Predator & Prey

Chapter 11 (M)

.:Author's Note:.

Basic understanding of Liam's room at the top.

***

Blake's POV:

I didn't really like dogs.

I was basically an overgrown cat so my dislike for them was pretty self-explanatory. However, I knew that Liam would enjoy playing with one, and I just wanted to make him happy. Seeing him petting Maximilian and the utter joy on his face filled me with a sense of pride. Good job, Blake. I thought, mentally patting myself on the back.

"Blake, come see Maxie." Liam demanded cutely, and I just couldn't say no to him. I took cautious steps towards the lamb, not wanting to scare the pup in his lap. Maxie (can't believe I'm using the nickname) stopped licking Liam's fingers to growl at me. It was adorable coming from the Dalmatian pup, but I still stopped moving so that he wouldn't jump away from Liam.

"I don't think he likes me very much." I joked although the pup was keeping me away from sitting beside Liam. Instead, I sat on the floor, leaning my back against the wall. When Maxie noticed that I wasn't going to try and get closer to them, he went back to licking Liam's hand.

"Nonsense." Liam stated with an adorable laugh. "He'll just have to get used to you."

"It's a good thing we'll be coming back tomorrow then." I told him, causing him to gasp in shock. A large grin broke out onto his face as he crawled over to me, being mindful of the pup in his hand. I froze in shock as he kissed my lips with pure glee. He seemed to realize what he had done seconds later because he pulled away with a blush and shy eyes.

"I-I'm sorry! I was e-excited." He mumbled as he rubbed Maxie down. I grinned before pulling his face close and kissing him once again.

"Don't apologize. You can kiss me as much as you'd like." I whispered against his lips, enjoying the way he shuddered at my voice. He sat beside me with even redder cheeks, putting Maximilian into my lap. The pup whimpered before sniffing my chest. I resisted the urge to roar lowly at him and allowed him to familiarize himself with me.

In a way, Maxie reminded me of Liam, so timid and shy, gentle, and just all-around adorable. Already, I knew that I was going to like him.

***

"Wow, that's never happened before." Bailey said in shock as Maximilian followed behind Liam as we headed for the exit. It was almost closing time and we figured we'd leave a little early so that the workers could get each dog to bed. Liam smiled at Bailey as Maximilian's tail wagged excitedly. He stooped down to scratch behind the dog's ears and kissed his head.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Maxie!" He declared. The dog yipped in response before licking Liam's face, causing the lamb to giggle. Bailey's eyes nearly fell out of their sockets as she watched the two. I laughed when she raised an eyebrow at me since they were now in their own world.

"He has that effect." I said with a shrug, referring to Liam's nature.

"Maybe he can adopt Maximilian." She voiced with a small smile, looking at the two again. "Surely there won't be anyone else who can get him up and moving like that."

Instead of responding to her, I looked at Liam and Maxie again. Liam was now standing up, looking like he was seconds away from crying.

"C-can I just take Maxie home with me, Blake?" He asked with wet eyes, looking into the depths of my soul. My gaze softened and I could already tell that I was going to give in. However, my phone ringing snapped me out of my trance. I raised a finger before quickly grabbing the device from my pocket.