Page 41 of The Goblin in the Sink Drain
To make Nelson comfortable,we agreed to meet at the place of his choosing. I wasn’t surprised when he picked a diner that stank of cat when Rían and I walked through the door. The business must be pride owned and operated, and a quick sniff as we approached the only open booth confirmed each patron at every table was a cougar.
We expected as much, but it was still unnerving to walk into enemy territory beside Rían.
Like I was an equal. Like my opinion mattered. Like he trusted me to handle myself if things got dicey.
“Ana Sartori,” the man behind the counter purred. “I haven’t seen you since you were little.”
“Mr. Nelson,” I greeted him, polite but cold. “I haven’t seen you since you left me a message on the security cameras at Pampered Pooches, after you abducted several humans living in your town, under your care.”
“I don’t remember you being this mouthy.” He exited the back and strolled toward us. “Either Sartori kept you muzzled, or you’ve grown a spine since you started warming the Walsh alpha’s bed.”
A subtle vibration moved through Rían. I didn’t hear it so much as feel it, but it comforted me.
“That’s the best you’ve got?” I snorted at his attempt to hurt me. “And here I thought cats were clever.”
A few hisses peppered the room, but I pretended to ignore them until Nelson silenced them.
“You must be Rían Walsh.” Nelson stuck out his arm to shake Rían’s hand. “You’re a brave man, inciting Sartori’s wrath by shacking up with his daughter. You must be looking to move up in the world.”
“You were right.” Rían glanced at me rather than addressing Nelson. “For a cat, he’s not very clever.”
Yowls broke out among the patrons, but, once again, their alpha deescalated the situation.
“You said you wanted to talk,” he said, eyes flashing gold, “not insult me.”
“You opened the conversation by insulting Ana.” Rían remained calm. “I’m merely speaking what appears to be your language.”
“You’re not going to last long in Brentwood with an attitude like that.” Nelson flexed his fingers, and claws slid from the tips. “Take your toy and go.” He pointed at the door. “We’re done here.”
Patrons began rising from their seats, the threat clear. One or two lost their fight with their inner beasts and began shifting. That was my cue to tuck my hands into my pockets and fasten my claws in place.
“We’re done after you agree to quit doing Sartori’s dirty work.” Rían held his ground, unbothered as the cougars began inching closer. “I have no quarrel with you or your people. Stay out of my way when it comes to Sartori, and I’ll stay out of yours. Fair enough?”
“Look, I get that you’re a young alpha. Probably itching to prove yourself. I understand, I do, but you can’t issue ultimatums to other alphas and not expect to pay for the insolence in blood.” He shook his head. “I was going to let you walk out of here with the girl, but now? Now I’m going to take her and bring her back to her daddy.” He snapped his fingers. “Lena, restrain her.”
“I’m warning you.” I watched the slender woman stalk closer. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You’re adorable.” She shifted her hand into nubby paws. “A latent is afraid for me?”
“I would take her seriously.” Rían’s lips tipped up in a smile. “You’ll regret it soon enough if you don’t.”
His eyes slid past my shoulder then back to mine, and I read the warning there.
Before the cougar at my back launched their attack, I pivoted aside and raked my claws in a slash across their chest. The man roared, his skin twitching as his inner beast took over, but the silver was slowing him down.
“It doesn’t have to be this way.” I returned my attention to Lena, the distraction. “Stand down, and I’ll let you go.”
With a cry of fury, she launched herself at me. I dealt her the same blow, leaving her chest in ribbons. As soon as the silver began to burn, she threw herself on the floor and rolled like it was a fire she could put out.
Others rushed to help the injured, but Nelson stared at my hands, calculating.
“This won’t end well for you.” He ran his tongue along his teeth. “I hope you realize that, Ana.”
The threat pushed a rumble free of Rían’s throat, but he let me handle the taunt.
No point in beating around the bush when the bush was trying to beat me.
“The Sartori pack and I have parted ways, so you won’t get the pat on the head you’re looking for even if you could capture me and return me to Carmichael.” I flexed my claws for his appreciation. “Give us your word you will remain neutral in matters concerning their pack and our clan, and we’ll leave.”
