Claiming Their Cat

by Maggie O'Malley

  “Am I?” She gave him a you’re-shitting-me look.

  “Absolutely.” He maneuvered her back outside to the passenger’s door and helped her in, hoping she wouldn’t escape before he could get to the driver’s side. He knew the only thing stopping her from running was exhaustion.

  Fred met them at the back. Rio glanced at Cat before slipping from the truck.

  “How’s she holding up?”

  “I think she’s going into shock.”

  “Well, let’s get some food in her and see what happens.”

  “Don’t let her chuck in my truck.”

  “I wouldn’t dare let anything happen to your precious truck.” Yeah, he liked his custom-made vehicle, but he didn’t want to take the time to clean up the mess.

  Rio had worked up a sweat by the time he had loaded the last of his arsenal. He closed the bed lid and locked it. “I need to borrow your truck.”

  “Sure. I ain’t going nowhere.

  “Keep an eye on her until I get back.”

  Fred eased himself down on the back steps. “I’ll do that, but you need to hurry. I don’t want to have to tangle with your mate because she wants to run away from you, and I sure as hell don’t want to tangle with you because I touched your mate. It’s a lose/lose situation for me.”

  “Trust me; I won’t lay a finger on you.”

  Fred grunted and rolled his eyes.

  When Rio got back, Fred was sitting on the steps drinking a beer before six a.m., and Rio considered that a good sign.

  He was relieved Cat was still in the truck. “How’s she doing?”

  “I got a little bit of food down her, but not enough. She’s been sleeping close to an hour now. Oh, and you owe me fifteen dollars.”

  “What for?”

  “She apologized for stealing some food and knives and said she’d pay me back when she could. I figured since she’s your mate you’ll be handling her debts now.”

  Yeah, he would, but getting her to let him do it would be the kicker. “Will you take a check?”

  Fred grinned. “Hell no. Listen, she don’t look too good. You need to get her to the doctor.”

  Rio would never take her to a public place, but he did have a wonderful doc that he used quite a bit. Once he ditched the transmitter and put some distance from this place, he’d get her medical attention. “I’ll do that.” Rio glanced at the back of the diner. “You know what we’ve got to do, don’t you?”

  Fred rubbed his stubbly face. “Yeah, as much as I hate to.”

  “I’ll send you a check for a new building.”

  “Nah, I got insurance I’ve paid all these years. It will be good for them to pay me. Besides, it’s about time I retire.”

  “Hey, why don’t you come with me and lay low for a while? You could cook for me and keep me supplied with a bottomless pot of your best coffee.”

  “Thanks, but—em—no. I don’t want to be a third wheel on your honeymoon.”

  “It ain’t no honeymoon. I’m just going to keep her safe.”

  “That may be what you’re saying, but your wolf is gonna be thinking something else. Besides, you’re liable to kill me if I look at her wrong.”

  “I can control my wolf, you know.”

  “The answer’s no. What are you doing with the transmitter?”

  Rio recognized the finality of the subject. “Crush it and toss it far away from here in the in the wilderness somewhere. I don’t want it near any people, because I don’t know what Alvarez would do to get information. Then I’ll double back.”

  “Sounds like a plan. I’m going to pop the gas line in there, and I’ll let you blow it for me. You’re a much better shot than me.”

  That was some bullshit. Fred was just as good, but perhaps he couldn’t bring himself to do it. “Any keepsakes you need me to help you get out?”

  Fred shook his head.

  “Hey, I’m sorry man, but that tracker has been parked in your diner too long.”

  “I know. I ain’t got no regrets. You just keep your mate safe and invite me to the wedding.”

  Wedding? He just wanted her to accept his protection. He’d figured out the solution while he was starting the bonfire. After what he was getting ready to demand of her, there would be no wedding, because she’d gut him for sure.

  Chapter Four

  Cat jerked awake when her head fell back against the headrest. Then reality hit. She’d escaped from one lunatic right into the hands of another. She was going to die and so was her baby. Cat2, which is what she called him or her, hadn’t been very active the past three days even before the sedative. Perhaps it was the fact she’d run out of gas and options. No food, no prenatal vitamins, how could this child be normal? She couldn’t run anymore, couldn’t fight any more. That only left one option, because she’d never let Alvarez get her child.

  Fear skittered across her skin when the door opened, and Rabid Rio slipped in. Their gazes locked. Was that concern in those black eyes? Probably didn’t want his meal ticket to expire before he collected the jackpot. Of course, Rio might be the only one who Alvarez would give the ten mill to. No one wanted to piss off Rio. It was said he moved like a shadow, and no one knew he’d been there unless he wanted you to know…or someone was dead.

  “You okay?”

  No, hell no, I’m not okay. “I’m fine.”

  She felt the heat of his gaze on her, but chose not to give in.

  “You’re not a good liar.”

  “I’m not good at a lot of things.” The truck roared to life making her realize the truth in her statement. “Why won’t you let me go? Trust me, I’m nothing but trouble.”

  “I know you’re trouble with a capital T.”

  Gee, he’s so good with the compliments.

  “But I won’t let you go. So as soon as I take care of some business, I’ll take you somewhere to get checked out, and then we’ve got to talk.”

  “What the hell makes you think you’ll be alive along enough to do all that? Alvarez is paying good money to anyone who brings me back. I’m sure when they find me, they’ll try to take me away from you—again.”

  The look he gave her said he wasn’t worried. What she’d give to have that confidence.

  “Are you going turn me into Alvarez?”

  “No.”

  “Why?”

  “I have my reasons.”

  “You want to share?”

  Rio removed his hat and placed it on the console. He shook his head, his long black hair dancing in the morning sun. Apparently, in all the rush to leave, he’d forgotten to tie it back.

  “Listen. I know you think you’re invincible, but Alvarez will kill you if you don’t turn me over to him.”

  “Do you want me to turn you over to him?”

  “No.”

  “Then what do you want?”

  “For you to let me go.” Was he that dense?

  “Can’t do that.”

  “Fine. Have it your way.”

  He smiled. “I always do.” He leaned forward and put the truck in gear.

  The click of the locks reminded her of jail doors. One thing was for sure he lived up to the arrogant part of his persona, and she was sure that smile of his had all the ladies swooning. All she wanted to do was smack that smile off his arrogant face.

  Her belly dropped as the truck pulled on to the highway heading south. South was not good. Was he taking her back today? He said no, but lying would come easy to a killer. Before she could get a grip on herself, he had pulled the truck on the shoulder and shoved it in park.

  He took the keys, opened the door, and slid off the seat. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  That wasn’t a problem. She had no energy to get out of the truck much less try to run through the dusty brush. Her only hope would be if a car passing by was to stop, but she had about as much hope as she’d had good luck. The second she told someone Rio was trying to kill her, they’d take one look at him and decide not to get involved. Hell, she couldn’t blame the
m. She didn’t want to be involved with him either.

  Her only hope was to find a weapon somewhere in the console or the glove box. Surely, such a notorious killer as him would have guns, knives and super-duper techno-blaster guns stashed everywhere. She twisted around check on Rio, surprised to find him holding a rifle. He cocked his head to the side as if listening, and then he shouldered the rifle. What the hell? Maybe he was crazier than the tales she’d heard.

  As she turned back to find her lifesaving weapon, a shot split the morning air. Raw fear prickled across her skin. She whipped her head around in time to see the diner explode, the fireball reaching far into the sky. Slapping her hand over her mouth, she swallowed the terror rising in her throat. He casually placed the rifle back in the bed of the truck, closed the hatch, and slid his powerful body behind the wheel. He pulled up short when he saw her face.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I thought the man was your friend.” Her voice squeaked. Was the old man still inside? Admittedly, she hadn’t seen him leave.

  “He is. I just saved his life.”

  “Ho…how?”

  “Your tracker placed you at his establishment for a long time, long enough that he’d be questioned, in depth, about you and your whereabouts. Fred is taking a long vacation.”

  The truck pulled back onto the highway as her brain tried to follow the flawed logic. “Why couldn’t he just take an extended vacation? Why demolish his livelihood?”

  “There’s a body in there, and it ain’t Fred. That will keep Alvarez off his tail.”

  A cold chill swept over her. Whom had he killed? Was he so coldblooded that he’d kill some innocent to save his friend?

  Her belly churned, and thick bile rose in her throat. “Pull over.”

  Apparently, one look at her face told him everything. The truck whipped to the shoulder, shuddered to a stop and the locks clicked. She wrenched the door open, slipped from the truck and landed hard on her hands and knees, puking the whole way down. Cat retched so violently she thought she would throw up the baby. When she finally leaned back on her legs, a fine sheen of sweat peppered her brow. Glancing to her side, she saw her breakfast dripping off his door. Her humiliation was complete—she’d puked on Rabid Rio’s truck. He’d probably kill her for that alone.

  “Why are you so upset?”

  She lifted her gaze to his. What a question from a killer. “You killed someone and torched them just to save your friend. That’s pretty cold.”

  “I didn’t kill anybody new. While you were napping in the truck, I went back and got one of those thugs who tried to kill you yesterday.”

  Her eyes blinked as her brain tried to process. “Oh.”

  “Yeah, oh.”

  Apparently, a killer didn’t have to hide their irritation. He helped her back in the truck, handed her a water bottle and then poured the other one on the door.

  “Sorry about your truck.”

  “Nothing that can’t be cleaned up. Just don’t tell Fred you puked up his breakfast. He’d be offended.”

  Maybe there was some humor in there too. “Now where to?”

  “Drop this tracker somewhere far away from here.”

  “You haven’t destroyed it?” Cold terror swept over her. “Alvarez could be sending his people after me right now.”

  “I’m sure he has done that which is why I want to lead him away from the diner.”

  All this cloak and dagger stuff wasn’t settling on her empty stomach. She’d just assumed he’d smashed it when he dug it out of her, but now he was sending Alvarez on a wild goose chase. “Alvarez will be pissed when he figures it out.”

  “Yep.”

  “Yep? Is that all you can say?”

  He glanced at her before slipping on his sunshades. “Don’t worry about Alvarez. I can handle him. You need to eat and rest and get healthy.”

  Why was the only word bouncing around in her head. Was he going to negotiate for more money? Who knew how Alvarez would react, but it was never good. Maybe Rio wasn’t as smart as she’d thought.

  The next time she woke up, he was pulling into an urgent care. “What are we doing here?”

  “Getting you checked out.”

  “You can’t put me in the system. He’ll find me for sure.”

  “I know. I have a friend that owes me a favor.”

  “Or else?”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Or else, you’ll kill him.”

  “No, I’m particular about who I kill, and someone who helps me out ain’t on the list.”

  Okay, that suspiciously sounded like a conscience. Rio opened the door for her and kept his hand on her arm as she slid out of the big honking truck. All of that surprised her because that would mean he had manners. Then he swooped her up into his arms.

  “Just let the doc check you out. Don’t cause any trouble. You and I will talk after we see to you and the baby.”

  After sliding through the door with her in his arms, she was surprised when he gave the receptionist a warm smile and went straight back. The woman behind the desk just smiled at him as if he’d done this a thousand times. Did he call ahead while she had napped in the truck?

  He maneuvered to the last door on the right. The room was cold, stark white and a little on the small side, or it could be that Rio’s big honking frame took up all the space. “Wait right here,” he said.

  “Sure.” When the door clicked shut, she replied, “Not.” She hobbled over to the window hoping that it was one that opened. She smiled when she flipped the lock. Of course, she had no plan. Cat couldn’t steal his truck because Mr. Paranoid locked it, but she’d sure as hell hide until it was safe to come out. She pushed up on the sash and inwardly groaned when it didn’t budge. “Come on, now.” Bending her knees, she put some oomph behind it, and the window moaned as it slid up. Cat wanted to moan too. Now, to get her clumsy ass out of it.

  Draping her leg over the ledge, she slipped out the window scraping her inner thigh, but hell she didn’t care about that. Her heart rattled around in her chest. On a whim, she closed the window and headed for the rear of the building. Surely, there was somewhere to hide back there. Too bad this wasn’t a strip mall with more places to hide.

  Rio closed the door and set out to find Lucy. The sooner he got his Cat checked out, the faster he could go into hiding. He’d crushed and thrown the tracker out the window about fifty miles back. That should buy him enough time if those looking for her were anywhere close. Lucy wasn’t in her office, so he went back to the front.

  “She knows you’re here. She’s with a patient, and she knows you’re impatient.”

  Rio grinned. Marge was an older lady who kept the urgent care running with the upmost efficiency. “Marge, what would I do without you?”

  “I sometimes wonder that myself. Of course, you can always make another donation to one of my charities.”

  That was Marge. Always angling for some money. “Okay, which is it this time, SPCA or the Children’s Fund, or maybe Save the Cock Fighting Roosters Campaign.”

  She grinned not at all affected by his sarcasm. “Neither. How about the Wolf Rehab near Santa Fe? Seems there’s been a rash of traps that have done a lot of damage.”

  Rio winced. Years ago, the wolf population was all but annihilated in the US. Now their numbers were back, but humans were overrunning their roaming territory. “That’s a great idea.” Rio pulled out his wallet and placed three hundred on the counter. “Will that do?”

  Marge beamed. “Oh yes, that will do nicely. The injured wolves thank you.”

  “I’m sure they do.”

  “Where’s my patient,” Lucy bellowed from down the hall.

  Rio frowned and headed toward Lucy who was standing just outside Cat’s room. His gut cramped. His fear for her was quickly replaced by anger. She was running—he could feel it in his bones.

  He stepped into the room, inhaled deep. There was a hint of agitation under the scent of exhaustion. She couldn’t ha
ve gotten very far in her condition. The clinic was a single building, so asking for help was limited on her part. But if she conned someone into give her a ride, he was going to paddle her ass.

  “She doesn’t like you. That’s got to be a first. You want to tell me what’s going on?”

  Lucy stood in the doorway, hands on her slim hips. She’d done several jobs for him under the table. The only thing she wouldn’t do was patch up a knifing or gunshot wound without telling the authorities. It was the law, and he had to respect that. “It’s a little complicated. She’s a little complicated.” Hell, that was an understatement.

  “Why is she running from you?”

  “Someone’s after her, and she thinks I’m gonna pay good money to patch her up and then send her back.”

  “Bounty on her head?”

  He nodded. “Something like that.”

  “You know, I’ll have to call the authorities if she asks for asylum.”

  “I know. You just need to convince her that I won’t hurt her. Make her like me. Tell her what a terrific guy I am.”

  Lucy crossed her arms over her chest and cocked a brow. “What’s really going on?”

  “Nothing. I’m the only one who can save her, but she doesn’t know that and I can’t do the saving if she’s running around outside.”

  “I’ll go with you. Maybe she can relate to me better.”

  He crossed to her and grabbed her arms. “Thanks, Lucy. As usual, I’ll owe you more than I can ever repay you.” He kissed her on the forehead, like a sister because that’s what he thought of her. She was a good doc and had helped him out on many occasions.

  Rio headed for the back of the building hoping to find the hellcat before she passed out, got herself hurt, or worse. She didn’t come this way because he couldn’t scent her. Did the stupid woman go out the window? Once outside, he smiled. There weren’t many places to hide out here. He went one way, and Lucy went the other. When he reached the ratty dumpster, he smelled her scent along with the garbage. She wouldn’t, would she?

  He stopped outside the green bin and motioned for Lucy. He could just imagine what was rolling through Lucy’s mind and none of it good. She gave him that I’m-gonna-kick-your-ass look. What could he say?