Page 24 of Pooch Planet

Shep sighed. “Oh, all right. But what’s this about the kibble factory? Is Antoine taking you with him?”

Benji’s shoulders drooped as he poured the grounds into the brew pot. “I wish.”

Shep folded his arms onto the counter and tilted his head. “He said he wouldn’t?”

“No, he didn’t say anything. We just sort of… Well, we started to talk about things, but only got as far as admitting we were destined mates then we jumped each other. After that, I sort of passed out. When I woke up earlier to pee, he was already gone.”

“That’s it? No note or nothing?”

Benji shut off the brew machine then slid his mug over to pour himself a cup. He held up the pot. “Want any?”

“Nah, I’ve already had about five mugs this morning. Keep going.”

“He left me a note, but it didn’t say much. Just that last night was his happiest moment and that he’d see me later.”

“That’s it?” Shep furrowed his brow. “No, let’s meet before the first moonrise or let’s grab a bowl of food? Nothing?”

Benji shook his head. “I know I’m being weird and clingy, but I can’t help it. This need to be with my Alpha is a lot stronger than I’d thought it would be.”

Shep shrugged. “We’ve all been raised to expect that.”

“I know, but it’s different experiencing it for the first time. Plus, like almost everything else having to do with gargoyles, I have no idea what Antoine will think about me trailing him around. It’s not as if he’s been raised to expect it. What’s a desirable trait to a dog shifter Alpha, might be annoying to a gargoyle Alpha.”

“He’ll get used to it. Plus, you’re pretty cute. That has to count for something.”

Benji snorted. “Do you ever worry about anything, Shep?”

He shrugged again. “Not really. Except that bat demon. But I know better than to go out at night now. First Coco, then Sparky the night we were at the Bone & Tail.” Shep shuddered. “I don’t need a beer that bad.”

“What about last night? You went to the bar with me after dark then.”

“Well, sure. I needed to protect you and have a farewell beer until the bat demon is taken down.”

Benji took a sip of his brew then set down the mug. “How’s that working out for you?”

Shep scratched behind his ear. “We’ll see. Maybe I’ll run in right when they open, chug one down then rush home before that stupid bat starts hunting for fresh blood.” He gave Shep a wolfish grin. “Besides, you’ll be busy with your new hunk tonight.”

“Will I?” Benji pushed away his cooling drink. “I’m not so sure.”

Now that his grogginess was dissipating, insecurity about where he stood with Antoine ate at him. Sometimes being a Chiweenie sucked.

“Don’t go moping about all day. Why don’t you bring him a midday meal, see how he’s doing?”

Benji crossed his arms. “I’m not about to humiliate myself like that if it turns out he isn’t interested in seeing me. And besides, what if he doesn’t want anyone to know about us?”

Shep snort-laughed. “Trust me. Everybody knows.”

Benji sighed. “I’m sure the whole village knows, but what about his fellow gargoyles? What if it’ll get him in trouble with the Federation?”

Shep rubbed his chin. “Hmm.” He held up a finger. “I know! I’ll go with you. We could make a couple batches of chow muffins, then bring them over as a, I dunno, ‘thanks for all your help’ offering…or something. Then, it won’t be obvious.”

Benji considered Shep’s haphazard plan. He wasn’t sure gargoyles were big chow muffin fans, but the pull to be near his Alpha was beginning to overtake him.

“Sure. Why not.” He gave Shep a weak smile. “Chow muffins it is.”