Page 69 of Speechless
One ear flicked toward her former master, but her eyes remained on Jenna. The intelligence in her gaze astounded Jenna; she had no idea a dog could possess such astuteness.
“Guard,” Jenna repeated, uneasy when the bitch immediately moved to sit by her side instead of in front of her. She looked at Mackintyre.
“Now,haltwill stop any prior order in its tracks. Say that and she’ll return to your side. Doc, if you’d step forward in a threatening manner, arm raised, fist clenched.”
Connor blinked. “What?”
“Just as I’ve said. Become a threat.”
Frowning, obviously unsure, Connor took a hesitant step forward. His next step was heavier, the next became menacing as he stomped toward Jenna, arm above his head, big hand clenched into a fist.
Jenna cowered immediately, whimpering and throwing her arms over her head to block the blow. It didn’t matter that her head recognized Connor or that she knew he wouldn’t hurt her; mind and body acted on instinct, on years of ingrained violence.
A low, vicious snarl echoed in the room.
Jenna felt warm fur brush over her skin, strong legs landing either side of her head. The snarls became continuous, shuddering down into her body as she curled beneath the dog.
“Perfect match,” Mackintyre said with satisfaction. “Now, if the girl doesn’t say the word, or the good doctor comes any closer, she will attack. The command word iskill, but if she thinks her mistress is in danger, she’ll act of her own volition. Take a step back slowly, Doc.”
Jenna groaned as the dog laid on top of her, those savage snarls still rumbling through the heavy body. But the aggression she’d sensed from her ebbed the more Connor backed away.
“H-Halt.”
Doggy kisses rained over her face, making Jenna squeal with delight and disgust. After a thorough bathing, the bitch leaped up and sat, tail wagging energetically.
No, notthe bitch.
Luna.
“Cain said he was covering the purchase cost.” Evidently happy with the outcome of the test, Mackintyre jumped straight into business. “Given your circumstances, I’ll give you two weeks with her. Any problems, you send her back. No questions asked. Two weeks is up, she’s paid for in full.”
“No,” Connor responded, and Jenna’s head shot up as he crushed her heart in his hand. He looked down at her, then at the dog, and something flashed in his eyes. “Cain won’t be paying for her. Thank you for the offer, but we don’t need two weeks. Jenna’s smitten with her already, and any dog that defends her that way after ten minutes isn’t going anywhere.”
“Can’t argue with a man who knows what he wants. I’ll go get some stuff from the truck. Nothing much, just a few days’ worth of food until you get your own, a leash. Any problems,” he repeated, “you call me or you send her back.”
“Do you foresee problems?”
“Not with one of my dogs.”
“Excellent. Then let’s get you paid. Appreciate it.” Connor walked out with Mackintyre, leaving Sarah perched on the edge of the couch and Jenna curled on the floor, catching her breath. “Baby, you take deep breaths. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Quiet fell over the room for a few moments. Calmer, Jenna pushed herself up to sitting, rested her back against the couch and her forehead on her knees. Luna sidled closer, licked her arm.
“That is one hell of a fucking dog,” Sarah murmured, sounding shocked. “For God’s sake, let me make friends with her before she eats me.”
Jenna chuckled weakly. “Is she that frightening?”
“Sweetheart, I think I counted pretty much every tooth in that pretty head. She’s gorgeous, absolutely stunning, but I don’t want to be on the wrong side of her.”
“I’m in love,” Jenna admitted.
“With her? Yeah, completely not taken by surprise.”
“With her. With Connor.” It felt wonderful to admit it to someone other than the man himself. To share the joy of belonging with a…with a friend. “We…we kissed.”
Sarah’s grin curved her mouth. “About damn time, the stubborn bastard!”
Jenna stroked the comforting fur under her hand. He’d given her so much—a home, her health, his heart, a dog. Whatever she required, whatever she dreamed of, he strived to get. “How do I ask him for more?”