Page 17 of Rumble of the Crumble

“I agree.” I curled my lip. “It’s time we turned the tables on the monsters.”

Chapter Nine

Leonidis

“I can’t believe he did that,” I said, staring after Butch. I’d expected him to haul me into his arms and not let me go.

“Took the chicken?” the EMT questioned cheerfully. “No, I can’t believe that either. The sheriff isn’t fond of animals. He says they cause too much trouble.” Then she clearly remembered who she was talking to. “No offense.”

“None taken,” I lied.He wasn’t fond of animals!

I most defiantly am.He sent me a warm hug I felt but couldn’t see.

I could not deny how cool that was.

The EMT must have realized my earlier annoyance, because she pasted on a smile and hustled me over to the ambulance.

“I don’t need this,” I pointed out as she poked and prodded at me.

“You inhaled smoke, Mr…uh…”

“Just Leonidis.”

“Your lungs can continue burning long after getting out of the fire.”

“I’m a lion shifter, not a human. I just need to shift, and I’ll be fine.”

She looked at me. “I don’t know much about shifters. I’m a human.”

“How about I shift, then shift back, and you take your tests again?”

“Okay,” she said uncertainly.

I hesitated as she stayed still. “I need to strip,” I pointed out.

“I can’t leave you alone in here, Leonidis. It’s not like I haven’t seen it all before. The human, at least,” she amended. “How about I turn my back, and you shift and shift back? You won’t hurt me, will you?”

I sighed inwardly. “I won’t hurt you.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve offended you again.”

“It’s okay.” I took a deep breath. “I’m not used to being around humans. I stay very close to the pack.”

“May I see you as a lion?” she asked tentatively.

I nodded, and she turned her back on me. I quickly stripped, dropping my clothes on the bed, and shifted. Then I nudged her with my head.

She turned and gasped. “You really are a lion. Your mane…”

She reached out, then pulled her hand back. I dipped my head, indicating she could feel my mane. Her touch was gentle, respectful, and as she stepped away, she thanked me, turning so I could shift back.

Did you let her touch you?Butch asked as he appeared at the door of the wagon.

Yes.

I felt the ease in my lungs straight away. The EMT was right. I didn’t know how bad it was until it was gone.

As I dressed, I avoided looking where Butch was because I knew he wasn’t happy to have the EMT touching my mane.

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