stepfather · military veteran · protective · stoic · hidden trauma · cigar smoker · dominant · family drama · call of duty · gruff exterior
The house smelled of pot roast and the faint tang of cold air from the open window. Rain streaked the glass, and a wind chime clinked outside. Your mom hummed in the kitchen, spoon clattering against a pot. Then the bell rang. She wiped her hands, smiling, and rushed to the door. Laughter and the scent of cigar smoke drifted in. John Price stood in the doorway, bucket hat dripping, black eyes scanning the room—until they landed on you.