Page 32 of Gavin

“Hi, it’s Gavin,” he said. “It’s nice to talk to you. Sadie’s just having a hard time.”

“It’s nice to talk to you too, Gavin. I’m sorry for that, but I’m glad she has you.”

“You have my number from when Sadie used it before she got her own phone, so you can reach out to me if you need to.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“I miss you, Mom,” Sadie said.

“I miss you too, every day.”

They said I love you, and the call ended. The screen went dark as Sadie’s hand tightened on the sparkly gold case she’d picked out. She rested her head on his shoulder and cried, and he held her until her sobs softened and eventually stopped.

“I’m sorry, Sadie,” he murmured.

“It’s not your fault. I knew in my heart she wouldn’t leave. I just couldn’t stop myself from asking. And then it hurt my feelings all the same.”

He held her tighter. “I know. But you’re not alone, and we’ll get through this together.”

“Thank you, Gavin. I mean it.”

He kissed the top of her head as his cat let out a soft, comforting purr. “I’d do anything for you, Sadie. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

He held her close for a long time in the silence of the bedroom as she worked through things. Eventually, she was tired of feeling sad, so they made popcorn and found a comedy movie to watch on a streaming service.

As they snuggled together on the couch, he promised himself that no matter what, she’d never feel this lonely and sad again. He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe and happy forever.

Gavin and Sadiespent the rest of his time off getting to know each other. She’d hung out with Nora and Maya, and the other females in the pride had made her feel really welcome. His sister wanted them to come downtown to visit, and he promised to bring Sadie once they were sure things were safe.

Once his time off was over, he had to get back to patrolling. He’d sort of missed the work, but he definitely didn’t like leaving Sadie all day in the house.

“I promise I’m fine,” she said, settling on the couch with a book she borrowed from Nora about the pride’s history. “You’ll stop by for lunch?”

He let out a soft purr. “You know it.”

She smiled, her eyes darkening. “I’ll be here. With bells on.”

“Those heels too.”

He wiggled his brows and she giggled. Giving her one last kiss, he headed out the door into the late morning sunshine. He had four hours until his lunch break. He was already counting the minutes.

After checking in with Ryan, he started his patrol duties for the first half of his shift, walking the perimeter of the territory. After their first date when he’d been sure they were being watched, the patrols had turned up nothing out of the ordinary, but Gavin hadn’t been able to shake the strange feeling. Patrols stayed ramped up just to be safe. He hoped nothing came from it, but he couldn’t stop the gnawing feeling in his gut that something was coming.

He stopped near the edge of the territory. Behind him was the street he and Sadie lived on. It was nearly time for his mid-shift break and he couldn’t wait to see his sweet mate again. He inhaled and sorted through the scents on the light breeze that rustled the trees around him.

His ears prickled as a noise that was out of place caught his senses. Putting his hand on the walkie on his belt, he inhaledagain, turning slowly as the breeze brought a strange scent to him.

Humans!

It was faint, but it was there on the breeze, mixed with a strange chemical smell.

Lifting his walkie to his mouth, he slowly followed the scent of humans and chemicals and radioed Ryan.

“I’m near the street I live on,” Gavin whispered. “I smell humans, I think they’re covered with some kind of chemical masking scent, but I picked it up.”

“Shit, I’m sending reinforcements to you right now. Do you see anyone?”

“No. I just passed this point forty-five minutes ago.”

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