Page 37 of His to Mate

“I’m right behind you. Come on, Katy, you little, ankle-biting terror.”

Ann laughed at Skye’s joke and the trio went into the living room. The fire was out today, unnecessary now that more homes and buildings were being used by more people. Ann kind of missed the fires, but knew it was better to not have to use them. She settled on a couch she’d had brought over from one of her explorations. It had one long section, and then another section that came out, like a bed. It was the most comfortable place to be downstairs, and she climbed on the gray and dark blue fabric to settle down.

“If I’m not mistaken, I asked Rager for a health scanner last night. I fell asleep, and I haven’t heard from him today, so I’m not sure.” She wiped hair away from her damp face and took a deep breath. “Although, at this point, I think it’s obvious that I am pregnant.”

She said that last part softly, so only Skye could hear. Skye nodded and looked at the door before she responded.

“That’s good. We can use it at the clinic, and any other technology they can provide would be appreciated.”

“I’ll let him know. I should probably go up there with him one day and find out exactly what they have up there.”

“I’ve heard it’s like one giant city up in that thing. I only saw a little bit of it, but yeah, they should have some stuff up there we can use.”

“You know, I look up at it sometimes, this giant dark blotch on the sky, and wonder how people could be so stupid as to think they can get rid of the aliens. I mean, that thing is massive, and probably full of weapons we’ve never dreamed of.”

“I’ve heard that they aren’t a military society, but they’ve had to fight off other planets, and have learned to take care of themselves out there. They can hold their own, so I don’t get it either. There’s no point in even trying to fight back.”

“But that’s it too, Skye.” Ann wiggled around until she was comfortable and looked at the woman on the other end of the couch. “Fight back against what? Not having a Constitution anymore? Being able to live above the ground? Having food, shelter, and a life?”

Ann shook her head, completely lost in one of her favorite subjects. “I don’t understand people. Or wolves. Or aliens, for that matter.”

“I think you mean men,” Skye laughed and let her head fall back against the back of the pillow, her long black hair in a silk pony-tail. “Most of the problems seem to come from men.”

“As usual,” Ann agreed and shook her head. Katy wiggled up her body and curled into the space between her head and her shoulder. Ann stroked her absently while the puppy went to sleep. “It makes me sad that they can’t let us live in peace, it really does.”

“Maybe they will, after a while.” Skye looked around and leaned over towards Ann. “We’ve got some stuff set up at the hospital, down in the basements, just in case things get ugly.”

Ann felt fear wiggle its way down her spine. “What makes you think that’s necessary?”

“I’m hearing more and more about this wolf revolution. And there’s mention of some of the aliens that want to take Rager out of power and make someone else the leader. They think he’s insane to have mated with you.”

“Oh, that garbage. I’ve been hearing that since we mated.” Ann tried to brush it off, but Skye shook her head and reached out for Ann.

“No, I’m overhearing a lot more of it, and from some people I didn’t expect. The kind of people that work for you.”

Ann’s brows knitted together. “Are you saying…?”

She let the words trail off, completely shocked. These people knew her, knew she wasn’t unkind, that she wasn’t cruel. Why would they want to see her harmed?

“I am. I’m not sure which one, but one of them is definitely passing information along. Information like how often you’re alone here and when Rager is at work or out of the office.”

“They’re tracking us?” Ann’s face scrunched up even more, anger mixed with fear now to make her body shake. “Fuckers!”

“Which might be another reason I should stay here. If you aren’t alone, maybe they’ll back off.”

“But I’m always guarded…” she started but Skye interrupted.

“You are, but the guard isn’t looking for trouble from the inside, is he?”

“I’m not sure I want to live like this. I’ll be afraid to eat next, afraid it will be poisoned or something.”

“I’d suggest bringing in new staff, maybe from the new people that were brought in.” Skye looked uneasy, but she carried on. “I think it’s one of the guys that does the gardening I heard the wolves talking about. I’m not sure which one, but they mentioned the guy had to mow the grass a lot.”

“Are you sure it was at my house?” Unease made her voice shake. “Because I know who it is if it’s at my mother’s house.”

“It’s possible they got the info wrong.” Skye brushed a stray hair back into place and looked over at her. “I go to this dive bar, a little hole in the wall, almost literally. I keep covered up, and out of the way, so I won’t be noticed. If I sit in that dark corner they have there long enough, I hear things.”

“I hope you aren’t spending too many nights in that place.” Ann glanced at her, but her thoughts were still on Rex. “I’ll make sure Rager hears about it all. Maybe he needs to send someone down there instead of you taking chances.”

“Sure. It would be nice if we had a decent bar to go to, though. After five years, some of those shitty wines are now pretty good. It would be nice to have a decent place to go to, just for a drink and to relax for a little while.”

“Thanks for gathering information for me, but please don’t go back there. It sounds dangerous.”

“I won’t. I found a bottle of vodka if I get desperate.” Skye’s straight white teeth were on display as she laughed and rolled away from Ann. “Now, let’s just hope Rager can stop all of this insanity before it goes any further.”

“I’ll talk to him as soon as I can.” Ann cuddled her face against Katy’s soft fur and thought about her baby again. She wanted to give them both a good world to grow up in. She’d have to find a way to make sure that happened.