The dog stood dutifully and followed behind me.
“You can’t bring him in here.” Stain blocked the door.
“And just why not?” I put my hands on my hips.
“The Prez won’t like it.” He told me, eyes widening as my new pet posted up in front of me and started growling.
I smirked, “Prezis sick, and everyone else is in Church with bigger things to worry about.”
“You’re not going to listen to anything I say, are you?” Stain opened the door, shaking his head.
“Nope.” I followed him in.
“You and Beck are perfect for each other.” He muttered. “Always doing just what you want to, no matter the consequences.”
I smiled wryly. “I wish that were true.”
He looked at me in confusion for a moment, then shrugged and showed me where the food was. I made a sandwich formyself and a large bowl of Ramen noodles for Beck, hoping to get him to eat something. The selection sucked, but I did the best I could.
“Do you have food for Maximus?” I looked in the cabinet for a bowl.
“Maximus?” Stain questioned.
I pointed to the dog that hadn’t left my side since we entered the clubhouse.
“That’s a regal name for a mutt like him.” Stain laughed, grabbed a steak from the refrigerator, and held it up to my new friend.
“I think it’s perfect.” I smiled, scratching behind Max’s good ear. “It’s the name of a warrior.”
Max lifted his nose in the air and turned his head, refusing to take the meat.
I grabbed the steak from Stain, and Maximus immediately took it and almost swallowed it whole.
“Well, fuck you too.” Stain growled at the dog.
Maximus licked his lips and stared at me with adoration, ignoring Stain completely.
I filled the bowl I was holding with water. After Max drank his fill, I took several bottles for myself and Beck. Stain helped me carry everything back to our room, keeping his eyes on my snarling dog. Max kept close, ensuring he stayed between Stain and me at all times.
I paused at the door listening intently. When I heard the sound of Beck snoring fitfully, I entered the room.
“Thanks. I’ll feed him and try to make sure he rests.” I set the food on Beck’s nightstand.
“Don’t leave the room. I’m going to check in and see what plans they’ve come up with." He started to go, then paused, “Taryn, watch Beck. From what I can tell, everyone turns atdifferent speeds. Some fast, others take a while. Don’t take any stupid risks.”
“The one thing I’mnotis stupid. Now go on and let me tend to him.” I hurried him out the door and locked it behind him.
Beck wasn’t going to become one of the infected. There was no way I’d allow that to happen.
I made Max a bed in the corner out of an extra blanket at the end of Beck’s bed, and he immediately fell asleep. I’m sure the poor baby had been hungry and thirsty, and after his meal, he could finally rest.
What kind of assholes made dogs fight for fun? I might have to burn this clubhouse down around them after Beck recovered.
I propped an extra pillow behind Beck’s head and woke him up. “Come on, big guy. You need to get some food in your stomach and drink some water.”
Beck’s eyes opened when I touched his shoulder. “Taryn?”
“It’s me.” I tried to smile.
