Page 24 of A Malicious Menagerie
As I start to repack the first-aid kit, my gaze drifts involuntarily back to Fionn where he’s scrutinizing his new stitches, his brow furrowed thoughtfully. Before I can swallow the words back, I find myself saying, “Fionn, can I ask you a question?”
He quirks a smile. “After what you just did for me, I think I owe you at least that much.”
Still, I hesitate. I cast a look back at Colby where he still has his intent gaze turned away from us and toward the woods. Leaning in a bit, I murmur, “Where are you from?”
Now, his smile is pained. Bittersweet and nostalgic. “Killarney National Park in Ireland. It’s where they captured us.”
“Do you think about going back?” I ask, even though it seems an asinine question.
Sure enough: “All the time. Me and Ciara, it’s all we talk about. We miss our herd, though they likely had to move on after what happened to us.” His expression darkens. “I don’t know if we’ll ever see them again, even if wedomanage to cross an entire ocean to get back there.”
The thought of never seeing my family again—of never seeingNanagain—pulls at my heartstrings until they threaten to snap. “I’m sorry,” I say softly. “I’d free you, if I could. I would.”
He only shakes his head with a rueful smile. “The thing is, I know you mean it. You said that I’m a pretty good guy, but you’re the good one, Anna, down to your soul. So, thank you. For this…” He lifts his arm. “…And for caring.”
If only caring were enough to transport two kelpies across an ocean.
Suddenly, Fionn’s gaze flicks over my head, and a sly grin tugs at his lips. Before I can ask what’s so amusing, the sensation of a warm breeze ruffles my hair. I reach up to pat down the strands but find myself brushing my fingers over something soft as velvet.
Gasping, I twist around to look up… and up… and up into a long face with black hair and ebony eyes. Ciara. It was her equine nose I was feeling.
“Don’t worry,” Fionn says, but I barely hear him. I’m too focused on the massive predator hovering over me like a grim reaper. Or a night mare? “She doesn’t bite.”
“She doesn’t?” I ask meekly. I shiver as she lifts her lip to reveal pointed incisors and vicious canines.
“Nah, that’s a lie,” Fionn says cheerfully. “She bites. But she won’t bite you. We like you.”
Ciara snorts, though whether in agreement or not, it’s hard to say. Where is Colby?! Isn’t he supposed to be my bodyguard?
Suddenly, Fionn pushes to his feet and holds out a hand. “Here.”
“Thanks,” I squeak, letting him help me up. Now that I’m on my feet, I can see Colby standing beside Ciara, one big hand resting on her shoulder. When he notices me looking, he pulls away quickly as if she burned him. Ciara shakes out her mane before side-eyeing him in a way that’s clearly irritated.
I look between them, my brow furrowing. “Do you two… know each other?”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Fionn grumbles, passing me to throw an arm over his sister’s withers. “Come on, Ciara. Let’s go.”
“Bye,” I say with a small wave as they take off into the trees. Then, I look to Colby, waiting for an explanation.
As if. “Let’s go,” he growls, setting off for the door.
Well. That was a roller coaster. And one I’m not entirely sure that I’m not still riding.
* * *
Once I’ve made up for the time I lost seeing to Fionn’s wound, I eagerly make my way to the wolf enclosure. Despite my serious conversation with Fionn and the scare from Ciara, I’m still buzzing from my accomplishment. I want to share my excitement with a friend, and if that friend just happens to be a wolf… Well, there have probably been odder couples.
I just can’t believe I did it. I actually sewed Fionn’s arm back together. I thought any dreams I might have had of helping like that died with my degree, but here I am. Granted, an actual veterinarian would probably cringe at the finished product, but Fionn was pleased and thanked me. And, in the end, it’s about the patient more than my ego, isn’t it?
…Though I guess I shouldn’t put the cart before the kelpie. Hopefully, the wound doesn’t fall apart or get infected. Then I might just have to quit and find a deserted island to hide away on.
To my delight, the wolf is waiting for me by the back door when I round the corner of the enclosure. “Hello there,” I greet him cheerily. “I’m starting to think you like our chats almost as much as I do.”
He wags his tail twice in reply—an extra wag, I must be right about him looking forward to seeing me!—before he sits in front of the iron bars between us. He tilts his head inquisitively, and I decide to interpret that as him asking about my night. “It’s been an exciting night,” I tell him with a grin. “Fionn—that’s the kelpie, have I mentioned him before? Anyway, Fionn got hurt, so I had to stitch up his wound.” I make a production of looking left and right before leaning closer and dropping my voice to a whisper. “Don’t tell anyone, and especially not Nathan, but I’d never done that before. Imighthave led him to believe during my interview that I have a few more skills than I really do.”
The wolf chuffs before grinning broadly, and I wink at him. “I knew you could keep a secret. Anyway, I was nervous to be so close to the kelpie, but he was a model patient.” I roll my eyes. “Except for the over-the-top flirting.”
A deep, rumbling sound fills the air between us, and I startle, my gaze flying to the wolf’s. His muzzle is twisted in a snarl, just allowing the sharp tips of his fangs to poke out, and that reverberating growl is originating deep in his chest. I take a step back, alarmed, and the sound cuts off immediately. His topaz eyes widen almost as if he was surprised the sound was coming from him. He immediately drops his head and looks up at me from under his dark brow, his expression as purposefully nonthreatening as possible. I edge forward again, though I’m still wary. What did I do to upset him?
