“You put a hole in my wall.” Sherri came to back up Armel and held the shotgun she kept under the counter for emergencies. “I’d shoot you just for that, if it was up to me.”
“There was a fucking coyote in the bathroom,” Rossi argued, although he put his hands in the air and kicked his gun toward Armel.
“It tried to kill us.” Petrovic surrendered his gun as well. “Oh my God, do you think it was rabid? Am I going to get rabies?”
Scott left his clothing behind and slunk out during the confusion, fading into the background in the hallway outside the bathroom.
You saved us,Scott told his shifter.You were a total badass.
I think I want to throw up,his coyote admitted.
“What happened to the guy who went in there?” Rossi demanded. “How come all that’s left is his clothing? Did the coyote eat him?”
Armel rolled his eyes. “Coyotes don’t eat people. Although with the two of you, I’d be tempted to test that.” He cuffed both men. “As for rabies…we can put you through the tests. They’re very painful, as I understand. But if you catch it, the treatment is even worse.”
“You’re coming down to the station to get booked,” Armel said. “Then I’m turning you over to the Feds.” He hustled the two prisoners out to his squad car. Sherri followed with the shotgun, quiet backup.
She returned after a few minutes and looked around for Scott. “It’s safe to change back. Good thinking. I’m sorry that happened. I had no idea they were here.” Sherri turned her back to the ruined door and stood guard as Scott shifted and put on his clothes.
“Are you hurt?” She gave him a head-to-toe glance when he finished. “Do you need a ride home?”
Scott sighed. “I’m not hurt, but I probably need a ride. I’m pretty shaky. Justin had tours this morning, and I normally walk, but I drove today to try and avoid those guys.”
“I’ll get Kelly to watch the register and drive you myself,” Sherri volunteered. “Gather your stuff. I can walk back. Give me your keys.”
Scott was quiet when they got into the car. Even his coyote had nothing to say.
“Armel got those goons,” Sherri reassured him. “They won’t bother you again.”
“What if their bosses send more?” Scott put voice to his worry. “The Mob doesn’t give up easily.”
“Neither does a bear shifter sheriff,” Sherri replied. “We’ve got your back—tooth, claw, and shotguns.”
“Thank you, for everything,” Scott said when she pulled up and parked his car at their house. “I’m sorry for the damage to the door. I can pay for it.”
“You weren’t the one who did it. I’ll file an insurance claim, although I might fudge the part about mobsters and coyotes.” Despite everything, Sherri seemed to take the incident in stride.
“Just let me know.” Scott noticed that she didn’t leave until he was safely inside and smiled at the thought of the good friends he had made in Fox Hollow in such a short time.
Justin, on the other hand, is probably going to want to rip me a new one,Scott thought.
Our mate will be glad we’re safe,his coyote corrected.And it’ll be a long time before those guys underestimate a coyote again.
Minutes after he locked the door behind him, his phone rang.
“Sherri called me. Are you okay?” Justin sounded breathless.
“I’m not hurt,” Scott replied. “Getting the shakes now that it’s over, but the suit guys are in custody, I didn’t get shot, and Sherri is a badass.”
He steeled himself, waiting for Justin to say, “I told you so.”
“I am so glad you’re safe,” Justin said instead. “Sherri told me what happened, scared the shit out of me. Do you need me to cancel my last tour and come home?”
Scott was so surprised at Justin’s concern that he was speechless for a moment.
“I’m okay,” Scott told him. “Just come right home afterward. I’m probably not up for cooking or eating. At least not for a while. I’m going to sit down and have a quiet little panic attack.”
“Do you need to have one of our friends come over to be with you?” Justin asked.
