Page 6 of Kitten Kisses

Alex observed silently from his position behind the counter, admiring the fact the sheriff wouldn’t be intimidated or compromise his ethics.

“You’re a devoted father who cares about his son,” the sheriff continued. “One who wants his son to take responsibility for his actions and learn from them by facing the consequences.”

Alex completely agreed with the man.

Mr. Fiago studied the sheriff then nodded. “Let him learn his lesson.”

“Dad!”

Mike’s father walked out without a backward glance.

Chapter Two

I can’t believe I found my mate.

But before Slater could think about the ramifications of that development, he had to deal with this prick.

Mike Fiago stared disbelievingly at his father’s retreating form, and then his face collapsed into rage, his eyes shining brightly with so much hatred Slater felt it slashing his own skin.

Kijani walked Mike to their patrol car and placed him in the backseat before returning.

“I know we could have made the decision about Mike, but…” Slater rubbed his hand over his mouth and lower jaw. The frustration and anger were still making his Bengal tiger snarl.

“You did the right thing by calling me,” Sheriff Harper said. “Ted Fiago is difficult to deal with even on a good day.”

“Not that I’m familiar with the mayor, but won’t he be upset you pissed off a wealthy donor?” Kijani asked.

Sheriff Harper chuckled. “I doubt it. Do you know who our mayor is?”

“I know his name is Ezekiel Ryan, but I’ve never met him or know anything about him.” Slater shrugged.

“Same,” Kijani added.

Slater and Kijani had started on the same day at the Midnight Falls police department. Neither were natives of this town. After living there for three months, Slater was still getting to know the residents, still building trust and cultivating relationships.

And still getting to know who the troublemakers were.

There were a lot of generational residents who needed time to warm up to newcomers, even if the new person was law enforcement.

“You of all people might like him,” Sheriff Harper said to Slater. “He’s a white tiger, and he owns Jungle Fitness.”

“None of the residents I’ve met ever mentioned the mayor was the owner of the local gym, and I’ve never been there.” Slater glanced toward the counter and saw his mate watching them. When their eyes met, Alex face doused in flames and turned away, his hands touching the products on the shelves behind him like he was trying to seem busy.

“Zeke is a good guy, with a good heart,” Sheriff Harper said, pulling Slater’s attention back to him. “He doesn’t tolerate bullies, even wealthy ones.”

“Excuse me.”

All three pinned their stares on Alex. He was so short compared to them that he looked like a hummingbird among eagles.

“I think Mike dropped this. It’s the money he shoved into his pocket when he tried to storm out.” He held out the bill. “I figured you might need it for evidence or something.”

Slater liked that his little hummingbird was so honest.

“Thanks.” He took it from Alex and handed the money off to Kijani. “I’m sorry he treated you that way.”

Alex looked between them, like he wanted to stay but couldn’t think of a reason why. He cleared his throat, crossed his arms, and popped out a hip in a relaxed pose then straightened and let his arms fall to his sides.

Slater frowned when his tiger snarled then batted at his ribs. He’d already realized Alex was his mate, but it was though his tiger was trying to break free. Mentally, Slater tightened the reins, wondering why it was fighting him so much.

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