Page 114 of Sacrifice
"Emil," Saga protests. "We should discuss?—"
"You're right. Which one do you want to sleep on the bed?"
"I— what?"
"I'm thinking Luna. She's smallest."
"They can all sleep on the beds, couches, or wherever they want to," Elfe declares. "Our place is big enough."
"See? Decided." I turn back to the volunteer. "We'll take them."
The volunteer blinks. "All three? You understand they're a significant commitment?—"
"Lady, I've got a gunshot wound, two women to protect, and a cartel that wants me dead. I think I can handle some dogs."
"Emil," Saga warns.
"What? It's true."
"We don't share that with random people."
"Oh. Right." I look at the volunteer, who's gone pale. "Forget that last part."
"I... okay. Let me get the paperwork."
She flees. Saga smacks my good arm.
"What happened to operational security?"
"She thinks I'm kidding. Nobody admits to cartel problems that casually if they're real."
"That's not how normal people think."
"Good thing we're not normal people." I watch the dogs, who've settled into a protective formation around the women. Rex facing the door, Luna watching the windows, Odin maintaining overwatch. "Look at that. They're already working."
"They're amazing," Elfe breathes. "Can we take them home now?"
"Soon as I traumatize the volunteer into processing us quickly."
An hour later, we're loading three giant dogs into my truck.
It's a tight fit, but they seem happy to be together.
Rex claims the middle, head on Saga's lap.
Luna curls against Elfe.
Odin sprawls across the other two seats.
"This is ridiculous," I mutter, trying to see around massive dog heads.
"This is perfect," Saga corrects. "Our security assets seem happy."
"Stop using my words against me."
"Never." She laughs as Rex tries to lick my face while I'm driving. "Oh, he loves you already!"
"He's compromising my ability to operate this vehicle."
