Page 72 of Vetted for Vengeance
The kill itch stirs immediately. Low. Certain. Patient.
A familiar pressure behind my ribs.
I step further into the doorway, blocking Noah from the man’s line of sight.
The movement is slight. Subtle, but necessary.
Noah glances up at me.
“Why are you lurking like a gargoyle?”
“I own the building,” I reply calmly.
“I’m fairly sure gargoyles don’t do surgery.”
“They would if they were qualified.”
He rolls his eyes and returns to his clipboard. “I need to finish this so I can start moving my girls into the barn. Give them more room and give you the kennel block back.”
“No,” I order instantly.
Niah frowns at me. He doesn't understand my actions, but I'm only trying to protect him. “Not alone. I want to see them settle with you.”
“Fine.” Noah rolls his eyes but the suspicion doesn't completely leave his face.
Behind him, the puppies whine again, and Noah’s attention is no longer on me.
Across the car park, the man finally moves.
Not towards us.
Just turning away and walking calmly down the road as if he was never there.
Like he had only come to confirm something.
Or someone.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Its Martha calling from the office.
“Rhys,” she says quietly when I answer.
“There’s another call asking for Noah.”
“Did he give a name?”
“No.” Of course he didn’t.
Its probably Noah’s dad, but if he doesn't play by my rules then he doesn't get his way.
“No name, no contact,” I repeat my earlier decision.
I watch the empty road where the man disappeared.
The kill itch spreads through my chest like a slow burn.
Soon.
