Page 40 of Waifs And Strays
Quack turned left, abandoning the busier thoroughfare for a narrower side street. It was devoid of people and I knew this was our chance. I nudged Thane and pointed to the parallel street. Thankfully he understood and took off, sprinting away so he could curve around and block Quack from the front while I approached her from behind.
It was a classic pincer move that reminded me there were occasional benefits to working with a partner. It didn't mean I'd be signing up for a permanent double act any time soon, though, and I suspected Thane felt the same, but it was nice to know I had reliable backup even if it was only temporary.
I held back for several breaths, allowing him time to run around the block and reach the other end of the street, then I started in Quack’s wake. I’d gone less than ten metres when I saw her back stiffen and her head rise a fraction. She didn’t immediately turn around but I knew she’d scented me; we’d spent enough time together that she’d recognised my smell.
She continued walking, albeit more slowly, whilst I did the opposite and picked up speed. She knew I was behind her so there was no longer any reason to be circumspect. I watchedher fists clench and unclench: Quack was preparing for a fight. That was good because so was I.
‘Hi there!’ I called out in my most cheerful voice. ‘Fancy meeting you here!’
She stopped walking but didn’t turn around. Her body was rigid and I knew she was scared. That pleased me even more.
‘Can we have a wee chat?’ My voice echoed around the narrow street, making it louder than I’d intended. A flicker of movement snagged my eye and I glimpsed a skinny tabby cat peering over the edge of a building to my right. He yawned, displaying a fine set of sharp teeth; doubtless he’d been snoozing up there and my shout had disturbed his nap.
I raised my hand, half in acknowledgment and half in apology, and he blinked at me but continued to stare. I guessed he was hoping for a show. I shrugged and returned my attention to Quack, who had finally turned to face me.
I drew closer until the gap between us was only a few metres and grinned; unsurprisingly, she didn’t smile back. ‘You’ve been following me,’ she said with a soft snarl.
I didn’t bother to deny it. ‘We need to talk.’
‘My orders are to leave you alone.’
‘For your own safety, I imagine,’ I nodded towards her swollen nose.
Her eyes narrowed. ‘You’re looking for round two?’
‘I’m looking for a chat.’
She folded her arms. ‘I’m busy.’
‘It won’t take long.’
‘I’mverybusy.’ Her gaze was hard and I matched it with my own stare. Her nose twitched then she spun around and started to sprint away. I guessed I’d won the staring contest.
I stayed where I was. Quack didn’t get very far; she hurtled fifteen metres down the street to where Thane was already waiting. He reached out and snagged her arm.
Quack exploded. ‘What the fuck?’ She tried to wrench away but he held her fast. She kicked and lashed out with her fists, twice landing blows that would have sent a weaker man flying, but Thane was stronger than he looked. He tightened his hold on her then raised his head and smirked at me.
As he started hauling her back to me, Quack fought him every inch of the way. ‘You don’t know who you’re messing with,’ she spat. ‘One word from me and the entire MacTire pack will be after you. You’re dead meat. I know who you are, loner, and I know who she is. You’re going to regret the day you laid eyes on me.’ She kicked him again. ‘Let me go.’ Her voice rose. ‘Let me go, you fucker!’
She was making an incredible amount of noise. We weren’t so far off the beaten track that her yells wouldn’t attract attention and that was the last thing we needed. ‘Be quiet!’ I commanded.
She looked at me. ‘Fuck you!’
I lifted my hand and smacked her on the side of the head. It was little more than a glancing blow but even so she howled. I cursed. Goddamnit, I wanted her to be quiet, not raise more hell. ‘Shut your trap!’ I commanded.
She struggled against Thane. ‘The fuck I will. My alpha is going to bleed you dry for this.’ She opened her mouth and gathered her breath, clearly preparing to scream.
I jumped in before she brought half of Coldstream to her side. ‘You mean the alpha who you tried to poison two nights ago? Alexander MacTire? That alpha?’
With that, the fight was over; Quack’s scream died in her mouth and she stared at me mutely.
‘Oh yeah,’ I said. ‘I know all about that.’
Her eyes darted from left to right; now she was wondering if Alexander MacTire himself had put me up to this.
‘He doesn’t know,’ Thane murmured.
‘Yet,’ I added menacingly.
