And Crush needed a guard.
I had walked by every cage, trying to decide what type of dog he might like. The cute, fluffy ones were automatically off the list even though I knew Crush had a soft heart. He needed a fierce companion that could protect him. The pit bulls available were too hyper, the bulldog was too lazy, and the German shepherd had no teeth. I really hesitated on that bulldog. Not only was it my father’s nickname, but he also had a tattoo of one. I finally settled on the dog that approached the cage door and looked ready for me to leash him up and take him home.
I glared at the pooch in the passenger seat, who sat taller than me. “You better make a good first impression.”
Once out of the truck, I opened the passenger door and let the dog free. He was big and muscular, a beautiful shade of red with a black muzzle and ears. When I glanced over the paperwork at the shelter, I realized he weighed more than I did. The leash had to go, mostly because he kept chewing on it during the ride. Plus, I had my doubts it would be effective. If he decided to bolt, he’d wind up dragging me down the street. The dog shook his head before following me up the porch steps.
I rapped my knuckles on the door. “It’s me—your spawn.”
Crush answered while taking a bite from a hot dog. “Just in time for lunch,” he said. Then his eyes flicked down and his smile vanished. “What the fuck is that?”
“Your new best friend. Let us in.”
He narrowed his eyes at me and swallowed. “You got three seconds to tell me that’s a Shifter friend.”
I nudged him out of the way and went in, but the dog remained on the porch. “Happy birthday. This is your new best friend.”
“It’s not my birthday, and April Fools’ Day is over.”
The dog sat and cocked his head at the grumpy old man.
“What are you lookin’ at?” Crush barked.
Easing back to the doorway, I leaned against the doorjamb. “He’s a bullmastiff. I think the guy said it’s a crossbreed, like me. A bulldog and a mastiff. He might have a little mutt mixed in, but he was the best-looking boy in the kennel.”
“You need to take him back.”
“He was scheduled to be put down in a week.”
“Goddammit, Raven. Don’t put that shit on me. I didn’t ask for a dog. I got no room, no food, and no time. I work all day and like to watch my shows at night. He’ll be barking.”
“They said he’s not a big barker, but he’ll guard your property and make someone think twice about breaking in. Come on. Give him a test drive.”
“He’ll shit all over the lawn.”
“Fertilizer.”
A motorcycle engine throttled from the road as Christian steered into the driveway, his shades as dark as his clothes.
The dog shot down the steps and tore across the yard like a bolt of lightning. His rippling muscles were as impressive as his speed. Christian abruptly cut across the lawn to avoid him. The dog didn’t slow down his chase, and the next thing I knew, Christian steered onto the road and sped off.
The dog trotted back as if he were on a victory lap, and when he made it up the steps, he wagged his tail at my father.
Crush stroked his goatee. “Smart dog,” he muttered. “Come on in, and let’s see how smart you really are.”
We both sat at the table, and Crush set his half-eaten hot dog near the edge. “What am I going to do with a damn dog? I don’t have the space.”
“He was living in a cage, so this is an upgrade. You could even chain him in the yard when the weather’s nice. If you don’t keep him, I’m going to plan B, and you don’t want to know what plan B is.”
The dog sat next to the table and stared at Crush. The hot dog was a mere inch from his face, and his nose twitched. It was hard to tell if Crush was testing him or vice versa.
My father got that look on his face when he was about to give in to something he didn’t want to do. “My buddies ain’t gonna like it.”
“Since when the hell do you care what anyone thinks? They’re Shifters; you’re not. They can’t tell you how to live your life. Come on,” I said, sugaring him up. “He’s the bestest boy ever. Just look at that wrinkly old face. You two are practically twins.”
“You’re walkin’ a thin line with that sass talk.”
“Look, just keep him around long enough to see if you’re compatible. Give it a few weeks.”
“What if he tears up my house?”
A smile touched my lips. “Then I hope he starts with that recliner.”
My father knocked the hot dog on the floor and watched the dog’s reaction.
Drool leaked from one of his cheek flaps. He snorted and then looked back up at my father.
“If he’s too much trouble, I’ll figure something out,” I promised. “The shelter won’t take him back, and I’d rather see him go to a home. You live out here alone, and I think it’s a good idea to get either a dog or a security system with cameras and an alarm.”
Crush shot me a baleful look. “The dog stays. You’re not putting cameras in my house so you can spy on me.” Then he leaned toward the dog and softened his voice. “Go on. Eat it.”
The dog bobbed his head but didn’t make a move for the wiener.
“What are you trying to do?” I asked.
“Just testing to see if he knows who the alpha is around here. Alphas eat first. Betas only eat when the alpha gives them permission.”
I snorted. “He’s a dog, not a Shifter. I don’t think that’s how it works.”
Crush reached down on the floor, swiped up the bread and meat, and then held it in front of the dog’s muzzle. “Here.”
With that, the dog gobbled up the tasty snack and then proceeded to lick Crush’s hand, arm, and then his neck.
Crush rocked with laughter in that way I adored—a deep belly laugh that warmed me all over. Yeah, these two were going to get along just fine.
I slumped in my chair. “They gave me a squeaky toy shaped like a hamburger. It’s in the truck if you want it.”
Crush patted the dog’s muscular body. “He doesn’t need a damn rubber toy. What he needs is a good bone.”
“So where am I meeting Ren?”
Crush glanced up at the clock in the kitchen. “We need to head out.”
“I need to head out. You need to buy dog food before he starves to death.”
“That wasn’t the plan.”
“Look, I know you want to be involved, but I need you to not be involved. Especially with any case I might be working. If you stick your nose in the middle of this, I won’t be able to do my job. And another thing—Ren won’t respect me if I walk in with my father holding my hand.”
Crush let out a reluctant sigh and watched the dog, who was busy licking crumbs off the floor.
“He probably needs a good run in the yard,” I suggested. “You two stay here and bond.”
“Sit,” Crush ordered. When the dog wagged his tail, my father shook his head. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. I can’t have an animal this big that doesn’t listen.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t knock over the table for your plate. He seems like a good dog. He just needs someone like you to teach him all the rules.” I rose from my seat and pushed my chair in. “Christian and I are leaving. Where’s the meeting?”