Page 39 of Perfectly Leashed
“That so?” The first man’s laugh was sharp, brittle. “Wonder what they’re judging about us.”
Darcy’s pulse hammered against his throat. These weren’t random strangers making small talk. The way they moved, the calculated positioning—this was planned. And whatever they were, the dogs’ instincts screamed danger.
“Yeah, well, we’re just heading home,” Darcy said, trying to keep his voice firm while slowly backing toward the street. Maybe if he could flag down a car, get witnesses...
“No need to rush off.” The first man stepped closer, and Darcy caught a whiff of something rank beneath cheap cologne. “We’re just curious about your boyfriend. The mechanic.”
Ice flooded Darcy’s veins. They knew about Luca.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” He continued his careful retreat, but the second man had already moved to cut off his escape route.
“Oh, I think you do.” The first man’s grin widened, showing teeth that seemed too sharp. “See, those wolves cost us Rico. Since no one is willing to go after Diablo, well…”
“Again, what do you want?” Darcy demanded. They were going to do whatever they wanted regardless, so why give them power by being afraid? Oh, he was afraid, but nobody was going to make him cower.
The trauma that used to trigger him was now fuel for his defiance. He wasn’t going to let bullies—whether they were corrupt cops, abusive uncles, or supernatural predators—make him shrink.
“Simple.” The first man pulled out his phone, holding it up. “You’re going to call your wolf. Tell him you need help. When he shows up...” He shrugged. “Well, let’s just say third time’s the charm.”
The pieces clicked into place. Hyenas. These had to be the hyenas Luca mentioned. These bastards had already tried to kill Luca twice—the shootout and the frame job with Gilmore. Now they wanted to use Darcy as bait for a third attempt.
Which meant Gilmore was working with them.
Darcy’s mouth went dry as he realized how exposed he was out here, just him and four dogs against two predators.
The first man’s smile widened, showing too many teeth. “We also know you’re the wolf’s little pet.”
The word “pet” hit Darcy like a slap. His jaw clenched as that familiar surge of defiance sparked in his chest. “I’m nobody’s pet.”
“Oh, but you are.” The second man pulled his hands from his pockets, revealing scarred knuckles. “You belong to Luca Alfaro. That makes you our concern.”
Atlas let out a deep bark, straining against his leash. The Great Dane’s hackles were raised, making him look even more imposing. Jimbo and Meatball flanked him, their growls growing more menacing.
“Easy, boys,” Darcy whispered, but part of him was grateful for their fierce loyalty.
“Call them off,” the second man ordered.
“They’re not attack dogs,” Darcy said. “They’re just nervous around strangers who smell like...” He paused then decided to go for broke. “Like scavengers.”
Both men’s faces darkened. The first one took a step forward, and suddenly the air felt charged with violence.
“You got a smart mouth for someone who’s all alone,” he snarled.
“I’m not alone.” Darcy lifted his chin. “I’ve got my pack right here.”
As if on cue, all four dogs moved into a tighter formation around him. Princess Consuela might’ve still been shaking, but she planted herself firmly between Darcy and the strangers, her tiny body vibrating with protective fury.
The second man laughed. “You think a bunch of house pets are gonna save you?”
“Fuck around and find out.”
Both men laughed, the sound harsh and grating. “There’s that fire,” the second one said. “We heard you went up against Deputy Gilmore yesterday. Got the deputy all worked up. Impressive for a human.”
“Call your wolf,” the first one snarled.
“Like hell.” The words tumbled out before Darcy could stop them. Three days ago, he would have frozen in terror. But that was before he’d found something worth fighting for.
“Now.”
