Page 30 of The Pocket Pair

“What are you gonna do with it?” Val asks.

“You see the tag on its leg?” Wolf asked. “This is a rescue. It’s why he’s used to being handled like this. I’ll make a few calls in the morning. I bet those guys stole this beauty. Poor girl.”

I’m not going to ask how he knows the bird is a she. When I glance at Val, she’s biting her lip, looking at Wolf like she’s half in love with him. I move my hand to her lower back. “Shall we get out of here, Tiny?”

“Yeah. Do you need help cleaning, Wolf?” she asks.

“Naw. I’ll take care of it once I get my girl settled.”

“Aw, that’s adorable.” I try to urge Val forward, but she seems to have planted her feet. “Oh—what did you want me to stop by for?” she asks.

Still stroking the bird, Wolf grins at Val. “I heard you were in need of a place to stay. I wanted you to know I’ve got a spare bedroom in my bunker all fixed up. It’s yours if you want it.”

Val laughs. “Bunk in your bunker? I still don’t know if it exists, Wolf. I thought it was more of a legend.”

“Oh, it’s legendary,” he says, flashing a wide smile. “But very real.” Wolf punctuates this with a wink. The owl on his arm makes a soft, agreeable hoot.

Oh no, he doesn’t. Maybe it’s that wink or simply residual feelings from being Val’s five-minute fake boyfriend, but whatever the reason, I sling my arm over her shoulder, pulling her closer and not caring one bit how possessive I sound.

“I’ve got you covered, Tiny. You can stay with me.”

FROM THE NEIGHBORLY APP

Subject: Wolf Waters is an owl handler?

SweatPea_43

OMG was anyone else at Backwoods Bar last night to see the OWL? It was the wildest thing I’ve ever seen. And I had no idea Wolf Waters could handle birds like that.

1BigBass

I’m sorry—did you say Wolf was handling an owl in the bar? That has to be against health codes.

Vanz

The whole BAR is against health codes. But the sheriff and deputies drink there all the time, so they let it slide.

Cal_45

Two of the deputies were there last night when the owl flew in. But it was Wolf Waters who took care of the problem.

BagelBytes

I’m sorry—there was an owl in the bar? Is it okay? How was Wolf Waters handling it? And did they release it? I don’t think they’re legal to own in Texas. Not unless you’re a licensed rehabilitation specialist. And wasn’t there just a ram attack at the bar too???

The_Real_Shell_E

I’m sorry but seeing the pictures of Wolf with that glove and the bird—that was HAWT. He can take me into his bunker anytime.

Chels

Ew. Also, does the bunker exist? Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen Wolf’s bunker.

BagelBytes

Birds shouldn’t be kept inside of a bunker, so I hope not. I’m going to make a call to the fish and game wardens to make sure someone follows up on this. Also, has the bar ever had a check from the Department of Health Services? Now might be a good time.

DeltaDeltaDelta

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