Page 35 of Pooch Planet

Benji winced and Antoine threw his hands in the air.

“That’s what you just did! You invited me in! You literally called out to me, ‘come in’.”

Shep scratched his head, his expression filled with uncertainty. “Yeah, but…it all worked out. You know, because you’re not a vampire. So I’m good, right?” He gave Antoine a weak smile.

The muscle’s in Antoine’s jaw ticked and Benji worried that his mate might explode.

Benji laid a hand on Antoine’s arm. “Uh, I’m kind of tired. Maybe we should get going?”

Antoine shook his head as if snapping out of his rage. “Of course, sweetheart. Let’s get you home.” He regarded Shep, who’d remained on the floor with his knees tucked under his chin. “And as for you, no one is allowed in this house anymore once the sun goes down. Don’t answer the door, don’t ask who it is, keep the damn thing locked. Got it?”

“Yes, sir.” Shep hugged his legs, his head drooping. “I got it.”

Benji covered his mouth so Shep wouldn’t catch him giggling. He’d never seen Shep look so ashamed of himself. However, Benji was relieved that Antoine had yelled at him. Whatever it took to keep his friend safe was fine with Benji.

After giving Shep a reassuring hug and saying goodnight, they left, but not until Antoine had verified that Shep had locked his door behind them.

As they made their way to the surface transport—the same foreign vehicle Benji had heard the night he met Antoine—Antoine held tightly to Benji’s hand, never letting his gaze land anywhere for more than a second. Benji could sense Antoine’s tension, which then made him more nervous about being out at night than he had been.

If only our roads weren’t so damn narrow.

Benji was sure if they were in Mutt Town or Watch Dog City—or any other place on the whole damn planet—there wouldn’t have been a problem parking the surface transport closer.

A red glow shone in Antoine’s eyes as he whipped his head around, his grip tightening on Benji’s hand.

“Something isn’t right, let’s hurry.”

As it was, Benji was having a hard time keeping up with Antoine’s long, quick stride. Right as Benji was about to suggest that he shift so Antoine could carry him, Antoine shoved him behind a bush then growled, “Stay down!”

Benji watched in fear as Antoine stalked the area while removing his clothing piece by piece, moving in circles with his head tipped back as he scanned the night sky. The bizarre dance would be amusing if the reason behind it wasn’t so terrifying.

Right as Antoine removed the last of his garments, the horrible shriek Benji had heard during the first bat demon attack filled the air. Antoine’s wings flew open, his tail whipping around as he bared his teeth and claws. With glowing red eyes, he turned to Benji and roared, “Run!”