Page 109 of Feral

“Naw. Though who knows since the last time was I was here. Ruben could’ve built a bloody Tardis in there for all I know,” Liam said.

My head whipped around to look at him as a smile bloomed on my face.

“Are you a Doctor Who fan?” I gushed, unable to keep the fan girl part of me harnessed.

“Absolutely. Twelve all the way.”

“Hmmm, I’m a number ten gal. Tenant was…”

“Yeah, yeah, hot. If I had a nickel…”

I nudged him with my shoulder and Liam gave me a grin.

“If you two are done flirtin’,” Fraser snarled, “let’s get this over with.”

Liam maneuvered himself between Fraser and me, much to my confusion. I would’ve thought that letting me close to Fraser could help with his mood, but when I began to move around to do just that, Liam gave me a slight shake of his head and I didn’t ask. Obviously, the two of them had worked something out and I just needed to go with it.

My heart was pounding with fear and excitement as we approached the back door of the house. I never dreamed I’d get the chance to do this kind of field work. And while I didn’t want to switch to a field agent full time, there was something about being trusted like this that had me believing that I belonged here, that I could do this job, even if I hadn’t before.

Fraser insisted on going first, and I was a little surprised that he opened the door instead of breaking it down. Liam nodded at me to go ahead of him this time so that I was sandwiched between the two Werewolves.

The mud room was dark but neat, as was the kitchen. Apparently the outside of the house didn’t reflect the inside, which was spotless. The smell of bacon lingered in the air and a coffee pot sat on its warming plate on the counter. I went over and touched the pot, which was still hot.

“If he’s gone, it hasn’t been long,” I whispered.

Both Weres nodded and we proceeded through the kitchen and into the small dining room. Once that was cleared, we moved into the living room. But this too was empty, save for some very old furniture and thick window coverings.

I went to the fireplace, which was swept clean and looked for any signs of a loose brick or hiding place. I was just about to give up when my foot landed on a board with a hollow sound.

“Under here,” I said quietly.

Liam was closest, but Fraser bared his teeth and pushed forward instead.

“You know I’m yours right?” I asked when Fraser bent down to try and pry it up. “You don’t need to snap at your brother.”

“Aye, I do. That’s why I’m this way. You’ve dug yerself deep inside of me and now I’m threatenin’ my own brother!”

I stood back and crossed my arms.

“That’s not my fault.”

“Oh really? You and yer Doctor Who and that damn outfit that shows off yer waist,” He ripped the board up. “Yer smilin’ eyes and laughin’ at his jokes,” another board, “the two of ya chatterin’ nonstop about that bloody expedition!”

And then a third came up, broken in half in his hands.

“Um, that was a little loud,” Liam said, glancing at the doorway.

“I understand that you’re having a hard time right now, and I offered to help, but you won’t let me,” I said, heat rushing to my face. “Besides, you asked him to come.”

“To keep ya safe from me,” Fraser ripped up another board.

“I think you can stop with the boards now,” I said, looking into the empty hole.

“Both of ya are gettin’ very loud,” Liam tried again.

“I didn’t ken it would be this hard to watch him with ya!”

“And I’m sorry about that, but there are bigger issues than your jealousy!”

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