Read an Excerpt
Copyright © Lily Harlem 2017. All Rights Reserved, Totally Entwined Group Limited, T/A Pride Publishing.
Bradley set the broom to one side and wiped the back of his hand over his brow. The sun was really putting on a great show today, though having to work in the heat wasn’t the best way to enjoy it. He’d rather be on the beach, having fun, checking out the local talent in the surf. But he had a duty to do and promises to keep, so he was here, working.
Woof. Woof.
“I know, Tiny, you’re the last one, but your new owner will be here any minute.”
Woof. Woof.
Tiny was a tongue-in-cheek name for the enormous Great Dane wandering behind Bradley as he straightened the place out.
Since Malec had entrusted him with looking after the kennels, he’d taken his responsibility seriously. It was the biggest promise he’d ever made to anyone. Up until this point Bradley had been a wanderer, heading wherever the next hitched lift took him or wherever his paws led. He’d soon found out that a handsome face and a quick smile got him places—throw in some charm and flattery and life had been pretty sweet for Bradley.
But for the first time ever, his looks weren’t part of his days and hadn’t made anything easier. The dogs he’d been left to care for would have loved him had he been the Elephant Man, so long as he fed and walked them.
It had been a nice change.
A red truck with bull-bars pulled up at the roadside and a tall man with beefy muscles got out.
Tiny barked again.
“Yes, yes, that’s him. Your new owner.” Bradley peered forward. Talk about dogs and owners looking alike, these two really did, right down to the pale gray T-shirt the man wore that matched Tiny’s short dusky coat.
The man walked over the dry grass, arms swinging and a leash held in his fist.
Bradley opened the gate and set his hand on Tiny’s back. Tiny was a well-behaved dog, he’d just taken longer to rehome because of his size. “It’s a nice place you’re going to,” Bradley said. “I checked it out. You’ll be happy there, just try not to break too much stuff.”
Tiny wagged his tail as the man approached. They’d gotten on well when they’d met before and Bradley was satisfied they’d be a good match.
“Hey,” the new owner said. “Hot out here today.”
“Tell me about it.” Bradley smiled and urged Tiny forward.
The dog bounded up to the man, tail wagging, slack lips flapping.
The owner laughed. “Hey, buddy, you keen to get out of kennels, huh?”
Woof. Woof.
Bradley smiled as licks and strokes were exchanged. “He’s all yours, Ted.”
“Thanks, and don’t you worry, he’ll be fine with us, one of the family.”
That was exactly what Bradley wanted to hear.
“So what you gonna do around here now?” The man gestured at the empty kennels and runs.
“Dunno, move on I guess.” His work was done, just as Malec had hoped it would be. The ridiculous number of strays on the streets of the small oceanside town were all rehomed and settled. It had taken several months, but the task had been completed.
“Yeah, well, good luck, and thanks for Tiny here.”
“I’m sure you’ll be very happy together.”
The man nodded and put the leash on Tiny. He then turned and headed back to his truck with his new dog lolloping along at his side.
Bradley had allowed a man to put a leash on him once. Not so long ago. He’d been in his dog body and rummaging in trash by the beach feeling sure a burger and bun were in there, when he’d been approached. The man, Malec, had been so calm and his scent so soothing, and before Bradley had known it he’d been leashed and trotting along the sidewalk like a goddamn domestic dog.
He’d gotten in deep, and ended up spending the night in one of these very kennels with a belly full of dog food. Luckily he’d soon discovered his new friends were also shifters—not that he’d come across many over the years—and been able to reveal himself.
Which was how he’d ended up at the shelter.
But now what? He’d said he was going to move on. And he would. But where?
For the first time ever Bradley felt tired at the thought of roaming California. Had his wanderlust finally been sated? Were his feet and paws no longer itchy to discover new lands and territory?
He closed the gate and headed back past the eerily still and silent kennels. He went into the hut that was his living quarters, and sat on the chair. He crossed his legs and stabbed his toe into the air over and over. Maybe he should shift and go for a run on the beach. See if the sea breeze would help his indecision and antsy mood.
