Page 21 of Rumble of the Crumble

“Have you talked to him about it?”

“I’ve done nothing but talk,” I said with a touch of exasperation. “The sheriff knows about the worst time in my life.”

Having to bare my soul, to explain how I got the scars on my body, tortured by another lion, was mortifying. “Butch must think I’m so weak.”

You’re never weak. You’re strong and resilient.

Then Butch was in front of me as the fire chief introduced himself to Maximus. Butch ignored them as he focused on me. I’d never known what it was to have a man solely focused on me with such a look of affection. He took my breath away.

Butch leaned forward and whispered, “I will wait for you.”

I gave a shaky nod. “When Amell is caught. I can’t focus. Every time I think I can relax, something like this happens.” I waved at the house. “He could hurt you. I’d never forgive myself.”

He looked taken aback. “You don’t have to protect me.”

“I’m the lion in this relationship.”

Butch frowned. “And I’m the sheriff of this town.”

He wasn’t listening to me. “Tartie nearly got eaten by a chicken.”

“I’m the sheriff,” he repeated.

“And Amell’s a monster,” I yelled.

Then Maximus was at my side and the chief was by Butch.

“Guys, can you postpone the hand-wringing for now,” Maximus muttered, eyeing us both without amusement. “The firefighters want us away from the house. It’s unsafe.”

I pressed my lips together. I knew he was right, but dammit, I just wanted Butch to understand. “Where am I going?” I said curtly.

“Randy and Tartie are taking you to Goliath’s home.”

I’d been so caught up with Butch, I hadn’t realized they’d joined us.

Tartie rested his hand on my shoulder. “We don’t want you to be on your own and the sheriff is gonna be tied up here for a while. He can take you back to his place when he’s finished.”

I gave a curt nod and followed them without a word or a backward glance. Then I caught the look Randy sent my way.

“What?” I snapped.

“You didn’t say goodbye to your mate.”

I opened my mouth to say that he wasn’t my mate, then I closed it again. The sweet ram looked disappointed in me for some reason. Guilt rolled in my belly. I turned on my heel and ran back to Butch, who was talking to Maximus and Chief Sutton. He looked startled to see me, but I hauled him close to me and kissed him hard.

“See you later. You will fetch me?”

A smile spread across his face. “I promise.”

I nodded, kissed him again, and ran back to Tartie and Randy.

Randy beamed at me and slung his arm across my shoulders. I spat out the sudden mouthful of pink hair.

“Nice,” Tartie said.

I rolled my eyes at him.

“Is the rest of the pride already at Goliath’s?” I asked.

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