Page 34 of Pooch Planet

Shep stuck out his tongue at Benji, further cementing the fact that he might want to wait for a while before getting his heat induced.

“So, water then?” Shep was back to his usual grinning self.

Benji nodded. “That would be great, thanks.” He tilted his head. “So, anything going on with Champ yet?”

Instead of the happy response Benji had expected, Shep gave him a small shrug instead.

“I think I was barking up the wrong tree with him. He doesn’t seem interested.”

“I don’t understand. I thought you said he was walking you home from the Bone & Tail?”

Shep handed Benji an almost-clean glass. “Yeah, he is. Every freakin’ night. But not once did he try to give me a kiss. Not even one hand lick!”

Benji drew his eyebrows together. “Huh. That does seem off. At the same time, I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t be interested. Why bother insisting that he walk you home like that?” Benji dug out the container that held his pills. “Are you sure he’s an Alpha? I mean, the group he hangs out with are all Alphas, right?”

“Dude.” Shep plopped on Benji’s old stool. “That’s exactly what I thought too. Maybe he’s questioning his designation and is spending time with me to find out if he’s actually an omega.”

Benji inclined his head. “That seems…ridiculous.”

Shep blew out a puff of air. “Yeah. You’re probably right.” A mournful sigh fell from his lips. “I wish I didn’t like him so much.”

Tears burned in Benji’s eyes. His unpredictable emotions were making him crazy. He swiped at his eyes and sniffed.

“I hope things work out for you guys. Maybe he isn’t sure if you like him, and he’s being careful not to get hurt.”

Shep gave a heartier shrug. “Doesn’t sound very Alpha-esque, but maybe.”

Benji shook a finger at him. “Don’t stereotype. You don’t know him well enough to make assumptions.”

“You know, you’re right.” Shep gave a sharp nod. “I won’t give up yet.”

After Benji took his pill, Shep offered him something to eat while he waited for Antoine to arrive. Shep had been at the store so long, that once he’d returned, Benji had figured he wouldn’t have enough time to make it home. He’d declined Shep’s offer of food—partly because of his stomach and partly because he wasn’t confident how edible the contents of Shep’s pantry was—then contacted Antoine to say he’d need to come get him.

Shep wolfed down his dinner, then he pulled out a deck of cards so they could play Rover, one of their favorite games. Benji tried not to be so obvious about checking the time over and over, but he was failing miserably. Finally, Shep dropped his cards on the rug, spilling them everywhere.

“Um, excuse me? I’m right here.” Shep waved his hand in front of Benji’s face.

Benji laid down his cards, but without the irritation. “Sorry. I’m so distracted by the news about the litter and wanting to share that with Antoine in person.”

“Man,” Shep gazed at Benji as if in wonder. “You’ve fallen hardcore for this guy.”

Benji chuckled as he gathered up all the cards. “What was your first clue?”

Shep took the deck from him then stuffed it into the mangled box where it was kept. “I guess I’m trying to figure out if I’m that goofy over Champ or not.”

“I hope things work out with you guys, I really do.”

They exchanged smiles, the silent moment an acknowledgment that things would ever be the same, but it was for the best.

A knock sounded at the door, and Benji scrambled to his feet.

Shep didn’t bother to get up. “Come in!”

A visibly upset Antoine marched inside. He hovered over a startled Shep with his hands on his hips, glaring as he stared down at him.

“What part of there’s a bat demon killer slaughtering the citizens of this village not clear to you?”

“Well…I…but…” Shep looked between Antoine and Benji. “I figured it was you, and…and…anyway, those things can’t come in unless you invite them, right?”