Page 15 of Rumble of the Crumble

We so rarely had fires, Valentine Growville shared a firehouse with the next town.

Leonidis!I screamed his name in terror through our link, leaping out of bed and hurrying to my chest.

I’m okay, Butch. We’re out.

Is everyone okay? The babies?

Rage boiled in me at the thought of someone trying to kill the babies.

The babies are safe too.He sounded scared, but also furious.

I’m on my way.

You don’t—

I do!

“Sheriff?”

I’d forgotten I remained connected to dispatch. “Sorry, Honey. I’m on my way to the pride house.”

“Okay. I’ll let them know.”

I didn’t bother to tell her they already knew. I disconnected the call, finished dressing, and grabbed my badge and weapon. I’d never shot anyone, Valentine Growville wasn’t that kind of town, but right this minute, I’d put a bullet in anyone who tried to hurt my mate and my new pride.

You know we can all hear this?Tim sounded amused.

I grunted, glad they couldn’t see me blush. No, I’d forgotten I was now part of pride central.

Leave the sheriff alone, Maximus ordered.

He fits right in,Gordon said.

I said nothing. I knew how to filter out the town. In my position, I had to. I’d forgotten I needed to do that to the pride now, too.

Leonidis said nothing, but I felt something new from him. Pride. I’d declared myself a protector of my new pride, and he loved that.

I’ll be there in a minute,I said, hoping it was just to him.

He sent a wave of need to me. Not lust. Need for me to be there for him.

I arrived at the pride house, having driven like a crazy stalk to find it surrounded by fire tenders, ambulances, and police cruisers. It looked as if half the county had answered the call.

A uniformed stalk put his hand up to stop me as I approached, then he recognized me. “Sorry, sheriff.”

He stepped back to let me pass through until I reached the pride.

From the lights trained on the house, it looked intact, but the firefighters were still spraying foam and water on one corner. I knew from experience they wouldn’t be able to return to the house for a while. Leonidis and another pair could stay with me. Red and Goliath could do the same.

I ignored everyone, searching through the crowd until I found the one shifter I cared about.

Leonidis.

Covered in soot and holding a chicken, he was the best sight in the world. When he spotted me, he loped over, clutching Clucky under one arm. Considering the hen was in the arms of one of the few creatures who would eat it, Clucky seemed remarkably content.

“Should I ask?” I said as I reached him, eyeing the chicken, who looked like he wanted to peck my eye out.

“Burke was worried about Clucky.”

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