Page 164 of Watch Me Burn
“That’s not helping.” But despite my worry, Damien’s presence steadies me. He has this way of making everything seem manageable, even when I’m spiraling.
“When’s the last time you saw him?”
I think back through the day. “This afternoon, when I gave him his snack of apple slices. Tate was on the porch with him when I left to run to the post office. I didn’t see him when I got back. I just assumed he was around somewhere. Tate didn’t say he was missing. Maybe I should call Tate. He left around four.”
I reach for my phone on the counter, babbling to myself, but Damien snatches it from my hands before I can dial.
“Don’t bother Tate. He would’ve told you if Ricky was missing. We’ll find him.”
I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the messy knot that’s been annoying me all day. The elastic band snaps as I pull, releasing the strands from their confinement. The summer heat is getting to me, and I swipe a small bead of sweat from the back of my neck.
“What if he got out somehow? There are coyotes out there, and mountain lions, and—”
I’m starting to spiral, and I hate it. This isn’t me. I’m steady and calm under pressure. But not lately. Not with my best friend missing, the news I still have to give Damien, and the changes happening in my body.
“Hey.”
His voice snaps me back—dark and calm and reasonable. That tone of absolute authority makes my pulse stutter and more warmth spread between my thighs despite the knot of worry in my chest.
“Let’s think about this. Where would a bored raccoon go if he wanted to cause trouble?”
My mind races through possibilities. “I’ve checked all his usual spots…” I trail off, realizing I haven’t checked every single space in the building.
“Or?” Damien follows me, unhurried and not as concerned as I wish he’d be. Ricky’s obsession with my breasts tests his patience, but right now I need himto care more. “Maybe he figured out how to get into the house. You know how food-motivated he is.”
I stop and stare at him. “The house? But how would he—”
“Luna, that raccoon has the problem-solving skills of a toddler with an engineering degree. If he wanted to get to your kitchen, he’d find a way.”
The logic makes sense, but worry has sunk its claws in deep. “But what if he’s hurt? What if something happened, and he crawled off somewhere to die—”
“What if he’s currently raiding the refrigerator and getting fat on leftover Chinese food?”
I want to smile at that image, but my chest is tight with anxiety. “You don’t understand. He’s not just another animal, Damien. If something happened to him…”
My voice cracks on the last word, and tears threaten. The hormones are making everything amplified, every emotion sharper and more intense.
“Luna.”
Damien’s tone shifts, deeper now, with that edge of command that goes straight to the primitive part of my brain.
“Look at me.”
My eyes snap to his because that voice demands obedience. His gaze has sharpened, and the civilized mask slips away, revealing the apex predator beneath. I know this version of him.
My wolf.
“We’re going to walk to the house right now and check. If he’s not there, we’ll come back and search every inch of this place until we find him.”
The authoritative tone steadies the chaos spinning through me. My breathing slows, and the panic that was building ebbs back to manageable worry. At the same time, it makes my nipples ache and my core clench with want. The things this man can do to me with just his voice. It alone can remake me.
“Okay.”
He extends his hand.
“Come on.”
I take it without hesitation, letting him lead me toward the door. His fingers interlace with mine, and some of the tension leaves my body.
