Chapter 57

“Stay.”

The half-grown dog looked at its owner, quivered. There was a bowl of food way over there, and his owner—yes, the one he was crazy about—was saying STAY HERE.

NUTS.

“I mean it, Ryker. Damn it all. Stay!”

The voice was gruff so he whipped another look back up, the tiniest bit concerned. But when he saw the upturn of Nathan’s mouth at the edges, caught the twinkle of a smile in his eyes, he knew everything was all right.

He knew he could probably get away with a mad dash, grab some sloppy mouthfuls of wet food, and even get a hug.

Hot damn.

He loved those hugs. The familiar scent of Nathan, the comforting pressure of his arm pulling him close, his deep voice mumbling manly somethings into his ear.

Loved them.

He didn’t know what all the words meant, by a long shot, but—he knew what all the words meant.

You’re mine. I’ll always watch out for you. We’re a team.

And dammit dog—I just love you.

“You hear me? I haven’t released you yet. Don’t you be getting ideas.”

The pup snorted. Okay, so it was down to kibble, or obedience. Not a simple decision. He sized up the distance again, saw his new brother watching him from the side.

Brown-noser. Pretty much always obeyed, and quickly. Huh.

But aww, heck. Despite all that, he loved Prince too. The running in the woods, the crazy playing. Even waking up with Prince’s butt plastered against his.

But this decision wasn’t Prince’s. It was his.

“You’re making him wait that long?”

Oh yes. Amy. His other owner. She emerged from the cabin, all warm smiles, interest and energy. His tail went into overdrive, slapping against the dirt. He ached to run, slobber her with a messy kiss. It was heaven with her.

But he was still in this stupid training thing Nathan seemed so fond of and hadn’t heard the magic release words. Yet.

“He needs to pass that test. I’m not having the whole town send our damn dog condolence cards.”

She laughed, the sound sounding like joy, and came to Nathan. Ryker trembled in exhilaration, but she tossed a smile at him, then purposefully avoided him. Hooked her arm in Nathan’s other side, sidled up close and he felt Nathan sway as he hugged her close. “I know. Even Flora asked me about the test. I think she’s coming to watch.”

“Everyone’s coming, damn it. No pressure or anything. ‘The Hero dog.’ Brilliant.”

Amy looked up at Nathan. “You know they’ll be on your side, and Ryker’s, no matter what. Right?”

And Nathan softened. Smiled. Nodded.

Now would be a good time.

He had to make a decision, now.

If he stayed and was good, Amy would probably throw her arms around him and Nathan would too, all together, and hot damn. It would be good.

He’d be just like a puppy in kibble.

Hmm. Which interestingly, was the point. Actual kibble, or….

And then Nathan moved toward Amy. She smiled up at him. Their eyes went all gooey-mush, like they often did. Their lips met.

And…

Heck. You only live once.

He darted ahead, paws slapping the earth and his lead snapping in the dust while he ran toward the prize, the surprised laughter of those who loved him echoing after him.