Page 88 of The Ranger

Vale smiled. “It wasn’t that kind of feeding.”

“Ohhhh,” Wilfred and Grandma drawled at once. “Okay, I guess it takes time to put clothes on.” She fanned herself then looked at Markhel.

He watched them but didn’t talk. He needed to conserve his energy. Who knew what the rest of the day would bring?

As his body calmed, he thought of Maida’s lovely face, her silken brown hair, and gentle ways. She was curious, playful, and somewhat childlike. A warrior she was not and perhaps never would be. But there was something special about her, and he couldn’t put his finger on what. He might never know until they joined.

He listened as the others left, closing the door to the cell area. He wouldn’t be disturbed in here, and no one would think to look for him here either.

He took a deep breath, tried to relax, and sleep quickly claimed him.

* * *

“What happened?”Lany hurried into the sheriff’s office. Wilfred, Paddy, Vale and Makama were huddled around Grandma, who sniffed back tears.

“I thought I was prepared to see it, but how can anything prepare a person for that?”

Lany’s face fell. “Oh, that’s what happened. Where is he?”

“Jail cell,” Sheriff Tom said. “It was the easiest place to put him.”

Lany nodded. “Understood.” He slipped through the door leading to the cells.

Vale followed. “We missed it, I’m sorry.”

Lany frowned. “It’s why you’re here.”

“We were... feeding.”

He sighed. “Oh, well, there’s not much I can say to that. But it’s going to be touch and go from here on out.” He pulled Tylahs from the left pocket of his jacket. “Time to get to work, buddy.” He set him on the floor. Tylahs scurried through the bars and jumped onto the cot. He settled himself on Markhel’s chest and started to purr.

“Is he going to be okay?” Vale asked.

“Tylahs or Markhel?”

“Markhel of course. I’m sure Tylahs can take care of himself.”

Lany smiled at the quip then leaned against the bars and studied the big Muiraran. “You’re right.” He glanced at Vale and back. “Her Call really took it out of him.”

“Grandma too, apparently.”

Lany nodded. “It’s hard to watch I grant you, but once it’s over, it’s all worth it. It was for you.”

“I can’t argue. And I have no complaints. But our bonding seemed easier than this one. I don’t remember having to bite on anything, though I’m sure I did.”

“I believe so, but Melvale would be the one to ask.” He headed for the door.

“Where are you off to?” Vale asked.

“Damage control.” Lany waltzed out of the cell area and back into the office. Irene had joined everyone and was hugging Grandma.

“Is she going to be all right?” Vale asked when he entered behind him.

“Does she look all right?” Irene snapped. “I’m taking her home.” She steered Grandma toward the door and was about to exit, when Fanny Fig, whom Vale and Makama had learned was the town gossip, burst into the sheriff’s office.

“Sheriff Tom, I want to file a complaint!”

“Not now, Fanny,” the sheriff said. “Besides, this wouldn’t be about Erwin’s singing behind the hotel counter, would it?”