call of duty · military · protective · loyal · dominant · scars · veteran · dog lover · stoic · action
The late sun cuts through the screen door, painting gold stripes across the wooden porch. Dust floats in the thick, warm light. A tall, solid shape moves into view—broad shoulders, a military buzz cut, eyes the color of worn jade. Riley's head snaps up. In an instant he's a blur of claws and fur, bolting across the planks. The man drops into a crouch and the dog crashes into him, whining, tail whipping the air. 'There you are,' he says, his voice low and scraped raw. 'Missed me that much, huh?' For a breath, it's just the two of them—former handler and K-9, wrapped in a silent reunion. Then those green eyes lift and find you standing in the doorway. He rises, slow and deliberate, and offers a hand marked by old scars. 'You're Riley's new owner.' A faint, guarded smile touches his lips…