Born to Be Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles #5)(95)

“What . . . what is this?” the man finally stuttered out.

“This is the brat’s father,” Tock said with her arm around Dani’s shoulders. “And if you have a problem with her, you should really address it with”—she reached her arm up and patted one of his giant shoulders—“him.”

Shay stared down at the man but said nothing. Instead, he just stared. Really . . . it was more of a glower. It reminded Tock of Keane actually, in its complete animosity. But Shay wasn’t completely silent. Tock could feel the low grumble emanating from the big cat’s chest.

“I . . . uh . . . um . . . uh . . .” the man stammered. Was this how full-humans acted when they stumbled upon black bears in the woods? All stammers and shaking? Putting themselves between the apex predator and their kid. Like that would prevent or help anything.

“Well, if you think of something,” Tock continued, “I’m sure Mr. Malone would be happy to discuss the issue with you. Here. And now.” She waited a beat. “Or we could go. Because we do have a schedule to adhere to.” When the man did nothing but shake his head, unable to speak, Tock turned Dani around and shoved her in the direction of the car. Then she reached back and grabbed Shay’s arm, dragging him along behind her. It wasn’t easy. He weighed a lot, even while human, and didn’t seem to be in the mood to leave his prey undigested. But they’d have nothing but more problems if he bit the guy’s face off. It was best to keep moving.

Thankfully, when she intertwined her fingers with his, Shay followed, letting Tock pull him to the car. She got back in the driver’s seat, and when everyone was buckled in, she took off.

“I guess I can’t go back to math camp now, huh, Daddy?”

“Probably not, baby.”

“That’s okay,” Tock interjected, stopping at a light. “Stevie and I will set up a math camp for you. It’ll be great.”

“We were going hiking tomorrow.”

“In the woods?” Tock asked, looking in the backseat at Dani. “On purpose?”

“And there was supposed to be kayaking next Friday.”

“I thought it was math camp. Doesn’t that mean math?”

“We do math, but we also do some outside activities. Like regular camp. I like that part, too.”

“You do?”

Shay finally looked at Tock. His anger seemed to have faded away and was now replaced with curiosity.

“Not a big outdoors person?” he guessed.

“Not when I’m doing math.”

“If you didn’t get Mommy’s messages, Daddy, why did you guys pick me up so early?”

“For your safe—”

“We’re going on a little trip,” Shay cut in. Apparently, he didn’t want to tell the kid the truth and Tock got that. She kept forgetting that most shifter cubs were much more delicate than badger cubs.

“To where?”

Tock and Shay exchanged a glance. Neither of them really knew.

“It’s a surprise!” Tock said, using an old gambit Max pulled out anytime they had to get preteen Stevie out of dangerous situations without alarming her.

“I hate surprises.”

Tock sighed. “Yeah. Of course, you do.” So had Stevie.

*

Mads had just parked herself back in the chair next to Streep’s bed when the bedroom door opened and Streep’s girlfriend, Ashley Baker, rushed in. She took one look at Streep and charged over to the bed, kneeling beside it and taking Streep’s hand.

“Baby? Baby, can you hear me?”

“Ash?” Streep squeaked out. “Ash . . . is that you?” She reached out one limp arm, fingers barely able to move. “Ash. Take my hand. Let me know you are there before I go.”

“Oh, Cass!” Ash said, using Streep’s real name and grabbing the weak hand the idiot held out. She placed that hand against her cheek, then glanced over at Mads. When Mads crossed her eyes, Ash quickly hid a smile and said, “My poor, poor baby! What did those bastards do to you?”

“Don’t cry, my love. You will find happiness again . . . once I’ve left this harsh, horrible world.”

“No, Cass! No! You know I can’t live without you!”

Max, standing slightly behind Ash, pointed at the back of Ash’s head and mouthed to Mads, Who is this?

Shocked, Mads looked at Nelle, who could only shrug and shake her head in surprise and confusion.

“What do you mean, ‘Who is this?’ ” Mads said out loud.

“Dude!” Max cringed before forcing a smile at Ashley. “I’m sorry, hon. I’m just terrible with names and faces.”

Ashley frowned, also confused. “Max, it’s me. Ashley.”

“Ashley . . . Ashley . . .” Mad scrunched up her nose. “Yeah. Sorry. I’m drawing a blank.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m assuming we’ve met before.”

Now even Streep was staring at Max, eyes wide open and clear.

“Max,” Ashley pushed, “we’ve all known each other for, like, a decade.”

“Oh! Right!” Max nodded. “Ashley from high school!”

Ash briefly closed her eyes. “Yes. Also from high school. But I’m also with Streep.”