Page 14 of Talon

Loki’s tail thumps on the bedspread, a short bark echoing his excitement.

“Ready … catch!”

With a gentle toss, Talon sends the tennis ball through the air just a short distance away. Loki, with perfect timing, grabs it without making much of a commotion.

“That’s a good boy!”

Loki, proudly parading the ball between his teeth, prances over and deposits it onto Talon’s lap, nudging it for another round.

“One more, but let’s be careful of the bedside lamp.” Talon’s grin matches Loki’s.

I watch silently as the game of catch continues for several minutes. Normally, Loki barks at strangers. He seems to adore Talon. It’s amazing.

“Your friend should be here soon.” Talon glances at his watch.

As if on cue, headlights bounce off the curtains, signaling Sienna’s arrival.

“I’ll call you tomorrow morning to let you know how I’m doing.”

“You’d better. Give me your bag. I’ll carry it out.”

“Loki, come on, baby,” I coo.

My dog looks at Talon with huge, puppy eyes. Loki almost looks like he’s about to cry. He can’t possibly have separation anxiety. He just met Talon. I don’t know what’s gotten into my dog, but with how things have been going tonight, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

When we get to the front porch, Talon sets my suitcase down.“We shouldn’t leave this doll here. Do you mind if I take it? I have some friends with connections who can check it out, see if the blood is real.”

“Let me get a bag.” I run inside and grab a Ziploc bag. Back on the porch, I hand it to him.“Thanks for taking care of this.”

“Of course. I’ll let you know what I find out. When you call me.”

“I’ll call.” I smile.

“Uh, I guess this is goodbye for now.”

“For now,” I say coyly. I don’t know what’s come over me, but I don’t want him to leave.

“Take care of yourself, Jess.” He hunches down until he’s eye level with Loki.“Watch out for your mom. Bite anyone who tries to get near her.”

“Woof!”

With one last glance, Talon heads to his bike. A moment later, it roars to life. He gives me a devastating smile before riding off into the night.

I sigh and grab my suitcase.

“Who the hell was that hot guy?” Sienna blurts as soon as she gets out of her car.“And why didn’t you just go to his place?”

“That was Talon,” I explain, a blush creeping up my cheeks.“He’s helping me figure out the voodoo doll thing. And going to his place didn’t seem like the best idea.”

“Whatever you say,” she replies, half-joking but clearly impressed by Talon’s appearance.“Is that all you’re bringing?”

“Yeah. Hopefully, this is just for tonight.”

“Where’s the doll?”

“Talon took it. He has friends who can find out more about it.”

“That’s so weird.”