Page 16 of Rumble of the Crumble

As if that explained everything. Knowing the relationship between the bull and the hen, it explained it all.

Leonidis’s mouth quirked up at one corner. “Burke lost it when Tartie made a crack about barbeque chicken.”

I winced. “And the stalk is still breathing?”

“Just. Ricky had to hold Burke back from throwing Tartie into the flames. And only because Tartie promised to build a palatial coop for Clucky once we’re allowed back.”

That reminded me why I was really here.

“Tell me what happened,” I asked gently.

“I’m not sure,” Leonidis admitted. “I was out cold.” He coughed, and we both eyed each other for a moment before he continued. “I woke up to Randy shaking me hard and the sound of the smoke detector. We were the last two to get out. Someone set a fire in our kitchen.”

He sounded distraught, and I was sure part of that was losing the kitchen. It was such an important part of pride life.

I pressed my lips together. I was done with this. “Have you been checked out for smoke inhalation?”

“I’m fine, I promise.”

That sounded like a brush off.

“What about the babies?”

“Doc Picker is taking care of them. They’re well away from the house and being protected at Goliath and Drew’s place. They’re fine, I swear.”

“Take me to Maximus.”

Leonidis nodded. He led me over to the alpha lion, who was deep in conversation with Crimson.

Then I turned to the nearest EMT, a sweet-faced young woman. “Leonidis needs to be checked for smoke inhalation. Don’t let him leave the ambulance until he’s been thoroughly assessed.” My mate looked like he’d swallowed something sour. It was my responsibility as his mate to take care of him, no matter what. I took Clucky from him and gave him a kiss on the end of his nose before pushing him in the direction of the EMT. “I’ll be back to you as soon as I’ve spoken to Maximus.”

“Minus the chicken,” the EMT said.

“Without the chicken,” I agreed, keeping my amusement to myself.

I turned and headed over to Maximus and Crimson, handing the chicken to Glass on the way. I knew better than to give him to Tartie.

Glass didn’t look thrilled to be babysitting Clucky, but he didn’t protest.

“Why aren’t you with your mate?” Crimson demanded, eyeing me like she’d often done when I was a young stalk, causing trouble.

“He’s with the EMT,” I muttered defensively.

“You should be with him. He needs you.”

I knew that, but I’d made sure he was being taken care of, hadn’t I? I was the sheriff, and I had a job to do. A job that required me to protect everyone.

Maximus gave me a sympathetic look. “Give him a break, Crimson. He’s the sheriff. I want to be with Tim and my babies, but I’m needed here.”

I mouthed a thank you and cut to the chase. “It’s time we put a stop to this.”

Maximus’s shoulders slumped. “It’s time the pride left. It’s too dangerous for Valentine with us here.”

“So you can just take the danger to another town?” Crimson snapped. “I don’t think so.”

“I agree with Crimson,” I said, giving him a hard stare. They were not leaving with my mate. Hell, no.

Maximus stared at me. “Your mate nearly died. We can’t carry on like this.”

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