Page 25 of Cats and Dogs

"That way, they'll collapse early," Daunte added, bouncing a baby in his arm.

Little Zack, the Turner. A newborn worth his weight in trouble because he had the ability to turn a regular human with a bite.

Hunter could have remained outside with the guys forever, but the dark-skinned, beautiful witch named Rain and his fellow wolf, Vivicia, came out with Christine in tow. The three females wore overalls and were carrying various tools.

Recalling he'd offered his help, he said, "Heading out to the cabins now? I meant it when I said I'd give a hand."

"You any good with power tools?"

"No," he replied honestly. "Never held one in my life."

"Manual saw it is. Come on with us, we'll make you work up a sweat, sweetie," said Rain with a wink.

He shook his head and smiled, following them as they walked around the house to get to the border of the woods.

They reached the closest cabin fast and Hunter whistled; it was one of those big places built with thick, heavy logs.

"Look at this."

"Ace owns the whole lot, houses included," Vivicia told him.

"She'd make a pretty penny in seasonal rentals," he said, all the while expecting a "hell no, she wouldn't do that," because shifters liked their privacy.

"I keep telling her she should rent it out to shifter families; you know, only allies and stuff," Rain said. "But yeah, she isn't too keen on that idea. Still, Vi and I get to pick our place so we don't have to stay in Ace's old house, or in the pride house, when we hang out around here. All the houses have been neglected, so there's work to do."

He could tell: the cabin was gorgeous but his nose picked up damp, mold, and rust. When they got in, it didn't actually look nearly as bad as it smelled, but it definitely wasn't going to be habitable anytime soon.

"Man, why did I volunteer for this on my week off?" Christine pouted.

"Because you love us," Rain replied. "We have to strip the walls and the carpet, and then it's all cosmetic."

"Insulation," he said, shaking his head. "You need to replace the insulation."

Rain sighed. "Really? That's not gonna be easy."

"It got drenched and it's rotting in there. Pretty sure you also have rats eating at the wiring."

"Fuck."

"You sure?" Vi asked, frowning. "I don't smell any of that. I mean it's a little pungent, but I figured it was the carpet."

He moved across the room, going to the closest wall, and punched it hard. His fist got through the wood beam. Grabbing a disgusting fistful of black and blue decaying insulation foam, he held it up. Some questionable liquid was dripping down his arm.

The girls grimaced as he grinned.

"Right. Insulation just moved up to number one on the to-do list."

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