Page 46 of The Rabbit's Foot
Chapter 15
Two days later, Alp stood outside with Mal and Lydia, waiting for the arrival of Damon Walker and his entourage. Alp had finally come out of the room, exhausted, despite all the sleep he’d gotten, but the remnants of the dream still clung to him. When he and Lydia broached the subject of antidepressants, Alp scowled, but when Lydia told him about her daughter, his stiff posture relaxed and he listened intently.
“How about this?” he offered. “When this is over, we can revisit it. Right now, I can’t even be sure it would work for me. Our metabolism burns off most things, especially after a shift.” He reached for her and placed a hand atop hers. “I know you’re both worried about me.” His gaze flicked to Mal. “And I appreciate you more than I can say. Right now, though? We have a job to do.” He drew in a breath. “When we’re ready, I’m going with you, Mal.”
Mal nodded. “That’ll be fine. I prefer to have you with me,” he replied with a smile.
The thrum of the first vehicle echoed off the cliffs surrounding the motel. A frisson of excitement wound its way through Alp, starting in his stomach and zipping out to all areas of his body. He was about to meet the man that his First called First. Not that it was at all confusing, of course.
When the trucks came around the corner, Alp murmured, “Oh my Maker.” This was no covert operation. Sixteen semitrucks, ten Hummers, cars, vans, and other assorted vehicles chugged toward the motel, dark smoke plumes visible for as far as the eye could see.
The lead Hummer came to a halt, and the rest fell in line behind it, winding down the highway. The door opened and out stepped a man who could only be Damon. He was bigger than Mal, with a broad chest and arms and legs thick with muscles. Next to him, Mal seemed tiny. The rest of the people stayed in their vehicles, which were now all silent. It was rather unnerving.
He didn’t speak as he strode to where Mal, Alp, and Lydia stood. He locked his gaze on Mal and clomped toward him. The man was awe-inspiring. A TAC vest strained to contain the immense power that radiated off Damon. Mal lowered his gaze and dropped to a knee before him.
“First, welcome to Swenson.”
“Coffee,” Damon growled, which became a jaw-popping yawn. “I need it, like, now.”
“Of course.” Mal rose. “I’ll make some right away.”
Damon shook his head. “My people will all need it. We drove straight through, stopping only to water a few trees along the way. They’re going to need plenty of food and coffee.”
“I already anticipated that,” Alp said, smiling at Mal. “The guy who owns the diner was sure I was messing with them when I ordered a hundred burgers with fries, a hundred fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as twenty steak dinners, thirty meatloaf and fries, and fifty of their allegedly famous rib sandwiches. We went and put down a deposit, so he’d know we were serious.”
Damon’s tongue darted out, swiping over his lips. “Did you get mozzarella sticks? I would kill for some.”
“And onion rings, cheese curds, and quesadillas.”
The smile he got drained some of the tension Alp was feeling. “Introduce me, Malachi.”
“First—”
“Damon, please,” he reminded Mal.
“Damon,” Mal said, his tone still reverent. “I would like to introduce you to Alpin Dawkins, my mate.”
Damon leaned in and sniffed Alp. What was it with wolves and the sniffing? When he brushed his face against Alp’s, the stubble scraping his skin, Alp gasped. He’d never been near any wolf beside Mal, and as much as he thought Mal was power personified, he was a candle next to Damon’s roaring flame.
“It is my pleasure, Alpin Dawkins,” Damon said. “You are a wonderful First’s mate. Instinctively you cared for us, even though you had no idea who we were or what we were like. Mal has chosen wisely.” He then stood and turned to Lydia. The smile that had graced his face, handsome in a rough, craggy way, slipped. “A human?” he snarled, his gaze snapping to Mal. “You told a human about us?”
“No, Damon. She was the one who helped to save Alp. She worked tirelessly to mend his broken body. She found out by mistake, but I trust her, and I ask that you do the same.”
“Attend me, human,” Damon growled, which sent a chill up Alp’s spine.
Lydia stepped forward, and Alp couldn’t miss the wariness.
“Tell me why you’re here,” Damon demanded.
Lydia cleared her throat and stood straight, but still didn’t make eye contact. “To help where I can, Damon. First. Uh, I’m not sure which I should call you, sir.”
“And how will you help us?” Damon asked, his tone still brittle.
“I’m a veterinarian. I ordered supplies to help any shifter in need. I can’t work on their human counterparts, but I can tend to any wounded animals.” She nodded. “Like Alp was. When Mal brought him in, I wanted—needed—to try to heal him. It’s what I do.”
Damon’s lip curled up, showing off a rather large fang. “Humans were never meant to know about us,” he ground out, the menace in his voice unmistakable.
Alp stepped between them. “She saved my fucking life!” he shouted. “I’m not going to have you browbeating her for my mistake.”
