Page 63 of Chill

It had attacked! Full-on lunatic, rabid, killer badger attack mode. Nope. I closed my eyes and drew in some ragged breaths. My ankle throbbed, and I realised I’d landed wrong. I’d not wasted time running downstairs.

“Chill, you were like Captain America,” Zion said, awed.

I opened my eyes and saw Cassian and Zion standing by the hallway entrance. Poet remained eye-locked with her mom.

“It. Was. A. Brother. Bear,” Poet bit out.

“You. Are. Grounded. For. A. Freaking. Fortnight,” Meadow replied.

My gaze widened as I looked at mother and daughter. I had a sudden flash of Poet hitting teenager years. “I’m so fucked,” I groaned.

Cassian smiled in sympathy with me before a delighted grin crossed his face.

“Welcome to the family.” Cassian had just come to the conclusion that he was no longer responsible for Poet by himself.

“Captain America.” Zion nodded sagely. Okay, that I could take.

“Stay there; you are not coming in!” Meadow shrieked.

I loudly gritted my teeth. “It’s raining.”

“Don’t care. You stink to high heaven!”

“Because Poet has a damn death wish and doesn’t listen to orders!” I bellowed.

“I freaking warned you!” Meadow shouted back, arms crossed over her chest. Meadow took on a mocking tone and mimicked her words from three hours ago. “Chill, watch Poet. She adores animals and doesn’t see the danger in them. If she sees a skunk, she’ll pick it up without a second thought.”

“I didn’t think she’d literally handle a fuckin’ skunk!” I yelled. God, I reeked. My eyes watered, and the rain made the stench much worse. I gagged as the wind blew it into my face.

“I warned you!” Meadow retorted.

“Poet’s a menace!” I bellowed.

Meadow shook her head, pointed at me, and headed back into the cabin. It was warm in there, with a fire blazing, and it was so cosy. But no, I had to stand out in the rain because Poet attempted to play with the ‘cute kitty’. The fuckin’ ‘cute kitty’ was lucky I’d not shoved my gun up its ass and shot it.

Cassian watched me from the porch, still howling even half an hour after the incident. The teen had done the wise thing and fled as soon as Poet grabbed the skunk. Me? No. I had to be the hero. I’d got the critter free from Poet, who had it in a death grip, and as thanks it sprayed me.

“I’ve got ingredients!” Meadow called.

“Good for you!” I yelled as I stood miserably in the rain.

“Looks like someone got dosed before,” Meadow replied.

I wondered which fucker that was because nobody had ever claimed they’d been doused. Sneaky fucks, my brothers.

“One quart of fresh hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda, and two teaspoons of liquid dish soap,” Meadow sing-songed as she passed the bowl to Cassian. “Take it to Chill.”

“Why me?” Cassian demanded.

“Because I bet anything that you saw what Poet was planning and didn’t stop her,” Meadow stated.

I shot Cassian a grim stare. He didn’t even have the grace to appear ashamed. “It was a skunk. Only an idiot argues with one. I ain’t no fool.”

“You’re gonna pay,” I promised as he handed me the mixture. I stripped down to my boxers and began scrubbing. Meadow stumbled and gazed at me wide-eyed before licking her lips and running inside.

“I’ll make more. One won’t be enough. Holy crap, how is there so much of him?”

Cassian glowered, and although I stank to high heaven, I was the smug asshole now.