Ranger
Blood splattered against the rich earth as I shook off the brass knuckles on my fist. Claws were easier to clean and handle, but I sort of liked the theatrical effect when their eyes widened at seeing the antique device.
“We didn’t have to do this the hard way.” I squatted down so I was eye level with the tiger shifter who was struggling to right himself against the pine tree. “But you wanted to play games. I don’t like to play games. So I’ll try this one more time and then I’m done playing. The cheetah does not owe you another dime. His debt is paid in full. You and your boss can crawl back to the litterbox you came from.”
The tiger shifter squinted up at me through a swollen eye. I waited. He finally nodded.
“That wasn’t so hard.” I helped him to his feet and even brushed off
