Reaper's Code by K.A. Fox

Author:K.A. Fox [Fox, K.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-05T04:00:00+00:00

23

I didn't know exactly what Angus meant, but soon enough, I heard the scratch of claws against stone. Moose gave a sharp bark, then bounded over to the entrance and stood sentry there. He seemed to swell, growing larger as I watched, and Remi followed him over, standing slightly behind the larger Hound.

The shadows in the hall outside the room we all waited in grew even deeper, pinpricks of red appearing. Eyes, I realized. Fiery, glowing eyes. The long end of a snout emerged first, lips curled back, putting the bright white fangs on prominent display. The entrance was suddenly crowded with bodies, vibrating growls leaving no doubt this pack was ready for a fight.

My natural fear of dogs hadn't really been a problem when dealing with Remi after our initial encounter. He'd been adorably non-threatening the whole time, and Moose had acted the same way. In all ways I could imagine, they appeared to be cuddly little lap dogs that would be good company to have on a cold, winter night while you sipped hot chocolate and read a good book.

That perception was gone now. Our only apparent defense against an angry pack of Hell Hounds was two of their own, braced for any possible threat, and every instinct in me was screaming that I should run as far away from those claws and fangs as I could. Esther rose to her feet, standing beside me, and we waited for an attack to come.

Instead, the crush of black furred bodies parted down the middle and two enormous Hounds stepped into the light of the dining room. The one in front cast an assessing glance around the space, and I could see a deep seeded intelligence in its gleaming eyes. Its gaze settled on Angus and then swept over each of us in turn, before returning to the two Hounds before it.

I held my breath, unsure what would happen, then moved forward a fraction and touched its nose to Moose's. Remi bounced behind him, demanding attention with a high-pitched bark, and the lead Hound offered him an affectionate nod. Moose looked over his shoulder at us all, his own teeth showing in a reassuring grin.

Cal spoke. "The pack heard the call and worried we were under attack. If they don't need to defend the territory, they will return home."

Relief broke through me, sweat suddenly pouring down my back, and I swallowed down the lump of fear that had clogged my throat. I knew that the Hounds could communicate with some people, but to hear such clear, thought-out statements made me wonder how deep their observations of us all might be.

Angus walked to the opening, every step slow and unhurried. He paused just to the right of Moose and bowed to the Hounds at the front of the pack. "My thanks for your swift response. We have a grieving guest with us tonight. That was the cry you heard. We are all safe for now."

The leaders nodded in clear understanding, then the largest gave a sharp howl, and the pack dispersed in response.

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