Wild Country (The World of the Others #2)- Anne Bishop Page 0,86

in that part of the town will use the food,” Virgil said. “They will need it since they will spend part of their time watching for enemies. Also, being in human form to do human tasks means there are many days when we can’t hunt properly to bring down meat. We will need to eat meat killed by humans or go hungry.”

Jesse doubted any terra indigene would go hungry. Since humans weren’t allowed to carry guns within the town limits, they would be easy prey, despite the understanding that Bennett’s human residents were considered not edible—at least by the terra indigene residents. Whether the Elders thought the humans were like chickens in a pen wasn’t something she wanted to know.

“Two humans arrived on yesterday’s train, looking for work,” Tolya said. “They offered to open the land agent’s office and take responsibility for recording who lives where and which businesses are now open. They talked about mapping which houses and businesses are already taken so that newcomers can be shown the houses that are still available and not have to wander.”

Everyone thought that was a good idea. Tolya nodded. “Then I will tell Craig and Dawn Werner that they have jobs and may select their own house.”

After informing Zeke and Fagen that their businesses were approved and setting up a time for them to meet with him and take care of the paperwork, Tolya adjourned the meeting.

Virgil stood, still holding the puppy.

Jesse eyed the pup. “She needs to go outside and do her business.”

The Wolf stared at the box. “She’s going to live in that?”

The growl in his voice made her shiver, but she answered briskly. “The box was small enough to bring in for this meeting. She has a puppy playpen that I’ll set up in my own store. She has a bed for when she’s a bit older. She has a crate to stay in when she needs quiet time.” When Virgil said nothing, she added, “Better get her outside before she pees on you.”

Virgil headed for the door, leaving Jesse to grab the box and her daypack. Then he stopped. “What’s her name?”

“She doesn’t have one yet.”

The stare he gave her wasn’t friendly. “Why not?”

“Because I want Rachel Wolfgard to help me choose a name. Since the pup will be spending as much time with Rachel as she spends with me, I would like my friend’s input on a name.”

She wouldn’t say he softened toward her, but she had a feeling that she’d given Virgil a reason not to think ill of all humans.

* * *

* * *

Jana washed her hands, then splashed cold water on her face. Virgil hadn’t said anything about the Wolfgard taking over the house at the corner of her street. She wouldn’t have known if she hadn’t run into John Wolfgard outside the bookstore and learned about the move. John was pleased to be able to observe humans going about their usual tasks. There had been a human pack in Lakeside and interacting with them had been educational.

She wasn’t sure she wanted to be the equivalent of the educational channel on TV, but she could guess why some of the strongest predators in Bennett were moving into houses on that street.

The blood prophet.

She didn’t know enough about the cassandra sangue, and she needed to learn—fast—because she was the law as well as a neighbor. She should know what to watch for that might indicate signs of trouble.

As she debated whether to approach Tolya Sanguinati or Jesse Walker to find out what information they might have—and assess their willingness to be forthcoming with her—Jana walked into the front part of the office and noticed the way Virgil and Kane were staring at Rusty, who should have been in her crate and wasn’t.

Virgil smiled—actually smiled—at her before focusing on Rusty again. “She eviscerated the bunny. Good girl!”

Rusty wagged her tail, looking thrilled to receive her pack leader’s praise.

Jana stared at what was left of the toy she’d given the dog that morning. “No, not good girl. Bad girl!”

Rusty stopped wagging her tail, dropped the bunny’s head, and whined.

Virgil swung around to face Jana and growled, “Why bad girl?”

Dominant Wolf or not, she could not allow him to intimidate her, especially when they were in conflict about something that was none of his business. She took a step forward so they were almost toe-to-toe and looked up at him. “She’s not supposed to rip up her toys.”

“Then why did you give her a toy that looks