Page 29 of Pooch Planet

Chapter Eleven

Benji dug through the chest he kept at the end of his bed. He couldn’t wait to be in a real bed with Antoine. With hardly any meat on his bones, humping Antoine on the floor was getting really old. And painful. They’d determined from the start that trying to fit Antoine into Benji’s bed wasn’t going to work on many levels. Both comfort and the likelihood that Benji’s flimsy wooden frame would buckle under Antoine’s weight had been the determining factors.

But now that he was leaving Pooch Planet for good, he needed to decide what he wanted to bring. Even though he still had the rest of the week off from the kibble factory, he planned to give notice later that day. Who knew how long it would take Antoine and his team to hunt down the bat demon? However, Benji was done with his old life.

His Alpha had supported his decision a hundred percent then confessed he’d been hoping that was what Benji would do. Benji had discovered that Antoine was a bit old-fashioned when it came to certain things. He wanted to be the one who provided for Benji’s care entirely. However, he was more modern in other ways. Antoine had already reassured Benji that if there was something he wanted to pursue other than raising their pups and taking care of their home, that he’d support him in that as well.

Benji didn’t know yet what that might be, but it was nice to know that Antoine’s attitude was more progressive than any of the Alpha’s he knew of.

Shep’s signature door pounding echoed through Benji’s house, so he called out, “Come in, Shep!”

The door banged open and Shep strolled inside. “How’d you know it was me?” He shut the door behind him. “What if it had been lover boy?” Shep grinned through a mouthful of apple. “He might’ve gotten jealous.”

Benji rolled his eyes as he yanked out his best pair of pants from the chest, the ones he saved for weddings or parties. He rose from where he’d been crouching then laid them across a small pile of other things he’d designated as keepers.

“Could you wipe your hands so the chair doesn’t get sticky?” Benji paused, considering. “Hey, would you be interested in any of the furniture in here?”

Shep glanced around as he finished chewing. “Where would I put it? My place isn’t any bigger than yours.”

“You’re welcome, and you don’t have anything in there. You always shift then lay on the rug in front of the fire. There aren’t even any chairs.”

Shep tossed the apple core in the general direction of the small trash bin. The used piece of fruit had almost made into the trash bin.

“Why do you think I always come over here?”

Benji pinched the bridge of his nose. “So, wouldn’t it be nice if you could have the furniture in your own place after I leave, since you won’t be coming over here anymore?”

Shep licked his fingers, his brow creasing as if he was lost in thought. Benji already knew that the hand licking was as close as he’d get to Shep wiping them clean.

“Hmm. Good point.” He dropped into the chair. “Always did like this one. Okay, thanks!” Shep rubbed his palms over the arms of the chair and smiled. “This’ll be great.” His features clouded as he regarded Benji. “I’m sure gonna miss you, though.”

Benji quit fussing over his clothes then wandered the short distance to the stool and boosted himself on top of it. “Gee, Shep. I’ll miss you too. But Antoine said we can visit.”

Shep plucked at a stray thread in the upholstery. Benji was about to tell him to stop, then remembered it belonged to Shep now, so he could do whatever he wanted with it.

“Yeah, but we’re one of the farthest galaxies from the Milky Way. So, how often will that happen?”

Benji had never seen Shep look so down. He was starting to feel guilty.

“I know, but I’ll make sure when I do, I’ll let you know ahead of time so you can request days off.” Benji fiddled with the brew spoon resting on the holder. “Besides, you’ll probably be mated soon, don’t you think?”

Shep’s features brightened. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you. Do you think Champ’s cute? Like, he’s not totally hot stud material, but goofy cute at least?”

Benji smiled. He could definitely picture the pug shifter and Shep together. “Very cute. And anyway, his looks don’t matter as much as how he treats you and if you’re compatible.”

“Does that mean you and Stud Muffin are compatible? That he treats you right?”

Benji nodded. “A big yes, on both counts. And like I said, he explained about Pierre. That weasel was on the next ship outta here after our talk.” Benji lowered his voice as if Antoine was in the room. “I was hiding in the bushes when Pierre was going onboard. Boy, was he mad! I’ve never heard such curses before. And Antoine? He stayed calm the whole time, but in between all the yelling, he reminded Pierre about some guy named Claude and that they both knew the whole mating was a sham.” Benji grinned. “It was awesome.”

“Wow.” Shep stared off in the distance, a dreamy expression lighting up his features. He returned his attention to Benji. “Champ’s been buying me beers at the Bone & Tail, and walking me home early because he doesn’t want me out late, you know, in case that bat demon comes back.”

“Aww.” Benji smiled. “That’s so sweet. He sounds like a great pooch. I always thought he was nice.”

“Do you think I should get induced?”

“You like him that much?” Benji didn’t want his friend to jump the gun out of loneliness.

“Yeah, I do. I was noticing him before all this bat demon stuff started up, but I never got a chance to tell you.”