Page 35 of Chomp's Challenge

Tears start slithering down my face as I curl closer to Chomp. “Worse than what you saw?” I whisper, once again embarrassed and ashamed of the way the two of us met.

He shudders but nods. “Way worse.” His voice is gritty sounding, and I know he must be struggling to keep his gator in check again. “We’re going to find him and talk to him.”

“Will there be anything left when y’all are finished?” I ask, swiping away the tears.

He shrugs but I see the smirk he’s trying to hide and suspect his gator is behind the expression. “Can’t really say for sure. Depends on whether or not he pisses Spike off. Since my mate’s being terrorized, he may end up a pile of ash after Gator and I are through. Who knows?”

I don’t condone violence in most cases, but this is an instance where it’s warranted. “I can live with it.”

Chomp lowers his head and kisses my cheek. “Let’s go. The others are on their way.”

It’s odd given all that’s happened, but I sort of wish he kissed my lips instead. It’s the first time I’ve had that thought and now it’s lingering as we stand and Chomp interlaces our fingers, leading me toward his truck. The ride is mostly quiet because we enjoy the fading sunlight and watch the first few stars populate the sky. It’s pretty and serene and such a contradiction to what we’re experiencing, but I know we have to get through this and take care of Perry’s brother. Jerry won’t stop coming after me, especially if he suspects that Chomp or I had anything to do with Perry’s death.

Chomp drives to the store and we park low in the row, farther from the exit than I anticipate. I wonder if it’s because he hopes that Jerry will try to confront us. He can’t have more than suspicion about his brother’s death since there’s no body.

My breath comes a little easier when I see that Kodiak and Callie are pulling in next to us in Kodiak’s truck. As we all get out, Callie says, “I figured we could get groceries for the clubhouse too.”

Gotta love a friend who seems to know what someone else might need. She exudes a calming presence which is a good thing since Kodiak and Chomp both look ready to shift into their animals. That probably wouldn’t be a good thing since Callie stressed that no humans are aware of shifters unless they are a shifter’s fated mate. Then they’re told.

“Looks like you’re putting on some weight there, Kodiak,” Spike says when he joins our group at the front of the trucks.

Callie begins snickering while cupping her baby bump, which looks like it’s grown since I last saw her. “Um, he’s experiencing cravings,” she finally says. “But y’all know that his portions are far bigger than mine.”

Kodiak growls while Chomp and Spike chuckle. “It’s pregnancy weight, alright?” he snarls.

“Um, it’s been a bit since I went to school, but I seem to recall that the female gains the weight since she’s the one growing the baby,” Chomp adds.

“Shut it, fucker. Wait until your mate is carrying your child, and let’s see how you do,” Kodiak rumbles.

Chomp looks positively gleeful at the idea.

Spike huffs, and I swear I see a bit of smoke leave his nostrils. “I think I see your baby bump, Kodiak.”

I start giggling, shaking my head, and soon Callie joins me. It’s not long before everyone is laughing, even Kodiak.

He flips off Spike, but it’s more of a joke than serious.

“Well,” I say, sobering, “We should get inside and grab what we need.”

Chomp slides his arm around my shoulders and tucks me into his side as we all head toward the store. His words are whispered as we approach the entrance. “Remember, Ariel. I’m here. No matter what happens, I’m not leaving your side.”

His words are ominous, and I nod, hoping we get through this without anyone getting hurt.

Chapter

Sixteen

CHOMP

I see customers’ eyes widen when each of my brothers grabs a buggy and heads toward a different aisle. We’re on a mission, and since none of us enjoys lingering in stores, we complete it as efficiently and quickly as possible. Spike handed out lists to all of us, so Kodiak and I, along with our mates, head toward the meat department. Both Ariel and Callie have a buggy as well because we’ll need all four of them for the order we’re picking up.

Most people just select from the display cases, but Spike always calls an order in for us since we go through so much meat. Seeing the expression on Callie’s and Ariel’s faces as one of the workers brings out a mini pallet full of wrapped meats is absolutely priceless.

Leaning in, I whisper, “We’ve got more, but they’ll deliver it to the clubhouse later.”

“That’s a lot of meat, Chomp,” Ariel states.

“We eat a lot, remember?” I tease. When Spike walks over, pushing two buggies, her eyes widen further.

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