Page 9 of Deadly Panther's Fake Fiancée

I get to the kitchen and grow instantly nervous. There’s a little folded paper with my name on it propped by the coffee maker. I rush over and open it, noticing that the coffee is made and waiting for me.

I read the note and smile, relief flooding me. It’s short and sweet, letting me know that he’s at the fire station but he’ll call me with details about dinner.

I smile and pour a cup of coffee, and then I stop cold just as I grab the creamer from the fridge.

Details about dinner.

Oh.

The dinner.

Oh, dear.

Chapter Seven

Isaac

Damn it all, I’m a prince. I’m the crown prince, in fact, and that means I don’t get to act based on my emotions and my desires. I need to think in larger scope, to look at the entirety of the situation and not just my little part of it. These are the thoughts that fill my mind as I arrive at the Company 417 firehouse. I’m on a three/four schedule.

That means I work three days, living at the station, and then I have four days off. Then, it flips to a four/three. For the next two weeks, though, while my parents are here, I’m working a regular shift, seven to four. It’s an adjustment for me. I feel almost temporary, and that’s irritating because everyone here is my brother. It sucks to feel almost like a visitor in my own home.

We’re all shifters, the firefighters at Company 417. It’s unofficial but it’s official. The state fire authority plan is for us to be the best fire company in the country and then for them to reveal that we’re all shifters. That’s the grand scheme.

But we’ve been the best fire company for more than two years. We accomplish impossible things. We’re still not publicabout the shifter thing. Most of us don’t mind. Some of the guys are certain to quietly transfer elsewhere once the plan is in place to reveal us to the world. Honestly, though, most of us think the state will never get around to it.

It’s wonderful in theory but the world deals in reality.

Anyway, it’s good to be here even if I’m dealing with the strangeness of the schedule. I see Garrett up ahead. He’s a fire captain now, which is appropriate. He’s a great guy. He’s skilled and has remarkable leadership skills. He’s a gorilla shifter but other than that, he’s almost as good as a panther. He sees me and calls me over. “Your Majesty,” he says, “I hope you’ll show grace on your subjects today?—”

“I should never have told you I’m royalty,” I say.

“C’mon, Isaac. We knew before you ever showed up.” That doesn’t really surprise me. Most shifters know what’s going on with all shifters. At least when you’re talking about things like royalty. I might not know the internal politics of each lion pride or each wolf pack but I certainly know about the governing authorities (so to speak.)

“Well, what do you actually need apart from harassing me?”

“We got the King Cobra. It arrives tomorrow, and I’m putting you in charge.”

“Holy shit. That’s amazing.” He’s not talking about a snake shifter (and yeah, they exist.) He means a new platform truck from a German company that makes the best fire apparatus in the world. The King Cobra is a hundred-foot articulating platform fire truck designed to reach tight spaces and even operate below grade. That’s ground level. The platform can go below ground level.

This truck is an important purchase. I’ve been trying hard to get one. It will allow our firefighters to work safely and efficiently in a variety of situations. An eight-foot jib allows us to reach roofs, balconies, and below grade windows andcourtyards, and more. We’ll be able with short jacking to reach over water or guardrails. It’s got full circle 360-degree movement. The damned truck can set up on slopes and in tight spaces.

This thing will be safer for firefighters and the public whether we’re talking about roof penetrations, tight spaces, multi-story buildings, multiple level bridges or more. This is a big win for us. And, since I’m like a kid in the candy store when it comes to fire equipment, it’s a big win for me.“Well, enjoy it because that was a very big purchase, and I don’t see them okaying a lot more in the near future.”

“So, enjoy the Christmas present and wait patiently for my birthday. Gotcha.”

“And you say you don’t understand how government works. You’re lying on both counts, your highness.”

“Is that going to be the joke of the day?”

Garrett laughs. “Absolutely, Shere Khan.”

A new recruit, Billy, walks by. “Wow, Cap’s getting wild today!”

Garrett’s expression changes instantly. “Have you gotten the equipment sorted, probie?”

Billy’s whole demeanor turns serious. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good. Now get those trucks clean.”

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