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Dove nodded, but the way he was chewing on his lip showed how worried he was. Melchom could tell as much before he got inside his head to see what his human was actually thinking about this development.

“I mean, okay? But for the record, I’ve never really owned a dog?”

“Your speech said otherwise.”

“I’ve gone to lots of protests.” Dove avoided his gaze as he answered, his fingers buried in the hellhound’s short fur. “And I spent a couple of weekends at a shelter for extra credit before I had to drop out of college.”

He hadn’t seen any of that in his excursions through his Dove’s house of mirrors, but it didn’t surprise him.

“Then stay here while Gaz and I have a chat.”

“Is Gaz her name?” Dove wrinkled his nose. “Can we change it?”

Gaz let out a mix between a growl and a whimper before Melchom was guffawing.

“Hellhounds choose their names. You’d better apologize.”

“Oh.” The poor human paled, his freckles highlighted against the ghostly pallor. “I… I’m sorry? Does she understand me?”

“She does.”

Dove kneeled down then, facing the deadly hound. “I’m sorry, gorgeous girl. Gaz is a beautiful name.”

That made Melchom roll his eyes.

I forgive Master! I forgive, I forgive, I forgive.

Melchom winced. Her enthusiasm would be amusing if it wasn’t so loud.

“You know he doesn’t understand you, Gaz, and I’m sure as heaven not going to interpret for you every single time.”

Gaz growled, but one look from his human made her sit down and lower her head.

Interesting.

“Get it into her thick skull that our agreement stands,” he pointed in the human’s direction. “Also, one scratch to my belongings or myself, and I’ll make sure she goes down. Got it?”

Dove gulped down. “Got it.”

Gaz just stood there, lolling her tongue and wagging her tail, watchful eyes drifting between the two of them. Melchom tried hard not to shiver or to run a hand through the scar he’d stopped feeling centuries ago.

It suddenly stung.

My pack attacked.

Melchom grunted. “Behave.”

CHAPTER 13

DAVE

“Gaz, stop!”

There was a racket of barks in response, but it didn’t stop her from jumping around Dave and nuzzling him.

“She needs out.” Melchom sighed, sounding incredibly annoyed that he had to interpret for her, as he’d put it yesterday. “Go with her.”

Dave whirled around. “What do you mean go?”