“Ryan. He’s human, but he knows about us.”
Us. Like Indy was included in that. Like finding your mate in the middle of a random afternoon while he was running from demons was totally normal. His laugh came out slightly hysterical.
“You okay?” Malik glanced at him, those golden-brown eyes catching the dim light.
“Oh, peachy. Arranged some bouquets, lied to demons, found my—” He cut himself off, heat flooding his face again. “The dogs. I’m worried about the dogs.”
And himself. Those demons had to have known he was lying. They’d been across the street while Malik stood out in the open in his shop. What if Indy was now on their shit list?
They turned onto a tree-lined street where the houses sat farther apart, hidden behind tall fences and hedges. Malik pulled into a driveway that led to a sprawling two-story house. It looked homey despite its size, with warm lights glowing in the windows and a wraparound porch.
“Wait here,” Malik said, already opening his door. “I’ll get Ryan.”
But Indy was already scrambling out, unable to sit still while the dogs were hurt. The rain had stopped, leaving everything smelling clean and green. He went straight to the truck bed, peering into the box.
“Hey, sweethearts,” he murmured. The smallest dog, a terrier mix with matted fur, lifted its head weakly. “We’re going to get you fixed up.”
The front door opened, and a young man hurried out. He had kind eyes and gentle hands, the sort of person who immediately put Indy at ease.
“Hi, I’m Ryan,” the guy said.
“Indy.”
“Let’s get them inside,” Ryan said after a quick assessment. “I’ve got a treatment room set up.”
Malik carried the box into a first-floor bedroom with dog beds and was lined with medical equipment. Ryan worked with quiet efficiency, cleaning wounds and administering pain medication while Indy held each dog steady. Malik stood guard by the door, a silent presence that made Indy feel oddly safe.
“The gash needs stitches,” Ryan said, examining the worst injury. “And this one definitely has a fracture. But they’re all malnourished and dehydrated. How long were they out there?”
“I don’t know. We just found them half an hour ago, maybe less.” Indy stroked the terrier’s head as Ryan prepared a needle. “Someone just dumped them like garbage.”
His voice cracked on the last word. These innocent creatures, thrown away like they meant nothing. His fox snarled at the injustice of it. He wanted to smack whoever had done this to the poor dogs.
“You did good getting them help,” Ryan said. “They’ll recover.”
Indy watched Ryan work, grateful for his help but unable to stop stealing glances at Malik. The man hadn’t moved from his spot by the door, but Indy could feel his attention like a physical touch. Every time their eyes met the pull grew stronger. It felt that way to him, at least.
An hour later, all three dogs were cleaned, treated, and sleeping peacefully on soft blankets. Ryan had dog food for them, specially formulated for malnourished animals.
“Can they...” Indy twisted his hands together. “Would it be possible for them to stay here while they heal? I feel responsible for them since they were found behind my—”
“They can stay as long as needed,” Ryan interrupted gently. “We’ve got the space, and I’ll monitor them closely.”
Relief flooded through Indy so fast it made him dizzy. He’d been so worried about what would happen to them, whether he could provide what they needed.
He truly did feel responsible for them since they’d been ditched behind his shop.
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Really, thank you so much.”
Ryan smiled. “No problem. They’ll be safe here.”
Indy gave each sleeping dog one last gentle touch before following Malik out of the treatment room. The main house was warm and lived-in, with comfortable furniture and the lingering scent of coffee. But his nerves were jangling now that the immediate crisis was over.
He caught Malik’s sleeve, the fabric still damp from rain. “Can we talk? About the...” He glanced around, lowered his voice. “The chase thing?”
Malik’s expression shuttered. “There’s not much to say.”
Oh, somebody was definitely hiding something. That answer had come too fast.
