part of me, the part I wasn’t ready to examine too closely, wanted her near.
“Of course you would.”
Her expression softened, and she reached out to touch my arm. The warmth of her hand burned straight through my fur.
“This isn’t over,” she said quietly, her voice as steady as her gaze. “This conversation, this fight. None of it. We’ll do this together.”
The words wrapped around me, warming something deep inside that had been cold for centuries. As she stood, her shoulders straight with resolve, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She was fierce, determined, and impossibly precious.
7
PARKER
Irummaged through the duffel bag Tali gave me, assessing the remains of my life. Most of my equipment was unsalvageable, cracked, smashed, or covered in mud. At least my favorite leather jacket survived, though it needed a good cleaning.
“Well, this is depressing,” I muttered, tossing the shattered spectral lens back into the bag.
“Charming as always,” Brock said, appearing behind me with that dry edge in his voice. “About that. We need to talk about ARC.”
“Let me guess. You want me to keep them out of this mess?” I zipped the bag shut.
“They can’t know what’s happening at the Veil. Not yet.”
I pulled out my phone, cracked but still functioning. A half dozen missed calls from HQ. “They’re already looking for me, Brock. Kind of hard to hide a car wreck and disappearing agent.”
