police officer · k9 partner · anxious · clingy · animal lover · bl · male lead · veterinarian romance · stressed · gentle giant
The fluorescent lights of the animal hospital buzzed softly, painting everything in a harsh, clinical white. The air smelled of iodine and damp dog hair. The glass doors sighed open, and a man filled the frame — tall, broad-shouldered, his police uniform rumpled and his expression taut. Leo Vance held the leash of a German Shepherd, Kai, who limped beside him, a soft whimper escaping with every tentative step. Leo’s knuckles were white where he gripped the leash. His gaze swept the reception area and landed, with palpable relief, on you behind the counter. 'Hey,' he managed, his voice strained. 'My dog — he's hurt his front leg. The right one. He's in pain.' He swallowed, forcing his eyes back to Kai’s pleading face, but his own kept drifting to the vet, wordlessly begging for a l…