Page 32 of Squirrel Hunt
“What the fuck?” Farris stepped closer again and stared at the bag as if it was something foul.
“I’m assuming it’s Dahy’s?” Konrad grinned at Farris.
“Fucking squirrels.”
Konrad placed both books on the coffee table and snatched up the bag. “I’ll bring it to him.”
Farris scanned the shelves with narrowed eyes. “He’s reordered them.”
“The books?”
“Yeah…” Farris ran a hand over the spines.
“Sorry.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t have them alphabetically or anything, but he’s moved them around.” Then he sighed. “Will there be more nuts hiding behind them?”
“I have no idea.” Konrad reached for another book, but Farris took a step forward and almost bumped into him.
“I’ll check later. Do you want anything to drink?” He gestured toward the kitchen.
Konrad frowned but followed him into the kitchen. Usually, Farris was pretty relaxed. “Who’s the guy in the hotel?”
“I still don’t know his name, but he’s part of the group of drunks I followed who met up with the bear.” He put on the kettle, and Konrad glanced at the clock on the wall. He didn’t want to stay long. Dahy was at home, and he wanted to be there too. But it was his job to make sure everyone in the pack was all right, and he had sent Farris out on a mission. He should at least be interested in what he had to report.
No one spoke while they waited for the water to boil. Once it did, Farris poured two cups of tea and carried them over to the kitchen table. “Could someone from the pack keep an eye on him?”
Konrad glanced at him as he cradled the cup. “Who?”
“The guy at the hotel. I have to get back to Ordbury. I’ve been away for two days now, and I’ve had two calls from Varg. I have to make an appearance.”
“Of course. I’ll eh…I’ll call Oswald and Sewell later. I’m sure we can cover it between us. Roan has some guys watching Myka, and Gideon from The Howling Moon might want in too. Jyran is to meet Dahy at Mildred’s, where Myka works, tomorrow. Between us, we should be able to keep an eye both on the squirrels, the human, and the Ordbury wolf.”
Farris frowned at him. “It’s getting complicated.”
“Is it?”
“Adding people who are unable to defend themselves to the pack complicates things.”
Anger bubbled in Konrad. “And you suggest we do what?”
Farris shook his head. “What we’re doing. I simply observed it changes the dynamic, and you have to be prepared for backlash.”
“You want to challenge me?”
Farris sighed loudly. “Listen to what I say instead of painting my words with your fears, man. I don’t want to lead a pack, this or any other. All I’m saying is there will be those who aren’t pleased with the direction you’re taking, and you have to be prepared.”
“But you are?”
“I’m not a fan of either squirrels or humans, but should one of them be my mate, I assume I would change my mind in a heartbeat.” He gave Konrad a quick grin. “I’m not like Gideon. I wouldn’t push my mate away for how many years like he did when he refused to acknowledge Jyran. I don’t give a damn about what people think about me, and if the pack won’t accept us, we’ll leave.”
Konrad studied him. There was longing in his eyes, and he believed he had an ally for real in Farris. As he did in Gideon and Roan. They both understood the importance of protecting their mates.
“Head back to Ordbury, but if you feel something is off to the point where you think you’ll be in danger, come home.”
Farris nodded. “It’s not about me. I don’t think they’re thinking about me, but I’ll keep my eyes open.”
Konrad finished his tea, grabbed the cashews, and called Oswald and Sewell on the way back home.