Page 73 of As The Shifter World Turns

I thundered down the stairs, waved at Daire who was repotting plants in the front yard and cycled off.

Micah’s comment about Daire’s apartment brought up the uncomfortable detail that essentially Micah and I hadn’t moved in together. Everything I needed was at Micah’s and I popped into my room at Daire’s every so often. I paid rent so Ivor was happy as he was paying much less than before, even though Daire gave him a considerable discount.

While I was prepared to work hard for five hours at the shelter, I wasn’t expecting to be so exhausted. Cleaning out cages was an ewww job that no one enjoyed. But it had to be done and knowing the animals would be happier and more comfortable afterward made it worthwhile.

Walking the dogs was enjoyable. Poor babies being cooped up in cages most of the day was no fun and they spent the entire walk sniffing all the delightful smells they sensed that humans didn’t.

But there was one dog, not much more than a puppy that broke my heart. He was a mutt and had been in a fight before someone brought him to the shelter. Half an ear was missing and people looking to adopt didn’t want an ‘ugly’ dog. He kept staring at me with his big brown eyes every time I walked past while I was filling water bowls.

“Don’t look at me that way.” He didn’t listen.

“He’s a sweetheart.” Veronica, the shelter manager, said as she scratched the puppy’s head. “But nobody wants him. Poor little guy.” Oh, she was smart, tugging at my heartstrings. She and the pup they’d named Patch were in cahoots. “Would you consider fostering him?”

No way could I foster an animal. Once I took them home, they were mine. “I’m not sure my building allows pets.” That was true. I’d never asked Daire about it.

“You could find out?” She was pushing hard,sensing that I was wavering. Patch whined and poked his nose through the cage. “He’s already attached to you.”

I gave in and sent a message to Ivor, not wanting to ask Daire directly in case he said no.Are pets allowed in the building?I asked.

The tenant before Ryder had a cat. That was before I lived here but Daire mentioned it.

“There you go.” Veronica was looking over my shoulder and reading the message.

I wasn’t convinced as cats were much less intrusive than dogs. It’d take days to get Patch out of the shelter, what with vaccinations and I’d have to fill out a mountain of paperwork.

But Veronica said he was up to date with his shots. She got a leash and the food he liked and after paying what seemed like an exorbitant amount of money, he was mine. Any doubts I had disappeared as soon as I picked him up. He snuggled into me, his body shaking until I held him tight and he fell asleep on my chest but not before licking my face.

And that’s when I remembered Micah and what he’s said about dogs this morning. “We’ll convert that unicorn shifter, won’t we Patch?”

There was a pet shop near the shelter and I bought a doggy carrier, which was similar to a baby’s that you wore and kept the dog secure against your chest. No way could I manage Patch in one hand and ride the bicycle. I also got snacks, a chew toy and a ball.

Ivor was sitting on the porch and he waved as I locked the bike and walked up the path. “Be good,” I whispered to Patch.

“Whatcha got?” he asked, peering at the carrier. “You adopted a baby?” He giggled at his joke.

“A dog.”

“What?” he shrieked and stood on a chair. “Does it bite?”

All puppies loved to chew and bite but not in the way Ivor meant. “No.”

He flapped his hands. “Keep it away from me.” He leaped onto the floor, into 1A and slammed the door. The lock turned.

Wow, he really didn’t like dogs. “You’ll have to work your charm on him, Patch.”

“What’s that you’ve got?” Neil was emptying his garbage.

I didn’t get too close. After seeing Ivor’s reaction, I was prepared for Neil’s to be more extreme. “A puppy. Patch.”

“He’s adorable.” That was unexpected. Neil patted Patch and when he noticed his ear, his eyes filled with tears. “He’ll be so loved in Sunshine Manor.” I wasn’t sure that was true, but at least one person loved my new dog.

“Can I walk him later? Please,” Neil begged.

“Sure, but I want to introduce him to Micah and get him settled in first.”

“Knock on the door when you’re ready.” He kissed Patch and raced up the stairs.

After letting Patch sniff around the garden, hepeed and pooped. I’d have to come down later and pick up the poop. Building up my courage, I paused outside Micah’s door. He didn’t like licking or dog smells. I had to remember that.

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