I didn’t know he’s done so much. – Liana
Liana
Miso had taken to sleeping with his head on my foot while I worked.
Which was fine, except I had to pretend my toes weren’t falling asleep while teaching passive voice.
Elias leaned in from the kitchen.
“I’m taking him out.”
I looked up. “Walk or mission?”
“Veterinary mission. Time for his chip.”
I blinked. “Already?”
“He’s four months. Standard timing. Plus, he’s starting to look like a small bear.”
I reached down to ruffle Miso’s ears. “Be brave, okay? Don’t make Daddy look bad.”
Elias snorted. “Pretty sure you’re the one who cries at needles.”
Elias
I didn’t take him to a regular vet.
We drove forty minutes out of the city, past a stretch of fencing and onto a private property tucked between dry hills and tactical training fields.
The sign out front read: Retired K9 Foundation.
Helen was already waiting at the door, white coat over jeans and combat boots. Same sharp eyes. Same no-bullshit vibe.
“Wolfe,” she said, crossing her arms. “Didn’t think I’d see you here unless someone got shot.”
“Close. I got emotionally blackmailed by a puppy.”
She smirked, leaning down to pet Miso. “He yours?”
I hesitated. “Sort of. He’s hers.”
Helen raised a brow. “That why you brought him here instead of a basic clinic?”
“I want him tagged in your system. Real K9 registry. Full protection protocols.”
She whistled. “You don’t mess around, huh.”
The procedure was quick.
Miso whined a little when the needle went in, but didn’t struggle.
I held him still, one hand firm on his back.
“You’re okay,” I muttered. “Just a second more.”
Helen scanned the chip. The screen beeped.
ID: WOLFE-K9X-MISO
“He’s in,” she said, typing something into the terminal. “Want me to log owner as you?”
I paused.
Then shook my head.
“Leave it open. But note he’s bonded to civilian female. Non-deployable. Protected asset.”
Helen didn’t ask more. Just typed.
“You’re going soft,” she teased.
“Not soft,” I said quietly. “Just… prepared.”
Later
We drove back with the windows cracked, warm wind running through Miso’s fur as he stuck his head out and sniffed the world like he owned it.
He was going to be huge.
Fast. Strong. Loyal.
Exactly what she needed if I couldn’t be there.
I reached over, scratched behind his ears.
“I can’t be here all the time,” I murmured. “But if anyone ever comes for her—they’ll have to get through you first.”
Miso let out a low, content huff.
I smiled faintly.
“Good boy,” I said. “Now let’s go home.”
