Cole and His Dog Read online

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?” she asked, smiling.

  “Never. You’re mine through eternity,” he replied, giving her a kiss. “But green is not your color, so go rest.”

  She kissed him back and took off.

  “So, what’s going on?” Adam asked when he and Ky were seated.

  Ky filled him in, then asked, “Have you seen anyone hanging around outside, as if they were watching the house?”

  “Nope. Well, other than kids who are trying to get up the nerve to come inside.”

  “Good. The people I’m thinking of are definitely adults and would stand out in this neighborhood if they hung around too long.”

  “You think someone might be looking for Cole?”

  “I know they are. That’s why he’s staying at my place, when he’s not a work.”

  Adam lifted an eyebrow. “Is that a good idea, considering how you feel about him?”

  Ky smiled. “Since it’s mutual, it’s not a bad idea. We’re putting things on hold, though, until we get Marsham out of the picture for good.”

  “Just how are you planning on doing that?”

  “I haven’t decided, yet. I have to find out where he’s holed up, first.”

  “You also have to prove he’s not Cole’s father, unless he is.”

  “Yeah, I know. That’s why I want to find him. A simple DNA test will answer the question.”

  “That makes me wonder why Marsham hasn’t come forward to suggest that.”

  “Your guess is as good as mine.”

  * * * *

  Ky told Larry what Adam had said, when they got together in Larry’s office at Domicile.

  “Now that’s a good question,” Larry replied. “If he knows Cole isn’t his son, and is only using that as an excuse to get his hands on Cole…”

  “It means there’s something else he wants. Like being able to control him for some reason, which brings us back to who Cole’s mother is. We might be one step closer to finding out.” He told Larry about the names on the blanket. “If you can locate Marsham’s pack, I can pay it a visit and talk to some of the members.”

  “I’ve been trying to. I know they migrate from town to town along the Western Slope. How do I know, you ask?” Larry grinned.

  “Okay, I’ll play. How?”

  “I’ve accessed the records of the various animal control offices in the area, looking for any reports of increased sightings of Bullmastiffs. Your breed is large enough that people might, and do, let animal control know when they see one or more wandering free in whatever city or town.”

  “Okay. That makes sense. And?”

  “From what I’ve determined, the pack stays in one area for a couple of months, if it’s a small town, to up to a year in larger cities. Now this is all conjecture, of course, but logical, I think.”

  “I agree. Is there a pattern to where they’ve been? Do you know where they are at the moment?”

  “If I’m right, in the last ten years they moved south from Walden to Grand Lake to Granby to the Silverthorne-Frisco area. Then west along I-70. The last sighting, for lack of a better word, was in Palisade, which is just east of Grand Junction. That was a month ago.”

  “So they may be in Grand Junction by now.”

  “If they keep moving the way they have been.” Larry shot a look at Ky. “Good luck finding them there, if they are. It’s a fairly large city.” He brought up Google and did a search for Grand Junction, found a map, and showed it to Ky.

  “Do your thing and check with animal control.” When Larry didn’t move, Ky added, “Please?”

  Larry chuckled. “That’s better.” His fingers danced over the keyboard and a minute later he said, “I’m in.”

  “And?”

  “Hang on, impatient one. Okay, this fits with what happened in some of the other places. There have been three reports of large dogs, one definitely a Bullmastiff, two that sound like ones from the descriptions, around a campground area on the south side of the city.”

  Ky tapped his lip. “Meaning, as a pack, they might be traveling in campers?”

  “Now that you mention it, I’d say that’s quite possible. It would make sense. In smaller areas, they pretend to be tourists. In the cities, they might rent space in a campground for the long term, settle in, and possibly find jobs.”

  “Then I know where to start, and hope I find them, and that someone knows or has heard of Rilla and Hallam.”

  “Do you want me to keep an eye on Cole while you’re gone?”

  “Oh, boy,” Ky muttered.

  “You’re doing all this for him, and you forgot about him in the process?” Larry shook his head in amusement.

  “No. More like, I’ve been around him long enough to know he won’t want to be left behind.”

  “Then use that to your advantage while you look for pack members. You can move around in your Bullmastiff form easier, without being reported to animal control, if you’re on the end of a leash.”

  “Just where I want to be,” Ky groaned. But he knew Larry was correct.

  Ky had Larry print up a map of the campground, stuck it in his wallet, then thanked Larry for his help. As with Adam and Stefan, he promised to keep Larry up-to-date on everything, and then left.

  * * * *

  “I work tomorrow,” Cole pointed out when Ky filled him in on what he’d found out, and his plan to go to Grand Junction.

  “Then we leave as soon as you get off.”

  “Do you think I can teleport that far?”

  “No.” Ky grinned at the look of dismay on Cole’s face. “We’ll take my car.”

  “I thought you only used it to go shopping.”

  “Normally. But I have been known to drive it more than around the block. Don’t worry. It’s in excellent shape. It’s not going to die going something like two hundred and fifty miles.”

  “It’s all up hill for half of that, until we get over the Divide.”

  “Have faith, youngster.”

  Cole rolled his eyes. “At least I’ve graduated from kid to youngster, though I’m not sure it’s much of an improvement. How long will we be there? Should I tell Mike I might not be back in time for work on Wednesday?”

  “Definitely not. We don’t want him saying anything to anyone about you being gone. If one of Marsham’s people came by the restaurant, asking for you, and someone let it slip you’d left town, Marsham might figure out why.”

  “They’ve never come inside,” Cole pointed out.

  “You know this, how?”

  “I did see them when they came after me in the vacant building.”

  “I’m sure he has more than those two looking for you, especially since they blew it.”

  “Yeah. I guess. The joys of being a wanted man. Remind me not to take up a life of crime. My nerves couldn’t take it.”

  Ky laughed, gave him a quick hug, then went to fix dinner.

  Cole went to work as usual on Sunday. While he waited on customers, he couldn’t help but wonder if any of them had been sent by Marsham. Though, given Marsham’s attitude about women, he doubted that any of the females belonged to him—he wasn’t counting it out.

  As soon as the restaurant closed, the employees started clean-up. Cole picked up the trash bags, taking them out to the dumpster. He’d just dropped them in when he heard footsteps. Turning quickly, he saw a man he recognized coming toward him down the alley. A slight noise alerted him to the presence of another person on the fire escape a few yards away. A fast glance told him it was no one he knew—not that he was going to stick around to introduce himself.

  As the two men converged, Cole teleported away.

  “So much for thinking they wouldn’t try anything at the restaurant,” he muttered when he landed in the middle of the living room.

  “They came after you there?”

  Cole gasped, spinning around to see Ky coming out of the kitchen. “Not in the restaurant,” he replied once he’d regained his composure. “In the alley, when
I was taking out the trash.” He grimaced. “Mike’s going to wonder what happened to me.”

  “Then get back there. You can’t have been gone more than a couple of minutes. Land in the storeroom, then come out like you’d gone in there for…something. When it’s time to leave, do it your normal way, after checking to be certain it’s safe. Go.”

  Cole did, returning to the house ten minutes later. “It worked, and they weren’t there. I recognized one of them, Ky, from that abandoned building. I’ve never seen the other guy.”

  “So Marsham has sent in reinforcements, just as we feared.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Go pack enough for a two-night stay and let’s get moving. The sooner we get to Grand Junction, the better.”

  * * * *

  “I’ve been there,” Cole said, pointing to a sign that said ‘Georgetown, turn left,’ as they drove up I-70, heading to the Tunnel. “We went to some Christmas thing they do. It was fun. Well, to a kid it was.”

  “Did you ever go across the Divide?”

  “Nope. Some of the guys I went to school with, did—every weekend in the winter. But I wasn’t into skiing or boarding.”

  “I’m with you on that. I’d rather sit on a beach than trudge through a ton of snow, freezing my ass off.”

  “I’ve never been to a real beach.”

  “You’re kidding. As soon as this is over, I’m taking you down to Punta Cana. You’ll love it.”

  “If you say so,” Cole replied, having no idea where or what that was.

  Ky must have picked up on that, because he spent the next twenty minutes extolling the wonders of the resort area, while they drove to and through the Tunnel.

  “Sounds like fun,” Cole said as they started down the mountain. He yawned, closed his eyes, and the next thing he knew Ky was shaking him awake, telling him they had arrived. It took Cole a second to realize he meant Grand Junction, not Punta Cana. When he looked around, he saw they were in a parking lot beside a motel. “What time is it?”

  “A little after one. We made good time. Come on. I’ve already booked us a room.”

  “Us?”

  “Good lord, Cole. I spent nights sleeping in the same room with you. How is this any different?”

  “You’re not a dog, now?” Cole replied, feeling defensive.

  “Great. So when we get in the room, I’ll shift. Grab you backpack.”

  Cole did, Ky got his bag, and they went into the motel lobby. While Ky checked in, Cole wandered over to peer through the doors to the dining room. Even though it was empty and dark, it still made him hungry. He spotted a vending machine with crackers and other edibles and was about to get some when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He froze, turning slowly, to see Ky standing there.

  “Sorry,” Ky said. “I didn’t mean to scare you. If you want something to eat, we can order from room service when we get upstairs, according to the desk clerk.”

  Their room was on the fourth floor. It had two queen-sized beds, a desk, a dresser and closet, as well as a small counter with a coffee maker, and a fridge underneath. As with most motels, the bathroom counter and sink were outside the bathroom.

  Cole dropped his backpack on the dresser then went over to the sink to throw cold water on his face. “I look like death,” he muttered to his reflection in the mirror.

  “Nope. You look tired. Why don’t you get ready for bed while I order us a couple of sandwiches? There’s water and fruit juice in the fridge.”

  Ky sat on one bed while he called room service. Feeling suddenly shy, Cole got some sweatpants before hurrying in to shower. When he came out, he heard voices and peeked around the corner in time to see Ky closing the door. Ky set the tray with their food on the desk. “It’s safe. You can come out,” he said.

  ::Define safe.::

  Ky laughed. “You’re not shielding. It’s safe to come eat. I promise I won’t jump you, although…” he eyed Cole, who was bare-chested. “It is tempting.”

  “Uh-huh.” Cole took one of the sandwiches, settling on the edge of the bed closest to the windows.

  “Water, or juice?” Ky asked, going to the fridge. When Cole answered, he tossed him a juice.

  They ate in silence, leaning against the headboards of their beds. Cole was aware when Ky glanced at him occasionally, and tried to ignore it. I wouldn’t mind if he jumped me, he thought after putting up his shields. Of course I’d fall asleep before he got to first base. Damn, I want this crap with Marsham to be over.

  Ky got up, putting his empty plate on the tray, then took a pair of sleep pants from his bag. “In deference to your sensibilities,” he said with a wink. “I usually sleep in the raw.”

  “I did not need to know that right now,” Cole grumbled. He waited until Ky was in the shower before setting his plate on the tray. Then he brushed his teeth, all the while imagining Ky in the shower, water running down his naked body. This is not doing my libido a damned bit of good, he chastised himself. He heard the water turn off and quickly got into bed, watching through half-closed eyes as Ky came into the room. He’s all muscle and sexy as hell, damn him. Why is he interested in me? He could have any man he wanted.

  Ky brushed his teeth, ran his fingers through his hair to tame it, then climbed into his bed. “Sleep well,” he said softly.

  “Thanks. You, too.” Cole turned with his back to Ky, and curled his arms around the pillow. The next thing he knew, it was morning.

  Chapter 11

  “Is this really going to work?” Cole asked Monday morning when Ky pulled the car to a stop in a parking space behind a gas station, not too far from the campground.

  “It better. It’s our last, best hope, as far as I can see.”

  They got out of the car and walked into the trees at the back of the lot, where Ky shifted, waiting for Cole collar him and attach the leash. Then Cole and Bull began what appeared to be a casual stroll from there to the road and down it toward the campground.

  Bull sniffed the air, telling Cole as he did, ::There are a few dogs there. So far, I can’t tell if any of them are part of Marsham’s pack.::

  ::How will you know?::

  Bull chuckled in Cole’s mind. ::The first clue will be if they’re Bullmastiffs.::

  ::No duh. I mean…::

  ::If we run into one, I’ll try reading their thoughts. If I can’t, it means one of two things, they’re a real dog, or they’re shielding. With any sort of luck, if they are a shifter, they won’t be shielding because of the pack mentality. They’ll want to be open to other members. Make sense?::

  ::I…guess. I’m keeping my shields up, though.::

  ::You’d better. I have mine up, too, for now.::

  The ‘for now’ bothered Cole, but he didn’t say anything. He was new at this and had to trust that Ky knew what he was doing.

  When they were inside the campground, Bull led the way toward the section set off for campers. The only dog in sight was a yippy little poodle, sitting with its owner.

  ::Will you know they’re part of the pack if they’re in human form?:: Cole asked.

  ::Yes. I’ve been around long enough that I can sense shifters who are younger than me in either form.::

  Cole hissed in a breath. ::Then older ones will know you’re one.::

  Bull nodded his head, tugging on the leash. Cole took the hint and began walking again, keeping a sharp look-out for any Bullmastiffs. As they passed the next to last camper, he looked to his left in time to catch a fleeting glance of the hindquarters of a fairly large dog disappearing behind it. ::There, maybe,:: he told Bull.

  ::There, definitely,:: Bull replied, following the dog.

  When they got to the rear of the camper no one was in sight—dog or human. Bull lifted his head, sniffed, then headed toward the trees surrounding the area. At first, Cole was certain they’d lost the dog. They hadn’t. Ahead of them, as they moved into a small clearing, stood two Bullmastiffs, shoulder to shoulder.

  * * * *

  Bull eyed the dogs, attem
pting to determine from their stances if they were going to attack. They were young, or at least younger than he was, female—and afraid.

  Bull dropped his shields, thinking, I’m not a threat to you. Can you mind-speak? When one of the females lowered her head, almost imperceptivity, he looked her in the eye. ::Shield your thoughts, please, except from me.::

  ::If Thomas finds out…:: Her words were barely above a whisper in Bull’s mind.

  ::Your mate?::

  ::No. He’s one of our pack’s Betas.::

  ::Where is he?::

  ::Too close.::

  ::Shield, anyway, and we’ll take a walk.::

  She glanced at the other female, getting a slight nod in return. Then, much to Bull’s relief, they both shielded.

  ::The human…:: the second female said. ::He’s one of us, too. Yes?::

  Bull nodded. ::If the two of you are willing, let’s get out of here, and fast.:: Without waiting for their replies, he moved swiftly away from the campground. Cole dropped his hold on the leash, walking as quickly as the dogs until they got to a road running through the trees, separating the campground from the rest of the forest.

  ::Is there somewhere you’ll feel safe to shift and talk?:: Bull asked the females.

  ::Yes. We have a place we where we hide when the Alpha pays a visit,:: one of them replied. ::Can the boy teleport?::

  ::He might resent being called a boy, but yes, he can.::

  ::Show him this image. We will meet you there.::

  Bull showed Cole what looked like the interior of a vacant building, and they teleported.

  * * * *

  Cole looked around and shivered. “This reminds me too much of the one where Marsham’s bullies tried to capture me, the second time.”

  “I agree,” Ky said after shifting. “But needs must, as they say. Ladies, if you feel safe, please shift as well. It’ll make talking easier.”

  They did, clothing themselves, as Ky had, and Ky introduced himself, and then Cole.

  “I’m Jenna,” the taller, dark-haired woman said. “This is Venus.”

  “Nice to meet both of you,” Ky replied.

  Venus looked hard at Cole. “You remind me of someone.”

  Cole’s pulse jumped. “Who?”