Page 115 of Packed in the Fire house

The shelter was a short drive away from our house, which I liked, considering Melody was well versed in animal care. When I had first taken in Sooty, I had popped in to see her numerous times to make sure I was doing everything correctly.

The first time that rabbit had flopped, I called her in a panic, and she had gently calmed me down, insisting that it was very normal. Rabbits sure knew how to give their humans a heart attack, because when they were happy, they flopped over on their sides and looked surprisingly dead.

Sunny frowned as we pulled into the parking lot. “This place doesn’t look open.”

“It usually isn’t on a Sunday, but Melody is a friend and she owes me. Last year, one of her rescues escaped and got onto the roof of her animal center. We needed three trucks to come and coax the dog back down.”

A chuckle escaped Sunny’s chest. “What kind of dog was it?”

“A husky. He was shouting and screaming louder than the sirens. Walker had a headache for days after, and Blaze was begging him to let us have a firehouse husky. Thankfully, the rule is only one pet at the firehouse, so Sooty was it.”

“Are there many rabbits at the rescue?”

“Usually, there’s only one or two. There are a lot more cats and dogs, but in my opinion, the bunny is the superior pet.”

Sunny bit her lip. “Well, I won't argue with you there. I quite like having her hop around while I'm baking. She's got such a good nose on her. Do you know I decided to cut up some apples for an apple crumble, and she ran straight over, begging for some scraps?”

I chuckled. “Apples and carrots are basically bunny crack.”

“If only humans were so easy to bribe.”

“Rune, as I live and breathe! How are you?” Melody cried as she bounded out of the office upon seeing my car pull up. “Are you here with another dog from Blaze? I have told him to call ahead so I can have a kennel ready.”

Melody was a ball of bright energy and sweetness, with a tiny stature and delicate features. Her hair was styled in a short, wavy bob, and she was wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt with the rescue’s logo on it.

“Lovely to see you, Melody.” I smiled. “No dogs for you today.”

Her eyes widened as she noticed Sunny, who was taking Luka out of his car seat. “And who is this beauty? She's much too pretty for you.”

“This is my omega, Sunny,” I declared, beaming with pride. “And this little man is Luka.” I wrapped my arm around Sunny and pulled her into my side.

“Buns!” Luka declared in excitement.

Melody’s smile widened. “Are you a fan of buns? Are you Sooty’s friend?”

“He adores her,” Sunny said, brushing a little hair out of her eye before holding a hand out to Melody. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“It’s my pleasure! What brings you to my neck of the woods?”

“We recently bought a pack house and moved in last week, so I was thinking it was about time.”

Melody clapped her hands together excitedly. “A second bunny?” I nodded. “Oh, goody! I have theperfectbunny for that.”

Without a second thought, she grabbed Sunny's hand and dragged her into the building. Sunny looked back at me with an amused smile as I trailed after them. Melody led us into one of the buildings, where several large runs were situated.

“So, what made you decide to go for Rune here?” Melody asked Sunny as she dragged her through a corridor. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s sweet, but my word, he can be annoying!”

“Hey!” I laughed as I trailed behind us.

Sunny giggled. “He just swept me off my feet,” she said in that sugary voice of hers.

Melody nodded thoughtfully, before laughing. “How do I get me one of those?”

“Well, my home burned down, so I don’t recommend that route.”

Her eyes widened. “Yeah, that’s not ideal. Why is it so hard to find fun, caring guys? They’re all far too serious for my liking.”

“There’s some good ones out there!” I insisted.

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